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[3] Security in the lands is a great blessing

Complete security [in the lands] cannot be sound except through two affairs and they are:

[(a) التطبيق لشرع الله تعالى  – Application of Allaah’s (The Most High) Sharee’ah]

[(b) السمع والطاعة لولاة الأمور- Listening to those in charge of the affairs and obeying them (i.e. the rulers)]

Indeed, the Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) clarified this (affair) which a Muslim is in need of in his life. Irbaad Saariyah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) gave us an admonition after the morning prayer –an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So a man said: Indeed is this a farewell sermon, so what do you advise us?” He said, “I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave (is made a ruler over you); for indeed he among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So beware of newly invented maters (in the religion) because indeed it is misguidance. And whoever among you witnesses that, then it is obligated on him to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa, adhere to it with your molar teeth. [Reported by Ahmad 3/126]

Indeed, this hadeeth determines the foundations of security in Islaam and they are: Firstly: Taqwallaah [Fear of Allaah (The Most High)] based on its complete and comprehensive meaning. Secondly: Listening to those in charge of the affairs and obeying them (i.e. rulers in what is good and not to rebel against them even if they oppress and commit tyranny).

Therefore, through fear of Allaah, a Muslim’s relationship with Allaah becomes upright, likewise his relationship with himself, his neighbours and his relationship with everything around him. And without Allaah’s Sharee’ah, destruction and depravity will occur. Indeed, Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) warned the one who abandons His Sharee’ah and disobeys His Messenger, saying:

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللَّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللَّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [16:112]

Through listening to the rulers and obeying them, all affairs of the person’s life in his society will be a state of normality. Listening to the rulers and obeying them enters into the subject matter of Taqwa (fear of Allaah).

Al-Hasan Al-Basri  (rahimahullaah ) used to say: Indeed, Al-Hajjaaj is the punishment of Allaah; so do not repel the punishment of Allaah with your own hands. Rather you must submit and show humility because indeed Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ

“And indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him.’’ [23:76]

Talq Bin Habeeb (rahimahullaah) used to say: Guard against fitna through Taqwa; so it was said to him, “Summarize (the meaning) of Taqwa for us.’’ So he said, ‘’It is act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah (i.e. Eemaan) and hoping for Allaah’s Mercy. And that you abandon disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah. [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah 11/33 and Ibnul Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd 473]

So you find a person to whom the description of security is firmly (established) and he increases in his perception of it due to due to his fear of Allaah The Most High), and he is eager to listen to the rulers and obey them; but if he falls short (in Taqwa), his perception of security becomes deficient.

When this Taqwa is actualised, then he will receive the promise Allaah mentioned [in Surah An-Noor]. Allaah said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [24:55]

Indeed, it is known by necessity in the religion of Islaam that the religion cannot (be established) without a Jamaa’ah and there cannot be a Jamaa’ah without a leader, and there cannot be a leader except through listening to him and obeying (him in what is good). And lack of obedience to the ruler and putting oneself before him is from the greatest causes of corrupting the land and the people, and (from the causes of) turning away from the path of guidance and uprightness. Al Hasan Al Basri (rahimahullaah) said: By Allaah! The religion cannot be established except by way of rulers even if they commit tyranny and oppression; by Allaah! Due to the many affairs that Allaah rectifies through them more than what they corrupt.’’

Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said: There is good fortune in the worldly life for listening to rulers and obeying them (i.e. in that which is good and not to rebel against them even if they commit oppression and tyranny). And by way of it (i.e. obedience to the rulers), the beneficial affairs in relation to the livelihood of the people are organized, and they used it as an aid by way of which they manifest their religion and obey their Lord.

Disobedience to the rulers and putting oneself before them through fighting or other than it (is an act that is tantamount) to disobeying and opposing Allaah and His Messenger. It is (tantamount) to opposing that which Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah were upon – the pious predecessors.

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[Source: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa-il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin Nushi War’irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’ pages 11-14 ‘ by Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him); Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

A Warning Against Hastening Towards Fitan (Trials)

Shaikh Abdur Razzaaq Al-Badr (may Allaah preserve him ) said, “From the (evil) effects and consequences of Fitan (trials) is that indeed the one who enters into a Fitna (a trial) and is embroiled in it will come back with destructive consequences and will not attain good. He will come back with destructive consequences and evil end results, and at the same time he does not attain good. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) studied a number of trials that took place during eras before his and scrutinized them in his book Minhaajus Sunnah – a beautiful and beneficial (scrutiny) regarding the (evil) end results of trial- and said, ‘’Few are those who rebel against the one in authority (i.e. the rulers) except that the evil that comes about from his actions is greater than what comes about of good.” He (i.e. Shaikhul Islaam) mentioned many examples of Fitan that have taken place, then he summarized the end results and consequences of those Fitan and said, “Neither did they establish (the) Religious affairs nor did they maintain (or preserve) the worldly affairs”.  That is: those who embarked upon those Fitan and hastened towards them – they neither established  (the) religion nor maintained (or preserved) the worldly affairs because when Fitnah is unleashed, killing takes place, murder becomes numerous, the people become excited, trial occurs and the evil consequences, (then) the incitement behind the trial will not bring about any good. [Slightly paraphrased]

[Source: http://www.ajurry.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12360 ]

 

Some Unrestricted and General Speech Leads To Corruption When Unaccompanied By Detail and Clarification

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim (rahimahullaah) said:

[فعلَيْكَ بالتَّفصِيلِ والتَّمييزِ فالإطْلاَقُ والإجمَالُ دُونَ بَيَا قَدْ أفْسَدَا هَذَا الوُجُودَ وخَبَّطَا الأذْهَانَ والآراءَ كُلَّ زَمَانِ   ]

So upon you is that (you) detail (affairs) and make a distinction, for unrestricted and general (speech) without clarification has indeed corrupted this existence (i.e. the world),  and (led) intellects and views (of the people) astray in every era.

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Salafiyyah Is Founded On Three Fundamental Principles

Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool (may Allaah preserve him) stated:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Shaikh Fawzaan says: The One Who Praises Innovators Is One of Two People….

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him) said:

It is not permissible to exalt and praise the innovators even if they have some truth with them. That is because raising and praising them will spread their bidah and places them amongst the sincere ones-those who are taken as examples amongst distinguished men of this Ummah. The Salaf warned against having trust for the innovators; (warned against) praising them and their gatherings. In this regard, Asad Ibn Musa (rahimahullaah) wrote: ”Beware of being a brother of the innovator (by association) or a companion of his, or one whom you sit with. For indeed it has been narrated that ‘whoever sits with a person of innovation has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted to himself. Whoever proceeds towards a person of innovation has proceeded towards the destruction of Islaam.”

The innovators must be warned against and kept away from even if they have some truth with them. Indeed, the most astray are not devoid of something of the truth, but as long as they have with them innovation, opposition and sinful views, it is not permissible to praise and exalt them. It is impermissible to not have an objection towards their innovation because in this is spreading of bidah and belittling the Sunnah; and through this the innovator will emerge and become a guide for the Ummah.

As for the consideration that he has something of the truth, this does not justify praising him. This is to a far greater extent against that which is of overriding benefit and it is known with regards to a principle of the religion that averting harm takes precedence over seeking that which is of benefit. And with regards to showing animosity towards the innovator, the harm that is averted from the Ummah is weightier than what he has of benefit. And had we adhered to this concept, no one would have been judged to be misguided and declared an innovator. This is because there is not an innovator except that he has with him some of that which is from the truth and adherence to the Sunnah. The innovator (may) neither be a disbeliever nor is he in opposition to all the Islamic legislation; rather he is either an innovator in some or most of the affairs. However, if the innovation is particularly to do with affairs of Creed and Methodology, then the affair is dangerous indeed- because it will become example (to follow); innovation will spread and the innovators will become active in spreading their innovation.

So, this one- who praises the innovators and makes their affair obscure to the people with what they (innovators) have with them of truth- is one of two (people): He is either one ignorant of the methodology of the pious predecessors and their stance against the innovators, and it is neither permissible for this ignorant one to speak nor is it permissible for the Muslims to listen to him; or he is one who has an objection to the truth because he knows the danger of innovation and the innovators, but he is one who has an objection and wishes to spread innovations. Nevertheless, this is a dangerous affair and it is not permissible to be lackadaisical with regards to innovation and its people, whatever that may be.  [Source: At-Tabdee Wat-Tafseeq Wat Takfeer. Page: 72-76. Abridged and slightly paraphrased]

 

The Student of knowledge Should Avoid The Tubooliyyaat!

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah) said:

[الطبوليات ] are those Masaa’il (affairs related to the religion) by way of which fame is sought. They are called ‘Tubooliyyaat’ because it is similar to a Tabl (drum) which has a sound and an echo. So when an odd affair comes to the people and a (person) becomes famous by way of it, then it becomes as if it is the sound of a drum.

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[Sharh Hilya Taalib al-Ilm, page: 19]

[1] Ahlul Bidah Are More Evil Than the People of Sinful Deeds

Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: Indeed Ahlul Bidah are more evil than the people of sinful desires and [this is confirmed by way of] text and Ijmaa (consensus of the scholars); for indeed the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) commanded that the khawaarij are to be fought [i. e. by the Muslim ruler], but he (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) forbade (us) from fighting the oppressive rulers. (Ref 1) And he (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said about the man who drank alcohol [i.e. the one who was brought to the Messenger due to drunkenness (Ref 2)]: “Do not curse him, for indeed he loves Allah and His Messenger”; but he (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said about Dhul Khuwaysirah: A people will appear from this man, who will recite the Qur’aan but it will not go beyond their throats and they will exit the religion as an arrow passes through a target. You will belittle your prayer compared to your prayer, your fasting compared to their fasting and your recitation of the Qur’aan compared to their recitation. Kill them wherever you find them [i.e. whenever they come out to fight, the Muslim ruler should rally his armies against them (Ref 3)]; for indeed there is a reward on the day of judgement for the one who kills them. [Majmoo 20/103-105]

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[Ref 1] See article here: http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

[Ref 2] Ruling on the one who drinks alcohol: Anas (radiyallaahu-anhu) narrated that the Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) flogged the one who drank wine with palm branches stripped of their leaves and with shoes. [Saheeh Muslimm 3281] [i.e. the Muslim ruler is the one who will apply this punishment and none else] 

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz (Rahimahullaah):

Is enjoining Ma’ruf and forbidding Munkar, namely correcting the wrong by the hand, a right for all Muslims or is it just confined to those in authority and their deputies?

A: Correcting the wrong is a right for all Muslims according to their ability, because the Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Anyone of you who sees Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect), let them change it with their hand (by taking action); if they cannot, then with their tongue (by speaking out); and if they cannot, then with their heart (by hating it and feeling that it is wrong); and that is the weakest of Iman (faith).”(Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & others)

However, changing by the hand must be based on ability that will not result in greater corruption or evil. Man has the right to rectify matters with his hand (by taking action) in his home, with his children, wife, and servants; and a manager has the authority to make changes with the hand within the organization they are responsible for, in accordance with the instructions that were given to them. Otherwise, people should not change with their hand anything they are not authorized to change.  If they do make changes in matters that they have no authority over, this will result in more evil and great corruption between them and the people and between the people and the state.

In this case they should make the change with their tongue (by speaking out). They may say: “O so-and-so! Fear Allah! That is not permissible,” “This is Haram (prohibited),” or: “That is Wajib (obligatory) on you,” and clarify it with Shar’iy (Islamic legal) evidence. This is what can be done by the tongue. As for changing matters with the hand, this should be done where one has authority, such as one’s home, with those under one’s responsibility, or those authorized by the ruler, such as organizations given permission and authority to enjoin Ma’ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). They should make changes in accordance to the degree of authority that has been given to them, in the way prescribed by the Shari’ah (Islamic law), without exceeding their jurisdiction. The same applies to the governor of a city; he should make changes with his hand, in accordance with the instructions he has. http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=16&Topic=9751

[Ref 3] See article here: http://salaficentre.com/2014/07/imaam-barbahaaree-speaks-about-the-khawaarij-terrorists/

Nobility is Obstained In Accordance With One’s Taqwaa and Adherence to The Sharee’ah In Speech, Belief and Deeds

Imaam Ash’Shaatibee (rahimahullaah) stated:

Know that Allaah has established this sharee’ah as a proof against the creation (mankind and jinn) – the old and young alike; the obedient and the disobedient; the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also all the other revealed laws were established as a proof against all the other nations to whom those laws were revealed.

The Sharee’ah is the judge- restrictedly and unrestrictedly. It is (the means of judgement) and the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path connected to (what Allaah has ordained) and the Greatest Guide. And have you not seen the statement of Allaah (The Most High):

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَا‌ۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَا‌ۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

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

He (alayhis salaatu wassalaam) was the first to be guided to the Book and Eemaan, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah which was sent down upon him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’aan explain each other). All the creation (i.e. mankind and Jinn) are guided by it.

So when this is the case, the Sharee’ah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth. Their nobility is established in accordance with how far they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allaah (The Most High) has determined nobility through Taqwa and not other than it. Allaah (The Most High) said:

[إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

The one who is the firmest in adherence to the Sharee’ah is more worthy of honour and nobility, but it is not possible for the one below this (i.e. the one whose adherence to the Sharee’ah is below that of the one who is firmest in adhering to it) to reach the highest level of honour based on his adherence to the Sharee’ah. Therefore, honour is (measured) in accordance with one’s (level of adherence) to the Sharee’ah.

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[Source: Al-Itisaam 3/434..few paraphrased phrases]

From Those Lofty Aims Is That One Speaks Against a Deviant Based on knowledge and Justice

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) stated:

The aim is not to transgress against anyone- neither the opponent nor other than him; neither neglecting his rights nor describing him specifically with what he not to be specifically described with, which is shared by both him and others. Rather the aim is (to utter) speech that is based on the merits of (sound) knowledge, justice and religion, just as Allaah (The Most high) stated:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety. [5:8]

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[Source: Ar-Radd Alal Ikhnaa’ee..page 110]