The Meaning Of The Name Al Qareeb “القريب”

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Allah says:

وإذا سألك عبادي عني فإني قريب أُجيب دعوة الداعِ إذا دعانِ

“And if My servants ask you about me, then undoubtedly I am Qareeb (close/near), I respond to the invocation of the caller when he invokes Me…” [Al-Baqarah: 186]

وإلى ثمود أخاهم صالحًا قال يا قومِ اعبدوا الله ما لكم من إلاهٍ غيره هو أنشأكم من الأرض واستعمركم فيها فاستغفِروه و توبوا إليه إنّ ربي قريبٌ مجيبٌ

“And -sent- to Thamud was there brother Saalih, he said O my people! Worship Allah, you have no deity besides Him. He brought you forth -into being- from the earth and settled you therein, so seek forgiveness from Him and repent to Him. Indeed my Lord is Qareeb (close/near) Mujeeb (responsive).” [Hud: 61]

قل إن ضللت فإنما أضل على نفسي وإن اهتديت فبما يوحى إلىّ ربي إنه سميعٌ قريبٌ

“Say: If I go astray, I only stray -and lose- against my own self. If I am guided it is due to what is revealed to me from my Lord, truly He is Samee’a (All-Hearing) Qareeb (close/near).” [Saba: 50]

Sheikh Abdur Rahman ibn Naasir As-Sa’di said: The nearness has two types. (The first) Nearness, by way of His knowledge, to all of His creation, (the second) nearness to His servants and those who call on Him by way of responding to their invocation, assistance, and the granting of success (to them).

So whoever invokes his Lord with an attentive heart alone with a legislated supplication, and there is nothing preventing the answering of the supplication, e.g. eating the prohibited or whatever is similar to that (from what is reported to prevent the answering of supplication), then truly Allah promised to respond. Specifically if he -the caller- comes with the means to obtain a response to the invocation. It being the responding to Allah by willful compliance to His commands and prohibitions as it relates to speech, action, and faith in Him.
تيسير الكريم الرحمن في تفسير كلام المنان

Sheikh Abdur Razzaq Al Badr said: The nearness of Allah indicated in these verses is a specific nearness to the beloved servants and those whose supplications are answered. A nearness -concerning Allah- in which its true reality is not comprehended; however, its traces are known by His kindness towards them, His granting of success to them, and His concern for them. Also from its traces are His answering their supplication and rewarding the servants. Just as Allah says:

و قال ربكم ادْعوني أستجب لكم إنّ الذين يستكبرون عن عبادتي سيدخلون جهنم داخرين

“And your Lord said: Invoke Me and I will respond to you. Surely those who scorn My worship (arrogantly out of sheer pride), they will enter Hell disgraced/humiliated.” [Ghafir: 60]

It is firmly established within the Sunnah an abundance of narrations that indicate Allah’s nearness to His believing servants and pious allies. He hears and answers their invocations, and gives them what they ask. Within the two authentic collections (Bukhari and Muslim) is -a narration- upon the authority of Abu Musa Al-Ashari where he said, “We were with the Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- on a journey, where the people were caused to say Allahu akbar audibly. On account of that the Prophet said, ‘Do not trouble yourselves! You are not calling on one who is neither deaf nor absent, on the contrary you are calling on One Who is All Hearing and Near, and He is with you.’فقه الأسماء الحسنى       

Compiled by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi 

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The Difference Between Opposing The Sunnah And Innovation: Sheikh Rabee ibn Haadi

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Q: Is there a difference between innovation and opposing the Sunnah?

Sheikh Rabee: Opposing the Sunnah is more universal than innovation. Opposing the Sunnah can be sinfulness, often times it is innovation, thus opposing the Sunnah is more general. Innovation, with respect to it, is opposition to the Sunnah as opposition to the guidance of the Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- is to enact that which is not in accordance to what Allah legislated. It is devotion in worship with that which Allah has not legislated. Therefore being devoted to Allah in worship is in accord with what He legislated.  

The innovator opposes the Sunnah without a doubt. Likewise the sinner opposes the Sunnah, in fact we say they oppose the Book and the Sunnah. In this case we say about the Sunnah that it often times -refers to- minhaj. “So upon you is my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Successors.” 

Translated by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi
Source: فتاوى فضيلة الشيخ العلامة ربيع بن هادي عمير المدخلي


			

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Guidelines In Differentiating Between Sunnah And Bid’ah: Sheikh Rabee

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Q: What are the Islamic Legislated Guidelines for differentiating between the Sunnah and innovation?

Sheikh Rabee: The Islamic Legislated Guidelines for differentiating between The Sunnah and innovation is whatsoever Allah says:

فإن تنازعتم في شىءٍ فردّوه إلى الله والرسول
“…And if you all differ in a matter, refer it back to Allah and The Messenger…” [An-Nisa: 59]

وما اختلفتم في شىءٍ فحكمه إلى الله
“And in whatsoever you all differ, the decision thereof is with Allah…” [Ash-Shura: 10]

So we pass judgement on this -it being- innovation or -of- The Sunnah -by asking- is it extracted from Allah’s Book or from The Messenger of Allah’s -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- Sunnah? If it is taken from Allah’s Book and The Messenger of Allah’s -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- Sunnah then this is good and beloved. However, if it came from outside -of these sources- being in contrast to Allah’s book and The Sunnah, such that the imaams opposed it and made clear it being an misguided innovation, then indeed this is the decisive criterion between The Sunnah and innovation.

The Sunnah’s its evidence and witnesses you will find within Allah’s Book and The Messenger’s -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- Sunnah, also from the explanations of the Salaf. Innovation you will find Allah’s Book and the Sunnah of the Messenger’s -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- rejection of it, likewise -this sentiment- within the stances of the Salaf -may Allah be pleased with them.

Allah says:
أم لهم شركاؤا شرعوا لهم من الدين ما لم يأذن به الله
“Or do they have partners with Allah that have legislated for them a religion which Allah has not given authority…” [Ash-Shura: 21]

Allah’s Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said: “Whoever innovates into this affair of ours (i.e. Al-Islaam) that which is not from it, is consequently rejected.”

Translated by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi
Source: فتاوى فضيلة الشيخ العلامة ربيع بن هادي عمير المدخلي


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A Glimpse At The Reality Of Abu Muhammad Al Maghribi

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Sheikh Usamah Al Utaybi stated about Al Maghribi: “He is an ignorant layman from the Sa’aafiqah, the people of lies and false testimony.”(1)

In order to better understand his condition it is incumbent upon the reader to consider what follows.

Abu Saalih Ilyas ibn Aidarus Al-Kanadi said, “I bear witness in front of Allah that Abu Muhammad Al Maghribi sat in front of me in 2015 in Atlanta telling me to ignore Troid and Germantown and telling me they have no deen nor akhlaq and that he is only with them because of dawah and otherwise has no relationship with them and that they consider him a mummayi’ in reality and only act like they like him.”

He also mentioned that these statements of Al Maghribi were witnessed by both Dr. Abdur Rahman Omaisan and another brother named Abu Abdur Razzaq Hilowle.

Al Maghribi’s speech illustrates the true reality and condition of him and his so called associates in dawah. That being that they only appear to be united, but are truly divided a characteristic of the Jews, the people of hypocrisy, and the people of innovation. The Exalted says:

بأسهم بينهم شديد تحسبهم جميعا وقلوبهم شتي ذلك بأنهم قوم لا يعقلون
“Their enmity among themselves is severe. You would think they are together, but their hearts are divided. That is due to them being a people who do not comprehend.” [Al-Hashr: 14]

Sheikh Abdur Rahman ibn Naasir As-Sa’dee said, “You would think they are together when you see them gathered in mass as those feigning (to be united). Their hearts are divided i.e. hearts hating one another, divided, and splintered apart.”
تيسير الكريم الرحمن في تفسير كلام المنان

And this was uttered at a time when Somali and crew were blatantly lying to the masses claiming the Salafis had not seen the like of the unity they were experiencing at that time in 10 years. This folly was echoed at a time when Abu Abdis Salaam was warned against with no proof, Al Jamaiky had already been slandered by Somali and Anwar, and the Salafi ranks were splitting over these events.

Secondly, it illustrates the sentiment they hold for Maghribi. However, is the sentiment unfounded? There is no doubt to the intelligent person who is slightly aware of Maghribi’s affair that he bad mouths Salafis, yet has no known criticism against anyone from the people of innovation, and his vicious criticism of Troid and Germantown here are a prime example.

Last, it illustrates the fact that Maghribi is a two faced individual. As he held this opinion about them yet sat on multiple platforms alongside them, i.e. alongside people he feels have neither deen nor akhlaq. The Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

“…You will find the most evil of people is the possessor of two faces, he who comes to these people with a face, and those people with (another) face.”
متفق عليه

Imam An-Nawawi said, “His -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- statement as it pertains to the two faced person -i.e. indeed he is from the most evil of people- its reason is clear, because it is unadulterated hypocrisy, lying, deception, and the employing of trickery in his becoming acquainted with the private thoughts of two groups, He comes to every group with that which pleases them while feigning to be among them as it pertains to good and bad. It is a forbidden type of flattery.”
شرح صحيح مسلم

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al Uthaymin said, “It is a branch of hypocrisy. You will find the two faced person comes to you flattering you and praising you. Perhaps he will even go to extremes with his praise; however, when he was behind your back he rebukes, dispraises, and insults you. He even mentions that which is not with you (slanders). Thus this person -and Allah’s refuge is sought- is just as The Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said, ‘You will find the most evil of people is the possessor of two faces, he who comes to these people with a face, and those people with (another) face.’ So this is from the major sins.”
شرح رياض الصالحين

This describes Maghribi’s action to the letter, yet Maghribi has the nerve to shamelessly speak on another’s manners. So, is this the manners of “a noble brother” or a “major student of knowedge” or a “senior in dawah”? My response….YEAH RIGHT!!!.

Written by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi

 


 

1. Q: As salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu. O Sheikh, may Allah be kind towards you. Here in America we have a man within the field of dawah who’s name is Ridwan Al Maghribi, but he is well known by his kunya Abu Muhammad. Some people here say about him that he is “A mountain of knowledge” and “For us he is an authority -in knowledge- returned to” and he is “A sheikh” and he is this and that from descriptive terms that are considered to be praises of him. 
The question: Do you know this man and what is your opinion of him?

Sheikh Usamah Al Utaybi: 
Wa alaykummus salaam wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu. This one is an ignorant layman from the Sa’aafiqah, the people of lies and false testimony.

 

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I Know Somali And Anwar Viciously Oppressed Al Jamaiky, But Forget That And Pardon Them Anyway

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al Uthaymin said:

Pardoning is to overlook inflicting punishment. If anyone directs evil towards you, and you consequently pardon them, then indeed Allah is aware of that. However, the pardoning that is required for the pardoner to be praised must be connected with reconciliation, due to The Exalted’s statement:

فمن عفا وأصلح فأجره على الله
“So whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.” [Ash-Shura: 40]

The reason being is that pardoning often times can be the reason for the increase in oppression and hostility. Often times it can be the means to end the oppression, and sometimes there is neither increase -in oppression- nor a reduction therein.

1. So if it is a means for the increase in oppression pardoning in this instance is blameworthy, and perhaps it is prohibited.

For example; we pardon a criminal while knowing, or the most overwhelming probability is that he will go and commit a greater crime, in this situation the pardoner is not praised, on the contrary he is condemned.

2. Often times the pardoning is a means to ending the hostility, that being if the pardoned person has shame as a result he says, “This person has pardoned me there is no way I can oppress him again, nor anyone besides him.” Thus he has shame from being among the oppressors while the other is from those that pardon.

Therefore pardoning here is praiseworthy and demanded, and most times it is obligatory.

3. Sometimes pardoning has no affect neither in increase nor reduction -of the oppression and hostility. This is better due to The Exalted’s statement:

وأن تعفو أقرب للتقوى
“And to pardon is closer to taqwa” [Al-Baqarah: 237]

شرح العقيدة الواسطية

In light of this it is quite ridiculous the statement of some who state that our brother Abu Muhammad Al Jamaiky should pardon Hasan As-Somali and Anwar Wright for the crimes mentioned in his -Abu Muhammad’s- recent speech. Especially considering the fact that he has been patient since 2013 enduring the harms that resulted while both individuals increased in their oppression, foolishness, and slander of their brother and others associated with him.

Thus it is strongly perceived that pardoning them will only increase them in stubbornness and opposition to the truth in this regard. After all Anwar Wright AKA The Deceitful was recently exposed for holding hostility against Salafis based on non issues, slander of other Salafis by use of sensationalism, and double standards. Allah brought to light his condition as a result of him indirectly attacking Abu Muhammad (and others) once again via Twitter.

Thus him and As-Somali had more than enough time to rectify their wrongs; however, they have obstinately clung to their narrow minded position that has been the cause of disunity among the Salafis throughout the states. So upon them is to repent and rectify their wrongs. They had better hope that the oppressed do not return this affair to Allah by way of supplication, as the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said:

“And fear the supplication of the oppressed, for indeed there is not between it and Allah a veil.”

Al-Hafidh ibn Hajr Al-Asqalaani said: “There is no one that can avert it -i.e. the supplication-, nor block it. The intent is that it is accepted, even though he -the one supplicating- may be a sinner…”
فتح الباري شرح صحيح البخاري

It’s time these brothers practice the unity, brotherhood, and togetherness that they preach, and Allah knows best.

Written by Najeeb Al Anjelesi

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The Best And Worse Of Your Leaders/Rulers

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Narrated upon the authority of Auf ibn Malik:

Allah’s Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said, “The best of your leaders are those whom you love and they love you, they supplicate for you and you for them. The worse of your leaders are those whom you hate and they hate you, you curse them and they curse you.”

Someone said, “O Messenger of Allah! Should we not revolt against them with the sword?”

He -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- replied, “No not while they establish the prayer amongst you. If you see something within your leader that causes you to hate him, than hate the action and do not remove your hands from obedience (to him). (1)

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih Al Uthaymin said, “The worse of leaders are those whom you hate and they hate you, you loathe them due to not executing what Allah has made binding upon them from good conduct towards the citizens, and bestowing entitlements towards its rightful people. If they operate in that manner the people will hate them, as a result hatred occurs between them. Due to the lack of the ruler implementing binding duties, hatred for him emanates within the citizens. Moreover, hatred towards the subjects manifest within the ruler because of their hatred for him. As a consequence of if they hate their ruler, revolts will occur against him, the loathing of him, disobedience to his command, and the enacting of what he prohibits.

At this point you curse them and they you, and Allah’s refuge is sought. The intent is that you insult them and they insult you, or you supplicate against them and they against you. Thus the Muslim rulers are divided into two types. A type that is in accordance with and implements what has been made binding upon them, consequently the people love them and they love the people. Everyone among them supplicates for the other. In contrast to the other type who are the worse of leaders. They dislike the people and vice versa, likewise they revile the people and vice versa.” (2)

What Sheikh Al Uthaymin illustrated in his elucidation of the Prophet’s -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- statement, is the exact description and behavior of many of our leaders today, yet the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- after being asked about rebelling against them, gave a clear, distinct, and unambiguous answer, “No not while they establish the prayer among you.” So how is it that one can magnify the wrongs of the Muslim ruler in order to legitimize revolting against him, and claim that he is in accordance with the prophetic methodology and its directives?!           

Imam Al Barbahaari in his book “Sharh-us-Sunnah” stated in point number 130, “Enjoining good and forbidding evil is by way of the hand, tongue, and heart, but not by the sword.” Sheikh Salih Al Fawzan states, while expounding on this point, “The clarification related to enjoining good and forbidding evil has already preceded and is implemented according to ability. However his statement, ‘But not by the sword’ means that it is impermissible to raise the sword against the ruler, even though it is alleged that this is from enjoining good and forbidding evil. Actually, this is the way of the Khawaarij and Mu’tazilah who rebel against the Muslim ruler. They say the ruler is sinful and that rebellion is disapproval of his evil. In reality, this (rebellion) is evil, because it is disobedience to the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam. Likewise due to that which results from it of major harms namely, shedding Muslim blood, deficient security, disunity, and extreme corruption that is more severe than being patient with his sinfulness and opposition, due to them being a harm for him alone (and not a harm to the general masses).

As for rebellion with the sword, its harm affects the Muslims, and is the way of the Mu’tazilah and Khawaarij. The main tenets of the Mu’tazilah are as follows:

1: Enjoining good and forbidding evil

They mean revolting against the Muslim ruler while alleging it to be from enjoining good and forbidding evil.

2: Tawheed

The intent is to negate Allah’s names and attributes because affirmation of them is to associate a partner with Him, in their view.

3: Justice

It means to negate Allah’s preordainment, as they allege that He decreed that man commits sins, so if he punishes them (for their sins) in effect He oppresses them.

4: The station between two stations

It is to say that the committer of major sins is neither a disbeliever nor Muslim. On the contrary he is on a station between this two.

5: Execution of the threat

It is declaring the committer of major sins, that are less than polytheism, to be a disbeliever. (3)

Compiled by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi


1- Muslim 1855
2- Explanation of Riyadh-us-Saliheen.
3- Explanation of Sharh-us-Sunnah.

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Whoever Dislikes Something From His Leader/Ruler

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Narrated upon the authority of Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said, “Whoever dislikes something from his leader, then let him be patient. Indeed whoever goes against the ruler by a hand span will die a death of ignorance.” (1)

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr Al-Asqalaani said, “This narration, therein is a proof for abandoning rebelling against the Islamic Ruler even if he is oppressive. The scholars of Islamic Jurisprudence have a consensus as it relates to the obligation of obeying the dominant ruler and fighting along with him. Likewise that obedience to him is better than revolting against him, due to that which it consist of from prevention of bloodshed and pacification of the masses. This statement is their proof and others that support it, and there is no exception with regards to that unless the ruler slips into undisputed disbelief. At that point it is not permissible to obey him with regards to that, on the contrary, it becomes obligatory, for whomever is able, to struggle against him like what is found in the following narration.” (2)

Sheikh Muhammad Ibn Salih Al Uthaymin said, “The Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said, ‘Whoever sees something from his leader that he dislikes let him be patient’ be patient and endure. Neither oppose nor speak against him.” (3)

Imam Ahmad said, “It is not permissible to fight the ruler nor for anyone among the people to rebel against him. Thus whoever does so is an innovator, upon other than the prophetic teachings and path.” (4)

Imam Al Barbahaari said, “Whoever revolts against a leader from the Muslim leaders is a Khariji. Undoubtedly he breaks away from the Muslim community, opposes the narrations, and dies in a state of ignorance.” (5)

Compiled by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi


1- Collected by Imaam Al Bukhari 7053 and 7054, Also by Muslim 1849.
2- Fath-ul-Bari.
3- Explanation to Riyaadh-us-Saliheen.
4- Usool-us-Sunnah.
5- Sharh-us-Sunnah.

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Obedience To The Amir Is Obedience To The Messenger

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 

Narrated upon the authority of Abu Huraira:

The Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said, “Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah, and whoever disobeys me has disobeyed Allah. Whoever obeys the leader has obeyed me, and whoever disobeys the leader, disobeys me. The leader is a shield who is fought behind and safety is by way of him. Therefore, if he orders people to fear Allah (by being dutiful to Him) and rules justly, then he is rewarded. However if he says contrary to that, he will be responsible for it.” (1)

Concerning the Messenger’s -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- statement, “Whoever obeys the leader has obeyed me” Imam An-Nawawi said, “He -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said similar as it relates to disobedience, since Allah ordered obedience to the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam-, and he (in turn) ordered obedience to the (Muslim) leader, thus they are inseparable.” (2)

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Salih Al Uthaymin said, “In this particular narration the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- makes apparent that obedience to him is obedience to Allah. Allah says:

 من يُطِعِ الرسولَ فقد أطاع الله
‘Whoever obeys the Messenger, then undoubtedly he has obeyed Allah’ [An-Nisa: 80]

The Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- only issued orders in accordance with revelation, and the legislation in which Allah has ordained for him and his nation. Thus, when he issues a directive, in reality it is Allah’s -glorified and exalted is He- legislation. Hence whoever obeys him, undoubtedly obeys Allah and whoever disobeys him, undoubtedly disobeys Allah.

If a person obeys the Muslim leader, he certainly obeys the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- because he ordered, on many occasions, obedience to the Muslim ruler. He -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said, ‘Hear and obey even if your back is smited and your wealth is seized’ he also said, ‘Hear and obey even if an Ethiopian slave is placed in authority over you’ in addition he said, ‘Binding upon the Muslim is hearing and obeying during adversity and prosperity, when pleased (and willing) and displeased (and unwilling).’ The narrations, as it pertains to this subject, are many. He -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- commanded obedience to the Muslim ruler. So if you obey him you have consequently obeyed the Messenger, and if you obey the Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- accordingly, you obey Allah.

Therefore this narration, that which precedes it, and that which the author (Imam An-Nawawi) has not mentioned, all indicate the obligation of obedience to the Muslim ruler except as it relates to disobeying Allah. That is due to good, safety, stability, absence of chaos, and the quelling of desires (becoming rampant and widespread throughout society) being found in (and resulting from) obedience to him.

On the other hand, chaos, the opinionated being deluded by his opinion, instability, corruption, and an increase in disturbances all result, if the Muslim ruler is disobeyed in a matter that necessitates obedience. For this reason, it is binding upon us to hear and obey our Muslim leaders, except if we are ordered to commit sin. If this is the case, then our and their Lord is Allah, to Him belongs the judgement. So we do not obey them, on the contrary, we say ‘Incumbent upon you is to obey Allah, so how would you command us to disobey Him?’ Thus we neither hear nor obey them in that regard.

In addition, as we have stated previously, the ruler’s edicts are divided into 3 categories.

  1. That which Allah commands -e.g., when he commands us to establish congregational prayers in the masjid, or enactment of righteous deeds and abandonment of evil, etc. This is obligatory from two perspectives. The first is that it is compulsory fundamentally (as Allah orders it), the second is due to the Muslim ruler commanding it (‘s implementation).
  2. They instruct us to disobey Allah. This is not permissible for us to obey, no matter what. For instance, they issue the order to not pray in congregation, to cut the beard, to lower the garments below the ankles (for the men), or to oppress Muslims by seizing their wealth and assaulting them, etc. These commands are not obeyed and it is not permissible to do such, however binding upon us is to advise the ruler. So we say, ‘Fear Allah! This edict is not permissible, it is not allowed for you to order Allah’s servants with disobedience to Him.’
  3. They instruct us to enact an order that is neither from Allah nor His Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam. Likewise it is not something prohibited. In this case it is binding upon us to obey in this regard. Like laws they enact that do not conflict with Allah’s legislation. (3) Thus it is obligatory for us to obey and follow as it pertains to these enactments.” (4)

Compiled by Najeeb Ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi


1. Al-Bukhari 2657 and Muslim 1835.
2. Sharh Sahih Muslim
3. e.g. a speed limit, environmental protection laws, etc.
4. Sharh Riyadh-us-Saaliheen

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Hear And Obey Even If It’s An Ethiopian Slave

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 

Narrated on the authority of Al-Irbad ibn Saariyah, who said:

“Allah’s Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- subsequent to praying with us, approached and gave an intense admonition which caused our eyes to fill with tears and our hearts to tremble. So one among us said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this is a farewell speech, so what do you command?’ He said, ‘I advise you to fear Allah, to hear and obey whomever is placed in authority even if it’s an Ethiopian slave. Surely, whomever among you lives long shall see an abundance of differing. Thus upon you is my way, and the way of the rightly guided successors. Adhere to it, and bite onto it with your molars. And beware of newly invented matters, for every novelty is an (accursed) innovation, and every innovation is misguidance.’ ” (1)

Ibn Rajab said, “As for hearing and obeying the authority over the Muslims’ affairs (the ruler), a happier world is a consequence of it. By way of it the interests of the servants are put in order with regards to their quality of life. Also by way of it they (are able to) seek assistance in manifestation of (the practice of) their religion and obedience to their Lord.” (2)

Ashraf-ul-Haqq Muhammad Al-Atheem Aabaadi said, “Even if a slave is placed in authority, i.e., even if the one who is obeyed is an Ethiopian slave. Al Khitaabi said, ‘He intends obedience to whoever the leader grants authority, even if it be an Ethiopian slave. He -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- did not mean that the leader literally be an Ethiopian slave.’ And it is authentically attributed to the Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- that he said, ‘The leaders are from the Quresh.’ Quite often he -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- would put forth similitudes of things that are not possible to be present, like his statement, ‘Whoever builds a masjid for Allah’s sake, even if it’s like a sparrow’s nest, Allah will build a house for him in Paradise.’ The size of a sparrow’s nest is not a masjid suitable for a human, thus the examples of speech of this nature are plentiful.” (3) awnul mabud

Sheikh Salih Al Fawzan said, “Even if a slave is placed in authority, this is a similitude i.e., the ruler is not despised no matter who he is, even if he is a slave. In another chain it is stated, ‘An Ethiopian slave amputee.’ As long as he is in charge of the Muslims’ affairs, do not think low of his persona. The only thing looked towards is his position and competence. As long as the matter is concluded and the oath of allegiance is given to him, obedience to him is binding. Even if there occurs from him opposition that does not reach the level of disbelief, then he is obeyed, along with advising and making the truth clear to him.

This is due to what is contained within obedience to him from benefits, and what is contained within revolting against him from extreme harm and corruption, i.e., so there is no keeping quiet (concerning advising him) or abandonment of him. In contrast, we advise him as it comes in the narration, ‘The religion is naseehah.’ We replied, ‘To whom O Messenger of Allah?’ He answered, ‘To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims, and the general masses.’ ” (4) 

Compiled by Najeeb ibn Yusuf Al Anjelesi


1. Collected by Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi.
2. Jaami-ul-Uloom wal-Hikm.
3. Awn-ul-Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abi Dawud.
4. Al-Minha Ar-Rabbaniyyah fi Sharh Al-Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah.

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A Rudimentary Discourse Proving Anwar’s Ignorance In Differentiating Between A Donkey And A Horse

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira is the statement of Allah’s Messenger -sallahu alayhi wa sallam: “Sufficient for a man to be lying is that he narrates everything he hears.” 

Imam An-Nawawi said: Lying is that a person states what opposes the factual (i.e. reality), hence he says such and such occurred yet he is lying. Or he says so and so said whilst he is a liar. Thus it is the declaring/stating of that which opposes the factual. [رياض الصالحين]

Sheikh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al Uthaymin said: Included in lying is the lying as it pertains to discourse among the people, circulating between the people. So he -the liar- says “I said to so and so this” yet he did not say it. Or he says “So and so said this” yet he did not say it. He says “So and so came” but he did not come. This (type of lying) is also prohibited and is a sign of hypocrisy, just as the Prophet -sallahu alayhi wa sallam- said: “The sign of the hypocrite are three. Whenever he speaks he lies…” til he -the sheikh- eventually said …Thus a person is prohibited from speaking in two circumstances. The first being that he -the speaker- knows the -factual- situation contradicts what he is saying, the second is that he speaks in a matter of which he has no knowledge. All of this is prohibited. [شرح رياض الصالحين]

This is a very important reminder in light of a recent tweet of Anwar Wright wherein lying is utilized in order to legitimize a fraudulent criticism against several Salafis. The dishonesty on his part is that which causes some -including myself- to have a low opinion of him due to the blatant and brazen contradiction of his speech with reality. His speech is as follows:

“I’m amazed at a people who are vocal about Salafis and promote the Sa’fiqah agenda, but they were booted from a whatsapp group because of defending Shadeed saying ‘he’s erred, but we cannot take him out of Salafiyyah’! Jokes!”

This is clear misrepresentation of what is factual on Anwar’s part; however, there will be some that have a bigoted love for him consequently making it impossible for them to accept this reality. Thus there are two other possibilities that could exonerate him from the previously mentioned crime. 

  1. He did not see the entire discussion, on the contrary someone showed him selected comments that consisted of the possible meaning to which he understands.
  2. Just as the shameless cheerleader behind Al-Minhaj Magazine’s twitter account Anwar also must have been given too much credit in the intelligence department due to him being unable to differentiate between a defense of someone, and a caution from others exceeding limits as it pertains to passing rulings on people, specifically the ruling of tabdi. The language and usage of speech distinguishing one from the other is explicitly clear, making the one unable to discern one from the other being equivalent to one eating a yellow peeled fruit that’s as bitter as can be, yet calls it an orange when in reality it’s a lemon. Or on the level of a person that has two animals in front of him but cannot distinguish the horse from the donkey.

As for the first possibility it is less probable due to Anwar’s statement in another tweet: “Long arguments in this group about not making Tabdee’ of Shadeed, but when one clearly makes Tabdee’ on shaykh Abdullah…crickets!” The discussion in the group about Shadeed was long, and I imagine he took the time to read the comments, yet he utilizes sensationalism in order to trick the people into believing what did not occur. There was no defense of Shadeed on the contrary there was a cautioning from going beyond bounds as relates to Shadeed by passing rulings against him no scholar before them have passed. Simple. Thus Anwar is either a shameless liar, or the biggest buffoon involved in dawah today for not being able to distinguish between the two (which is highly unlikely), and Allah knows best.

The following is a question and its answer that sparked the conversation Anwar refers to in his tweet. The very inception of this conversation depicts the illegitimate assessment of Anwar and further indicates that he is either a shameless liar, or the biggest buffoon involved in Dawah today.

Questioner: I am aware of all his mistakes and I do not defend him in any of them, and I warn from him the same way you do, but my only question here is, are we qualified to precede the ulama in tabdee in this situation on an individual who’s salafiyyah was established?

Ilyaas Aidarus Al-Kanadi: So, then students are able to remove people from salafiyyah without referring back to the people of knowledge? I don’t believe anyone differs on how false his statements are and how they are -I believe Ilyaas meant to put “not” here- aligned with the manhaj of the Salaf, however mentioning his errors that we all are in agreement on, does not answer the question.

The question is do students and laymen have the right to remove someone from salafiyyah without referring back to the scholars?

Me (Najeeb Al Anjelesi): The answer is no. Plain and simple. That’s a new precedent I’ve never heard from people of knowledge and Allah knows best.

Ilyaas Aidarus Al-Kanadi: Refuting the errors and warning against him is one thing. Making rulings and removing him from Salafiyyah without going back to scholars is another. The two matters are very different. 

The inception of this conversation illustrates the position of the admin of this Whatsapp group as this sentiment was recurring throughout this lengthy discussion. Thus the following understanding is extracted from the previously cited speech:

  1. Acknowledgement of the mistakes, errors, and misguidance of Shadeed.
  2. Cautioning against preceding the scholars in passing a ruling of tabdee, that being a stark contrast to defending Shadeed as Anwar ignorantly alleged.
  3. A distinction between refuting and warning against Shadeed and from declaring him to be an innovator (by students and laymen).

Therefore how can it be alleged that there was a defense of Shadeed in light of what was previously mentioned? How was he defended? Which mistakes of his were defended? Who defended him? Indeed this is a tremendous lie invented by the pitiful one Anwar that emphasizes the fact that he is willing to lie viciously in order to discourage the people from aiding and assisting those to which he harbors animosity. If this is not the case then he would have to be the biggest buffoon in dawah for his inability to distinguish between a defense and what was previously highlighted.

Sheikh Rabee said: “Lying is worse than innovation [in the religion], O brothers, and a liar is considered worse than an innovator by the People of Sunnah; an innovator [may] be narrated from-[The people of Sunnah] narrated from [some of] the Qadariyyah [sect], they narrated from the Murj’iah, and they nrrated from other than them from the different kinds of people of innovation, so long as the innovation did not fall into disbelief and the [narrator] was not a liar. If a liar were to say he was with the People of Sunnah, he would be considered by them to be of a lower level than the People of Innovation…” (1)  

The following are some statements of the admin throughout the discussion to which Anwar references that clearly shows the stance of the admin and how it dramatically differs with the fabrication invented by Anwar and spread to the masses. They are as follows:

1: Do Not Proceed The Scholars 

Ilyaas Aidarus Al-Kanadi -at one point in the discussion- said: And from my knowledge, there have been those who scholars saw doing worse than what Shadeed is doing and they did not make tabdee of them, rather they warned against their mistakes until the hujjah was established. Haajooree didn’t have CLEAR mistakes for years before tabdee was made of him? Halabi? Mashoor? Ma’ribi? Abdulrahman Abdulkhaliq? They did and they were CLEAR. Yet, which students went around preceding the scholars and making tabdee of them? This was left for the scholars. If you open this door for laymen, you will only see atrocities take place. Each one thinking he is qualified since the affair is “clear.”

He –Ilyaas– also said: What leniency is there in returning the affair back to scholars for a ruling on him instead of opening the door for anyone to enter into this field like this?

Abu Yusuf Khaleefah -at one point in the discussion- said: Tabdee is not for us, nor is Takfir.

He also said: Passing a ruling is for the people of knowledge.

Hisham Abouzeid -at one point in the conversation- said: I agree with this. It is unacceptable for students of knowledge to cross their limits and precede the scholars in this matter. And let there be no confusion regarding my stance on Shadeed I view him to be misguided and hold many of his positions to be deviant. However, to make tabdee is a different level.

I -myself- said during the course of the discussion: Sheikh Ubayd speaking against him is not the issue, the sheikh criticized him for something worse than what he’s being criticized for now, that being the Salafiyyah is not a card that will get you into jannah, yet with that he said “I fear he’s an Ikhwaani” which is not tabdee. 

And many more statements of this nature recurring throughout the discourse that indicate the discouragement from preceding the scholars in matters of this nature. We stop where they stopped and say what they said. Also therein are clear statements acknowledging the mistakes of Shadeed with no excuses being made for him, thus where is the defense? 

2: Acknowledgement Of Shadeed’s Mistakes

Abu Yusuf Khaleefah -during the discourse- said: Are the statements of Shadeed misguidance? Yes.

He also said throughout the discourse: Refuting errors and misguidance is a must.

Ilyaas Aidarus said: His misguidance is clear.

Hisham Abouzeid -during the discourse- said: If anyone wants to benefit us with highlighting more of Shadeed’s errors and refuting them through text, then please do so. I bear witness that this forum is open for accepting the truth irrespective of who it is for or who it is against.

And the statements in this regard are plentiful none of which has therein a defense or excuse being made for Shadeed’s errors.

3: Encouragement To Contact The Scholars

I-myself- said throughout the discourse: My advice, for the brothers who are in Saudi now, compile Shadeed’s statements and take it to one of the scholars but don’t precede them.

I also said: Thus my advice, for all the 966 country code holders, compile Shadeed’s statements and take it to the closest aalim for a definitive ruling, but don’t set an evil precedent by preceding them in a right that’s due to them.

Ilyaas Aidarus -at one point- said: But to say since it’s clear to us that he is upon falsehood, khalaas, we take him out? And if we say go back to the scholars for that then (the claim made against us) we are being lenient?

Khalil Davis -at one point- said: As Salaamu alaykum. Baarakallahu feekum brothers. I think the above advice from our brother Najeeb should suffice. Those who are now in Saudi compile his statements and take them to one of the scholars. I think too much time texting is being wasted along with time talking about Shadeed. Don’t dignify him by wasting all your precious words on him…

We clearly see that there is no defense of Shadeed, truthfully what we see is a cautioning from delving into matters that are not the place of small  students of knowledge (like found here in the states) nor laymen. Sheikh Ahmad An-Najmi was asked: What are the guidelines as it relates to innovation, and when is it permissible for me to describe a person with it? He replied: “First, innovation is the introducing into the religion that which is not from it -til he eventually said- second, describing (others) with innovation and boycotting the innovator that is to whom the scholars have declared to be an innovator. So do not be hasty o you small students in passing rulings upon an individual -even though he may have innovation with him- until you present his case to the scholars, and they assist you in that affair. Outside of that do not indulge in anything regarding it (that affair).” [الفتاوى الجلية]

Thus this shows that once again Anwar has criticized Salafis over a non issue and likewise indulged in sensationalism in a cheap attempt to dupe his audience into believing the scenario was what it was not. Or maybe he really does not know the difference between a defense and cautioning from going beyond bounds as it relates to passing rulings of tabdi on others, hence making him equivalent to one who cannot distinguish between a donkey and a horse, and Allah knows best.

Written by Najeeb Al Anjelesi
7/29/2018 

 

 


1: Link:http://www.miraathpubs.net/en/lying-is-worse-than-innovation-in-the-religion/

 

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