Statements of Wallace D. Muhammed

Below are just a few of the statements of Wallace the Deviant. 

1975- Publicly declares himself "The Manifestation of God". "Yes, I myself am an Immaculate Conception. You say, "This man is crazy." No, I’m not crazy… After we explain it to you, you’ll know that I’m not crazy. The world has just been in darkness. I can truthfully say that My physical father was not My father. I have never had a physical father…You say, "Who is your father?" Speaking in the language of the New Testament, My Father is God…I am the Manifestation of God.… All praise is due to Allah." [1]

1976- Claims he is recipient of divine revelation. "The Book (Bible) says that there is another kind of water (sweet water) which is not salty, that comes from above that is divine revelation. The water that God gives is divine revelation and He reveals it to His prophets."[2]

"I am baptizing you with the water that God has given me. It is the water of revelation, of divine knowledge."[3]

1977- Declares Islamic plural marriage forbidden. "The teaching of Muhammad and the teaching of the Qur’an is that "one is better for you if you but knew." No other Prophet did this for the polygamist mankind. It was Prophet Muhammad who worked against polygamy."[4]

1978- Rejects miracles of the prophets "Moses, being pursued by Pharaoh's army, struck the water and the Red Sea parted, so the Book says, and Moses and his people walked across on dry land… Brothers and sisters, you will never convert intelligent people to religion today with unrealistic symbolical stories like that [5].Sanctions false prophet Rashad Khalifa. Offers followers "20% discount" on purchase of Khalifa’s works.[6] Endorses Qadiyani translation of Quran.[7]

1979- Denies Return of Jesus and proclaims himself, "Masih-Mahdi". "Jesus did his work… he’s not coming back here ­never! That’s not the way of God. But his type has to return, another birth like his has to happen, has to happen, to produce his type again. So that his type will be able to see, the lies that have been told concerning his birth. It’s not him but its the same as though he’s the original. I know how Jesus is born because I’ve been born that way! So you can’t tell me how Jesus was born, I’ve been born that way!" "…well then you’re a Prophet; no I’m not, well you’re a Messenger of God, no (laughing) I’m not, well what are you? I am Masih-Mahdi, I am the Christ-Mahdi believe it or not! … You know, for a long time people have been hoping to fulfill the prophecy. The prophecy of the return of Christ or the return of the son of Mary and the presence of a Mahdi who would bring the religion to its original purity… they’ve been looking for that, it’s here now, what they’ve been looking for is here now­But can they appreciate it?"

1980- Proclaims himself, "the Mujaddid"[8], states, "If you want all the hadiths, then you should leave this community because I’m telling you, right now, I don’t accept all the hadiths. They have made too much trouble and confusion in the Muslim society."[9]

1981-Claims those who desire plural marriage are, "cursed by God."[10] Rules women’s hair is their hijab. "It is believed in the circle of learned scholars in the religion that the hair on women should be covered... Here in our community...we don’t make any big to-do about it. If some woman is seen with her hair uncovered we don’t raise the roof, because I understand that where there is some sex appeal in women’s hair, there is also religious symbolism attached. This symbolism is good but I don’t think we should enforce these laws too fanatically. If we do we might cause people of higher intellect to underestimate our intelligence. They might think we are superstitious or fanatical people and we don’t want them to think that."[11]

1983- Claims Christians need not follow Islam "There are some scholars… I’ve heard some people who call themselves scholars in the religion say recently and I have heard this,… that the scriptures I quote referred to earlier times and later scriptures came and cancelled that. That now if anyone rejects our religion, he doesn’t go to paradise. I disagree. I simply disagree.[12]… I don’t feel that all Christians have to have my religion to improve their lives. I don’t feel that… I feel that some Christians are living very good lives. They have very good morals, they have a good sense of direction and I wouldn’t want to disturb that for them. As long as they are doing well I’d like to see them continue to do well."[13] Compares those who don’t follow him to dogs "The word has come down from heaven follow Imam W. Deen Muhammad. Either do that or wear the dog collar and eat dog biscuits."[14] Claims "If Jesus had lived to see 40, he would have died and become Prophet Muhammad."[15] Claims "The Quran doesn’t say that Prophet Muhammad is a messenger to the angels or Jinn, but to the people… Prophet Muhammad was sent to Naas, not to the Jinn."[16]

1984- Calls for establishing his own school of thought "...we are going to have a school of fiqh and that school is raising up, or growing up right now with the growth of this community, under the leadership of your Imam and my Imam Warith Deen Muhammad. Yes, Imam Warith Deen Muhammad."[17]

1986- Claims "The Muslim community also has a community obligation to serve the best interest of other communities Christian, Jewish and even the Socialist community."[18] Denies existence of Jinn. "Muslims do not believe that there are some foreign worlds existing out there somewhere. We don’t believe that there are some foreign creatures sharing space with us. We don’t accept the notion of other creatures in another dimension whose nature is not like ours. We don’t believe that there are creatures who can do things to us but we cannot reach them unless we find some way to plug into their foreign dimension. The real Muslim cannot accept that kind of idea. You cannot work voodoo on a Muslim because the Muslim is not vulnerable to superstition."[19]

1987- Declares "But my position is this in our society, I have learned by experience, so I have differed with shiekhs, I have differed with leaders of Al-Islam, I have learned by experience in this community, that there is no guarantee, that a Muslim marrying a non-Muslim woman is going to have anymore success in bringing these children to Al-Islam, than a woman will be marrying a non-Muslim man... "[20] Declares, "I have no problems with the Pope; I respect him and honor him."[21]

1988- Denies prophetic miracles. "We know that as much as man fears the fire, we know that Abraham was put in the fire. That not right? Yes, Abraham was put in the fire. And when they looked in the fire, when those who put him in the fire came to see how he was fairing, how he was doing there, whether he was ashes or not, they found him there unaffected. Fire hadn’t touched him, fire hadn’t bothered him a bit. Instead, instead of him experiencing heat, see God made the flame cool on Abraham. (laughter) Now we know that’s metaphorical, that’s symbolic."

1989- Proudly shows off grandchild from marriage of his daughter to a non-Muslim.[22]

1991- Says Muslims should not invite non-Muslims to Islam "We (Muslims) are obligated to seek peaceful co-existence with Christians and people of Faith... the similarities are so much more important that we need not focus on the differences. We see Christians and Jews as people of the Book. We should not ask them to take their shahadah…"[22] Endorses Homosexuals during American Public Radio (APR) interview.[24]

1992- Endorses Farrakhan "I will never denounce him as long as he says he wants to be a Muslim."[25] Declares, "We love our distinction as a people, our racial distinction…we want racial dignity and racial distinction. We want cultural distinction. We want that. Even within Islam we want that. We don’t want to copy the culture of another Muslim… we also stress that we owe an allegiance to the Christian people. Also we have to understand that our religion did not come to establish itself over everybody else."[26] Speaking at ISNA headquarters "Mohammed says he does not favor intermarriage between indigenous and immigrant Muslims because African-Americans have suffered greatly at the hands of white America, and they need time by themselves as a race for the psychological scars of racism to heal."[27]

1993- Declares all non-Muslims to be Muslims "If we look at the broad definition for Muslim, we have to say that even though a Christian may be worshipping Jesus the Prophet more than he is worshipping Allah, he or she may be Muslim in their spirit. They may still be Muslim, though the orientation has now dominated their Muslim urge. The person carrying a heavy cross may be a Muslim inwardly. So it is for a Jew, or Communist, or a Buddhist, or a Hindu." [28] Claims Farrakhan ‘does a lot of good’ "Farrakhan respects Islam and he does a lot of good, he is friendly with us and we should be friendly with him."[29] Claims anyone can be recipient of revelation ‘If any revelation I receive, anybody else can get it, just read Qur’an and God will show us revelation if we’re sincere.’[30]

1994- Implies prophethood to Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King, calling them, "men of divine wisdom" who predicted the future "in the name of God". [31] Denounces interracial marriage and women’s hijab. "Imam Mohammed said he would not encourage mixed marriages. "Marry your own race and people you are acquainted with."…Covering hair in the mosque for prayer is needed, the Imam explained, but in the public when out shopping it is not a big deal. He noted that a sister can be more seductive with her hair covered than uncovered."[32]

1998- Claims Paradise is on earth. "In the beginning, God put us in paradise and so shall it be in the end," Mohammed said. And, pointing a finger to the sky, he added, "Not necessarily up there."[33]

1999- Celebrates "Savior’s Day" with Farrakhan. "I couldn’t resist coming here knowing that (The Nation of Islam) was observing this day. I haven’t lost my friendship with Minister Farrakhan."[34]

2000- Selected by MAS to lead Washington Area Muslims for Eid Al-Fitr Prayer at DC Armory. Praises Elijah Muhammad in Nation of Islam’s Savior’s Day ‘Family Reunion’. Declares lasting brotherhood with Louis Farrakhan.[35]

Notes: [1] See Muhammad Speaks, May 23, 1975, pp. 17-19. His referral to himself as ‘The Manifestation of God’ has its links to Elijah’s teachings, as Elijah said that ‘after me will come God himself.’ See Message to the Blackman, p. 306. Thus, W.D. Mohammed labeling himself ‘The Manifestation of God’, is intended to be understood as ‘a fulfillment of prophecy.’[2] See Lectures of Emam Muhammad, p. 48.[3] See The Teachings of W.D. Muhammad, p. 13.[4] See Bilalian News, July 8, 1977, p. 17. His statement “one is better for you if you but knew” is baseless. No such Qur'ânic verse nor Prophetic hadeeth exists that is even remotelyclose to what he claims.[5] See Lectures of Emam Muhammad, pp. 118-119.[6] See Bilalian News, April 21, 1978, p. 9.[7] See Bilalian News, Sept. 8, 1978, p. 6.[8] See Bilalian News, February 15, 1980, p. 17.[9] See Bilalian News, February 22, 1980, p. 24.[10] See Bilalian News, June 26, 1981, p. 18.[11] See World Muslim News, November 27, 1981, p. S5.[12] See Religion on the Line, p. 61.[13] ibid. p. 67.[14] See A. M. Journal, Mar 2, 1983, p. 23.[15] See A.M. Journal, July 29, 1983, p. 9.[16] See A. M. Journal, July 29, 1983, p. 2.[17] See Challenges that Face Man Today, pp. 34-38.[18] See Muslim Journal, May 16, 1986, p.2.[19] See An African American Genesis, p. 9.[20] See Muslim Journal, October 2, 1987.[21] See Muslim Journal, November 13, 1987, p. 15.[22] See Muslim Journal, June 2, 1989, p. 15.[23] See Muslim Journal, June 28, 1991, p. 5.[24] Recorded broadcast, September 4, 1991.[25] See The Washington Times, Feb. 7, 1992, p. A6.[26] See Muslim Journal, Feb. 28. 1992, p. 24.[27] See Islamic Horizons, Summer 1992, p. 8.[28] See Muslim Journal, Sept. 10, 1993, p. 17.[29] See The Muslim News, May 28, 1993, p. 4.[30] Recorded statements, May 14, 1993, Manchester, UK.[31] See Muslim Journal, January 7, 1994, p. 7[32] See Muslim Journal, June 17, 1994[33] See Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer-Times, Feb. 16, 1998[34] Transcript from NOI “Saviour’s Day” Rally, Chicago, February 26, 1999[35] See Muslim Journal, March 17 & 24, 2000; also The Final Call, March 14 & 21, 2000

taken from: http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=8&Topic=2924

A Legal Judgement Regarding the Ruling on Membership of the Masonic Movement

(The decision of the Fiqh Academy)

All praise and thanks be to Allaah and may peace and blessings of Allaah be upon the Messenger of Allaah and upon his family and Companions and all those who follow his guidance. As for what follows:
During its first session, which was convened in Makka, on the tenth of Sha’baan in the year 1398 A.H. (15/7/1978 C.E.) The Fiqh Academy looked into the matter of the Masons and their affiliates, and the Islamic ruling on them.
The members of the Academy undertook a thorough study of this dangerous organization, reading what has been written about them, past and present, and the documents and speeches propagated by their members and their leaders which they themselves have published in the magazines which represent them. It became clear to the Academy in a manner that leaves no doubt, from the books and texts they read which follows:
1. The Masonic movement is a secret society which sometimes hides it organization and sometimes reveals it, according to the prevailing conditions of the time and place. However, the true principles upon which this organization is based are secret at all times, the knowledge of which is hidden even from its members, except the chosen few, who reach, through many different experiences, the highest levels.
2. The movement builds a relationship between its members in all corners of the world, based upon a superficial foundation in order to fool the gullible people, which is that of the human brotherhood alleged to exist between all members of the organization, which (supposedly) makes no distinction between different faiths, creeds, ideologies.
3. It attracts those persons who are important to it to join their organization by tempting them with promises of personal benefits, on account of the fact that every Mason is bound to help every other brother Mason, in any corner of the world, to assist him in fulfilling his needs, achieving his aims and solving his problems, and to support him if he has political ambitions, to assist him if he falls into any predicament – whatever it may be, whether he is right or wrong, oppressor or oppressed. This may be concealed, by making it appear that they are helping him when he is on the right, not on the wrong. This is the greatest temptation by which they capture people from all societies, taking from them significant financial contributions.
4. Joining them begins with a celebration for the enrolment of a new member, with certain frightening rituals and formalities, intended to instill fear in the member of what will happen to him if he ever disobeys their directives and orders which are issued to him in sequence.
5. The gullible members are left free to practice their religion and it (the organization) benefits by controlling them and assigning tasks to them, within the limits appropriate for them, and they remain at the lowest level. As for the apostates, or those who are willing to become apostates, they are slowly promoted to higher levels, according to their experience and repeated tests which are given to members, based upon their willingness to serve their plans and their dangerous ideology.
6. Its aims are political and they have a hand – either open or hidden – in most political and military insurrections and major changes.
7. The organization is Jewish in origin and is secretly managed and directed at its highest levels by international Jewry and its activities are Zionist in character.
8. It is, in fact, in its hidden aims, against all religions, its intentions being the destruction of all of them in general, and Islaam in the hearts of its adherents in particular.
9. It concentrates on the recruitment of persons in positions of authority in finance, politics, the community, in science and any other position they can utilize in order to further their power in the community. They have no interest in recruiting those without any power they can exploit, and for this reason, they often concentrate on the recruitment of kings, presidents, important government employees and their like.
10. It has many branches, which bear other names, in order to deceive and divert attention, so that they are able to continue their activities under different pseudonyms, the most well known of which are: The Lions, the Rotary Club, The Leons, and other such evil movements, all of which are incompatible and inconsistent with Islamic tenants.
The strong links between the Masons and international Zionist Jewry has become absolutely clear to all of the people. By such means they have been able to control the activities of many leaders in Arab and other countries in the matter of Palestine, and they have prevented them from carrying out many of their obligations with respect to this most important matter, to the advantage of the Jews and the international Zionists.
For this reason and many other detailed facts concerning the dangerous activities of the Masons, their evil deception and cunning designs, the Fiqh Academy has determined that the Masons are one of the most dangerous, destructive organizations to Islaam and the Muslims. And that whoever joins them, knowing the truth of them and their aims, is a disbeliever in Islaam who should be avoided. And Allaah is the Granter of success.

Director: ‘Abdullah bin Humaid Director of the Higher Judicial Council in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah, vol.1, p.325, DARUSSALAM

taken from http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/

Is the aqeedah of the khawaarij same as the aqeedah of salafiyyah ? Shaykh 'Abdul-Azeez ibn Baz

Question :
What is your response to the one who says :' Verily the aqeedah of the khawaarij is the aqeedah of Salafiyyah. And that they i.e. the khawaarij are Salafi ?
Answer :
This is an invalid , false statement .
And it has been invalidated by the statement of the Prophet sallaAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam concerning the khawaarij :
"With time There will appear some renegades , a group among my Ummah ; One of you would look down upon your own prayer as compared to their prayer and on your recitation (of Qur'aan) as compared to their recitation (of Qur'aan). They will shoot out from the Religion just as the arrow shoots out from a hunted game. So, where-ever you find them, kill them, for who-ever kills them shall have reward for killing them.' 1
And in another narration from the Prophet {sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam} on the khawaarij : that they (the khawaarij) ' kill the people of Islaam and leave the people of awthaan (idols)' 2
And we know from their aqeedah that : they make takfeer** of a Muslim who commits a sin.
And they judge on him (the sinful muslim) , and declare that he is in the hell fire eternally.
And from this , they fought Alee (radhiyaAllaahu anhu) and the sahabaa and others who were with him .
So Alee and all the other sahabaa (radhiyaAllaahu anhum) fought them during the day of Nahrawaan.
And Allaah is the Rectifier.
Shaykh-ul-Islaam `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Footnotes:** Takfeer : To declare a muslim to be a kaafir (disbeliever) .[1]Saheeh Al-Bukharee[2]Saheeh Al-Bukharee
Source : From the Questions asked to his Eminence , in the D'awaah magazine.
Translation by : Aboo Waheeda as-Salafee

taken from http://almuflihoon.com/

10 Points on the Salafee Manhaj

-Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa An-Najmee-

The Salafee Manhaj
1. We worship Allaah by way of Tawheed. So we do not supplicate to anyone besides Allaah nor do we seek refuge in anyone besides Him in matters of bringing about good or repelling some harm. We perform worship by having hatred and enmity for the polytheists. However, we are obligated to call them to Tawheed first and clarify to them that there is no Islaam without Tawheed and that whoever calls unto other than Allaah has committed disbelief. So whoever persists after that, then at that point we are obligated to distance ourselves from him and hate him for the sake of Allaah.
2. The Creed of the Salaf is established upon the principle that "Allaah is described with what He has described himself with in His Book and upon the tongue of His Messenger (saws), without resorting to tahreef, tamtheel, tashbeeh, ta’teel or ta’weel." [1]
3. We affirm for Allaah the best of Names, which He has affirmed for Himself and which He has praised Himself with, whether they are mentioned in the Qur’aan or the Sunnah.
4. We believe that there is no path towards achieving Allaah’s contentment, or a way towards Paradise, except through the Way of Allaah’s Messenger (saws). And whoever seeks a way towards gaining Allaah’s contentment through other than the Way of Allaah’s Messenger, then he has gone astray and been blinded from the truth. And he has lost in this world and the next.
5. We believe that the Legislation of Allaah is what has been brought down through the two revelations: The Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (saws). This is what our Lord has indicated in his saying: "Then we placed you on a Sharee'ah (Legislated System) based on Our Command, so follow it, and do not follow the desires of those who have no knowledge." [Surah Al-Jaathiyah: 18]
6. We believe that the Qur’aan is the Speech of Allaah, which was revealed and not created, and that the Sunnah is what explains and clarifies it. The Qur’aan is interpreted by the Sunnah and by the interpretations of the Sahaabah (Companions) and those who followed them in goodness. So the interpretation of the Qur’aan is by way of the narration, meaning by way of the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een and the Ahaadeeth concerning it. And the books that contain these interpretations are the ones we are obligated to acquire and read, such as the Tafseer of Ibn Jareer, the Tafseer of Ibn Katheer, the Tafseer of Al-Baghawee, the Tafseer "Ad-Durr Al-Manthoor" of As-Suyootee and so on.
7. We are obligated to take the Sunnah according to the way of the Muhadditheen - in terms of their authenticity or weakness. So we take what is found to be authentic and leave off what is weak.
8. We worship Allaah by obeying the rulers, as long as they are Muslims who seek judgement through Allaah’s Legislation and who establish the prescribed punishments, and as long as they establish the prayer. Obeying them is an obligation even if they commit oppression. And whoever says something contrary to this and makes it permissible to revolt against the Muslim leader, even if he may be oppressive, then he is an innovator and a deviant. And it is obligatory on the Muslim scholars to refute this statement of his and to expose his deviance.
9. We hold that it is not permissible to spread the faults of the leaders, because doing this influences and brings about trials and afflictions (fitan), and causes them to spread.
10. We are obligated to worship Allaah through the Sunnah, by following it and by loathing innovations and the innovators. This is based on the Prophet’s saying: "Whoever does a deed, which is not in accordance to our affair (i.e. the Sunnah) is rejected." And in another narration: "Whoever introduces into our affair (Sunnah) that which isn’t part of it is rejected."
This is a summary and some brief words on the Creed of the Salaf, which we are obligated to accept and follow if we truly want salvation and the truth. And we must renounce those opinions of men, which cannot be traced back to any source of evidence, since men are known by way of the truth and the truth is not known by way of men. Lastly, we must beg and implore Allaah to show us the truth as true and enable us to follow it, and to show us the falsehood as false and enable us to avoid it. Indeed Allaah is Responsible for that and Able to make it happen. And may the peace and blessings of Allaah be on Muhammad - the best, most dutiful, most pious and purest of creation - and on his family and his Companions.
Footnotes:
[1] Translator’s Note: These are forbidden acts committed against Allaah’s Names and Attributes. Tahreef means to change or distort the wording of Allaah’s name or attribute. Tamtheel and tashbeeh means to give a like resemblance to a name or an attribute. Ta’teel means total denial of a name or an attribute. Ta’weel means to misinterpret a name or an attribute, thus changing it’s meaning.

AUTHOR: Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa An-Najmee
SOURCE: Al-Fataawaa al-Jaliyyah ‘anil-Manaahij Ad-Da’wiyyah (pg. 56-57) compiled by Hasan Ibn Mahmood Ibn Mansoor ad-Daghreeri
PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com

Ascribing To Salafiyyah -Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa An-Najmee

The following is a translation of some questions put to the the Shaikh, Al-Allaamah Ahmed bin Yahyaa an-Najmee, may Allaah preserve him, as posted on Sahab.net
[Question 1]: What is Salafiyyah and who is their leader?
[Answer 1]: It is an attribute to the Salaf who are the Companions of the Messenger (sallallaahualaihi wasallam) and those who follow them upon goodness from the first three blessed generations and those who came after them. This is Salafiyyah!
Ascription to it means ascription to that which the Companions of the Messenger (sallallaahualaihi wasallam) were upon and to the way of Ahlul-Hadeeth who are the followers of the Salafi manhaj and they traverse upon it.
Salafiyyah is to have (correct) belief in the Names and Attributes of Allaah, in Qadr (pre-decree) and with regards to the Companions and so on. Since the Salaf believed in Allaah and in His perfect Names and lofty Attributes which Allaah Has described Himself with and which His Messenger (sallallaahualaihi wasallam) has described Him with, believing in them in a way that befits the Majesty of Allaah (Glorified be He from all that they attribute to Him and the Most High), without tahreef, tamtheel, tashbeeh, ta’teel or ta’weel.
And it is to believe in Qadr (pre-decree) its good and bad and the imaan of the slave is not complete until he believes in Qadr which Allaah (Glorified be He from all that they attribute to Him and the Most High) Has decreed for His slaves. Allaah (the Mighty and the Majestic) says:
“Verily, We have created all things with Qadr.” (al-Qamar: 49)
As for the Companions, then the meaning of this is to have imaan that Allaah is pleased with them and to believe that they are upright and the best of nations and generations. And the belief that all of them are trustworthy contrary to the belief of the Shi’ah and the Khawarij, who declare the Companions of the Messenger (sallallaahualaihi wasallam) to be disbelievers and do not give them their rights.
Salafiyyah has no leader except the Messenger (sallallaahualaihi wasallam), for he (sallallaahualaihi wasallam), is the Imaam of Salafiyyah and an example to be emulated just as his Companions are examples to be followed. And the foundation and root of this is the saying of the Prophet (sallallaahualaihi wasallam):
“The Jews split up into seventy one sects, the Christians split up into seventy two sects and my nation will split up into seventy three sects all of them in the Hell-Fire except one.” They said, “Who are they O Messenger of Allaah?” He said, “They are those who are upon the like of what I and my companions are upon.”
And his (sallallaahualaihi wasallam) saying in the hadeeth of al-'Irbaad ibn Saariyah (radiallaahu anhu) which describes the khutbah (sermon) of the Prophet (sallallaahualaihi wasallam). And he (sallallaahualaihi wasallam) ordered them with taqwa (piety) of Allaah and said:
“I order you to fear Allaah and to hear and obey even if you are commanded by an Abyssinian slave.”
Then he ordered them to follow his Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided successors and said:
“Cling onto that with your molar teeth and beware of the newly invented matters for every newly invented matter is an innovation and innovation is misguidance.”
[Question 2]: Is there such a thing as old Salafiyyah and new Salafiyyah or is there just one Salafiyyah?
[Answer 2]: There is only one Salafiyyah, and whoever claims that there such a thing as old Salafiyyah and new Salafiyyah, then he has lied! When we contemplate the aqeedah of the Salaf from the time of the Companions up to today, we find that that it is one aqeedah, and they did not differ in it whatsoever, even though they may have differed in the subsidiary rulings which are not from the foundations and beliefs and for which one of them did not criticise the other. This is the way of the Companions (radiallahu anhum) As for the beliefs then the methodology is one, from the time of the Companions up until now.
Courtesy of Sahab.net
Translated by albaseerah.com
[14] Question: Some of the youth feel hesitant to say “I am Salafee”, so what is your advice with regard to this?
Answer: Why does he feel hesitant?! Does he hold that ascribing oneself to Salafiyyah is degrading?! Is it not an ascription to the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger and those who follow them from among the scholars, the Fuqahaa, the Muhadditheen, the Mufassireen – the upholders of the authentic Creed in every era and in every location, those who follow the truth from the Book of Allaah and from the authentic Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger according to the understanding of the Pious Predecessors? !! Is ascribing oneself to these individuals so degrading that he should feel hesitant about it?! Verily to Allaah do we belong and to Him we will return.
But as for the one who follows the Methodology of the Salaf and agrees with it, saying “I am Salafee”, this person, by Allaah’s Will, we hope good for him. But if he feels hesitant about doing this, then he may be held accountable for this hesitancy.
Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa An-Najmee[Al-Fataawaa Al-Jaliyyah: pg. 14]

Quotes From the Salaf About the Life of This World

Excerpt from "The Life of This World Is a Transient Shade" by Abdul Malik Al-Qasim

Sufyan ath-Thawri said: "Man's love for the life of this world is shown in the way he greets people."
[Look at a chaste poor man ... nobody talks to him. People greet him so warily as if fearing that he may pass poverty to them. But see how the people welcome a rich man, even if he does not perform prayer. They stand up with smiling faces, and each one hopes to greet him first. Note the difference between a man who is so great as seen by Allah and another who does not even weigh a mosquito's wing - but this is life.]

Narrated Muhammad ibn Abi Imran, "I heard a man asking Hatim al-Asamm: 'On what have you based your dependence on Allah?' He said: 'On four points: I knew that my sustenance cannot be eaten by someone else and I am assured, I knew that my duty cannot be done by anyone else, so I kept myself busy with that. I knew that death will come suddenly to me, so I prepared myself for it. I knew that wherever I go I am under Allah's Eye, so I am always shy of Him.'"

`Abdullah ibn Mubarak said, "O man! Prepare yourself for the Hereafter, obey Allah to the extent of your need for Him and anger Him to the extent of your patience in Hell."

Abu Safwan ar-Ru`wini was asked: "What is that life dispraised by Allah in the Qur'an and that the sensible man should avoid?" He said: "Whatever you love in this life seeking worldly benefits is dispraised, and whatever you love seeking benefits in the Hereafter is praised."

Yahya ibn Mu`adh said, "O how poor is man, if he fears Hell in the same degree of his fearing poverty, then he will enter Paradise."

Ali ibn Al-Fudayl said: "I heard my father saying to Ibn Al-Mubarak: You order us to renounce the worldly pleasures and to be satisfied with the minimum, whereas you are buying goods, so what is that?" He said: "I do that to protect my face and my honour, and this helps me obey my Rabb." My father said: "How good is that if realised."

An ascetic said: "I know none who has heard of Paradise and Hell, then spends an hour of his life without praying, remembering Allah or doing a good deed." A man said: "I weep so much." He said to him: "To laugh and admit your sins is better than to weep and feel proud of your deeds." The man said: "I need your advice." He said: "Abandon the life of this world to its people as they have abandoned the Hereafter to its people."

Shumait ibn `Ajlan used to say: "Two persons are tormented in the life of this world: a rich man who is given a great wealth that keeps him so busy with worldly pleasures, and a poor man who is deprived of such pleasures for which he is longing with a heartbreak."

Al-Hasan said: "How good is life in this world for a believer because he uses it to prepare his provisions for Paradise. And how evil it is for a disbeliever who uses it to prepare his provisions for Hell."

Yahya ibn Mu`adh said: "The life of this world is a house of deeds and the Hereafter is a house of horrors. Man remains between deeds and horrors until he settles either in Paradise or in Hell."

One of the salaf said: "Beware of the life of this world because its magic is more effective than that of Harut and Marut. The two latter's separate a man from his wife whereas the life of this world separates a man from his Rabb."

Abu Dardaa' said: "Everyone has an imperfection of knowledge and wisdom, if his wealth increases, he becomes so happy though day and night are working hard on destroying his life-span. So what is good of a wealth that increases and a life-span that decreases."

Al-Hasan al-Basri said: "I am astonished about those people who are ordered to prepare their provisions, then the start of the journey is announced, however they remain unmindful in their vain discussions and fruitless deeds."

A man came to Sufyan ath-Thawree seeking his advice, and he said to the man: "Work for the sake of this life within the extent of your stay in it, and for the Hereafter within the extent of your stay therein."

Al-Fudayl ibn `Ayyad said: "Man's fear of Allah is equal to his knowledge of Him and his renunciation of worldly pleasures is equal to his desire in the Hereafter."

Salman ibn Dinar said: "What you love to have with you in the Hereafter you should advance today, and what you hate to have with you, you should abandon today."

A poet said: "Don't seek anything other than contentment, because therein is the bliss and the comfort of your body. Then consider the case of a person who possesses the whole world, can he take with him in the grave more than cotton and a shroud?"

The Status of Ahlul bidah

Ibn Al-Jawzee (Rahimahullah) said:
"Abul-Wafaa 'Alee Ibn 'Aqeel said: 'Our Shaikh Abul-Fadl Al-Hamdhaanee said: 'The innovators in Islaam and the fabricators of ahaadeeth are worse than the disbelievers. This is because the disbelievers attempt to corrupt the Religion from the outside, whereas these individuals attempt to corrupt it from the inside. They take the similitude of the inhabitants of a land, who strive to corrupt its condition (from the inside), while the disbelievers take the similitude of raiders laying siege to the land from the outside. Thus it is the ones on the inside that open the doors of the land's surrounding barrier (and let the besiegers in). These types (of people) are far worse to Islaam than the ones who don't attribute themselves to it."

Al-Mawdoo'aat: 1/51

Taqee-ud-Deen Abu Muhammad 'Abd-ul-Ghanee Al-Maqdisee (Rahimahullah) said concerning the various groups:

"Know, may Allaah have mercy on you, that Islaam and its adherents are undermined by three types of groups: 1) The first type reject the ahaadeeth concerning Allaah's attributes and declare their narrators to be liars. These individuals are more harmful to Islaam and its adherents than the disbelievers. 2) Another group believes them to be authentic and accepts them, however, they distort their meaning. These people are far worse in harm than the first group. 3) The third type of group combines the first two views. According to their claims they eliminate any anthropomorphic qualities to Allaah, while they are lying. This directs them to accept the first two views. And they are more greater in danger than the first two groups."
'Aqeedat-ul-Haafidh 'Abd-ul-Ghanee: pg. 121

Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah (Rahimahullah) said:
"This is the reality of the statement of those from the Salaf and the people of knowledge that say: ‘Verily, the ones who called towards innovations are not to have their testimony accepted. Nor should they be followed in prayer. Nor should knowledge be taken from them. Nor should they be given women in marriage.' This is their recompense, until they stop what they are doing. Due to this, it must be noted that there is a difference between one who calls towards innovations and one who doesn't call to it (but yet is still an innovator). The one who calls to it, publicly displays his evil and thus it is necessary to punish him, as opposed to the one who conceals his innovation. Indeed, this latter one is only as evil as the hypocrites – those whom the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to accept their open proclamations (of Faith) and entrust their secret proclamations to Allaah, while possessing knowledge of the condition of most of them."
Majmoo'-ul-Fataawaa (28/520)

"Shaikh Muwaffiq-ud-Deen (i.e. Ibn Qudaamah) (Rahimahullah) has mentioned the forbiddance of looking into the books of innovators and he stated: ‘The Salaf used to forbid others from sitting with the innovators, looking into their books and listening to their speech.'"
Al-Adaab-ush-Shara'eeyah (1/232)

Imaam Al-Baghawee (Rahimahullah) said:
"The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) has informed us that this ummah would divide into groups, and that desires and innovations would appear amongst them. And he (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) declared salvation for whosoever follows his Sunnah and the Sunnah of his companions RAA. So it is a must upon every Muslim, when he sees a man dispersing any type of vain desire or innovation knowingly, or he is scorning any part of the Sunnah, to abandon him and free himself of him, whether he is dead or alive. Thus, he does not greet him with Salaam when he encounters him nor does he respond to him if he is greeted initially. He is to continue doing this until that individual abandons his innovation and returns to the truth. As for the forbiddance of abandoning (i.e. making Hijrah from) one's brother for more than three days, then that is in regards to a disagreement that occurs between two people in respect to matters of companionship or family ties. It is not in regards to the Religion, for indeed, abandoning the people of vain desires and innovations is unending, until they repent."
Sharh-us-Sunnah (1/227)

'Abdullaah ibn 'Umar as-Sarkhusee (Rahimahullah) - the scholar of al-Khazar - said: I ate a single meal with an innovator and Ibn al-Mubaarak heard of it so he said : "I will not speak to him for thirty days."

Ibraaheem [i.e. an-Nakha'ee] (Rahimahullah) said: "There is no backbiting regarding an innovator."

al-Hasan al-Basree (Rahimahullah), said: "There are three who have no inviolability with regard to backbiting: o­ne of them is the person of innovation who calls to his innovation."

From Katheer, Aboo Sahl (Rahimahullah) said: "It is said that there is no inviolability for the people of innovated sects."

'Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak (Rahimahullah) said: "The person of innovation has darkness in his face even if he anoints it thirty times a day."

Compiled by Yusuf Atiff Diab

taken from
Imam al-Laalikaa'ee Source: Sharh Usool ul-I'tiqaad (Eng. Trans. by Dawud Burbank)

Concerning the innovations

The Messenger of Allaah (SalAllahu alaihi wa Salam)said: “Every innovation is misguidance and going astray.” [Reported by Abu Daawood, no.4607 and it is saheeh.]
The Messenger (SalAllahu alaihi wa Salam) also warned against the people of innovation, from befriending, supporting or taking from them saying: “Whoever innovates or accomodates an innovator then upon him is the curse of Allaah, His Angels and the whole of mankind.” [Reported by Bukhaaree (12/41) and Muslim (9/140)]
Imaam Bukhaaree (rahimahullaah) said:
I met more than a thousand men amongst the people of knowledge from the people of al-Hijaaz, al-Makkah, al-Madinah, al-Koofah, al-Basrah, Waasit, Baghdaad, Shaam and Misr... and I never saw a single one of them differ with respect to the following matters...
... And they used to forbid and prevent [people] from the innovations - those that the Messenger (SalAllahu alahi wa Salam) and his Companions were not upon, due to His saying:
And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allâh (i.e. this Qur'ân), and be not divided among yourselves [Soorah Aali Imraam 3:103]
and due to His saying:
If you obey him [the Messenger], you shall be on the right guidance [Soorah an-Noor 24:54]
[Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee (2/172-5), The Creed of Imaam Bukhaaree p.13,28 - al-Maktabah as-Salafiyyah Publications]

Ibn Abbaas (d. 68H) (radi Allahu anhu) said: “Indeed the most detestable of things to Allaah are the innovations.” [Reported by al-Bayhaqee in as-Sunan al-Kubraa (4/316) ]
Ibn Umar (d. 84H) (radi Allah anhu) said: “Every innovation is misguidance, even if the people see it as something good.“ [Reported by Abu Shaamah (no. 39)]
Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d. 161H) (rahimahullaah) said:“Innovation is more beloved to Iblees than sin, since a sin may be repented from but innovation is not repented from.” [Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee (no. 238) ]
Al-Hasan al-Basree (d. 110H) (rahimahullaah) said: “Do not sit with the people of innovation and desires, nor argue with them, nor listen to them.” [Reported by ad-Daarimee in his Sunan (1/121)]
Ibraaheem bin Maysarah (d.132H) (rahimahullaah) said: “Whoever honours an innovator has aided in the destruction of Islam.” [Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee (1/139).]
Sufyaan ath-Thawree (d. 161H) (rahimahullaah) said: “Whoever listens to an innovator has left the protection of Allaah and is entrusted with the innovation.” [Reported by Abu Nu'aym in al-Hilyah (7/26) and Ibn Battah (no.444). ]
Imaam Maalik (d. 179H) (rahimahullaah) said: “How evil are the people of innovation, we do no give them salaam.” [Reported by al-Baghawee in Sharh us-Sunnah (1/234).]
Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee (d. 204H) (rahimahullaah) said: “That a person meets Allaah with every sin except Shirk is better than meeting Him upon any one of the innovated beliefs.” [Reported by al-Bayhaqee in al-I'tiqaad (p.158) ]
Al-Fudayl bin 'Iyaad (d. 187H) (rahimahullaah) said: “Whoever sits with a person of innovation, then beware of him and whoever sits with a person of innovation has not been given wisdom. I love that there was fort of iron between me and a person of innovation. That I eat with a Jew and a Christian is more beloved to me than that I eat with a person of innovation.” [Reported by al-Laalikaa'ee (no.1149)]
Al-Layth bin Sa'd (d. 175H) (rahimahullaah) said: “If I saw a person of desires (i.e. innovations) walking upon the water I would not accept from him." So Imaam as-Shaafi'ee then said: "He (al-Layth) has fallen short. If I saw him walking in the air I would not accept from him.”[ Reported by as-Suyooti in al-Amr bil 'Ittibaa wan-Nahee anil Ibtidaa'.]

Compiled by Yusuf Atiff Diab
Source: Sharh Usool ul-I'tiqad of Imaam al-Laalikaa'ee (Eng. Trans by Abu 'Iyad as-Salafi) Article ID : BDH020002

http://www.spubs.com/

Ibn al Qayyim on music

"From among the artful machinations and entrapments of Allah's enemy [Satan], with which he has snared those possessing little good sense, knowledge and deen [faith], and by which he has stalked the hearts of the false and ignorant people, there is the listening to whistling, wailing, handclapping and song to the accompaniment of forbidden [musical] instruments.

Such things block the Quraan from people's hearts and make them devoted to sin and disobedience. For song (to musical accompaniment) is the Quraan of Ash Shaytaan (Satan). It is a dense veil and barrier, preventing nearness to Ar-Rahmaan! (Allah) By way of such song, Satan deceives vain souls, making it appear pleasing to them through his cunning appeal to their vanities. He insidiously whispers false, specious arguments suggesting the' goodness' in song.

These arguments are accepted, and as a result, the Quraan becomes an object of neglect and abandonment."

Ibn Al Qayyim
Page 224, vol. 1 of Ighaathatul Lahfaan

quote from Mustafa Al-Kanadi's (rahimuhullah) book "The Islamic Ruling on Music and Singing" under the fourth chapter titled "The Wisdom Behind Its Prohibition by The Divinely Revealed Shariah".
taken from
http://tawheedfirst.wordpress.com/

A beautiful statement of Ibn ‘Abbaas concerning music

A man said to Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him), "What do you say concerning Music? Is it permissible or is it forbidden?"

He responded, "I do not say it is forbidden except what is found in the Book of Allaah."
The man said, "So you say it is permissible then?"

Ibn 'Abbaas stated, "I did not say that." Then he (Ibn 'Abbaas) said to him, "Do you see that truth and falsehood will come on the Day of Judgement, so where will music be on that day?"

So the man said, "It (music) will be with falsehood on that day."

Upon this Ibn 'Abbaas closed with, "Go then for I have given the ruling for you."

Taken from: Ahaadeeth udh-Dhammil Ghinaai wal-Mua'azaf fil-Mizaan

BOYCOT THE IDIOTS

From Ibn Taawoos who said, 'A man was travelling along with Taawoos (d.106H). So the man heard a crow cawing, so he said, "This is something good." So Taawoos said, "What good or evil is there in this?! Do not accompany me any longer!" Or he said, 'Do not walk along with me any longer!" Saheeh: Related by adh-Dhahabee in as-Siyar (5/40).From Asram who said, "Cut off love and affection for the ahmaq (idiot, imbecile). So there is nothing better for the ahmaq than hijraan (boycotting)." Related by at-Tabaraanee as is found in al-Hajr (p. 113).Stated Ibn Hibbaan (d.354H) in Rawdatul-'Uqalaa' (p. 118), "The obligation upon the intelligent person is that he abandons accompanying the ahmaq and associating and living with the nawkaa (stupid and foolish ones) – meaning the hamqaa' (idiots, imbeciles). Likewise, it is obligatory upon him to stick to accompanying the intelligent and clever ones, to be close with those who are astute and sensible. That is because even if you do not attain a portion of his intelligence, you will still be considered as being with him. And as for the ahmaq, even if you are not deemed as having his humq (stupidity), you will be disgraced by being close with him."Extracted from al-Lu'lu'ul-Majmoo' fee Bayaanil-Hajril-Mamnoo' wal-Hajrul-Mashroo' (p. 15) of Aboo 'Ammaar Yaasir al-'Ataawee al-Atharee.

Who Truly Deserves To Be Worshiped Alone?

The submission and obedience of man to His Creator is the essence of Islam. The Name “Islam” is chosen by God (Allaah) and not by man. It is the same message revealed to all the prophets and Messengers by Allaah and which they spread amongst their respective nations. In its final and universal form it was revealed to Muhammad ( may Allaah exalt his mention and save him and his message from all kinds of evil). Allaah is the identifying name or title of the Majestic, sole and True God. This noun which is the name of Allaah applies to none other than Him. He, Most Majestic and Most High, has other names all of which follow on from His name Allaah.

The meaning of the name Allaah is the ma’looh (that which is worshipped out of love, magnification, deification, and longing). He is the Creator: to Him belongs the Commandment. No worship is worthy of being given to a stone, statue, a cross, a triangle, Khomeini, Farakhan, Elijas, Malcom’s X or Y, Ghandi, Krishna, Gurus, Buddha, Mahatma, Emperor, Joseph Smith, Sun, Moon (not to that from Korea too), Diana, light fire, rivers, cows, Rama, Temples, Prophets, Messengers (Yes! Muslims do not worship Muhammad ( may Allaah exalt his mention and save him and his message from all kinds of evil)  Saints, Priests, Monks, Haile Selassie, Movie Stars, Sheiks, etc.!! All are created beings or things.

The name Allaah is not chosen by man and it is not named after a prophet, saint or any famous man. The name “Allaah” was referred to by all prophets including Adam, Jesus, Moses, and by the last and final Prophet, Muhammad ( may Allaah exalt his mention and save him and his message from all kinds of evil)  as the One true God who deserves to be worshipped alone. The innate nature in man (fitrah) recognizes what is good and bad, what is true and false. It recognizes that the Attributes of Allaah must be True, Unique, and All-Perfect.It does not feel comfortable towards any kind of degradation of His Attributes nor does it relax towards associating human qualities to the Creator.

Many who became “discontent with God” did so because of the practices of the Church in medieval Europe and because of the claims of “god dwelling in a son”, and that “everyone is born with an original sin”. They “escaped” into worshipping a new theory called “mother nature” as well as the “material world”. With the advancement of materialistic technology others from different religions adopted the concept of “forgetting about God” and “let us live this life and enjoy it!” not realizing that they have chosen the worship of the “origin god” of Rome: The god of desire!

Today we can see that all of this materialistic progress produced a spiritual vacuum that led to complex social, economical, political, and psychological problems. Many of those who “fled” their “religions” are in search again. Some try to “escape” the complexity of their daily lives via various means. Those who had the chance to examine the Qur’an and Islam, proceed with a complete code for life which requires man to fulfill the purpose for his presence on earth.

Allaah does not want for man to be enslaved to any false deity: nature, drugs, lust, money, other men, desire, or sex. He provides the proofs that he is the One who can deliver man from the slavery to any form of creation and to turn to his Creator alone. The Creator has Perfect Attributes. He is the First, nothing is before Him. He is the Last, everything ends except Him; the Most High, nothing is above Him; the Most Near, nothing is beyond His reach and his compassing, and He is the Most High in His nearness. He is the Ever-Living, to Him we shall all return, where everyone will be dealt with in the Most Perfect and Just way. He does not beget nor is He begotten.

Those who attribute Divinity to Jesus forget or ignore the fact that Jesus was in a mother’s womb. He needed nutrition; he was born and grew up to be a man. He was trusted with the Gospel (Injeel) as a message to the Children of Israel. A man-messenger calling his nation not to worship him. A man who needs to eat, walk, sleep, rest, etc. cannot have Divine Attributes because he is in need, but Allaah, the God of Jesus, is far above any imperfection.

With respect to Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Rastafarianism, etc., all are forms of worship to created beings/things in one form or another. Jews had attributed a nationalistic belonging to Allaah: “The Tribal God” of Israel. Men and women following these religions were born with the natural inclination of worshipping their Creator, Allaah. It is their parents who had driven them into their respective traditions. Once they are exposed to the Signs of Allaah around them, or in the Qur’an, or to someone who triggers their Fitrah (natural inclination to worship Allaah alone), the reverting process begins, and that is why we see a universal spreading of Islam. There are many distortions of Islam in the media, worldwide. However, Despite the wrong practices of some Muslims (rulers and ruled) in some countries, those who seek the truth are judging Islam according to its doctrines. That is why we continue to witness a global growth in the number of people accepting this true religion of Allaah.

The opposition to Islam will intensify with the spread of this truth in the world. This is not a conflict of “civilizations”, but rather the real struggle between the truths presented in the creed and principles of Islam and false doctrines and ways of worship.

This is a real challenge for those who seek the Truth. Man is created for a purpose: to live a life in accordance with Allaah’s way. Why Not? Do we posses the air we breathe? Did we create ourselves or others? Or were we ourselves the Creators? So is it our right to ignore our Creator when we are all need of Him? Allaah is All-Just and All-Wise. He does not intend confusion for His Creation.

The religion accepted to Him is the one chosen by Him. Its essence must be One, because He is One and only one True God. It is the religion of submission to the Will and Commandment of the One Who brought us to life, the Ever Living who will never die. It is the complete way of life for all mankind. All these qualities are chosen by Allaah in His only religion: Islam. I hope that you will come with an open heart to read the Noble Qur'aan, because none can expose the truth better than the Word of Allaah.

The Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad in Arabic and it is not authored by him for he was unlettered. The translations of its meanings into many languages are available in bookstores or in an Islamic Center close to you.

You may want to know how does one become a Muslim. In order to become a Muslim one must openly recite ash-shahaadah (the profession of faith): La ilaaha illallaah, Muhammad Rasoolullaah which means that there is no true god except Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. This means that there is no god worthy of being worshipped but Allaah, and that He must be worshipped only according to the teaching of His Messenger Muhammad ( may Allaah exalt his mention and save him and his message from all kinds of evil).

Those teachings are best understood by the Prophet’s companions, and those who rightfully follow their path until the Day of Resurrection. They are called as-salaf as-saalih (the Righteous Predecessors). May Allaah, the Most High, guide us all to this path.

By: Dr. Saleh As-Saleh
http://www.understand-islam.net/

Priest burns himself to death over Islam

A retired priest committed suicide by setting himself on fire in a German monastery in protest at the spread of Islam and the Protestant Church’s inability to contain it.

Roland Weisselberg, 73, poured a can of petrol over his head and set light to himself in the grounds of the Augustine monastery in the eastern city of Erfurt, where Martin Luther spent six years as a monk at the beginning of the 16th century. Witnesses said that Weisselberg climbed into a building site next to the monastery church, where a Reformation Day service was being held. He shouted “Jesus and Oskar” before the flames engulfed him. The latter name was an apparent reference to Oskar Brüsewitz, a priest who burnt himself in 1976 in protest against the Communist regime in East Germany. Monastery staff tried to put out the flames and Weisselberg was still conscious as a nun prayed with him before he was taken to hospital. He died a day later, on Wednesday.

Media reports said that he had tried to kill himself inside the church but changed his mind when he found the side door was locked.

The Provost of Erfurt, Elfriede Begrich, told reporters that Weisselberg’s widow had said that he killed himself because he was alarmed at the spread of Islam and the Church’s stance on the issue.
She described Weisselberg as an erudite man who had addressed repeatedly the Church’s position on Islam in meetings over the past three to four years. He had written to her, urging her to take the matter more seriously, she said.

The Protestant Bishop of Saxony, Axel Noack, said the suicide had shocked the community and that he hoped it would not hurt relations between Christians and Muslims.
“We in the East are still among ourselves when we discuss Islam,” said Bishop Noack, adding that there were not many Muslims in the area.

Relations with Muslims have been a matter of intense debate in Germany in recent months, stoked by the cancellation of a Mozart opera in Berlin amid fears that it could provoke Muslim violence, and a speech by the Pope in September in which he quoted from a medieval text linking the spread of the Islamic faith to violence.

The Berlin Deutsche Oper has said that it will stage the opera, which has a scene showing the severed heads of the Prophet Muhammad, Jesus and Buddha.

From David Crossland in Berlin http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2434625,00.html