Friday, November 30, 2012

The Difference between following the path of the salaf (pious predecessors) and the path of the Hadaadiyyah By: Shaykh Rabee' Ibnu Haadi Al Madkhali (Hafidahullah)



Question: This questioner asks, “What is the difference between the path of the Hadaadiyyah and that of following the way of the first three generations of Muslims, and how can we distinguish between them?”

Answer: The difference between the two of them is the following: Concerning the Hadaadees; their founder is a man who is an individual who adheres to his desires, someone characterized by his jealousy, hatred, and contempt for the scholars. As for his life history, previously he was in Egypt before he came to this land of Saudi Arabia. He is someone well known for his acts of oppression and outrages against the scholars.

When he came to Riyaadh, he established himself here for seven years, but did not personally meet Sheikh Ibn Baaz, Sheikh al-Fawzaan, Sheikh at-Tuwayjaree, or any of the well known scholars of the Sunnah – never! And he did not take from the scholars knowledge of anything, due to the high degree of his hostility, self pride, and belief in his superiority.

Then he came to Medina with a specific goal and objective – that being to instigate trials. He came forward feigning submissiveness, with the guise of mildness and humility until such a time that he was able to obtain statements of recommendation from some of the scholars of Medina. Then he proceeded to gather a group of malicious individuals, and various rabble around him.

The people of knowledge in Medinah did not observe any distinguishing feature about him nor of those with him other than their rebellion and revolt against them, and against the scholars of the Kingdom. They attacked the scholars everywhere, to the extent that they attacked Sheikh Jameel ar-Rahmaan in Afghaanistaan directing attacks at him after his death through martyrdom, may Allaah have mercy upon him. And we hope that Allaah makes him from among His martyrs.

As their way is one of agitating, inciting, and rising up against the people of the Sunnah, their methodology, and their sincere advisors. By Allaah, indeed I advised them, and treated them gently, and debated matters with them in a manner that I hoped would enable them to return back from their false way. By Allaah, we did not wish any trials. However, they refused any way except that of rebellion, insitigating trials, and proceeding onwards as those who ruin and destroy matters through malicious speech towards the people of Sunnah. They would haphazardly say, “This one is a liar, and this one is a sinner, this one is that and that.' Additionally, they poured forth attacks against Haafidh Ibn Hajr, and Imaam as-Shawkaanee, claiming that they are to be abandoned, and occupying the Salafees with this matter to a degree that there has been no other parallel for!

One of the Salafees produced a written response to them, discussing and critiquing some of the writings and statements of al-Hadaad. So they sprang forth to attack this individual through audio cassettes and books! They attack in a devastating manner anyone from the people of the Sunnah who would write clarifications, by defaming them, assulting them, and slandering them.

Additionally, one of the youth refuted them when they attacked Sheikh Muhammad 'Amaan al-Jaamee', Sheikh Saaleh as-Suhaimee, Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rabee', Sheikh Rabee' ibn Haadee (myself). To myself, Rabee' Ibn Haadee, they attempted to attribute the authorship of that book which was written in defense of Sheikh Muhammad Amaan . Al-Haddaad, the known liar, swore by Allaah that the one who must have written that book was Rabee'!!

From their distinguishing characteristics is lying, corruption, and spreading hatred toward the scholars – attempting to bring them down; as well as self-aggrandizement while at the same time reducing and belittling all others. This continued until it reached such a level that some of them would say, 'It is for so and so and so and so – from the major scholars and people of knowledge – to go to the wife of al-Hadaad and to kneel at her hands and take knowledge from her.' In this way they became those who disrespected and spread contempt for the scholars, while also accusing them of truly being ignorant.

So, the one who possesses these characteristics, he is a Hadaadee. The one who revolts against the scholars, and attacks them, desiring to topple and bring them down through the means which we have mentioned, he is a Hadaadee. They are liars and deceivers, and slanderers, and when we clarified the deception of their Sheikh and their mistakes and falsehoods, they only increased in their extremism. So everyone who is similar to them, going to extremes regarding individuals, and rejecting the established proofs and evidences, and slandering the people of the Sunnah – then he is a Hadaadee, perhaps even worse than them.

Presently there is a group of individuals on the internet who are upon this way and pattern of behaviour. This group on the internet portrays the people of the Sunnah as being Hadaadees, while the characteristics of the Hadaadees are actually clearly found among those putting for the accusation! Meaning extremism, lying, rejection of the truth – this is exactly the way of the Hadaadees.

So understand this, and firmly comprehend these distinguishing characteristics which they possess. Such that it is clear that the one in whom these characteristics are found is from the Hadaadees, or is someone who is similar to or close to them, or perhaps someone even more evil than them.

The believer loves and respects the religion, values sound intellect, honours this methodology and path, and respects this connection to the path of the first generations. He does not surrender or place his intellect into the hands of the foolish for them to toy and sport with, and so playing and manipulating his religion. He does not surrender his religion for the sake of anyone, no matter who that person may be. By Allaah, he does not surrender his religion to another person, even if it be the most remarkable and significant of noteworthy individuals after the Noble Messenger of Allaah, upon him be Allaah's praise and salutations. Indeed, he does not surrender his religion to anyone.

Because unrestricted obedience is only for Allaah, and unrestricted allegiance is only to Allaah and the Messenger of Allaah, and to the noble Companions of the Messenger of Allaah, upon him be Allaah's praise and salutations, was engaged in or related. Likewise the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah collectively carried and conveyed the truth in whatever they were engaged in. But as for anyone else, then their case is not the same; at times they are correct and at times they are mistaken.

Extremism in the religion is from the most offensive and evil of characteristics. Likewise extremism in relation to individuals is also from the most offensive and evil of characteristics. The Messenger of Allaah, upon him be Allaah's praise and salutations, said,

Do not exaggerate in your praise of me as the Christians have exaggerated in the case of 'Isaa Ibn Maryam.

If the Messenger of Allaah, upon him be Allaah's praise and salutations, did not permit exaggeration in regard to him, then how can we now even approach exaggeration in regarding small, miniscule individuals! And we seek refuge in Allaah from exaggerating the status of deficient individuals and making them as if they were infallible giants and mountains, and so on! This is to be considered lying against Allaah and from extremism in regard to individuals, and extremism in the religion. We seek refuge in Allaah from these characteristics.

In this same manner, the Hadaadees have extremism towards al-Hadaad, elevating his position and status, while he is actually an ignorant, misguided individual who is both unsteady and confused. Yet they endorse and approve of him, my brothers! He has said, “I have for the past twenty years warned against the Muslim brotherhood organization, and warned against Sayyid Qutb”, and so on.

But we have not seen form him a single book nor heard from him an audio lecture in which he seeks to combat and strive against them. However, in relation to his reaching out to take up arms against the Salafees, then he proceeds like a savage lion. He actively writes about and produces and distributes audio lectures about them. Indeed, he wrote a small book regarding Sheikh al Albaani (rahimahullah), amounting to about 40 pages, which he filled with lies and corruption, which he entitled, “Five: The Introduction, The Conclusion, The Right, The Left, and The Heart.”

Fine, clearly this is like the efforts of an army, in attacking and engaging in combat. Then why didn't you direct such works towards the sect of the Raafidhah?! Why didn't you direct the work “al-Khamees” against the organization known as the Muslim Brotherhood?! Yet you claim that you have been warning against them for twenty years?! Why haven't you directed this violent army of effort towards them?! But instead you direct it towards Sheikh al-Albaani (rahimahullah), while he is the Imaam of the people of the Sunnah in this age?!?!

Likewise, presently there are tremendous attacks from them. Sheikh al Albaani is no longer here, so the attacks have turned to other than him; and certainly this is from the evident characteristics of the Hadaadees. There is currently a group of them, working on the internet. They presently engage in this fighting against the people of Sunnah. They still have the work “al Khamees,” of al-Hadaad, and they are fighting through books, audio lectures, and various statements, while they label the people the Sunnah as Hadaadees. They accuse me of having this disease, of being infected or tainted by it.

For that reason, we advise these individuals to repent to Allaah, to surrender their affairs to Allaah, to yield and comply to Allaah, and to honour the Salafee methodology and path, as well as to honour and respect their intellects and persons; otherwise they will encounter and be faced with a new affliction which is even worse than the affliction of the deviation of the Hadaadiyyah.

Equally from their distinguishing characteristics, is their lack of acting with mercy. Such that if we supplicate for mercy upon the likes of Imaam Ibn Hajr, or Imaam as-Shawkaanee, or Imaam an Nawwawi, they say, “Innovator!” If we say about Ibn Hajr “Haafidh,” they say, “Innovator!” We repply, “They are from the people of Sunnah, but are known to have mistakenly fallen into some aspects of the deviations of the 'Ash'arees.” But they say, 'No, it is required that you say that they are innovators. And if you do not state that they are innovators, then you likewise are also innovators!!' We reply to them, “Rather, if we were to only say that so and so Ash'aree, the meaning of this is that he was primarily upon their innovation in the religion.

Additionally, it is clear that the individual who wishes to speak courteously with good manners it is not always required that he states that so and so is an innovator. I have read to them from the biographies written by Imaam al Bukhaaree. We read the biography of Jaaabir al-Ja'fee, as well as others and we could clearly see that he did not explicitly state that they were innovators, while he knew clearly that so and so was from the sect of the Raafidhah. But he did not say about him he was an “innovator in the religion.” Because this is not a general or absolute requirement.

One should clarify their deviation in order to advise the people; however it is not required that you say explicitly “innovator” or even that “he is not an innovator.” But they rejected this from us. Similarly, individuals who are not of any significance have even called me from outside of the country and said to me, “What is your position towards Ibn Hajr?” I replied, “He is known to have aspects of the innovations of the Ash'aree sect.” He said, “Never could this statement be considered sufficient, you are astray!! It is required that you say he is an innovator!

So we see this among them, as well as them having other matters which I have not brought up but which are similar to these matters which we will further explain. Meaning, what are the distinguishing characteristics of the Hadaadees, and who are they? What are their principles and objectives? We will explain all of this, may Allaah bless you.”

[Source: Various Rulings Regarding Beliefs and Methodology – First Sitting]

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

A Return to Excellence

KNOWING THE STRAIGHT PATH

‘Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ood said:

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) drew a line for us and said: "This is Allaah’s Straight Path." Then he drew lines to it’s right and left and then said: "These are other paths. Upon every one of them is a devil calling towards it." Then he recited: "Indeed this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path." [Sooratul An’aam 6:153]" [1]

Therefore, that which is necessary for the Muslims – both individuals and groups – in order to prepare them for the mighty task and to achieve the lofty goal, is to truly know the Straight Path, it’s People, their ‘aqeedah (belief) and their manhaj (methodology), knowing also the innovations and evils which cause one to separate from this way.

The wisdom of knowing about the evil is taken from the hadeeth of Hudhayfah Ibnul-Yamaan (radiyallaahu ‘anhu) where he said:

"The people used to ask the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about the good, but I used to ask him about the evil for fear that it would overtake me…" [2]

And may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said in poetic wisdom:

"I learnt what was evil, not for itself, but to avoid it.

He who does not know evil from good falls into it."



CLINGING TO THE ORIGINAL STATE OF AFFAIRS

Abul-‘Aaliyah (d.90H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"Learn Islaam. Then when you have learnt Islaam, do not turn away from it to the right or the left. But be upon the Straight Path and upon the Sunnah of your Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and tha which his Companions were upon…and beware of these innovations because they cause enmity and hatred amongst you. But stick to the original state of affairs which was their before they divided."

So ‘Aasim said: I related this to al-Hasan al-Basree, so he said:

"He has given you sincere advice and has told you the truth." [3]

And it is known that this original state of affairs, had as its pure sweet spring, the Qur`aan and the Sunnah, built upon the understanding of the Salafus-Saalih (pious predecessors) – the Companions, the taabi’een and those that followed them – about whom the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The best of mankind is my generation, then those who follow them, then those who follow them." [4]

‘Aa`ishah (radiyallaahu ‘anhaa) said:

"A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: Who is the most excellent of mankind? So the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

"The generation of those that I am in, then the second, then the third." [5]

So this principle – the obligation of adhering to the Qur`aan and the authentic Sunnah upon the understanding of the Salafus-Saalih – is the cornerstone principle of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah.

Imaam Abu Haneefah (d.105H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"Stick to the narrations and the way of the Salaf and beware of newly invented matters, for all of it is innovation." [6]

Imaam al-Awzaa’ee (d.157H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"Patiently restrict yourself to the Sunnah and pause where the people paused, say what they said and avoid what they avoided. Take the path of your Salafus-Saalih, for indeed, what was sufficient for them is sufficient for you." [7]

Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (d.241H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"The fundamentals of the Sunnah with us are: clinging to that which the Companions of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) were upon, taking them as our examples to be followed, avoiding innovations, for every innovation is a misguidance." [8]

Ibn ‘Abdul Haadee (d.748H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"It is not permissible to invent an interpretation about a verse or a Sunnah which was not their in the time of the Salaf (the pious Predecessors), nor did they have any knowledge concerning it, nor explain it to the Ummah. Since this would imply that the Salaf were ignorant of the truth in this matter and failed to reach it. Whereas the late-coming opponent is somehow guided to the truth!" [9]

Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"Inventing an explanation with regards to the Book of Allaah – which the Salaf and scholars are in opposition to – necessitates one of two things: either the explanation itself is a mistake, or that the sayings of the Salaf – which differ with such a saying – are in error! And one who possesses even an ounce if intellect would doubt that the one whose saying is in opposition to that of the Salaf, then he is the one who is in error." [10]



SOFTENING THE HEARTS

Along with seeking to understand the correct Islaamic ‘aqeedah (beliefs) and fiqh (jurisprudence), tafseer (Qur`aanic explanation), and Hadeeth, an essential part of the way of the Salaf includes understanding matters relating to aadaab and akhlaaq (manners and etiquettes) and tazkiyatun-nufoos (purification of the soul) and reflecting upon the lives of the Salafus-Saaliheen. Since this – it is hoped – will enable hearts to cultivate mildness and humility in the worship of Allaah – the Most High – and also to strengthen the determination to make His Religion uppermost in the hearts of the people and upon the face of the earth.

Imaam Ibnul-Jawzee (d.597H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"I feel that occupying oneself with jurisprudence and acquiring narrations in hardly enough to correct the heart, unless he adds to that the study of raqaa`iq (heart-melting narrations) and the study of the lives of the Salafus-Saaliheen (the pious predecessors). Since they attained what is desirous from the narrations and took from the outer actions what is ordered and what is wanted from them. And I do not relate this to you except after personal trial and experience. Since I have found that the majority of narrators and students of Hadeeth are concerned chiefly with attaining the briefest isnaad (chain of narrators) and increase in the number of narrations. And the majority of the Jurisprudents are concerned with dialects and how to win arguments. So how can the heart be softened with these things? Previously, a group of the Salaf would visit a pious servant to see his conduct and manners, not to take from his knowledge. This was because the fruit of his knowledge was his manners and conduct, so understand this. Thus, along with the study of fiqh and Hadeeth, study the lives of the Salaf and those who were zaahid (abstainers) with regards to the world, so that this may be a cause for softness in your hearts." [11]

Yoonus Ibn ‘Ubayd (d.139H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"With good manners you understand the knowledge. With the knowledge, your actions are corrected. With actions, wisdom is obtained. With wisdom you understand zuhd (abstinence) and are granted its benefits. With zuhd comes abandoning the world. With abandoning the world comes desire for the Hereafter. With desire for the Hereafter the pleasure of Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – is obtained." [12]



THE FOUNDATIONS FOR UNITY

The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

"This knowledge will be carried by the trustworthy ones of every generation. They will expel from it the alteration made by those going beyond bounds; false claims of the liars and the false interpretations of the ignorant ones." [13]

So it is our hope in Allaah - the Most Perfect – that He adorns us with the correct knowledge bequeathed to us by our Salafus-Saalih, and that He aids us in learning their ‘aqeedah, so that hearts may embrace it; learning their manhaj, so that people may follow it and learning also their manners and behaviour, so that souls may be cultivated upon it, seeking to convey this to others with wisdom with the patience and forbearance that this pure and sublime message demands. So herein lies the excellence and of the one who reaches it.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (d.795H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"So the beneficial knowledge from all the types of knowledge is to take possession of the texts of the Book and the Sunnah and to understand their meanings, and to limit oneself in that to what is related from the Companions, the Taabi’een and their successors – with regards to the meaning of the Qur’aan and the Hadeeth and what is related from them as regard to the halaal (lawful) and haraam (prohibited) and zuhd, raqaa`iq and narrations about previous nations and Prophets, and other than that. Striving firstly, to distinguish what is authentic and what is weak; and then secondly, striving to understand and comprehend it. And there is enough in that for the intelligent one, and enough to occupy the one who busies himself with beneficial knowledge. And he who stops at that and makes his intention purely for the sake of Allaah and seeks his help – then Allaah will help him, guide him and grant him success, satisfaction, understanding and inspiration. Then such a person will take the benefits of such knowledge – which are found through it alone – and that is fear of Allaah, as Allaah - the Exalted and Majestic – says:

"Indeed it is only those that have knowledge among his slaves that truly fear Allaah." [Sooratul-Faatir 35:10]" [14]

Imaam al-Awzaa’ee (d.157H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"Hold fast to the narrations of the Salaf, even if the people were to abandon you. And beware of the opinions of the people, no matter how much they beautify it with their speech." [15]

Al-Hasan al-Basree (d.110H) – rahimahullaah – said:

"If there was a man who reached the first Salaf, and the he (this man) was raised up today, he would not recognize anything of Islaam." The narrator said: "Al-Hasan put his hand to his cheek and said:

"Except for this Prayer."

Then he said:

"So – by Allaah – how is it for the one who lives in this bad time, not having reached the Salafus-Saalih? So he sees an innovator calling to his innovation, and he sees a worldly person calling to the world, but Allaah protects him from that and makes his heart lean towards those Salafus-Saalih, asking about their way, seeking their narrations and following their path. Allaah will recompense him with a great reward. So be like that – if Allaah wills."[16]



Footnotes:

[1] Hasan: Related by Ahmad (1/435), an-Nisaa`ee (7/49) and others. This hadeeth was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Dhilaalul-Jannah (no. 16).

[2] Part of a lengthy hadeeth related by al-Bukhaaree (6/615) and Muslim (12/235).

[3] Related by Ibn Battaah in al-Ibaanah (no. 136).

[4] Related by al-Laalikaa`ee in Sharh Usoolul-I’tiqaad Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah (no. 31).

[5] Related by Muslim (no. 2536).

[6] Related by as-Suyootee in Sawnul Mantaq wal-Kalaam (p. 32).

[7] Related by al-Aajurree in ash-Sharee’ah (p. 58), and also by al-Bayhaqee in Madkhal ilas-Sunnan (no. 233).

[8] Usoolus-Sunnah (p. 5) of Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.

[9] as-Saarimul Munkee (p. 427).

[10] Mukhtasar as-Sawaa’iqul Mursalah (2/128).

[11] Sayidul-Khaatir (p. 216).

[12] Iqtidaa`ul ‘Ilmil ‘Amal (no. 31).

[13] Saheeh: Related by al-Bayhaqee in Sunanul-Kubraa (10/209), Ibn Abee Haatim in al-Jarh wa-Ta’deel (2/17) and Ibn ‘Abdil Barr in at-Tamheed (1/57-58), from the hadeeth of Ibraaheem Ibn ‘Abdir-Rahmaan al-‘Udharee (radiyallaahu ‘anhu). It was authenticated by Imaam Ahmad – as occurs in Sharaf Ashaabul Hadeeth (p. 27) of al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee.

[14] Fadl ‘Ilmus-Salaf (p. 48) of al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab.

[15] Related by al-Khateeb in Sharaf Ashaabul Hadeeth (p. 25) with a Saheeh isnaad.

[16] Related by Ibn Waddaah in al-Bida’ wan-Nahee ‘anhaa (p. 74)

http://salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=9&Topic=230

How the Shia Killed the Grandson of the Prophet Al-Husayn

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Benefit: Wife sitting in the company of her husband and his friends ?


Question to Sheikh Albani: Is it permissible for a husband to sit with his friends in the company of his wife? And what are the conditions of that?


Shaikh Al-Albani: Firstly, Islam does not approve of this kind of gathering because it’s a type of mixing. Secondly, if it is necessary the conditions – of course – are known, but observing them is difficult. So from the conditions is what we mentioned previously:

1. Each one should be covered with the proper Islamic veil, meaning; that she should not be wearing shiny and beautiful clothes which attract attention, as is the case with women in their homes. Also these garments should not be tight or short for example, where it defines the legs or thighs or similar to that.

What's important is that their clothing contains the conditions of the veil which I mentioned in the introduction to my book: (The veil of the Muslim woman).

2. Add to that – that the conversation in these sittings should contain in it modesty and good manners and dignity so as not to prompt any of those present from the men or women to smile or laugh or giggle.

So if the conversation has these conditions and is found to be necessary, then the sitting is permissible, but I believe that fulfilling these conditions especially in our time is almost impossible.

Sadly, most Muslims today don’t know the Islamic rulings (what is permissible) and (what is not permissible), and those from them who have knowledge of these rulings, very few of them follow and apply these rulings.

So for that I don’t imagine a gathering between relatives which would contain all of these condition, this is something purely imaginary. And for that the matter is as the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) has said: (…"And between them are unclear matter which many people have no knowledge of, so whoever guards against the unclear matters he will protect his religion and his honor, verily every King has his prohibited land and verily, the prohibited land of Allah is that which he has forbidden.

Verily whoever grazes his Flock around a Sanctuary, he will soon fall in it"). And from this hadith; some people of old times have taken a slang saying: (Distance yourself from evil and sing for it.) This is a slang proverb […] and the second saying: (The one who doesn’t want to see ruined dreams should not sleep between the graves). Like this.

(Tape 4 of Silsilat al Huda wan Noor tape) via Aboo Okasha al Maldivee