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

Firstly, this short article is a reminder of what our Mashaayikh in the West already clarified 5 years ago [Charlie Hebdo Incident]. The Salafi Response To The Terrorist Attacks In Paris, France: “Were they forbidding an evil?”

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-salafi-response-to-the-terrorist-attacks-in-paris-france-were-they-forbidding-an-evil/

https://www.salafisounds.com/bbc-interview-abu-khadeejah-regarding-terrorist-attacks-in-paris-salafism-women-in-islam/

Secondly, a reminder regarding the misguidance of those who seek to distort the image of Islaam in the name of freedom of speech and those who commit murder in the name of Prophet Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam].

Indeed, whenever confused and misguided individuals or groups who ascribe themselves to Islaam commit murder or terrorist acts in the name of Islaam, the demagogues and ideologues find an opportunity to slander Muslims and create an atmosphere of fear. So you hear some of them saying, “This is an Islamist Terrorist Attack. This is an attack against the essence of French statehood, with the values it espouses of secularism, freedom of worship and freedom of expression. The republic is under attack. Intolerance has crossed a new threshold and does not seem to give ground to anything in imposing its terror on our country”. [End of quote]

If those who utter the above statements were honest enough to acknowledge the fact that terrorism has no place in Islaam, they would not have found the need of sloganeering and seeking to arouse nationalistic sentiments; rather they would have simply informed their citizens of the fact that Islaam is innocent of the actions of those who misinterpret the texts or take the law into their own hands. However, the liars in the media are too cowardly and dishonest to propagate the truth about Islaam because they do not want humankind to discover the truth and submit to their Lord.

As for the term Islamist, it is given different meanings in the West, so whenever the opportunistic sections of the media, the demagogues and ideologues utilise this term in certain situations, the only thing in the minds of their blind followers is that the events in that particular situation is nothing else but Islamic and the perpetrators are Islamists!

What Is an Islamist In The View of Westerners

The term ‘Islamist’ is a person who believes strongly in Islam, especially one who believes that Islam should influence political systems, an advocate or supporter of Islamic militancy or fundamentalism, radical Islamists etc

[1] Islamist – One Who Believes Strongly In Islaam, Especially One who Believes That Islaam Should Influence Political Systems

If the term ‘Islamist’ – according to Westerners – is a person who believes strongly in Islaam, especially one who believes that Islam should influence political systems, then indeed this is praiseworthy in the sight of Allaah. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [hafidhahullaah] said: “Whoever Allaah wishes good for, He grants him understanding in the religion.” When this ‘Understanding in the religion’ is mentioned to the people, they understand it to mean the books of Islamic jurisprudence [i.e. the books that discuss the rulings related to prayer, zakat, fasting, marriage etc]. This is a deficient understanding. Fiqh [understanding] – first and foremost – is the understanding of the (sound) creed and Tawheed (i.e. sound Islamic monotheism). This is the highest level of Fiqh, because the nobility of knowledge is judged based on the nobility of its subject matter. The best and noblest subject matter is Tawheed, which teaches the people about the Attributes of their Lord and the perfection of His Attributes, about His Oneness, to worship Him (alone) and sincerely establish the religion for His Sake. Therefore, we seek understanding of Tawheed from Allaah’s Book, the (authentic) Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and from the understanding of our Salafus Saaleh [i.e. the Sahaabah, the Taab’een and the At-baa at-Taabi’een]. We seek understanding in all areas of (Sharee’ah) knowledge – understanding of halaal and haraam, acts of worship, mutual dealings, sound Islamic politics, economics and in every affair. All these affairs – and all praise and thanks be to Allaah – are extensively [found] in the (message) brought by Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam].

When Fiqh is mentioned, its intended [meaning includes] understanding of every affair that is connected to our religious and worldly affairs, and the foremost of them is the knowledge of Tawheed [Islamic Monotheism]. There is nothing that can do without the knowledge of Tawheed. Some people deeply preoccupy [themselves with other] sciences and subject matters, but do not know this knowledge brought by the Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], to such extent that you find many people who are well versed in language, Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy and the science of rhetoric, but – by Allaah – he does not know [the sound meaning] of ‘Laa ilaaha illal laah’ – the Islamic Monotheism, which Allaah sent all the Messengers with, the first and last of them. [Allaah said]:

[وَلَقَدۡ بَعَثۡنَا فِى ڪُلِّ أُمَّةٍ۬ رَّسُولاً أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَٱجۡتَنِبُواْ ٱلطَّـٰغُوتَ‌ۖ – And verily, We have sent among every Ummah [community, nation] a Messenger [saying]: “Worship Allah [Alone], and avoid [or keep away from] all false deities.” [Surah An-Nahl Aayah 36]

Every Messenger came with this [Message], until the advent of the seal of the Messengers Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], who resided in Makkah for ten years and called to Tawheed. Tawheed was the foremost aspect and basis of his call. The prayer – the second pillar of Islaam after the testimony of faith ‘Laa ilaaha illal laah – was not legislated until in the 10th year [of his Messengership], and the full details [related to] Zakat was not legislated until [after his migration to] Madeenah and all the other laws. This shows the importance of Tawheed, so how is it that many people who ascribe to Islaam- those who claim knowledge – are ignorant of it, then how about the ignorant people. And due to this, Misguidance, Bidah and grave worship has become widespread, and this arose due to ignorance regarding the [perfect] Names and Attributes of Allaah and negation of Allaah’s [perfect] Attributes. And [also] a people from the other religions entered into Islaam and plotted against the people [through] corrupt sciences – rhetoric, philosophy, forged [or spurious] historical accounts [or events] and what is similar to that, and thus corrupted their [sound] creed and methodology”. [Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm – pages 243-244. Slightly paraphrased]

Therefore, we say to the ideologues and demagogues in the French media, “We seek understanding of Tawheed from Allaah’s Book, the (authentic) Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] and from the understanding of our Salafus Saaleh [i.e. the Sahaabah, the Taab’een and the At-baa at-Taabi’een]. We seek understanding in all areas of (Sharee’ah) knowledge – understanding of halaal and haraam, acts of worship, mutual dealings, sound Islamic politics, economics and in every affair. All these affairs – and all praise and thanks be to Allaah – are extensively [found] in the (message) brought by Muhammad [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam]”.

Imaam Ash’Shaatibee [rahimahullaah] said:

“Know that Allaah has established this sharee’ah as a proof against the creation [i.e. mankind and jinn] – the old and young alike; the obedient and the disobedient; the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the other nations to whom they were revealed. The Sharee’ah is the judge- restrictedly and unrestrictedly; the [source of judgement] and the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to [what Allaah has ordained] and the Greatest Guide. And have you not seen the statement of Allaah [The Most High]?!

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

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

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

Therefore, when this is the case, the Sharee’ah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them [i.e. against mankind and Jinn] and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth. Their nobility is established in accordance with how far they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allaah [The Most High] has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

The one who is the firmest [in his  or her] adherence to the Sharee’ah is more worthy of honour and nobility, but it is not possible for the one below this [i.e. the one whose adherence to the Sharee’ah is below that of the one who is firmest in adhering to it] to reach the highest level of honour based on his adherence to the Sharee’ah. Therefore, honour is [measured] in accordance with one’s [level of adherence] to the Sharee’ah”. [Source: Al-Itisaam 3/434 slightly paraphrased]

Therefore, adherence to the Sharee’ah – in all aspects of life – is an act of worship and to refrain from judging by the Sharee’ah is a sin.  Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (d. 751H) said: “And it is correct that judging by other than what Allaah has revealed is both types of kufr (disbelief) – kufr asghar (the minor disbelief) and kufr akbar (the major disbelief) – and [which of the two it is] depends on the condition of the ruler. If he believes in the obligation of judging by what Allaah has revealed in this situation but turned away from it – out of disobedience – and while acknowledging that he is deserving of punishment then this is kufr asghar. And if he believes that it is not obligatory and that he has a choice in the matter – along with his firm belief that it is the judgement of Allaah – then this is kufr akbar – and if was ignorant in the matter or made an error then he is one who errs (mukhtee’) and his ruling is as the same for those who err. [Madaarij us-Saalikeen 1/337]

Imaam Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa’dee (d. 1376H) said: “Judging by other than what Allaah has revealed is among the actions of the People of Disbelief – and it can also take one outside of the religion. And that is when he believes in its legality and its permissibility. And it can sometimes be one of the major sins and from the actions of disbelief – the one who is guilty of it will receive a heavy punishment – and He said: “And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, then they are the wrongdoers (dhaalimoon).” Ibn Abbaas said: “Kufr less than kufr and dhulm less than dhulm and fisq less than fisq. It is dhulm akbar when it is declared permissible but it is a great sin when it is done without declaring it permissible.” [Tayseer al-Kareem ar-Rahmaan 2/296-297]

Imaam Ibn al-Jawzee (d. 596H) said: “And the decisive speech in this regard is that whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed – while rejecting it [in belief] {jahahda) and he knows that it is Allaah who revealed it – as the Jews did – then he is a disbeliever. And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed – inclining to his desires without rejecting it [in belief] then he is a dhaalim, faasiq and it has been reported from Alee bin Abu Talhah from Ibn Abbaas that he said: “Whoever rejects (jahada) what Allaah has revealed then he has disbelieved, and whoever affirms it (aqarra bihi) but does not judge by it – then he is a dhaalim, a faasiq.” [Zaad al-Maysir 2/366]

Imaam Muhammad Ameen ash-Shanqeetee (d. 1393H) said: “Know that the liberating stance in this topic is that kufr, dhulm and fisq, all of them can be used in the legislation with the intent of ‘disobedience’ at one time and with the intent of ‘kufr that ejects from the religion another time’. And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, turning away and contradicting the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and nullifying the rulings (ahkaam) of Allaah, then his dhulm, fisq, and kufr – all of them are disbelief that eject from the religion. And whoever does not judge by what Allaah has revealed, whilst believing that he is committing a forbidden action and doing a reprehensible action, then his kufr, dhulm and fisq does not eject him from the religion. [Adwaa al-Bayaan 2/104]

Imaam ibn Abee Izz al-Hanafee (d. 792H) said: “And there is a matter which it is necessary to comprehend well – that ruling by other than what Allaah has revealed can sometimes be kufr that ejects from the religion and sometimes a major or minor sin – or it can be ‘metaphorical kufr’ (kufran majaaziyyan) or ‘minor kufr’ – and this is in accordance with the state of the ruler. If he believes that ruling by other than what Allaah has revealed is not waajib and that he has a choice in the matter – or if he disdains/despises it – while having conviction that it is the rule of Allaah, then this is the major kufr. And if he believes in the obligation to rule by what Allaah has revealed and in this [particular] incident [he knows it to be the rule of Allaah] but he turns away from it – whilst acknowledging that he deserves punishment then he is a disobedient person and he is termed a disbeliever with the metaphorical type of kufr or the minor type of kufr. [Sharh Aqeedat it-Tahaawiyyah p. 363]

And the Imaam and Mujaddid, Shaikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhaab (d. 1206H) said: “Know that those things which eject from the religion (nawaaqid) are then in number: …Whoever believes (i’taqada 0that a guidance other than that of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) is more perfect or that the judgement other than his is better – such as the one who gives preference to the hukm of the tawaagheet – then such a one is a disbeliever…” [Mu’allifaat Ash-Shaikh al-Imaam Muhammad bin Abdul-Wahhaab – al-Qismul-Awwal]

Imaam Abdul-Azeez bin Baaz said: “And whoever ruled by other than what Allaah has revealed then he will not be in other than one of four situations: “

The one who says: ‘I rule by this because it is superior to the Sharee’ah of Islaam.’ Such a one is disbeliever in the sense of the major disbelief.

The one who says: ‘I rule by this because it is like the Sharee’ah of Islaam, so ruling by it is permissible and ruling by the Sharee’ah is permissible’. Such a one is a disbeliever in the sense of the major disbelief.

The one who says: ‘I rule by this and ruling by the Sharee’ah of Islaam is superior but ruling by other than what Allaah has revealed is permissible.’ Such a one is a disbeliever in the sense of major disbelief.

The one who says: ‘I rule by this’ while he believes that ruling by other than what Allaah has revealed is not permissible and who says that ‘the Sharee’ah of Islaam is superior and it is not permissible to ruler by other than it’ but he is neglectful, or treats matters lightly, or does this action due to a reason which proceeds from his rulers, then he is a disbeliever in the sense of minor disbelief which does not eject from the religion – and it is considered one of the greatest of major sins.” [Al-Hukmu bi-Ghairi Maa Anzalallaahu wa Usool ut-Takfeer p. 71/72]

[http://www.thenoblequran.com/SPS/sp.cfm?subsecID=MNJ05&articleID=MNJ050001&articlePages=1]

Therefore, if this is the Islamist intended by the French media- the one who adheres to the judgement of the Sharee’ah in all aspects of life, then indeed this is praiseworthy in the sight of Allaah.

[2] If the term Islamist – an Advocate or Supporter of Islamic Militancy or Fundamentalism, Radical Islamists etc

If the term ‘Islamist’ – according to Westerners – is ‘an advocate or supporter of militancy, radicalism or terrorism, then indeed this is not to be attributed to Islaam, because the only people known for such behaviour are the khawaarij and those influenced by their ideas. It is well-known in Islaam that a Muslim is not allowed to commit any act of aggression against a non-Muslim citizen just because he disapproves of their behaviour.  The Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] said, “Whoever kills one who is under an agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise”. This hadeeth shows clearly that a Muslim is threatened with punishment in the afterlife for murdering a non-Muslim citizen who is under an agreement of protection. Therefore, how can any sensible person attribute the deeds of such a Muslim to Islaam?!

As for the term ‘Islamic Fundamentalism’, even though there is much dispute between the people regarding its meanings, however the meaning generally intended by those who use it is, ‘Strict observance of the teachings of the Qur’an and the Shari’a (Islamic Law)’. Therefore, if this is what Westerners intend by the term ‘Fundamentalism’, then indeed Allaah [The Exalted] said:

فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤۡمِنُونَ حَتَّىٰ يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيمَا شَجَرَ بَيۡنَهُمۡ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُواْ فِىٓ أَنفُسِہِمۡ حَرَجً۬ا مِّمَّا قَضَيۡتَ وَيُسَلِّمُواْ تَسۡلِيمً۬ا

But no, by your Lord, they can have no Faith, until they make you (O Muhammad) judge in all disputes between them, and find in themselves no resistance against your decisions, and accept (them) with full submission. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 65]

Narrated Abu Musa (radiyallaahu-anhu): The Prophet (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said, ‘’My example, and the example of what I have been sent with is that of a man who came to some people and said, O people! I have seen the enemy’s army with my own eyes and I am a plain warner; so protect yourselves!’ Then a group of his people obeyed him and fled at night proceeding stealthily till they were safe, while another group of them disbelieved him and stayed at their places till morning when the army came upon them and killed and ruined them completely. So this is the example of that person who obeys me and follows that truth which I have brought (the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), and the example of the one who disobeys me and disbelieves the Truth I have brought. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 9. Number: 7283]

Therefore, if this is what the media intend by the term fundamentalism, then indeed it is a praiseworthy deed in the sight of Allaah [The Exalted], but if they mean those who advocate violence, then indeed this is the behaviour of the khaarijites innovators – ISIS, Al-Qa’idah, Jabhat An-Nusra and their ilk amongst the terrorists.

It is incumbent upon the bias and deceitful ones in the French media to refrain from defiling Islaam through the actions of ignorant Muslims and innovators in religious affairs. The one who recently murdered the middle school history teacher had no right to harm anyone, let alone do so in the name of Islaam. So, there’s no need for exaggeration, fear-mongering and sloganeering, as we have heard some of the French ideologues saying, “Our compatriot was flagrantly attacked, was the victim of an Islamist terrorist attack. They won’t win. We will act – firmly and quickly. You can count on my determination. This is an attack against the essence of French statehood, with the values it espouses of secularism, freedom of worship and freedom of expression. The republic is under attack. Intolerance has crossed a new threshold and does not seem to give ground to anything in imposing its terror on our country”. [End of quote]

Indeed, all this speech is absolutely unnecessary because there’s no rightly guided Muslim who will condone the murder of that history teacher nor regard such action to be lawful and praiseworthy. Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [hafidhahullaah] has already clarified this matter five years ago.

The Salafi Response To The Terrorist Attacks In Paris, France: “Were they forbidding an evil?

https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-salafi-response-to-the-terrorist-attacks-in-paris-france-were-they-forbidding-an-evil/

https://www.salafisounds.com/bbc-interview-abu-khadeejah-regarding-terrorist-attacks-in-paris-salafism-women-in-islam/

Reminding The French Media to Refrain From Their Ideological War Against Islaam, Divide and Rule, And Creating a Culture of Fear

Indeed, when the French media utilises the actions of ignorant Muslims to attack Islaam, it reminds us of the legacy of one of their kings! In the year 1250 King Louis the Ninth was captured whilst on a crusade against the Muslims of Egypt. He was imprisoned and later released after paying a large ransom. However, whilst in prison he utilised his time to think about ways in which to plot against Islaam and the Muslims, so shaytaan inspired him with the following plots: Firstly: The war in the battlefield between the Christians of the west and the Muslims should be replaced with a war based on ideas and cultural supremacy. Secondly: Prepare the West to corrupt the creed of the Muslims and distort the image of Islaam in the world. [خطة لويس التاسع  – page 6]

And when the French media seeks to promote nationalistic sentiments and hide truth, it reminds us of Fir’awn’s satanic strategy. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ عَلَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا يَسۡتَضۡعِفُ طَآٮِٕفَةً۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ يُذَبِّحُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَيَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

Verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon]. [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 4]

Imaam Al-Aloosee [rahimahullaah] said:

He divided them into different sects and they went along with him in everything he desired of evil and corruption, or he used some as a means to get others to obey him; or he made them into different distinct groups under his service and used every group in some type of work, such as construction, tillage, earthwork [drilling etc] and other burdensome work, and whoever did not work was beaten, so they served him by doing so; or he made them into sects and incited hatred and enmity between them, so that they do not come to an agreement [or become united in their stance against him]. [Roohul Ma’aanee’ 11/64-65. Slightly paraphrased]

Reminding The French Media to Refrain From Creating a Culture or Climate of Fear In Order to Hide Truth 

Allaah [The Exalted] said

قَالَ أَجِئۡتَنَا لِتُخۡرِجَنَا مِنۡ أَرۡضِنَا بِسِحۡرِكَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰ

فَلَنَأۡتِيَنَّكَ بِسِحۡرٍ۬ مِّثۡلِهِۦ فَٱجۡعَلۡ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكَ مَوۡعِدً۬ا لَّا نُخۡلِفُهُ ۥ نَحۡنُ وَلَآ أَنتَ مَكَانً۬ا سُوً۬ى

قَالَ مَوۡعِدُكُمۡ يَوۡمُ ٱلزِّينَةِ وَأَن يُحۡشَرَ ٱلنَّاسُ ضُحً۬ى

فَتَوَلَّىٰ فِرۡعَوۡنُ فَجَمَعَ ڪَيۡدَهُ ۥ ثُمَّ أَتَىٰ

قَالَ لَهُم مُّوسَىٰ وَيۡلَكُمۡ لَا تَفۡتَرُواْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ڪَذِبً۬ا فَيُسۡحِتَكُم بِعَذَابٍ۬‌ۖ وَقَدۡ خَابَ مَنِ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ

He [Fir’awn] said: “Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, O Moosaa? “Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof; so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we, nor you shall fail to keep, in an open wide place where both shall have a just and equal chance (and beholders could witness the competition).” [Moosaa] said: “Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon).” So Fir’awn withdrew, devised his plot and then came back. Musa (Moses) said to them: “Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He should destroy you completely by a torment. And surely, he who invents a lie (against Allah) will fail miserably.” [Surah Taa Haa. Aayaat 57-61]

Imaam As-Sadi [rahiahullaah] said: He [Fir’awn] claimed that the Aayaat which Moosaa [alayhis salaam] showed him were nothing more than sorcery and illusions, and that the aim behind them was to drive them from their land and take it over. Fir’awn’s statements were intended to influence his people, because people are naturally attached to their homelands and it is difficult for them to abandon them. He told them that this was Moosaa’s [alayhis salaam] goal, so that they would hate and oppose him. [Tafseer as-Sadi]

Finally, Must Read

The Noble, Revered Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Between The Kharijite Terrorist Savages And The Existentialist Nihilist Haters: