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

Injustice Is Rife, God Does Not Back Wars, The State Should Not Dictate What Religion Does – [Response to a Christian Leader- Follower of a Distorted and Abrogated Path – Who Seeks to Speak On Behalf of Everyone In The Name of God, Whilst Neither Making a Distinction Between Truth and Falsehood Nor Between Clarity and Ambiguity]

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ لِمَ تَلۡبِسُونَ ٱلۡحَقَّ بِٱلۡبَـٰطِلِ وَتَكۡتُمُونَ ٱلۡحَقَّ وَأَنتُمۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ – O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): “Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?”] [Surah Aal Imran. Aayah 71]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ – And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth)]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 42]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Allaah forbade (us) from mixing truth with falsehood, and thus leading to concealment of the truth. Mixing truth with false is by mixing the two until one of them is confused for the other. This is forgery and deceit by way of which what is made apparent is the opposite of what it is in reality. Likewise, when truth is confounded with falsehood, the culprit manifests falsehood in the image of truth and speaks with a statement that carries two meanings- a correct meaning and false meaning, so the listener is under the illusion that the speaker intends the correct meaning, whilst he (i.e. the speaker) intends the corrupt meaning. [Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim’ Vol 1, page 124]

Shaikh Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Falsehood does not spread except with a mixture of some truth, just as the Jews and Christians (i.e. those amongst thme who strayed after the departure of their Prophets) mixed truth with falsehood. And by way of the little truth they possessed, they misguided many from the truth and called them to a lot of the falsehood”. [Majmoo 35/190]

Indeed, the statements regarding injustice, prohibition of war and religious freedom must be scrutinised when heard from a leader amongst the Christians, because they are a people who know the manifest proof regarding the Prophethood of Muhammad, but seek to hide it.

The first affair they are reminded regarding injustice is that they are guilty of the greatest sin and act of injustice. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَقَدۡ ڪَفَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ‌ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ يَـٰبَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّڪُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّهُ ۥ مَن يُشۡرِكۡ بِٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ وَمَأۡوَٮٰهُ ٱلنَّارُ‌ۖ وَمَا لِلظَّـٰلِمِينَ مِنۡ أَنصَارٍ۬
لَّقَدۡ ڪَفَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَـٰثَةٍ۬‌ۘ وَمَا مِنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ إِلَّآ إِلَـٰهٌ۬ وَٲحِدٌ۬‌ۚ وَإِن لَّمۡ يَنتَهُواْ عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِنۡهُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ
أَفَلَا يَتُوبُونَ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَيَسۡتَغۡفِرُونَهُ ۥ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌ۬ رَّحِيمٌ۬
مَّا ٱلۡمَسِيحُ ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ۬ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِن قَبۡلِهِ ٱلرُّسُلُ وَأُمُّهُ ۥ صِدِّيقَةٌ۬‌ۖ ڪَانَا يَأۡڪُلَانِ ٱلطَّعَامَ‌ۗ ٱنظُرۡ ڪَيۡفَ نُبَيِّنُ لَهُمُ ٱلۡأَيَـٰتِ ثُمَّ ٱنظُرۡ أَنَّىٰ يُؤۡفَكُونَ
قُلۡ أَتَعۡبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ مَا لَا يَمۡلِكُ لَڪُمۡ ضَرًّ۬ا وَلَا نَفۡعً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ هُوَ ٱلسَّمِيعُ ٱلۡعَلِيمُ
قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبِ لَا تَغۡلُواْ فِى دِينِڪُمۡ غَيۡرَ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوٓاْ أَهۡوَآءَ قَوۡمٍ۬ قَدۡ ضَلُّواْ مِن قَبۡلُ وَأَضَلُّواْ ڪَثِيرً۬ا وَضَلُّواْ عَن سَوَآءِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ

Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary).” But the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God -Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. Will they not repent to Allah and ask His Forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary), was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. His mother [Maryam (Mary)] was a Siddiqah [i.e. she believed in the words of Allah and His Books (see Verse 66:12)]. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allah does not eat). Look how We make the Signs clear to them, yet look how they are deluded away (from the truth). Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): “How do you worship besides Allah something which has no power either to harm or to benefit you? But it is Allah Who is the All-Hearer, All-Knower.” Say (O Muhammad SAW): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Exceed not the limits in your religion (by believing in something) other than the truth, and do not follow the vain desires of people who went astray in times gone by, and who misled many, and strayed (themselves) from the Right Path.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Aayaat 72-77]

Allaah [The Most High] said:

قُلۡ يَـٰٓأَهۡلَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 64]

Meaning: say to the people of the scripture – the Jews and Christians, [تَعَالَوۡاْ إِلَىٰ ڪَلِمَةٍ۬ سَوَآءِۭ بَيۡنَنَا وَبَيۡنَكُمۡ – Come to a word that is just between us and you]- Meaning: Come let us unite upon the statement which all the Prophets and Messengers agreed upon and none opposes it, except the obstinate and misguided. This statement is not specific to anyone of us, rather it is something that you and us should establish between us, so this is justice and fairness in debate. Then Allaah explains this and said: [أَلَّا نَعۡبُدَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَلَا نُشۡرِكَ بِهِۦ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا – that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him]- Meaning: We should single out Allaah in worship, devoting all love, fear and hope to Him alone, and we should not associate anyone as partner with Allaah in worship- neither a Prophet, an Angel, a Righteous Person, an Idol, a Deified image, a living or non-living thing, [وَلَا يَتَّخِذَ بَعۡضُنَا بَعۡضًا أَرۡبَابً۬ا مِّن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ – and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allaah]; rather all obedience is to be devoted to Allah and His Messengers. [فَإِن تَوَلَّوۡاْ فَقُولُواْ ٱشۡهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسۡلِمُونَ – Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims]. [An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. slightly paraphrased]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] stated: Dzulm [injustice (oppression, wrongdoing)] is of three types according to the people of knowledge. Firstly, the greatest of them is Shirk and why is shirk referred as Dzulm [injustice]? That is because the basis of injustice is to place something in other than its rightful place. And the meaning of shirk is to direct acts of worship to other than its rightful place and this is the greatest injustice – because when they (i.e. the people of shirk) directed acts of worship to other than its rightful place and to those who are not deserving of it, they equated the created (beings) to the Creator and a weak one (i.e. a created being) to Al-Qawiy [The One Perfect in Strength (i.e. Allaah)], who is not unable to do anything. Therefore, is there any greater injustice after this?

The second type of Dzulm is committed when a person oppresses himself by committing sins. A sinner oppresses himself because he exposes himself to punishment, even though it is obligated on his to save himself and place himself in an appropriate situation and that is to obey Allaah etc

The third type of Dzulm [injustice] is committed when a person oppresses others (or commits injustice against them) by taking their wealth (unlawfully), or backbiting them, or spreading tales about them, or stealing their wealth, or violating their honour through backbiting, tale carrying, slander, or shedding their blood by way of unlawful murder, or beating them, inflicting injuries, degrading them without right etc (1)

Secondly, Islaam – The Infallibal Final Divine Revelation – clearly established a sound and beneficial relationship between the state and its citizens. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَأۡمُرُكُمۡ أَن تُؤَدُّواْ ٱلۡأَمَـٰنَـٰتِ إِلَىٰٓ أَهۡلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمۡتُم بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ أَن تَحۡكُمُواْ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ نِعِمَّا يَعِظُكُم بِهِۦۤ‌ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ سَمِيعَۢا بَصِيرً۬ا
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡ‌ۖ فَإِن تَنَـٰزَعۡتُمۡ فِى شَىۡءٍ۬ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُؤۡمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۚ ذَٲلِكَ خَيۡرٌ۬ وَأَحۡسَنُ تَأۡوِيلاً

Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those, to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice. Verily, how excellent is the teaching which He (Allah) gives you! Truly, Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Seer. O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayaat 58-59]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The scholars say that the first verse was revealed regarding the rulers – that it is obligated on them to render back the trusts to those whom they are due and that when they judge between the people they do so with justice. And the second verse was revealed regarding those under the ruler’s authority, the armies and other than them- that it is obligated on them to obey the rulers who establish justice in their distributions, rulings, military expeditions and other affairs, except when they command one to commit an act of disobedience to Allaah, because there cannot be obedience to the creation in disobedience to Allaah. And if they differ in any matter, they should return to the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger. If the rulers do not do this, then they are only obeyed in that which is in agreement with obedience to Allaah and His Messenger, their rights are fulfilled just as Allaah and His Messenger commanded and they are aided in righteousness and piety, but not in sin and transgression”. (2)

There is no such thing as “Separation Between State and Religion”, rather this is the ideology of the militant atheists and secularists. Secularism – as we all know – is the belief that religion should not be involved with the ordinary social and political activities of a country. (3)

Al-Allaamah Muhammad Amaan Al-Jaami [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about those youth who use the word secularist against everyone who commits a mistake, so he replied, “If you say to a Muslim, ‘You are a secularist’, then this is the same meaning of the statement, ‘You are an unbeliever’ because secularism is clear disbelief. Its meaning is the advocacy to abandon all religions, whether Islam, Christianity or Judaism [i.e. separation of state authorities and institutions from religious authorities and institutions]. Secularism has two orientations-its political system is democracy and its economic system is socialism. Secularism is tantamount to disbelief (in Allaah and His Messenger), therefore, one should not be easy going with regards to applying the term to a Muslim who has committed a mistake. It is a grave error (to do so)”. (4)

What is Siyaasah? It means to regulate the affairs of the citizens. It has jurisdiction over the individual’s behaviour and the society as a whole. It involves Islamic jurisprudence by way of which the rulers are facilitated with knowledge and understanding of the rulings related to looking after the affairs of the state, its set-ups and Sharee’ah principles. (5)

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: What is intended by ‘Separation between religion and Siyaasah’ is that the ruler can do what he wants based on what he thinks is a means of fulfilling (responsibilities related to) affairs of the state, whether it agrees with Sharee’ah or not; or even if what he does is based on the judgement of the religion, because the meaning of separation is to distinguish between two things and give them specific definitions. Therefore, in relation to this, the ruler looks at what he considers to be beneficial even if it opposes the Sharee’ah. There is no doubt that this is a false and sinful statement, because the religion itself is Siyaasah and Siyaasah itself is the religion, but what we mean by Siyaasah is the Siyaasah that is based on equity and not oppression. The religion of Islaam came to bring about wellbeing [and upright conduct] for the people in their behaviour towards their Lord and between themselves. It establishes the Rights of Allaah, rights for the people- rights for parents, relatives, wives and the Muslims – in general. And even for non-Muslims, Islam has given them rights that are well-known to the scholars. It laid down the means and conditions for war and peace making, punishments for crimes – some of which are determined by way of specific texts and some are left to the jurisdiction of the ruler, as well as other affairs which clearly shows that Islaam in its entirety is Siyaasah. The root of this word Siyaasah is Saa’is and that is the person who is responsible for looking after the affairs of animals – fulfilling that which brings them wellbeing and repelling that which will harm them. This is Siyaasah. We find this meaning when we contemplate on affairs of the religion, and that Allaah has legislated – for the servants – things without which humans will not be able to establish [a fruitful, stable, orderly, safe] life, and forbade them from things that will corrupt their state of affairs – either affecting everyone or specific individuals. Therefore, in reality the entire religion is Siyaasah. And we are certain that anyone who separates Siyaasah from the Religion and establishes Siyaasah based on what he sees fit and what he forbids, then indeed his Siyaasah is corrupt, and it will cause more harm than good. If it rectifies one affair based on his limited [or deficient] opinions, then indeed it greatly corrupts from another angle. So, this makes it incumbent that one contemplates on the state of affairs of those who base their Siyaasah on their desires and opinions, and became distanced from the religion of Islaam, you will find -after contemplating – that either all that Siyaasah is corrupt or most of it, and that if it rectifies an affair from one angle, it corrupts from another angle. So, based on this, separation between Siyaasah and Religion is a sinful deed and it is obligated on the one who seeks to rectify himself and others that he does so only based on the religion of Islaam. (6)

Therefore, when one says that the neither should the state interfere in religious affairs nor should religious leaders interfere in state affairs, we remind him that this statement requires clarification, because the rulers are commanded to judge by the Sharee’ah in all affairs and the scholars are the ones who clarify what the Sharee’ah commands, recommends and prohibits. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَطِيعُواْ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُوْلِى ٱلۡأَمۡرِ مِنكُمۡ‌ۖ – O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad, and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. [Surah An-Nisaa’ Aayah 59]

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah protect him] said, “The pious predecessors explained the term [Ulul Ilm – those who have been given knowledge] to mean those who are in authority, and some of them explained it to mean [Al-Ulamaa – the scholars]; but what is correct is that the Aayah includes both the scholars and those in authority- scholars propagate Allaah’s Sharee’ah, teach the people, give rulings and the rulers implement the rulings. So, the Aayah includes both the scholars and rulers. Due to this, Ibnul Qayyim said that it is obligatory to obey the scholars when they say, “Allaah said and Allaah’s Messenger said” regarding matters related to creed, acts of worship or deeds. (Also) in matters related to halaal and haram, if they say, “Allaah said and the Messenger of Allaah said” and then they give verdicts and judge based on what the Book and Sunnah necessitates, it becomes obligated on the people to obey them. If the rulers command (the people) to obey Allaah -in accordance with what agrees with Allaah’s Sharee’ah, then it becomes obligated on the people to obey them. Many people do not acknowledge the status of the people of knowledge, and they say, “They (i.e. scholars) are not guardians over us and there are no popes in Islam”. This (statement) is tantamount to toppling scholars, belittling and removing them from their status (i.e. although neither are the scholars regarded as popes nor are they to be treated as popes, but they have been given status as inheritors of the knowledge left behind by the Prophets). This chronic illness appeared since the appearance of nationalism, western colonialism, the destructive views of the Naasiriyyah [Pan Arab Socialists] and Ba’thiyyah [Ba’ath party – socialists] etc. The figureheads of these filthy dogmas made strenuous efforts to eliminate Islam and remove it from their path, which could not be accomplished except by toppling the scholars. Then, this disease spread amongst the (deviated) groups that attribute themselves to Islam. (7)

However, despite the fact that we live in Western societies whose leaders judge by secular laws, we do not follow the path of those chaotic people who take the law into their own hands in the name of Islam. Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him] said: Although Muslims in Britain are subject to British law and the British legal system, Sharī’ah tribunals are allowed in certain areas as an alternative way of resolving disputes. These are aimed at resolving commercial, civil and matrimonial disputes to the satisfaction of both sides. Sharī’ah Law is based upon the Qur’ān and Sunnah, and judgements are made in accordance to these two sources. Only those well-versed with the Religion and jurisprudence (rulings in law) are permitted to judge in Sharī’ah matters. Read more here: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/educate-yourself-ethics-1-2-shariah-redstone-academy/

Take note of Shaikh Abu Khadeejah’s statement, “Muslims in Britain are subject to British law and the British legal system”, therefore one must be well aware of this fact and distance himself from the Takfeeris and those who take the law into their own hands. One must pay close attention to the fact – out of fear of Allaah and the last Day – that it is obligated on us to behave well towards our non-Muslim fellow citizens and fulfil our covenants.

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: Likewise I invite you to have respect for those people who have the right that they should be respected, from those between you and whom there is an agreement (of protection) [i.e. Non-Muslims]. For the land which you are living is such that there is an agreement between you and them. If this were not the case they would have killed you or expelled you. So preserve this agreement, and do not prove treacherous to it, since treachery is a sign of the hypocrites, and it is not from the way of the Believers.

And know that it is authentically reported from the Prophet that he said : “Whoever kills one who is under an agreement of protection will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.”

Do not be fooled by those sayings of the foolish people: those who say: ‘Those people are Non-Muslims, so their wealth is lawful for us [i.e. to misappropriate or take by way of murder and killing].’ For by Allaah – this is a lie. A lie about Allaah’s Religion, and a lie in Islamic societies.

O my brothers. O youth. O Muslims. Be truthful in your buying and selling, and renting, and leasing, and in all mutual transactions. Because truthfulness is from the characteristics of the Believers, and Allaah – the Most High – has commanded truthfulness – in the saying of Allaah – the Most High – “O you who believe – fear and keep you duty to Allaah and be with the truthful.”

And the Prophet encouraged truthfulness and said : “Adhere to truthfulness, because truthfulness leads to goodness, and goodness leads to Paradise; and a person will continue to be truthful, and strive to be truthful until he will be written down with Allaah as a truthful person“.

And he warned against falsehood, and said : “Beware of falsehood, because falsehood leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire. And a person will continue lying, and striving to lie until he is written down with Allaah as a great liar.”

O my brother Muslims. O youth. Be true in your sayings with your brothers, and with those Non-Muslims whom you live along with – so that you will be inviters to the Religion of Islaam, by your actions and in reality. So how many people there are who first entered into Islaam because of the behaviour and manners of the Muslims, and their truthfulness, and their being true in their dealings. (8)

Living With Non-Muslims In The West: With Fine Conduct
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Living-with-Non-Muslims.pdf

Alliance with the non-Muslims is of two types – misunderstanding this affair leads people astray
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/

Treaties With The Non-Muslims: Is it Allegiance? Is it Apostasy?
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/treaties-with-the-non-muslims-do-they-necessitate-allegiance/

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-prophet-of-islam-would-not-kill-diplomats-ambassadors-emissaries-or-foreign-delegations-even-if-they-were-sent-by-the-worst-of-his-enemies/

The Tyranny Of The Rulers, A Reason For Rebellion?
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers
https://salaficentre.com/2021/02/10/believers-bahaviour-towards-muslim-rulers-advise-given-in-private-supplicate-for-them-and-refrain-from-rebellion-so-beware-of-spiteful-foreign-instigators-and-some-dangerous-social-media-networ/

War and Peace

Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا رُسُلَنَا بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ وَأَنزَلۡنَا مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ ٱلنَّاسُ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ‌ۖ وَأَنزَلۡنَا ٱلۡحَدِيدَ فِيهِ بَأۡسٌ۬ شَدِيدٌ۬ وَمَنَـٰفِعُ لِلنَّاسِ وَلِيَعۡلَمَ ٱللَّهُ مَن يَنصُرُهُ ۥ وَرُسُلَهُ ۥ بِٱلۡغَيۡبِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ قَوِىٌّ عَزِيزٌ۬

Indeed We have sent Our Messengers with clear proofs, and revealed with them the Scripture and the Balance (justice) that mankind may keep up justice. And We brought forth iron wherein is mighty power (in matters of war), as well as many benefits for mankind, that Allah may test who it is that will help Him (His religion), and His Messengers in the unseen. Verily, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. [Surah Al-Hadeed. Verse 25]

Imaam As-Sadi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Allah [The Most High] informs us that He sent the Messengers to guide the creation [i.e. humankind and Jinn] and supported them with clear proofs that clearly manifest the realities – demonstrated the truthfulness of the Messengers and the reality of that which they brought. He revealed the Scripture to them wherein there is guidance and mercy- revealed to them the Balance, which is justice by way of which justice, its foundation and subsidiary branches are known, and so that humankind may keep up justice when they act upon it in their beliefs, manners, deeds, behaviour and in all their affairs. Therefore, all their affairs and circumstances will be established upon righteousness and steadfastness when they act upon that which Allāh revealed in the Scripture and the Balance.

And Allāh [The Most High] informs us that He sent down iron wherein there is mighty power (in matters of war) as well as many benefits for humankind – specifically mentioned its benefits in matters of war and then generalized it in all other matters. Allāh sent down iron for the (purpose) of these beneficial, indispensable matters and affairs that bring about perfection – in specific and in general. All things – except a few – are in need of iron. Indeed, Allāh mentioned it in the context of the favours He has bestowed on the servants, and this necessitates that these benefits are extracted through every way- necessitates education in military expertise and affairs of war, manufacture of weapons and its accessories, maritime transport, land transportation, aircrafts and other things that benefit the servants in their religious and worldly affairs, just as Allāh [The Most High] said:

[ وَأ عدوا لهم ما استطعتم من قوة ومن رباط الخيل ترهبون به عدو هللا وعدوكم- And make ready against them all you can of power, including steeds of war (tanks, planes, missiles, artillery, etc.) to threaten the enemy of Allah and your enemy]. [Surah Al-Anfaal. Aayah 60]

Allāh said: [حذركم وخذوا – Take every precaution for yourselves]. [Surah An-Nisaa 102] This addresses the affair of preparing all that is possible of power – mentally, politically, materially and religiously, and taking every precaution against the enemies through every means and way. All the small crafts and big ones, the inventions and defense [fortifications] are included in this generality. (9)

The Imaam also stated: “This perfect Sharee’ah commanded the study of all beneficial sciences, such as knowledge of pure Islamic monotheism (Tawheed), the sound fundamental principles of the religion, the sciences of sound Islamic jurisprudence and rulings, sciences of the Arabic language, economics, Siyaasah (politics) and all sciences that bring about welfare and rectification for groups and individuals. There is no useful knowledge related to the religious and worldly affairs, except that this Sharee’ah commands it, urges towards it and arouses the desire for it. This Sharee’ah gathers the religious and worldly sciences; rather it benefits the worldly sciences through the religious sciences. As for those who held extreme views in this subject matter, they confined themselves to some of the religious sciences, so they fell short and made a grave mistake. As for the materialists, they confined themselves to some of the worldly sciences and denied everything else, so الحدوا [they deviated from the upright path and conduct until it led them to disbelief]- their religions and morals became disorderly and their sciences had no real significance; neither purified the minds and souls nor facilitated sound nurturing of morals. So, the harm that resulted from their worldly sciences was greater than the benefit, because they benefited from them in terms of upgrading crafts, inventions and their accessories, but then they were harmed in two ways: firstly, these worldly sciences became the biggest catastrophe for them and for all humankind, because of the annihilation, deadly wars and destruction that resulted from it.

Secondly, they became amazed with these worldly sciences and became arrogant, so they despised the knowledge of the Messengers and matters of the religion. Allaah said:

إن الذين يجادلون في آيات الله بغير سلطان أتاهم إن في صدورهم إلا كبر ما هم ببالغيه فاستعذ بالله إنه هو السميع البصير

Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their hearts except pride (to accept you (Muhammad ) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you). They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad from the arrogant people). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer]. [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 56]

Allaah said:

وَجَعَلۡنَا لَهُمۡ سَمۡعً۬ا وَأَبۡصَـٰرً۬ا وَأَفۡـِٔدَةً۬ فَمَآ أَغۡنَىٰ عَنۡہُمۡ سَمۡعُهُمۡ وَلَآ أَبۡصَـٰرُهُمۡ وَلَآ أَفۡـِٔدَتُہُم مِّن شَىۡءٍ إِذۡ كَانُواْ يَجۡحَدُونَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ وَحَاقَ بِہِم مَّا كَانُواْ بِهِۦ يَسۡتَہۡزِءُونَ

And We had assigned them the (faculties of) hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and hearts, but their hearing (ears), seeing (eyes), and their hearts availed them nothing since they used to deny the Ayat (Allah’s Prophets and their Prophethood, proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, and they were completely encircled by that which they used to mock at! [Surah Al-Ahqaaf. Aayah 26]

Allaah said: [فلما جاءتهم رسلهم بالبينات فرحوا بما عندهم من العلم وحاق بهم ما كانوا به يستهزئون – Then when their Messengers came to them with clear proofs, they were glad (and proud) with that which they had of the knowledge (of worldly things): And that at which they used to mock, surrounded them (i.e. the punishment)]. [Surah Ghaafir. Aayah 83]

Therefore, it has become clear – based on what we have mentioned- that the beneficial sciences related to this worldly life and the Afterlife are the sciences endorsed by the Qur’aan and the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger. This knowledge embraces every useful and sound knowledge- neither affirm its origins and negate its branches and vice versa; nor affirms the aspect related to the religion and reject the aspect related to the worldly life, and vice versa; just as its creed embraces belief in every truth, every (sound) reality, every book that Allaah sent down and every Messenger sent by Allaah. (10)

The Imaam also stated: Indeed, the Islamic Sharee’ah has decided the issues of Siyaasah in the most complete manner (see footnote a), and it has guided to all that should be done when dealing with Muslims and others based on the best and most just system, and it has combined mercy and strength in the affair, between leniency and compassion, and mercy for the people whatever the circumstances may be. When that is not possible, then force is used wisely and justly, not with injustice and violence. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

إن الله يأمر بالعدل والإحسان وإيتاء ذي القربى وينهى عن الفحشاء والمنكر والبغي يعظكم لعلكم تذكرون وأوفوا بعهد الله إذا عاهدتم ولا تنقضوا الأيمان بعد توكيدها وقد جعلتم الله عليكم كفيلا

Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet in a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help, etc.): and forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and Al-Munkar (i.e all that is prohibited by Islamic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed. And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (Bai’a: pledge for Islam) when you have covenanted, and break not the oaths after you have confirmed them, and indeed you have appointed Allah your surety]. [Surah An-Nahl. Aayaat 90-91]
So, Allaah commanded that justice is established with everyone, kind treatment and mercy for everyone, especially when dealing with relatives and those who have rights to be fulfilled. He forbade indecency and oppression in order to sanctify life, (and physical wellbeing), wealth, honor and rights, and He commanded the fulfillment and preservation of covenants, and warned against violating them. These affairs that are commanded and forbidden, some of them are clear and obvious, and every Muslim is commanded to adhere to them – neither given a choice in the matter nor any opposition allowed. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

وما كان لمؤمن ولا مؤمنة إذا قضى الله ورسوله أمرا أن يكون لهم الخيرة من أمرهم ومن يعص الله ورسوله فقد ضل ضلالا مبينا

It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Aayah 36]

Allaah said: [فلا وربك لا يؤمنون حتى يحكموك فيما شجر بينهم ثم لا يجدوا في أنفسهم حرجا مما قضيت ويسلموا تسليما – 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]

Allaah said: [فإن تنازعتم في شيء فردوه إلى الله والرسول – (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah (i.e. the Book of Allaah) and His Messenger (i.e. go to the Messenger whilst he was alive and refer to his Sunnah after he has passed away]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Aayah 59]

Allaah said: [وما اختلفتم فيه من شيء فحكمه إلى الله – And in whatsoever you differ, the decision thereof is with Allah (He is the ruling Judge)]. [Surah Ash-Shuraa. Aayah 10]

All praise is due to Allaah, when this first affair is examined, you’ll find it to be in conformity with justice and wisdom, in agreement with the welfare of the people and repels corruption.

The second category are those matters that are ambiguous in their origin or in their application to reality, and the inclusion of matters in them has aspects about which it is unknown whether they are negated or affirmed in the Sharee’ah, to be sought after or shunned. So, with regards to these affairs, they (i.e. the rulers and scholars) have been commanded to establish consultation, look into them from all its aspects, contemplate the conditions and rules that depend on them, the goals and objectives that result from them, compare the welfare and disadvantages, and to give preference to the most upright among them. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وشاورهم في الأمر – and consult them in the affairs]. [Surah Aal Imran. Aayah 159]

And Allaah stated about all the believers: [وأمرهم شورى بينهم – And they (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation]. [Surah Ash-Shuraa. Aayah 38]

With regards to this matter, the Legislator has given more room in it after establishing the rules and foundations that are compatible with every time and place, no matter how circumstances change and advance. When the fundamental principles of the Sharee’ah are used when passing judgment on those those affairs that are of a general nature and the side issues linked to them, the affairs will become upright, the worldly and religious affairs are set right, the affairs of people are rectified, and evils and harms are repelled from them. However, this requires councils that bring together those sensible people who give sincere advice – the possessors of sober minds, broad intelligence, sound opinion and broad insight (that agrees with the Qur’aan and Sunnah), so that internal issues are examined one by one, a research that includes the aspects of the issue is carried out, the affairs perceive as they should be, a clear understanding of what they depends on, the means to attaining them if the intent is that they are to be pursued, a clear perception of the overall and partial benefits and welfare that will result from them, a study of the best and easiest way to obtain them, a study of the harmful issues that are to be repelled and tracing their causes and sources from which they emerge, resolving them as much as possible and then striving to eliminate them completely if possible; but if not possible, then at least reducing and lessening their evil outcomes. Allaah [The Exalted] said: [فاتقوا الله ما استطعتم – Fear Allaah as much as you can]. [Surah At-Taghaabun. Aayah 16] (11)

Therefore, sometimes war is an absolute necessity in order to repel obstinate transgressors, but this does not mean that peace is not given importance. Allaah [The Exalted] said:

لَّا يَنۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمۡ يُقَـٰتِلُوكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَلَمۡ يُخۡرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمۡ وَتُقۡسِطُوٓاْ إِلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُقۡسِطِينَ
إِنَّمَا يَنۡہَٮٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ قَـٰتَلُوكُمۡ فِى ٱلدِّينِ وَأَخۡرَجُوڪُم مِّن دِيَـٰرِكُمۡ وَظَـٰهَرُواْ عَلَىٰٓ إِخۡرَاجِكُمۡ أَن تَوَلَّوۡهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَلَّهُمۡ فَأُوْلَـٰٓٮِٕكَ هُمُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ

Allāh does not forbid you—with respect to those who do not fight you because of religion and who do not expel you from your homes—from being kind towards them and behaving justly with them. Indeed, Allāh loves those who act justly. (12) It is only as regards those who fought against you on account of religion, and have driven you out of your homes, and helped to drive you out, that Allah forbids you to befriend them. And whosoever will befriend them, then such are the Zalimun (wrong-doers those who disobey Allah). [Surah Al-Mumtahinah. Aayah 8-9]

Read here by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: The Life of the Muhammad in Madinah: Treaties, Conquests and his Death: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/

To be continued…InShaaAllaah

[Ref 1: I’aanah Al-Mustafeed Bi-Sharhi Kitaab At-Tawheed. pages 55-56]
[Ref 2: An Excerpt from ‘As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah. pages 16-18]
[Ref 3: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/secularism%5D
[Ref 4: Asbaab Al-Ijaabah: Cassette 2]
[Ref 5: See At-taleeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah. Slightly paraphrased. Page 5 by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)]
[Ref 6: https://binothaimeen.net/content/7366. Paraphrased]
[Ref 7: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm’ pages 58-60. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 8: salafipublications.com]
[Ref 9: https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Quranic_Proofs_Pdf_final.pdf ]
[Ref 10: Ad-Deenus Saheeh Yahillu Jamee Al-Mashaakil. page 10]
[Ref 11: Ad-Deenus Saheeh Yahillu Jamee Al-Mashaakil. page 12-13]