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

Sound Harmony Between Arabs and Non-Arabs of The Ummah Can Only Be Achieved Through Path of The Salaf and Not By Replacing The Vilayat-e Faqih of The Rawaafid With Pan-Gulf identity – [Brief Rebuttal Against A Bewildered Arab Journalist]

Indeed, amazing is the affair of some Arab journalists who suggest that in order to confront the threat of the Rawaafid Shiites, the Arabs are in need of a new pan Arabism discourse that would surpasses all affiliations, such as religion, ethnicity or sect!

Firstly, the first affair a Muslim must ascribe himself to is Islam, there cannot be any loyalty to any affair that would surpass loyalty to Islam. Ascribing (oneself) to the Muslim Ummah is a fundamental principle affirmed (or established) in the (Islamic) legislation. The Muslims are a just and balanced nation [i.e. those amongst them (upon a balanced path- neither being lackadaisical nor exceeding the limits ordained by Allaah and His Messenger)]. Allaah [The Blessed and Most High] said:

وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا لِّتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ وَيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ عَلَيْكُمْ شَهِيدًا ۗ وَمَا جَعَلْنَا الْقِبْلَةَ الَّتِي كُنتَ عَلَيْهَا إِلَّا لِنَعْلَمَ مَن يَتَّبِعُ الرَّسُولَ مِمَّن يَنقَلِبُ عَلَىٰ عَقِبَيْهِ ۚ وَإِن كَانَتْ لَكَبِيرَةً إِلَّا عَلَى الَّذِينَ هَدَى اللَّهُ ۗ وَمَا كَانَ اللَّهُ لِيُضِيعَ إِيمَانَكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بِالنَّاسِ لَرَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Thus We have made you [true Muslims – real believers of Islamic Monotheism, true followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways)], a Wasat (just) (and the best) nation, that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger (Muhammad) be a witness over you. And We made the Qiblah (prayer direction towards Jerusalem) which you used to face, only to test those who followed the Messenger (Muhammad) from those who would turn on their heels (i.e. disobey the Messenger). Indeed it was great (heavy) except for those whom Allah guided. And Allah would never make your faith (prayers) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered towards Jerusalem). Truly, Allah is full of kindness, the Most Merciful towards mankind. [Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 143]

They are the best of all nations. Allaah [The Most High] said:

كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ

You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar(polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah. [Surah Aal Imran Ayah 110]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِ – Truly! This, your Ummah [Sharia or religion (Islamic Monotheism)] is one religion, and I am your Lord, therefore worship Me (Alone)]. [21:92]

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِنَّ هَٰذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاتَّقُونِ – And verily! This your religion (of Islamic Monotheism) is one religion, and I am your Lord, so keep your duty to Me]. [Surah Al-Mu’minoon Ayah 52]

The believers are brothers in Religion and they give allegiance to one another. Allaah [The Most High] said:

[إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat Ayah 10]

Allaah named us Muslims. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَجَاهِدُوا فِي اللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِ ۚ هُوَ اجْتَبَاكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍ ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّاكُمُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِي هَٰذَا لِيَكُونَ الرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا شُهَدَاءَ عَلَى النَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِاللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَاكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ النَّصِيرُ

And strive hard in Allah’s Cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all your efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His Message of Islamic Monotheism to mankind by inviting them to His religion, Islam), and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship, it is the religion of your father Ibrahim (Abraham) (Islamic Monotheism). It is He (Allah) Who has named you Muslims both before and in this (the Qur’an), that the Messenger (Muhammad) may be a witness over you and you be witnesses over mankind! So perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), give Zakat and hold fast to Allah [i.e. have confidence in Allah, and depend upon Him in all your affairs] He is your Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.), what an Excellent Maula (Patron, Lord, etc.) and what an Excellent Helper! [Surah Al-Hajj Ayah 78]

And from the branches (or aspects) of this ascription is ascription to Salafiyyah [i.e. the way of the pious predecessors], for indeed there is no hindrance (or prohibition) from (ascribing oneself to that); rather ascription to Salafiyyah is an ascription to Islaam based on what the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and his companions were upon. Yes, (or certainly) it is not permissible that ascription to Salafiyyah is made to mean a party [of illegal partisanship] -(establishing) love and hate based on other than what the Messenger and his companions were upon, for indeed this is blameworthy and it is the meaning of (that) detestable partisanship.

Ascription to Islaam is done in order to differentiate oneself from the followers of other religions; ascription to the Sunnah (is done in order to differentiate oneself) from Bidah and the Shiites; ascription to Salafiyyah (is done in order to differentiate oneself from) the Innovated Dawah Methodologies, which are followed by the followers of the different (deviant) groups. So the Muslim needs to say about himself that he is a Muslim, Sunni, Salafi.

Ascription to a Country or land

Ascribing oneself to a land –the birth place of a person- and having love for a country is affirmed by Islaam. Az-Zuhriy stated, “Abu Salamah Ibn Abdir-Rahmaan informed us that Abdullaah Ibn Adiy Ibn Al-Hamraa’i Az-Zuhriy informed him that he heard the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], whilst he was standing at Al-Hazwarah Market, (saying), ‘By Allah! You are the best land of Allah, the most beloved land of Allah to Allah. Had I not been driven out of you, I would not have left you'”. [Ahmad 4/305; At-Tirmidhee 3925; Ibn Maajah 3108; An-Nasaa’ee in Sunan Al-Kubraa 4/247-248, Hadeeth Number 4238-4239]

The scholars attribute themselves to the place of their birth, for example you find them saying: Such and such was born in Makkah, brought up in Shaam and died in Misr. The books of biography and the (the books stating the different levels of trustworthiness of the narrators of Hadeeth) are filled with this. (a)

Reminder: Ascribing ourselves to our countries does not necessitate nationalism, mocking at other people and being boastful etc Listen to a series of beneficial lectures here by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah (may Allaah preserve him) about Tribalism and Nationalism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Cti6zXaWoM

Ascription to a Nation or Tribe

Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقۡنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ۬ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ شُعُوبً۬ا وَقَبَآٮِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓاْ‌ۚ إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ۬

O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has the most fear of Allaah. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Aayah 13]

[لِتَعَارَفُوا  – that you may know one another]: Meaning: So that you may know one another and how close you all are to one another in lineage, but not out of boastfulness. Then Allaah informed us that the most elevated amongst them [i.e. the children of Aadam] are those who fear Allaah the most. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: “Learn your lineages so that you can maintain ties of kinship. (b)

Ascription to a Tribe and a Nation

The companions of the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] used to ascribe themselves to their tribes and their people in the presence of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], and he never disapproved of that. (c)

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: Indeed, Allaah [The Most High] has removed from you the pride of the pre-Islamic period and its boasting about ancestors. One is only a pious believer or a wretched sinner. You are sons of Adam and Adam (was created from) dust. Let the people abandon boasting about their ancestors, for they are merely fuel in Jahannam; or they will become more insignificant in (the sight of) Allah than the beetle which rolls dung with its nose. (d)

The Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, ‘’Whoever is held back by his deeds, his (nobility) of lineage will not push him forward.” (e)  Imaam Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, ‘’Its meaning is that the one whose deeds are deficient and he does not catch up with the performers of (good) deeds, then it is obligatory upon him not to crown himself with nobility of lineage and the virtues of his forefathers, whilst he is lagging behind in (performing good) deeds.” (f)

Therefore, the basis of virtue is nothing else other than piety, as Allaah said: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡ‌ۚ – Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has the most fear of Allaah]. The more pious a person is, the more loyalty he or she is given. The first category of people are those given specific love and allegiance, such as the Prophets, the righteous, the matryes etc. The second category of people are those who are not given any allegiance, such as the idolater, the hypocrite, the heretic, the apostate and other than them. The third category are those given allegiance from one angle and not from another angle, such as those who commit sins openly – those whose sins have not removed them from the fold of Islam. They are shown loyalty due to their Islam and disavowal due to their sins, but this disavowal is not similar to the one directed at a disbeliever in Allaah and his final Messenger; rather the love they receive necessitates that they are advised, commanded to do good and forbidden from evil. And the disavowal shown to them necessitates that they may be boycotted them and the righteous people do not attend their funerals. (g) Read here: https://salaficentre.com/2021/02/07/al-walaa-wal-baraa-loyalty-and-disavowal-is-a-concept-of-modern-salafi-islam-brief-rebuttal-against-this-absurd-claim-of-some-of-the-bald-faced-liars-amongst-the-demagogues-ideologues-and-rabble/

Rulership

As for rulership, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said: “The Prophetic khilaafah will last for thirty years. Then Allaah will give the dominion to whomever He wills”. [read here by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/kyvik-the-khilaafah-lasted-for-30-years-then-there-was-kingship.cfm

Relationship Between Rulers and Subjects in Islaam

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. Verses 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”. (1)

Siyaasah: What is Siyaasah? It means to regulate the affairs of the citizens- rules related to behaviour and upright rectification. 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. (1.1)

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. (1.2)

The Muslim rulers are commanded to rule by the Sharee’ah and they are not obeyed when they oppose the command of Allaah or the command of the Messenger. However, it is forbidden to rebel against the rulers when they fail to establish justice. Umm Salamah [may Allaah be pleased with her] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings be upon him] said, “There will be rulers from whom you will see both good and corruption. One who recognizes their evil and hates it will maintain his innocence, but one who is pleased with it and follows them will be sinful”. It was said, “Shall we not fight them?” He said, “No, as long as they pray”. [Saheeh Muslim 1854]. Read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

The rulers are to be advised in private when they err. Iyaadh Ibn Ghanam [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], said, “Whoever wants to advise the one in authority, then he should not do so openly; rather he should take him by the hand and advise him in private. If he accepts the advice, then that is good. If he does not accept it, then he has fulfilled his obligation”. [Musnad Aḥmad 14909]

The believers supplicate for the rulers. Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the one who refrains from supplicating for the ruler, so he replied: “This is from the ignorance and lack of foresight of this person, because indeed supplicating for the ruler is one of the greatest acts of worship and righteous deeds. It is one of the acts of sincerity to the Allaah and sincerely wanting good for Allaah’s servants. When Tufayl Ibn Amr Ad-Dawsi [may Allaah be pleased with him] came to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and said to him, ”Daws (a well-known tribe of disbelievers) are doomed, they have disobeyed and been stubborn. Pray to Allah against them”. He said, ”O Allaah! Guide Daws and bring them here”. [Bukhaari and Muslim] So, Allaah guided Daws and they became Muslims. Therefore, a believer supplicates for the people to be blessed with good and the ruler is more entitled to it, because his rectification is a means of rectification for the Muslim nation. Supplicating for him is one of the most important supplications – one of the most important acts of sincerity to Allaah and sincerely wanting good for the Muslims, so one supplicates for him to be guided to the truth and helped upon that path, that Allaah grants him righteous companions, keeps him away from the evils of his soul and the evils of the people he sits with. Therefore, supplicating for him to be guided, blessed with the ability to do good, blessed with a righteous heart, blessed with good deeds and righteous companions, is one of the most important things to ask for and one of the most virtuous acts of worship. It has been reported from Imaam Ahmad [may Allaah have mercy upon him] that he said, ‘If I knew that I have one supplication that would be accepted, I would make it for the ruler’, and he reported this from Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyaadh [may Allaah have mercy upon him]”. (2)

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “If you see something from the ruler that is in opposition to (the Qur’an and Sunnah), then supplicate to Allaah for him because their rectification is a means of rectification for the Muslim nation; but when we say, ‘O Allaah! Rectify the rulers and guide them’, we hear some of the foolish people saying, ‘O Allaah! Do not rectify them’. Glorified be Allaah, The Most Great! If Allaah does not rectify them, then that would be more evil for you, so supplicate for them to be guided and become righteous, and Allaah is able to do everything'”. (3)

Imaam Al-Bayhaqqi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said that Abu Uthmaan [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Advise the ruler and supplicate for him a lot to be upright, guided in speech and action, and in his judgments, because indeed if they are righteous, the people will be righteous due to their righteousness. And beware of supplicating against them to be cursed and they increase in evil, so calamity increases on the Muslims; rather supplicate for them to be granted the ability to repent so that they abandon evil and calamity is removed from the believers”. (4)

Imaam Ibn Salaah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The leaders of the Muslims deserve to be advised, aided upon truth and obeyed in that. They should be notified and reminded with gentle and kind speech, avoid rebelling against them and supplicate for them to be blessed with guidance and good deeds”. (5)

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The scholars hold a consensus that it is recommended to supplicate for the rulers and leaders of the Muslims during the Jumu’ah khutbah, that Allaah rectifies them, helps them to establish truth and justice, and what is similar to it, as well as supplicate for Muslim armies”. (6)

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Abaa Batayn [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “The good supplication for the ruler during the khutbah is that one supplicates that Allaah rectifies and guides him, rectifies the affairs through him, aid him against the kuffaar and the corrupt people, as opposed to what is found in some of the khutbahs of praise and lies; rather the ruler is to supplicated for and not praised, especially when praised with something he does not possess”. (7)

Seeking After Leadership In Islam Is Haraam – The Difference Between The True Followers of The Messengers and Those Who Crave for Leadership And Ask People to Elect Them

Imaam Al-Bukhaari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Chapter: If somebody does not seek authority of ruling, then Allaah will surely help him [if he is given such authority]”. Narrated Abdur-Rahmaan Bin Samura [may Allaah be pleased with him] that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “O Abdur-Rahmaan! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand, then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking [for it], then you will be helped [by Allaah] in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on you find that something else is better, then you should expiate your oath and do what is better”. [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, Number 7146]

Few Reminders From Fat-hul Baari:

The one who seeks authority and receives it will not be helped. It is well known that to be in authority is accompanied by difficulties, so the one who does not receive help from Allaah will be trapped within it and thus loses both his Dunyah and Aakhirah. Therefore, the sensible person does not ask for authority, but if he is suitable and it is given to him without him asking for it, then indeed the truthful and trustworthy one [i.e. The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wsallam)] has promised him that Allaah will help him. [An Excerpt: Chapter: (باب من لم يسأل الإمارة أعانه الله عليها )in ‘kitaab al Ahkaam’ Saheeh Al-Bukhaari with Fat-hul Baari]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The difference between the desire for righteous leadership as opposed to merely desiring leadership: It is the difference between exalting the command of Allaah and being sincere to Allaah as opposed to love of exalting oneself and hastening towards the fulfilment of desires. Indeed the one who is sincere to Allaah and exalts Him, he loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; [loves that] Allaah’s Word should be uppermost and that all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for the sake of Allaah, and [that] the servants should obey Allaah’s commands and keep away from what Allaah has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allaah and sincere to Allaah’s creation in calling them to the path of Allaah. So he loves to be [an upright] leader in the religion; rather he asks his Lord to make him from the leaders of the righteous people who are followed, just as he is a follower of the righteous. Therefore, if this servant -[i.e. this person] who calls to Allaah- loves that he is considered dignified in the eyes [of the people], revered and beloved in their hearts and is one followed amongst them, so that he is trusted by them and they follow the example of the Messenger through him, then this [desire of his] does not harm him; rather he is praised for it. That is because the caller to Allaah loves that Allaah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means by way of which [people] are aided to [obey Allaah, single out Allaah in worship and follow the Messenger]. And due to this, [when] Allaah mentioned those chosen slaves of His- whom He praised in His revelation and will grant the best of reward on the day they meet Him- He mentioned them with the best of their deeds and characteristics, and then said: [ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا – And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun]. (pious) 25:74

So they ask Allaah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allaah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allaah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with [others] upon obedience [to Allaah and His Messenger], and that is to call them to [sound] leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allaah [The Most High] said: [ وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ – And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). [32:24]

Therefore, in their supplication -[in Soorah Al-Furqaan Ayah 74]- to Allaah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allaah guides them, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which [sound] leadership in the religion cannot be achieved.

This is different from [merely] seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals, [such as] exaltedness in the earth; enslavement of the hearts to them, attachment to them and aiding them in all their goals, whilst they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption-which none can enumerate except Allaah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allaah, exalting those despised by Allaah and belittling those honoured by Allaah. [Source: An Excerpt from ‘Ar-Rooh’ pages 487-489’. slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Ibn Rajab [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said:

Eagerness for high status is of two types: The first type is seeking high status through leadership, authority and wealth. This is very dangerous and in most cases it prevents [a person] from [acquiring] the good of the afterlife, its nobility, honour and elevated station. Allaah [The Most High] said: [تِلْكَ الدَّارُ الْآخِرَةُ نَجْعَلُهَا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا ۚ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ – That home of the Hereafter [i.e. Paradise], We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqoon]. [Al-Qasas. Ayah 83]

The second type is seeking high status and to be raised in status above the people through the religious affairs, such as knowledge, deeds and Zuhd. This is more abominable than the first type and greater in danger and corruption, because knowledge, deeds and Zuhd are [affairs] by way of which one seeks what Allaah [has prepared for His slaves] of high station and everlasting bliss [in the afterlife]- a means to drawing close to Him [i.e. by way of sincere and righteous deeds] and to receive His favours [in the worldly life and afterlife]. Imaam Sufyaan Ath-thawree [rahimahullaah] said: “Knowledge has more virtue because it is for the [purpose] of attaining fear of Allaah; and if not, it is just like all other things. (8)

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Therefore, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] clarified that the corruption [caused] through craving for wealth and high status in the religion cannot be lesser than the corruption [caused] by two hungry wolves let loose among a livestock, and that is [something] manifest; for indeed there is [nothing] of this [type] of craving in the sound religion. That is because when the heart tastes the sweetness of servitude to Allaah and love of Him, nothing else becomes more beloved to it than that. And through this, evil and immorality are averted from the people who are sincere to Allaah. (9)

Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] also said: The seeker of leadership- even through falsehood- becomes pleased with a statement that contains an exaltation of him, even if it is falsehood; and becomes angered by a statement that contains a rebuke against him, even if it is truth. [As for] the believer [i.e. the one with strong Eemaan and fear of Allaah], he is pleased with a statement of truth whether it is for or against him; and he is angered by a statement of falsehood whether it is for or against him. That is because Allaah [The Most High] loves truth, truthfulness and justice, and He hates lies and oppression. (10)

The Deviated Groups And Their Innovated Methodologies In The Affairs of Politics and Rulership

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] said: The political groups emerged in this era (whilst) affected- to some extent- by the creed and methodologies of (the khawaarij). And for this reason they do not give importance to (other affairs) besides politics. Neither do they give any concern to rectifying the situation of the Ummah though (sound) Creed and Knowledge nor do reflect with regards to returning the Ummah to the Book, the (authentic) Sunnah, and the piety and steadfastness the pious predecessors were upon in every aspect of the Religion. Rather they (i.e. these political groups) increase the Ummah in corruption upon corruption-in creed and manners. So, you see them giving allegiance to the proponents of religious innovations and misguidance, waging war against the people who follow the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, and the scholars [i.e. waging war against those scholars who truly adhere to the Qur’aan and the Sunnah]. They erect false objectives and slogans for Ahlul Bidah Wad-Dalaalah [the proponents of religious innovation and Misguidance] and their books. And amongst them [i.e. these proponents of religious innovation] are Sayyid Qutb and his followers – the one [i.e. Sayyid Qutub] who embark upon the stratagem of the Khawaarij, the Rawaafid, the Mu’tazilah and the Jahmiyyah in creed, methodology and politics, especially expelling Muslims from the fold of Islam based on oppression and ignorance [i.e. oppressive rulings and judgements based on ignorance]. According to him all human societies are societies of Pre-Islamic ignorance and the Muslim Ummah is the severest in its apostasy and Pre-Islamic state of ignorance. Thereafter, the path of the Baatiniyyah (Shiites) was added to this (methodology of his, such) as assassinations, blowing up (buildings, people etc). Then his followers attribute themselves to the Salafi Methodology based on a mighty plot against the (true, upright) leaders (of the Salafi Methodology). [Therefore], when you come to know this, you will know that the Salafi Methodology is free from this Takfeer (i.e. falsely expelling Muslims from Islam) and destruction; and you will know who the treacherous people are. If you know this, then it is tantamount to an act of manifest oppression when the Raafidah, the Secularists and Rationalists attribute (terrorist acts), (false) Takfeer and destruction to the Salafi Methodology. (11) Also read: https://www.abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

Amongst the deviated groups and proponents of innovated political activism is the group called “The Muslim Brotherhood” founded by the Soofee Hasan Al-Bannah. Read here: http://www.ikhwanis.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm
Finally: There’s only one sound path to rectification and that is the path of the Prophets and Messengers. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] stated in Methodology of The Prophets In Calling to The Path of Allaah page 10: https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/methodology-of-the-prophets-in-calling-to-allaah.pdf

Imaam Maalik [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “The latter part of this Ummah [i.e. those who will come after the Salaf] will not be rectified except by way of that which rectified it’s earlier part [i.e. the Salaf]”.

And he also said, “Whoever innovates a bidah in Islaam and considers it to be something good, then indeed he has claimed that Muhammad betrayed the Risaalah (i.e. the message he was entrusted with); because Allaah said: ٱلۡيَوۡمَ أَكۡمَلۡتُ لَكُمۡ دِينَكُمۡ – This day, I have perfected your religion for you]. Therefore, what was not part of the religion at that time [i.e. during the time of the Messenger] cannot be part of the religion today (i.e. after his departure from this world)”. [Al-Itisaam of Imaam Shaatibee 1/28]

Also read https://salaficentre.com/2021/01/10/rectification-of-modern-societies-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/ by Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]

The State of the Ummah: Causes that led to its Weakness and the Means of Rectification:
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/state-of-ummah-causes-of-weakness-means-of-rectification-ebook/ by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]

A Brief Reminder Regarding At-Taa’ifah Al-Mansoorah [The Victorious Group]- By Shaikh Fawzaan and Shaikh Rabee – Salaficentre.com

A Brief Reminder Regarding At-Taa’ifah Al-Mansoorah [The Victorious Group]- By Shaikh Fawzaan and Shaikh Rabee

Who are the true Ghurabā (the Strangers) in these times? “Islam began as something strange, and it will return to being strange just as it began…” – Abu Khadeejah : أبو خديجة
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/who-are-the-true-ghuraba-the-strangers-in-these-times-islam-began-as-something-strange-and-it-will-return-to-being-strange-just-as-it-began/

This is enough as a response to the bewildered Arab journalist [may Allaah guide him].

[a: Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin Nus’hi Wal Irshaad Wat-taw’iyah’ pages 45-51]

[b: Reported by Imaam Tirmidhee (rahimahullaah) Number 1979 & declared authentic by Imaam Albani (rahimahullaah) in Sahih Sunan At-Tirmidhee]

[c: An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’ pages 47-49’. slightly paraphrased]

[d: Reported by Imaam Abu Dawud (rahimahullaah)’ Hadith Number 5116. Declared ‘Hasan’ by Shaikh Albaani (rahimahullaah) in his checking of Sunan Abu Dawud. Pages -766-767.Publisher: Maktabah Al-Ma’aarif’ 1st edition]

[e & f: Saheeh Muslim…part of hadeeth in ‘The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness. Sharh Saheeh Muslim:  Hadeeth Number 2699; Vol 17, page 18]

[g: Al-Walaa Wal Baraa. pages 1-14. Publisher Daar Al-Istiqaamah. 1st Edition 1427AH (2006)]

[Ref 1: An Excerpt from ‘As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah 16-18. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 1.1: See At-taleeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah. Slightly paraphrased. Page 5 by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 1.2: https://binothaimeen.net/content/7366. Paraphrased]

[Ref 2: Majmoo Fataawaa 8/209]

[Ref 3: At-Ta’leeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah page 452]

[Ref 4: Shu’ab Al-Eemaan 6/26]

[Ref 5: Siyaanatu Saheeh Muslim 244]

[Ref 6: Al-Majmoo 4/391]

[Ref 7: Durar As-Saniyyah 5/41]

[Ref 8: Excerpts from the book (Two hungry wolves let loose amongst a flock of sheep) pages: 29, 47 & 53]

[Ref 9: An Excerpt from (Majmoo Al-Fataawaa) 10/215]

[Ref 10: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa: 10/600]

[Ref 11: An Excerpt from Shaikh Rabee’s Book Titled: (من هم الإرهابيون) pages 104-105. slightly paraphrased]