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

“Islamist” and “Islamic Fundamentalism” According to Their Own Definitions By Way of Which They Seek to Confound Truth With Falsehood

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُفَصِّلُ الْآيَاتِ وَلِتَسْتَبِينَ سَبِيلُ الْمُجْرِمِينَ – And thus do We explain the signs (to you O Muḥammad) in detail, and so that the way of the criminals may become evident (to you)] [Surah Al-An’aam. Aayah 55] (1)
Imaam Ibn Katheer [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding this Aayah: “Allaah [The Exalted] stated that just as He explained what was previously explained of the arguments and evidence on the path of guidance and sound judgement, and censured argumentation and stubbornness; likewise He explain the signs (proofs, evidences, lessons), which those being addressed are in need of; [ولتستبين سبيل المجرمين – and so that the way of the criminals may become evident (to you)], Meaning, so that the path of the criminals – those who oppose the Messengers – may become evident”. (2)

Imaam At-Tabari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated regarding this Aayah: O Muhammad! Just as We have detailed for you in this Surah – from its beginning and introduction up to this point – our proofs and evidences against the idolaters and worshippers of images, and distinguished and clarified it for you; likewise, We explain to you our signs and evidences for every truth denied by the people of falsehood, the sects and other than them, until its truth is distinguished from its falsehood, and its right is distinguished from its wrong. (3)

Recently, the callers to indecency, corruption and disbelief raised their ugly heads again- ranting and raving, because Indonesia declared sex outside out marriage to be illegal by law, and these clueless sinners and disbelievers in the media say that this law is nothing but a return to path of the Islamists and Islamic Fundamentalism! The Term ‘Islamist’ according to many western ideologues, demagogues and writers, 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”. Indeed, this definition contains both truth and falsehood, therefore let us examine the affair briefly. Firstly, if the term ‘Islamist’ – according to Western writers – 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 the Creator. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee [may Allaah preserve him] 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 [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] and from the understanding of our pious predecessors. 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. [NB: This knowledge of politics is not based on the corrupt methodology of the so called ‘Muslim Brotherhood’, so read here: http://www.ikhwanis.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm ]

All these affairs – and all praise and thanks be to Allaah – are extensively (found) in the (message) brought by Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him]. 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, 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. Verse 36]

Every Messenger came with this (Message), until the advent of the seal of the Messengers Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], 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, innovation in religious affairs 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 and what is similar to that, and thus corrupted their (sound) creed and methodology”. (4)

Therefore, if a Muslim firmly adheres to Islam and follows this path clarified by Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee [may Allaah preserve him], then indeed he or she is praiseworthy in the sight of the Creator – the One Who revealed all the divine laws and obligated on humankind to follow the guidance of the Prophets; however, one must bear in mind that this does not include the politics of the power-hungry Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt and else.

Secondly, if the term ‘Islamist’ – according to Western writers – is ‘an advocate or supporter of militancy, radicalism or terrorism’, then indeed this is not to be attributed to Islam, 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 [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] him] 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?!

Thirdly, 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’ah (Islamic Law)’. Therefore, if this is what Western writers 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 [may Allaah be pleased with him] that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] 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 Western writers 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 [terrorists – innovators (ISIS, Al-Qa’idah, Jabhat An-Nusra and their ilk)]. Therefore, it is incumbent upon these writers to refrain from mixing truth with falsehood. If any Muslim country enact laws that agree with the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, then indeed they are to be commended and not vilified, rather the only people expected to voice an opposition are either the wicked sinners or the Munaafiqoon and those who worship their desires. Only a person completely devoid of morality would object when sex outside of marraige is outlawed, rather this person is one who enjoins evil and forbids good. Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allaah preserve him] said, “It has been reported in an authentic hadeeth -[in Saheeh Al Bukhaari and Saheeh Muslim]- that ‘A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and thrown into the Fire, then his intestines will spill forth in the Fire and he will go around it as a donkey goes around a millstone. The people of Hell will gather around him and will say: O So and so! What is the matter with you; did you not use to enjoin good and forbid evil? He will say: Yes, I used to enjoin good, but did not do it; and I used to forbid evil and did it [i.e. commit the evil I used to forbid. [Al-Bukhaari 3267 & Muslim 2989] Indeed, there maybe someone who is worse than this man, for he (i.e. the one worse than the man mentioned in this Hadeeth) enjoins evil and forbids good, so what will be his state of affairs, and Allaah’s Refuge is sought?!” (5)

Therefore, we remind those clueless sinners and disbelievers – who utter satanic objections when Muslim government enact laws that agree with the Sharee’ah – that Imaam Ash-Shaatibee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: 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 more fear of Allaah]. [Surah Al-Hujuraat. Verse 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. (6)

Finally, rebutting the clueless disbelievers does not mean that we violate our covenants whilst living with them. Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] when he 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 and 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 and 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. So we may not say that it is lawful to be treacherous towards people whom we have an agreement with. 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”. [salafipublications.com]

Indeed, the likes of these above clarifications are well known to the demagogues and ideologues, but bias and nationalism does not allow them to distinguish between terrorists and law abiding Muslim citizens. Likewise our Mashaayikh in the West are well known for their staunch stance against the extremists and terrorists.

Visit links:

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

By Shaikh Abdul Waahid Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-salafi-response-to-the-terrorist-attacks-in-paris-france-were-they-forbidding-an-evil/

BBC Interview Abu Khadeejah Regarding The Terrorist Attacks In Paris, Salafism & Women In Islam

Living With Non-Muslims In The West
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/having-alliance-with-the-non-muslims-is-of-two-types-misunderstanding-this-affair-leads-people-astray/
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/treaties-with-the-non-muslims-do-they-necessitate-allegiance/
https://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/

Informing The Authorities Of Terrorist Plots
http://www.salafipublications.com/sps/downloads/pdf/MNJ140008.pdf
http://www.islamagainstextremism.com/

Ignorance and its Effect upon Terrorism – By Shaikh Abu Hakeem Bilaal Davis [may Allaah preserve him]
https://learnaboutislam.co.uk/2017/07/ignorance-effect-upon-terrorism-abu-hakeem-manchester/

The Ideological Origins of Al-Qaeda & ISIS – By Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allaah preserve him]
https://www.salafisounds.com/the-ideological-origins-of-al-qaeda-isis-by-abu-iyaad/

[Ref 1: Translation by Shaikh Abu Iyaad: https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/search/6_55%5D
[Ref 2: Tafseer ibn Katheer]
[Ref 3: Tafseer at-Tabari]
[Ref 4: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm – pages 243-244]
[Ref 5: Marhaban Yaa Taalibal Ilm. Pages 270-271]
[Ref 6: Al-Itisaam 3/434]