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

War Is Sometimes Necessary to Repel The Aggressive Enemy

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, and 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 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. 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, which 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 regarding the preparation for 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. (1)

Allaah [The Exalted] said: [وَلَوۡلَا دَفۡعُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاسَ بَعۡضَهُم بِبَعۡضٍ۬ لَّفَسَدَتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَلَـٰڪِنَّ ٱللَّهَ ذُو فَضۡلٍ عَلَى ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ – And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of Bounty to the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 251]

 

The Difference Between Stratagem and Transgression During War

[وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ – Fight—in the path of Allāh—those who fight against you but do not transgress the limits (by killing non-combatants). Indeed, Allāh loves not the transgressors]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Aayah 190]

Ibn Abbas [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] stated regarding this Aayah, “Do not kill women, children, old men, or anyone who approaches you for peace and refrains from fighting, because if you do so then you have transgressed without a doubt”. (2) Indeed, this was not their behaviour when they dropped their atomic bomb in 1945, so their behaviour is not a war stratagem, but rather it is tantamount to brutality and oppression. It is not what is understood from the statement of the noble Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] when he stated, “War is a stratagem (or deceit)”. (3)

Imaam At-Tabari [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “To give a wrong impression – during war – through Mu’aaradah [i.e. making one’s statements or actions obscure (ambiguous) to mislead the opponent about one’s real plans] is allowed”. (4)

Ibnul Arabi [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Stratagem during war occurs by way of concealment and giving a wrong impression (to the opponent)”. (5)

The scholars unanimously agree that it is permissible to deceive the disbelievers [i.e. when two armies are engaged in war], but this is not permissible if it violates a covenant or an agreement that was made for a guarantee of safety. (6)

Indeed, what clearly demonstrates an example of the manner in which this stratagem is employed is the hadeeth reported by Ka’b Bin Maalik [may Allaah be pleased with him] who said, “When the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] intended to go on an expedition (against a people with whom there is no treaty and war was declared), he always pretended to be going somewhere else, and he would say, ‘War is stratagem (or deceit)'”. (7)

This was also the manner in which the companions dealt with their adversaries. Abul Fayd [may Allaah have mercy upon him] narrated that Sulaym Ibn Amir [may Allaah have mercy upon him] reported that there was a peace treaty between Mu’aawiyah [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] and the Byzantines. He was marching towards their country and when the covenant came to an end, he would attack them. A man came on a horse, saying, “Allah is Most Great! Allah is Most Great! Let there be fulfilment and not treachery!” Mu’aawiyah sent for him and questioned him about that. He said, “I heard Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] say, “When one has a covenant with people he must not strengthen or loosen it until its term comes to an end or he brings it to an end in agreement with them”. He said, “So Mu’aawiyah returned with the people”. (8)

Abdulllah Ibn Umar [may Allaah be pleased with him and his father] reported that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “When Allah gathers the earlier and later generations on the Day of Resurrection, He will raise a banner for every treacherous person and it will be announced that this is the treachery of this person, the son of this person” (9) The people said to Jundub [may Allaah be pleased with him], “Advise us”. He said, “The first thing of the human body to putrefy is the abdomen, so he who can eat nothing but good food (halaal and earned lawfully) should do so, and he who does as much as he can that nothing intervenes between him and paradise by not shedding even a handful of blood [i.e. unlawful killing], should do so”. (10)

The Life of the Muhammad in Madinah: Treaties, Conquests and his Death (Islam 1.11) – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/the-life-of-the-muhammad-in-madinah-treaties-conquests-and-his-death/

Salafi Shaikh Fawzaan on Jihad in our times and the guidelines of Jihad according to Islam: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

 

The Importance of Safety In The Lands – Rebellion Against Muslim Rulers Is Forbidden!

Allaah (The Most High) said:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ إِبۡرَٲهِـۧمُ رَبِّ ٱجۡعَلۡ هَـٰذَا بَلَدًا ءَامِنً۬ا وَٱرۡزُقۡ أَهۡلَهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٲتِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡہُم بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأَخِرِ‌ۖ

And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” [2:126]

Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Indeed, he [Ibraaheem-peace be upon him] gave priority to security (in his supplication) over seeking sustenance, because security is a necessity. Security is a necessity and the people cannot enjoy sustenance alongside fear; rather sustenance cannot be reached in the presence of fear. This is what the enemies’ desire–those who try to destabilise the Muslim societies.  They wish to disassociate the Muslims from their unity behind their Muslim rulers. This is what they desire and they do not desire good advice for the Muslims.

(They wish to disassociate the Muslims from their unity behind their rulers) in name of actualizing beneficial affairs, rectification, removal of oppression and the likes. All of this is lies and false pretences, because if ruler ship slips away chaos will be at large, corruption will spread and the beneficial affairs which they say will be actualized will be non-existent. Corruption will be at large and there will not be rectification.

Therefore, for this reason there has to be ruler ship upon which the Muslims unite.   And even if (such ruler ship) has shortcomings and (affairs pertaining to) negligence, the (people) should exercise patience, because there is a prevention of that which is more severe and harmful in exercising patience.  Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: ‘’It is not known of a group that rose against their Muslim Ruler, except that their state of affairs after his removal was more evil than their state of affairs whilst he was present.’’

And this is something experienced at present.  The rulers and heads of state who have been removed, what is the state of affairs of their countries after they were (removed)? There has not ceased to be fear, anxiety, chaos, bloodshed etc. (11)

Security is a great blessing without which a person is not able to live a productive, fruitful and happy life. And due to this, Allaah bestowed [His Blessings] upon Makkah by making it and the Masjid Al-Haraam a safe and sacred place. Allaah [The Most High] said:

وَإِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَيْتَ مَثَابَةً لِّلنَّاسِ وَأَمْنًا وَاتَّخِذُوا مِن مَّقَامِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ مُصَلًّى ۖ وَعَهِدْنَا إِلَىٰ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ أَن طَهِّرَا بَيْتِيَ لِلطَّائِفِينَ وَالْعَاكِفِينَ وَالرُّكَّعِ السُّجُودِ

And [remember] when We made the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham) [or the stone on which Ibrahim (Abraham) stood while he was building the Ka’bah] as a place of prayer (for some of your prayers, e.g. two Rak’at after the Tawaf of the Ka’bah at Makkah), and We commanded Ibrahim (Abraham) and Isma’il (Ishmael) that they should purify My House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) for those who are circumambulating it, or staying (I’tikaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves (there, in prayer). [2:125]

Allaah [The Most High] said:
فِيهِ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ مَّقَامُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ ۖ وَمَن دَخَلَهُ كَانَ آمِنًا ۗ وَلِلَّهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنِ اسْتَطَاعَ إِلَيْهِ سَبِيلًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَنِيٌّ عَنِ الْعَالَمِينَ

In it are manifest signs (for example), the Maqam (place) of Ibrahim (Abraham); whosoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj(pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka’bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns)]. [3:97]

Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَقَالُوا إِن نَّتَّبِعِ الْهُدَىٰ مَعَكَ نُتَخَطَّفْ مِنْ أَرْضِنَا ۚ أَوَلَمْ نُمَكِّن لَّهُمْ حَرَمًا آمِنًا يُجْبَىٰ إِلَيْهِ ثَمَرَاتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ رِّزْقًا مِّن لَّدُنَّا وَلَٰكِنَّ أَكْثَرَهُمْ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

And they say: “If we follow the guidance with you, we would be snatched away from our land.” Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary (Makkah), to which are brought fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves, but most of them know not. [28:57]

Allaah [The Most High] said:
أَوَلَمْ يَرَوْا أَنَّا جَعَلْنَا حَرَمًا آمِنًا وَيُتَخَطَّفُ النَّاسُ مِنْ حَوْلِهِمْ ۚ أَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ يُؤْمِنُونَ وَبِنِعْمَةِ اللَّهِ يَكْفُرُونَ

Have they not seen that We have made (Makkah) a sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them? Then do they believe in Batil (falsehood – polytheism, idols and all deities other than Allah), and deny (become ingrate for) the Graces of Allah?] [29:67]

Allaah [ The Most High] said:
لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ
إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاءِ وَالصَّيْفِ
فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَٰذَا الْبَيْتِ
الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُم مِّنْ خَوْفٍ

(It is a great Grace and Protection from Allah), for the taming of the Quraish; (And with all those Allah’s Grace and Protections for their taming, We cause) the (Quraish) caravans to set forth safe in winter (to the south), and in summer (to the north without any fear). So let them worship (Allah) the Lord of this House (the Ka’bah in Makkah). (He) Who has fed them against hunger, and has made them safe from fear.

Whoever has physical well-being and security in the lands, then [indeed] he has obtained all the [beneficial] worldly endowments. Salamah Bin Ubaidullaah Ibn Mihsan Al-Khatmiy narrated from his father that the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] said: “Whoever among you wakes up [in the morning] safe in his property, healthy in his body and has his daily nourishment, it is as if he has been granted the entire world”. [Reported by Tirmidhee in Kitaab Az-Zuhud; Chapter: At-Tawakkul Alal-laah, Hadeeth Number 3346 and declared Hasan by Imaam Albaani in As-Saheehah, number 2318]

When our upright leader Ibraaheem [peace be upon him] settled some of his offspring at this valley [i.e. Makkah], the first of his supplications was that which Allaah stated:

[وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا بَلَدًا آمِنًا وَارْزُقْ أَهْلَهُ مِنَ الثَّمَرَاتِ مَنْ آمَنَ مِنْهُم بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۖ قَالَ وَمَن كَفَرَ فَأُمَتِّعُهُ قَلِيلًا ثُمَّ أَضْطَرُّهُ إِلَىٰ عَذَابِ النَّارِ ۖ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِيرُ
And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said, “My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.” He (Allah) answered: “As for him who disbelieves, I shall leave him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him to the torment of the Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!].[2:126]

Ibraaheem supplicated to his Lord that this valley [i.e. Makkah] should be a land of safety. Then after this valley became a land that yields – and he had [already] asked Allaah to make it safe- [Allaah said that Ibraaheem] said: [وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هَٰذَا الْبَلَدَ آمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِي وَبَنِيَّ أَن نَّعْبُدَ الْأَصْنَامَ – And (remember) when Ibrahim (Abraham) said: “O my Lord! Make this city (Makkah) one of peace and security, and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols]. [14:35]

This emphasises [the fact] that safety is an important affair needed by a person, otherwise Ibraaheem [alayhis salaatu wassalaam] would not have been eager to repeat his request to Allaah to make it a reality in this land. Look at the lands where a system that [guarantees] safety has been lost; you will find that the people are unable to pursue [affairs] of their daily lives- their schools and markets are shut and everyone stays in the houses. Those among them who have the ability would hasten to leave this land to go somewhere else; and if you ask one of them, you will find him saying that he is unable to live with his people and family in that place in which safety has been lost.

Security cannot be [established] properly except by way of two affairs: Implementation of Allaah’s Laws and obedience to the rulers. Indeed, the Messenger [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] clarified this [affair] which is needed by a Muslim in his life. Irbaad Saariyah [radiyallaahu-anhu] said, “The Messenger of Allaah [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] gave us an admonition after the morning prayer –an admonition that made our hearts fearful and our eyes tearful. So, a man said, ‘Indeed, is this a farewell sermon, so what do you advise us?’ He said, ‘I enjoin you to have Taqwa of Allah and that you listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave [is made a ruler over you]; for indeed he among you who lives long enough will see many differences. So, beware of newly invented matters [in the religion] because indeed it is misguidance. And whoever among you witnesses that, then it is obligated on him to adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khulafaa, adhere to it with your molar teeth’”. [Reported by Ahmad 3/126]

Indeed, this hadeeth establishes the foundations of security in Islaam and they are: Firstly: Taqwallaah [Fear of Allaah (The Most High)] based on its complete and comprehensive meaning. Secondly: Obedience to the rulers [in what is good]. Fear of Allaah rectifies a Muslim’s relationship with Allaah, his neighbours and everything around him; and in the absence of Allaah’s Sharee’ah, destruction and depravity will occur. Indeed, Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] warned the one who abandons His Sharee’ah and is disobedient to His Messenger. [Allaah said]:

وَضَرَبَ اللَّهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ آمِنَةً مُّطْمَئِنَّةً يَأْتِيهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّن كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِأَنْعُمِ اللَّهِ فَأَذَاقَهَا اللَّهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ

And Allah puts forward the example of a township (Makkah), that dwelt secure and well content; its provision coming to it in abundance from every place, but it (its people) denied the Favours of Allah (with ungratefulness). So Allah made it taste the extreme of hunger (famine) and fear, because of that (evil, i.e. denying Prophet Muhammad) which they (its people) used to do. [16:112]

By listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good], all the affairs of the person’s life in his society will be a state of normality. Listening to the rulers and obeying them [in good] is included in the subject matter of Taqwa [fear of Allaah]. Al-Hasan Al-Basri  [rahimahullaah] used to say, “Indeed, Al-Hajjaaj is the punishment of Allaah; so do not repel the punishment of Allaah with your own hands. Rather you must submit and show humility because Allaah] The Most High] said: [وَلَقَدْ أَخَذْنَاهُم بِالْعَذَابِ فَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَمَا يَتَضَرَّعُونَ – And Indeed We seized them with punishment, but they humbled not themselves to their Lord, nor did they invoke (Allaah) with submission to Him]”. [23:76]

Talq Bin Habeeb (may Allaah have mercy upon him) used to say: Guard against fitna through Taqwa; so, it was said to him, “Summarize (the meaning) of Taqwa for us.’’ He said, ‘’It is act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah (i.e. Eemaan) and hoping for Allaah’s Mercy. And that you abandon disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah and fearing the punishment of Allah. [Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah 11/33 and Ibnul Mubaarak in Az-Zuhd 473]

So, you find a person who knows what security is and his understanding regarding it increases due to fear of Allaah, and he is eager to obey the rulers [in good]; but when he falls short [in Taqwa], his perception of security becomes deficient. When Taqwa is actualised, he will receive the promise Allaah has mentioned [in Surah An-Noor]. Allaah said:

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ وَلَيُمَكِّنَنَّ لَهُمْ دِينَهُمُ الَّذِي ارْتَضَىٰ لَهُمْ وَلَيُبَدِّلَنَّهُم مِّن بَعْدِ خَوْفِهِمْ أَمْنًا ۚ يَعْبُدُونَنِي لَا يُشْرِكُونَ بِي شَيْئًا ۚ وَمَن كَفَرَ بَعْدَ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them, and that He will grant them the authority to practise their religion, that which He has chosen for them (i.e. Islam). And He will surely give them in exchange a safe security after their fear (provided) they (believers) worship Me and do not associate anything (in worship) with Me. But whoever disbelieved after this, they are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [24:55]
Indeed, it is known that the religion cannot [be established] without a Jamaa’ah and there cannot be a Jamaa’ah without a leader, and there cannot be a leader except through listening to him and obeying [him in what is good]. An absence of obedience to the ruler and putting oneself before him is one of the greatest causes of corrupting the land and the people, and turning away from the path of guidance and uprightness. Al Hasan Al Basri [rahimahullaah] said: By Allaah! The religion cannot be established except by way of rulers even if they commit tyranny and oppression- due to the many affairs that Allaah rectifies through them more than what they corrupt.’’ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Ibn Rajab [rahimahullaah] said: ‘’There is [good and great advantage] in the worldly life when rulers are obeyed. And by way of it [i.e. obedience to the rulers], the beneficial affairs related to the livelihood of the people are established and they utilise them as an aid through which they manifest their religion and obey their Lord.’’ http://www.abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

Disobedience to the rulers and putting oneself before them through fighting or other than that [is tantamount] to disobeying Allaah and His Messenger, and an opposition to that which Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah were upon – the pious predecessors. Preservation of security [in the land] leads to brotherhood and mutual alliance between the Muslims. Allaah [The Mighty and Majestic] 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]. [49:10]

Allaah [The Most High] said:
وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

The believers, men and women, are Auliya’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another, they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma’ruf, and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar; they perform As-Salat and give the Zakat, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. [9:71]

Eemaan is neither wishful thinking nor mere claims, rather it is what settles in the heart and actions testify to it. A person cannot be a true believer until he loves for his Muslim brother what he loves for himself and until he deals with the people in a manner he loves to be dealt with! It is well known that security is something sought after by everyone; therefore it is the responsibility of a Muslim that he is eager for the security of others in order that he can receive security and safety for himself.

[Also, preserving security in the land] necessitates the fulfilment of trusts, whereas bringing about a state of insecurity is tantamount to treachery. Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَخُونُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ وَتَخُونُوا أَمَانَاتِكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّمَا أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَأَوْلَادُكُمْ فِتْنَةٌ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ عِندَهُ أَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amaanaat (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you).  And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward.  O you who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He will grant you Furqan a criterion [(to judge between right and wrong), or (Makhraj, i.e. making a way for you to get out from every difficulty)], and will expiate for you your sins, and forgive you, and Allah is the Owner of the Great Bounty. (12)

Shaikhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “They [i.e. Ahlus Sunnah] know that Allaah sent Muhammad [sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam] for the benefit of the slaves [i.e. mankind and Jinn] in this life and the next, and Allaah commands rectification and not corruption. (13)

This is why it is well known from the Mad’hab of Ahlus Sunnah that they do not see that it is lawful to rebel against the rulers and fighting them with the sword – even if they are oppressive- just as it has been detailed and explained in the authentic narrations that have been reported from the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam], because the  corruption found in fighting and trials is greater than the corruption that occurs by way of their oppressive behaviour without fighting nor trial, so the greater of the two corruptions is repelled  through the existence of the lesser one. And perhaps this is why it is hardly known of a group that rebelled against the one in authority except that in their rebellion there is corruption that is greater than the corruption they wanted to stop. (14)

This was the case of those who rebelled against Yazeed at Madeenah; the likes of Ibn Al-Ash’ath who rebelled against Abdul Malik in Iraq; Ibnul Muhallab who rebelled against his father at khurasaan; Abu Muslim who rebelled against the ruler at khurasaan and the likes of those who rebelled against Al-Mansoor at Madeenah and Basra. Most of these people either gained the upper hand [for some time during the rebellion] or were subdued, then their authority ceased and they [brought about] no [fruitful] outcome; for indeed Abdullaah bin Ali and Abu Muslim killed many people and both were killed by Abu Jafar Al-Mansoor. As for the people Al-Hirra and Ibnul Ash-ath, Ibnul Muhallab and other than them, all of them – followers and those followed – were defeated, so they neither established a religious goal nor a worldly benefit, and Allaah does not command an affair that has no religious or worldly benefit. (15)

Question to Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi [may Allaah preserve him]: Going out to demonstrations, [initiating] revolutions and nurturing the youth upon it; is this from the methodology of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah or not, whether [carried] out within or outside the Muslim countries? Answer: This is the methodology of Marx (i.e. Carl Marx), Lenin (i.e. Vladimir Lenin) and those similar to them. It is not from the Islamic methodology. Revolutions, bloodshed, trials and troubles are Marx’s and Lenin’s school of thought. (16)

Al-Allaamah Zayd Bin Haadi Al-Madkhali [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Protests [or demonstrations] are newly invented matters in the religion. Every newly invented matter in the religion is a bidah; every bidah is misguidance and every misguidance is in the hell fire [i.e. is a path leading to the hell fire]. Allaah’s legislation is perfect and complete-based on The Book and The Sunnah-and we do not know of anything by way of the evidences in the Book and the Sunnah that makes it permissible for a handful of people to gather for demonstrations, which causes disturbance for the people and time wasting. And greater than this [disturbance and time wasting] is abandonment of the prayers [during protests] and the loss of life [i.e. murder]. If one was to kill a Muslim in a single protest, the one [or those] who called to such protests will carry his sins-be it an individual, a group or those who participate. It has been reported in an authentic hadeeth: The termination of the world means less to Allah than the killing of a Muslim [i.e. without right].[a] These protests are nothing but bidah and acts of misguidance advocated by shaytaan; [enticed] by the urge of the evil soul and desires. And these enemies [i.e. shaytaan, the urge of the evil soul and desires] do not come together in any affair except that the religion and worldly affairs are destroyed, just as it is the case in these demonstrations [or protests].

The end results of protests [or demonstrations]: Carnage, destruction, wastage of wealth and time and terrorising those living in peace. And how many disadvantages are there in [that]! It is enough to be considered something sinister due to the fact that the Noble Messengers and the Great Prophets who were put to trial and harmed by their people did not hold protests [or demonstrations]. Neither did they engage in plotting to cause explosions nor committing suicide; rather Islaam has forbidden all of that.

Those who call to protests [or demonstrations] and hold that there is success in it, they are mistaken and they have missed the correct path. Rectification of the affairs can only be by way of the Book and The Sunnah in accordance with the understanding of those scholars who are firmly grounded in knowledge. So whoever calls the people to this chaos, then indeed he has brought about a means to corrupting the land and the slaves, and what has occurred – in the past and at present- is a witness to that.

Therefore, we warn the students of knowledge that they are not persuaded by the speech of those who allow protests [or demonstrations]. They say that peaceful demonstrations are permissible-as they categorise it into this categorisation- without proofs and concrete evidence from the Book and the Sunnah- neither from the actions of the Messenger and the Noble Sahaabah nor from the Notable Imaams; rather the verdict on protests [or demonstrations] is only what has been stated earlier and as well as what has been written by other than myself [i.e. protests (or demonstrations) are not permissible] (17)

Closing The Door Of Rebellion Against The Ruler- By Shaikh Abu Iyaadh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywCTPjAVtQA

 

The Perils of Seeking After Leadership

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] 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 pious].

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.).

Therefore, in their supplication -[in Surah 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. (18)

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 pious].

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 [may Allaah have mercy upon him] 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. (19)

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. (20)

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. (21)

 

The Corruption Initiated By Political Groups In The Ummah

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. (22) 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

Methodology of The Prophets In Calling to The Path of Allaah: https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/methodology-of-the-prophets-in-calling-to-allaah.pdf

Rectification of Modern Society- By Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz:
https://salaficentre.com/2021/01/10/rectification-of-modern-societies-by-imaam-abdul-azeez-bin-baaz-rahimahullaah/

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

 

Islam Suffices as a Guide In Our Social Relationships

Imaam Shanqeetee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Ponder upon what the great leader [Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)] has been commanded and how he should deal with his society. Allaah [The Most High] said:

فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَاسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِي الْأَمْرِ

And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs.” [Soorah Aal Imraan: Ayah: 159]

Ponder upon what a person has been commanded and how he should deal with his leader. Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَأُولِي الْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ – O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. [Soorah An-Nisaa. Verse 59]

Ponder upon what a person has been commanded to do [in order to safeguard close members] of his society, such as his children and wife. Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُ عَلَيْهَا مَلَائِكَةٌ غِلَاظٌ شِدَادٌ لَّا يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَا أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ

O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do that which they are commanded. [Soorah Tahreem. Verse 6]

Ponder upon how (the Qur’aan) has informed the person about cautiousness and resoluteness when dealing his (close) social group in particular- that if he comes across that which is not befitting [from them], he is commanded to pardon and forgive. Firstly, the Qur’aan commands him to be cautious and resolute, and secondly, it commands him to pardon and forgive. Allaah [The Most High] said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنَّ مِنْ أَزْوَاجِكُمْ وَأَوْلَادِكُمْ عَدُوًّا لَّكُمْ فَاحْذَرُوهُمْ ۚ وَإِن تَعْفُوا وَتَصْفَحُوا وَتَغْفِرُوا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ

O you who believe! Verily, among your wives and your children there are enemies for you (i.e. may stop you from the obedience of Allah), therefore beware of them! But if you pardon (them) and overlook, and forgive (their faults), then verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.[Soorah At-Taghaabun. Verse 14]

Ponder upon how individuals in society have been commanded to deal with one another in general. Allaah (The Most High) said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاءِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَيَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

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. [Soorah An-Nahl: Ayah: 90]

And Allaah [The Most High] said: [يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا – O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another]. [Soorah Al-Hujuraat. Verse 12]

And He [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاءٌ مِّن نِّسَاءٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ ۖ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ ۖ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one’s brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslim brother (a faithful believer) as: “O sinner”, or “O wicked”, etc.]. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). [Soorah Al-Hujuraat. Verse 11]

And He [The Most High] said: [وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ – Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression]. [Soorah Al-Maa-idah. Verse 2]

And Allaah [The Most High] said: [إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ – The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)]. [Soorah Al-Hujuraat. Verse 10]

And Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ – And who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation]. [Soorah Ash-Shooraa. Verse 38]

And when it is the case that the individuals of a society are not safe –regardless who they may be-from the hostility and enmity of others in their Jinn or human society, and it is the case that every individual is in need of a remedy for this problem whose trial affects everyone- therefore Allaah [The Most High] clearly prescribed its remedy in three places in His Book. The remedy for human hostility is that [a person] should turn away from the hostile one and responds to him [or her] with what is better. Allaah [The Most High] said in Soorah Al-Araaf Verse 199: [خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاهِلِينَ – Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don’t punish them].

[Allaah [The Most High] said Soorah Al-Muminoon Verse 96: ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ السَّيِّئَةَ ۚ نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَصِفُونَ – Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with the things they utter].

Allaah [The Most High] made it more evident that this divine remedy cuts off this satanic ailment and He also made more (evident) that this divine (remedy) is not bestowed upon every person, except upon a person who has been granted in abundance and a great portion [of the happiness in the Hereafter]. Allaah [The Most High] said:

ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ
وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا ذُو حَظٍّ عَظِيمٍ

Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient, and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of the happiness in the Hereafter i.e. Paradise and in this world of a high moral character). [Surah Fussilat. Verses 34-35]

And there is no remedy against a devil amongst the Jinn except through seeking refuge with Allaah. Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ – And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaitan (Satan) then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is All-Hearer, All-Knower].

Allaah [The Most High] said Soorah Al-Muminoon Verses 97-98:
وَقُل رَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ
وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ

And say: “My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayatin (devils). “And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they may attend (or come near) me.”

Allaah [The Most High] said: [وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ ۖ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ – And if an evil whisper from Shaitan (Satan) tries to turn you away (O Muhammad) (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower]. [Surah Fussilat Verse 36] (23)

 

How to Enjoin Good And Forbid Evil In Society

Question to Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him]: Is enjoining good and forbidding evil by the hand obligated on all Muslims, or is it just for those in authority and their deputies? Answer: Stopping what is wrong is an obligated on all Muslims based on their ability, because the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Whoever sees an evil deed, then let him stop it with their hand [i.e. by taking action based on what the law of a land allows him]; if he cannot, then with his tongue [i.e. by speaking against it based on what the law of a land allows him]; and if he cannot, then with their heart [i.e. by hating in his heart and keeps away from the evil], and that is the weakest of Iman (faith)”. [Reported by Muslim]

However, stopping evil with one’s hand must be based on ability and should not result in greater corruption or evil. A man has the right to rectify matters with his hand (by taking action) in his home in relation to his children, wife, and servants (i.e. baaed on what the law allows). A manager has the authority to make changes with the hand within the organization they are responsible for, in accordance with the instructions that were given to them [i.e. based on the law of the land], but people should not stop anything with their hand which they are not authorized to stop. If they stop that which they have no authority to stop, this will result in more evil and great corruption between them and the people, and between the people and the state. In this case, they should stop evil with their tongue [i.e. by speaking against it in manner allowed by the law]. They may say, “O such and such! Fear Allah! This is not permissible. This is prohibited. This is obligated on you” and clarify the affair with a legislated Islamic proof. This is what can be done with the tongue. As for stopping (evil) with the hand, this should be carried out where one has authority, such as in one’s home – amongst those under one’s responsibility [i.e. within the law], or those authorized by the ruler, such as those given permission and authority to enjoin good. They stop evil in accordance with the authority they have been given – in the way prescribed by the Shari’ah [i.e. based on Islamic law in a Muslim country], without exceeding their jurisdiction. The same applies to the governor of a city to stop evil with his hand in accordance with the instructions he has (been given). (24)

 

Voice of The People – A recipe for corruption!

Some people say that we should have a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held elections. Indeed, this seems appealing and attractive, but the Creator of the heavens and the earth legislated that humankind should return to the guidance of the Messengers [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon them] in all affairs. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “And even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities [in that dispute], and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritizing necessities. Therefore, due to this Allaah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allaah [The Most High] said: [كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ – Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Sharee’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed]. [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 213] Therefore, Allaah [The Most High] designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’aan being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ]. (25)

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Banee Israa’eel used to be ruled and guided by prophets. Whenever a prophet died, another would take over his place. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be Caliphs who will increase in number.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! What do you order us (to do)?” He said, “Obey the one who will be given the pledge of allegiance first. Fulfil their (i.e. the Caliphs) rights, for Allah will ask them about (any shortcoming) in ruling those Allah has put under their guardianship.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree 3455]

“Banee Israa’eel used to be ruled and guided by prophets”. Imaam Ibn Hajr [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “(This means) that whenever corruption appeared amongst them, Allaah sent them a Prophet to rectify their affairs and put an end to that which they changed in the rulings of the Torah”. (26)

Al-Allaamah Saaleh al-Fawzaan [may Allaah protect him] stated, “And as for the elections (that are) well-known (and implemented) today in the various nations, then they are not from the Islamic order. Chaos, personal aspirations enter into them, as do greed and favouritism (bias). Tribulations and the shedding of blood result from them and the desired goal is not attained by them. Rather, they are just a ground for bids (i.e. campaigns), buying and selling and false claims”. (26a)

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allaah protect him] stated, “How many violations against the religion are committed by way of elections, such as having alliances with atheist parties, communist and innovated parties and what that necessitates with regards to destruction of Al-Walaa Wal Baraa (loyalty and disassociation for the sake of Allaah)? How much money is spent and stolen from the Muslims in the the name of Islam? And the Muslims spend it bribing those who will vote for them by lying and falling into sin”. (26b)

Al-Allaamah Badiyuddeen Shah Sindee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: “Some of our brothers have accepted democracy and have mistaken it for Islaam. It is astonishing how they have accepted a western ideology while being AhleHadeeth. Did the Messenger of Allaah [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] give us this ideology, did the rightly guided Khulafaa give us this ideology, or did the four Imaams give us this ideology? Who gave us this ideology? An ideology emerged from Europe and you accepted, you deemed the path of the Messenger deficient! Let me ask you one question. Are there any opposing political parties in the Sharee’ah. If the government was established for the sake of Allaah, and someone stood in opposition of it, what would become of him? There would be hostility everywhere. Democracy safeguards these hostilities, and this is why evil is given a chance to exist. It is for this reason that these people who are starving for power attempt to win power and fight (amongst each other). Has Islaam not taught you how to run the governments? Did the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] not establish an Islamic government in the midst of the kingdom of disbelief (i.e. whilst the disbelievers were present and had been in charge prior to that)? How did the Messenger establish this government? He acted upon Allaah’s guidance and he was successful, Allaah gave him victory and success. All forces were in opposition to the Messenger and they still are- the forces of these selfish maulvis (religious leaders), the forces of saints (peers), and the forces of the wealthy. All of these groups are against each other but are united against Allaah’s Messenger. The time came when the Messenger was given victory, and he announced on the hill of Safaa, “There is none worthy of worship except Allaah alone, and He aided His salve, and completed His promise, and He by Himself defeated the forces”. This is Islaam, and this is our methodology, and this is our leader (i.e. Muhammad – peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)]. (26c)

Secondly, democracy opens the door of rebellion and the ideology of the khaarijites through so called peaceful protests. Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no khurooj (rebellion) with the sword except that it is preceded by rebellion with the tongue”. (26d) Al-Allaamah Saaleh Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah protect him] stated, “It is not a condition that the khawaarij have to carry weapons, rather he (the person) is from the khawaarij and upon their school of thought if he believes in declaring Muslims disbelievers due to major sins (they commit). If he incites (the people) against the one in charge of the affairs through sermons and writing, this is the school of thought of the khawaarij even if he does not carry weapons. The khawaarij are of different types- amongst them are those who carry weapons, there are those who speak like the who said to the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], “Be Just”, and amongst them are those who write and amongst them is the one who believes in his heart, but he neither speaks nor does anything; however he has the belief of the khawaarij in his creed. But some of them are worse than others. (26e)

Thirdly, democracy uproots the foundation of Bay’ah to the Muslim ruler and opens the door of betrayal. Al-Allaamah Saalih al-Fawzaan [may Allaah protect him] said, “The oath of allegiance is only to the leader of the Muslims. These various oaths of allegiance (given to different groups and parties) are innovated and they are from the cause of splitting. The Muslims who are living in one country or one kingdom should have one allegiance to one leader. It is impermissible to have several types of oaths of allegiance”. (26f)

How is a leader elected in Islam? Legitimacy, Consent, and the Search for a Successor- [Brief Rebuttal Against Some Views of Frederic C. Hof – (Former US Special Envoy to Syria) – Regarding Rulership In Islam]: https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/legimacy_and_Consent.pdf

“If I Had One Supplication to Be Answered, I Will Not Make It For None But The Ruler”: https://salaficentre.com/2022/04/06/if-i-had-one-supplication-to-be-answered-i-will-not-make-it-for-none-but-the-ruler/

 

Secularism – The Danger of Separating Between Religion and Politics

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. (27)

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. (28)

Finally, the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “Verily he lives long among you will see a lot of differing, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafaa ar-Rashideen [the rightly guided caliphs]. Adhere to it with your molar teeth (i.e. adhere to it firmly). And beware of newly invented matters [in the religion], for every newly invented matter [in the religion] is a bidah [innovation in the religion], and every bidah is misguidance”. [Abu Dawood. Number 4607] [Tirmidhee. Number 2676]

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 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]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to Tawheed and obedience to Allaah’s Messenger. And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to opposing the Messenger, and calling to other than (the way of) Allaah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allaah will take it away and those upon it, he will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allaah –The Most High, The Most Great. [An Excerpt from Badaa’i Al-Fawaa’id 3/525-526]

As for Muslims living in the West, they are commanded to live with non-Muslims in a beautiful manner. Read: Living With non-Muslims in the West with fine conduct- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Informing The Authorities of Terrorist Plots – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2014/07/03/informing-the-authorities-of-terrorist-plots-by-ustaadh-abu-khadeejah-may-allaah-preserve-him/

Al-Allaamah Salih Aal Ash-Shaikh: Shariah Calls for Protection of Life and Property
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/csuslgk-shaikh-salih-aal-ash-shaikh-shariah-calls-for-protection-of-life-and-property.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

Islam and the Muslims Are Free and Innocent of the Kharijite Extremists and the Islamic Shariah Has Come With a Command to Fight Them
http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

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/

And Allaah knows best

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[Ref 1: https://salaficentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Quranic_Proofs_Pdf_final.pdf ]
[Ref 2: Tafseer at-Ṭabaree 2:190]
[Ref 3: Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree. Hadeeth Number 3030]
[Ref 4: Sharh Saheeh Muslim Vol 12. Page 40]
[Ref 5: Fat-hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree. Vol 6. Pages 190-191)
[Ref 6: An Excerpt from Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Dawud Vol 7. Page 214]
[Ref 7: Sunan Abu Dawud. Hadeeth Number 2637]
[Ref 8: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 1580]
[Ref 9: Saheeh Muslim. Hadeeth Number 1735]
[Ref 10: Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Hadeeth Number 7152]
[Ref 11: Source: Excerpt From a Juma-ah Khutbah: Khutbah Number 1: dated 1432-03-15: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/13208]
[Ref 12: Source: An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal-Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah’. Pages 7 – 27 slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 13: An Excerpt from Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal-Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah 28-30. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 14: An Excerpt from Minhaajus Sunnah. 3/231. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 15: An Excerpt from Silsilah Ar-Rasaa’il Al-Manhajiyyah Fin-Nus’hi Wal-Irshaad Wat-Taw’iyah 28-30. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 16: An excerpt from كشف الستار  Page: 18]
[Ref 17: Slightly paraphrased. Source: الأفنان وتوحيد ابن خزيمة وحديث عن المظاهرات4-4-1432هـ.]
[Ref 18: An Excerpt from ‘Ar-Rooh’ pages 487-489’. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 19: Excerpts from the book (Two hungry wolves let loose amongst a flock of sheep) pages: 29, 47 & 53]
[Ref 20: An Excerpt from (Majmoo Al-Fataawaa) 10/215]
[Ref 21: Majmoo Al-Fataawaa: 10/600]
[Ref 22: An Excerpt from Shaikh Rabee’s Book Titled: (من هم الإرهابيون) pages 104-105. slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 23: An Excerpt From ‘Al-Islaamu Deenun Kaamilun’. pages 10-12. slightly paraphrased.]
[Ref 24: An Excerpt from ‘Fataawa Ibn Baaz 8/208’. Slightly paraphrased]
[Ref 25: An Excerpt From ‘Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql’. 9/17-18]
[Ref 26: An Excerpt From ‘Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari’. Vol 6. page 607. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (Year 2000)]
[Ref 26a) The Ruling on Elections and Demonstrations Al-Jareedat ul-Jazeerah, Issue 11358, Ramadaan 1424 (3rd September 2003). Translated by salafipublications.com)]
[Ref 26b): Salafitalk.net]
[Ref 26c: Salafitalk.net]
[Ref 26d: Quoted by Shaikh Abdullaah Al-Bukhaari (may Allaah preserve him) in ‘Sharh Fadl Ilm As-Salaf Alaa Ilm Al Khalaf- Audio Number 1. Questions & Answers section]
[Ref 26e: Al-Ijaabaat Al-Muhimmah Fil-Mashaakil Al-Mulimmah: page: 10-11]
[Ref 26f: Al-Muntaqa Min Fataawa Ash-Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan. 1/367]
[Ref 27: See At-taleeq Alaa As-Siyaasah Ash-Shar’iyyah. Slightly paraphrased. Page 5 by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah)]
[Ref 28: https://binothaimeen.net/content/7366. Paraphrased]