Tag Archives: religion

August 14, 2025 · 12:13 am

Walayah & Bara’ah & Wuqoof or Association & Shunning and Pausing in the Ibadi school

“Your only friends (waliy) are Allah, His Messenger, and fellow believers—who establish prayer and pay alms-tax with humility.” (Qur’an 5:55)

﷽ 

While many in our Ummah talk about the importance of ʿaqīdah (correct belief), one of the most important—and neglected—topics is the one I am about to address, in shā’ Allāh.

It is the lack of proper understanding and application of these principles that has left the Muslim Ummah, as well as many Muslim communities and individuals, in ruin.

Encouraging and inviting others to good is the hallmark of true believers in any sincere faith, while obstinate rebellion and persistence in it portend a ruinous end.

“You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah. Had the People of the Book believed, it would have been better for them. Some of them are faithful, but most are rebellious.” (Qur’an 3:110)

In many instances, we have become people who abandon the call to encourage good out of fear of ridicule and mockery. Yet, one should welcome such trials, for patience in the face of ridicule and mockery is the Sunnah of the Prophets (upon them all be peace).

On the other side of the spectrum are Muslims who mean well but whose approach is often filled with vitriol. Through their lack of manners, they end up pushing people away from the truth. May Allāh guide us.

Perhaps the English-speaking world’s first encounter with these concepts was through Professor Valerie J. Hoffman’s notable translation work, The Essentials of Ibāḍī Islam. I found the section on Walāyah & Barā’ah to be more suited for an advanced audience. Her choice to begin with Al-ʿAqīdah al-Wahbiyyah—by the esteemed scholar and Sufi Shaykh Nāṣir b. Sālim b. ʿUdayyam al-Rawāḥī (raḥimahullāh)—was an interesting one.

However, more than a decade has now passed, and as I am sure Professor Hoffman realized while in Oman, views are shifting. Thus, when one reads The Essentials of Ibāḍī Islam, the impression is that since the book quotes authoritative sources, it must represent current trends—though this is not necessarily the case.

Moreover, many of these teachings are ingrained in children from a young age. In fact, it is wājib (obligatory) upon reaching maturity to learn these matters. Nevertheless, Allāh (subḥānahu wa taʿālā) does not let any good deed be lost. Surely, she has her reward with her Lord.

The objective of this article, then, is to provide an overview of this fundamental teaching, so deeply ingrained in our school of Islam. Everything we do should be for the sake of Allāh (swt).

The Blessed Prophet (saw) said:

“If anyone loves for Allāh’s sake, hates for Allāh’s sake, gives for Allāh’s sake, and withholds for Allāh’s sake, he will have perfected his faith.”
Source: (https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4681)

The English say: “Blood is thicker than water.”
In Islam, we could say: “Faith is thicker than blood.”

Walayah, Bara’ah, and Wuqoof

1. What Do These Terminologies Mean?

Walayah (Affiliation):
To befriend someone for the sake of Allah—by following the Qur’an and Sunnah. This includes:

  • Praying for their entry into Paradise.
  • Speaking well of them.
  • Taking an interest in their well-being.
  • Maintaining contact, assisting them, and upholding friendship.

Proofs for Walayah from the Qur’an:

  • “The believers, men and women, are allies (awliyā’) of one another. They enjoin good, forbid evil, establish prayer, give zakāh, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they who will receive Allah’s mercy. Surely, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (Qur’an 9:71)
  • “Know that there is no deity except Allah, and seek forgiveness for your sins and for the believing men and women.” (Qur’an 47:19)
  • “Muḥammed is the Messenger of Allah, and those with him are firm against the disbelievers yet compassionate among themselves.” (Qur’an 48:29)
  • “Cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.” (Qur’an 5:2)
  • “Believers, do not take your fathers and brothers as allies (awliyā’) if they prefer disbelief over faith. Whoever does so is unjust.” (Qur’an 9:23)
  • “Ibrāhīm’s plea for his father’s forgiveness was only because of a promise he had made. But when it became clear that his father was an enemy of Allah, he disassociated from him. Indeed, Ibrāhīm was tender-hearted and forbearing.” (Qur’an 9:114)
  • “You will not find those who believe in Allah and the Hereafter loving/showing affection to (yuwadduna) those who oppose Allah and His Messenger—even if they are their fathers, sons, brothers, or kin. For such believers, Allah has inscribed faith in their hearts and strengthened them with His spirit. He will admit them into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him. They are the party of Allah, and it is they who will succeed.” (Qur’an 58:22)

Bara’ah (Dissociation):
To disassociate from someone for the sake of Allah—due to their major sins, persistence in minor sins, or ingratitude toward Allah through their actions or negligence. This means:

  • Distancing oneself from such a person.
  • Being released from the obligations owed to them as a believer (similar to being freed from a debt).

Proofs for Bara’ah from the Qur’an:

  • “Whoever allies themselves with them (disbelievers) is indeed one of them.” (Qur’an 5:51)
    • This indicates that whoever befriends a disbeliever (mushrik) or hypocrite becomes like them.
  • “Do not ally yourselves with a people with whom Allah is angry.” (Qur’an 60:13)
    • Major sinners are among those with whom Allah is angry.
  • “Let not the believers take disbelievers as allies instead of believers.” (Qur’an 3:28)
  • “Those who believed, emigrated, and struggled in Allah’s cause with their wealth and lives—and those who sheltered and aided them—are allies to one another. But as for those who believed yet did not emigrate, you owe them no alliance unless they emigrate. However, if they seek your help in religious matters, you must assist them—except against a people with whom you have a treaty. Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” (Qur’an 8:72)
    • This verse shows that even believers who failed to emigrate were denied full walāyah until they corrected their stance.
  • “This is a declaration of disassociation from Allah and His Messenger to the polytheists with whom you had treaties.” (Qur’an 9:1)

General Guidelines for Bara’ah:
Bara’ah applies to individuals whose misdeeds are known, falling into two categories:

  • (A) Those who commit major sins (kabā’ir).
  • (B) Those who persist in minor sins.

Conditions for Applying Bara’ah:

  1. Confession: The person admits to their sin.
  2. Personal Witness: You see them commit major sins or persist in minor sins.
  3. Testimony of Two Just Witnesses.

Wuqoof (Reservation/Suspension of Judgment):
To pause, evaluate, and refrain from hasty judgment. It means:

  • Slowing down.
  • Assessing carefully.
  • Remaining ambivalent when uncertain.

Evidence for Wuqoof:

  • Ḥadīth: Mu‘ādh ibn Jabal reported that the Blessed Prophet (saw) said when sending him to Yemen:
    “Do not judge or decide except based on what you know. If you are uncertain about a matter, wait until you understand it fully, or write to me concerning it.”
  • Source: (https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:55)
  • Although some scholars consider this ḥadīth weak, it is supported by the Qur’an.
  • “Do not follow what you have no knowledge of. Indeed, the hearing, sight, and heart—all will be questioned.” (Qur’an 17:36)

Human Affairs Fall into Three Categories:

  1. Clearly Right: Follow it.
  2. Clearly Wrong: Avoid it.
  3. Unclear/Doubtful: Leave it to Allah.

The Three Types of Walayah

  1. Walayah al-Haqiqah – The real friendship. This is a matter of theology.
  2. Walayah al-Dhahir – The apparent friendship. This is a matter of jurisprudence.
  3. Walayah al-Jumlah – The general or common friendship. This is a matter of jurisprudence.

The Three Types of Bara’ah

  1. Bara’ah al-Haqiqah – The real dissociation. This is a matter of theology.
  2. Bara’ah al-Dhahir – The apparent dissociation. This is a matter of jurisprudence.
  3. Bara’ah al-Jumlah – The general or common dissociation. This is a matter of jurisprudence.

Walayah al-Haqiqah – The Real Friendship with Allah

What does it mean to have real walayah with Allah ?

It means Allah (swt) is the ultimate Judge and knows the innermost details of every human being. He knows best who will die upon true faith. The only forms of walayah we as human beings can have with each other are dhahir (apparent) and jumlah (general).

Is There Any Proof from the Qur’an for This?

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is [rightly] guided.” (Qur’an 16:125)

“The decision is only for Allah, He declares the truth, and He is the Best of judges.” (Qur’an 6:57)

Is there any other proofs?

‘Abdullah bin ‘Utbah bin Mas’ud reported:

I heard ‘Umar bin Al- Khattab (ra) reported saying: “In the lifetime of Messenger of Allah (saw) some people were called to account through Revelation. Now Revelation has discontinued and we shall judge you by your apparent acts. Whoever displays to us good, we shall grant him peace and security, and treat him as a near one. We have nothing to do with his insight. Allah will call him to account for that. But whosoever shows evil to us, we shall not grant him security nor shall we believe him, even if he professed that his intention is good.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:395)

Walayah al-Haqiqah – Those in the Real Friendship with Allah are as follows:

The first and most obvious examples are those preserved from sin or died having all sins forgiven:

  • Angels
  • Prophets
  • Messengers of Allah

1. Eve & Adam (upon them peace), the Mother & Father of Mankind

“They said, ‘Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers.'” (Qur’an 7:23)

2. Aisha (ra), the Mother of the Believers

“The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are their mothers…” (Qur’an 33:6)

3. The Angels

“O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.” (Qur’an 66:6)

4. The Believers Persecuted by the People of the Trench

“Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds will have gardens beneath which rivers flow. That is the great attainment.” (Qur’an 85:11)

5. The People of Jonah

“Then has there not been a [single] city that believed so its faith benefited it except the people of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the punishment of disgrace in worldly life and gave them enjoyment for a time.” (Qur’an 10:98)

6. Those Who Repented from Sorcery in the Time of Musa (as)

“But whoever comes to Him as a believer, having done righteous deeds—for them will be the highest ranks: the Gardens of Eternity, beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. And that is the reward of one who purifies himself.” (Qur’an 20:75-76)

7. Habib the Carpenter

“Because of this, Allah has forgiven me and placed me among the honored ones.” (Qur’an 36:27)

8. The Unnamed Believer from Pharaoh’s Family

“And a believing man from Pharaoh’s family, who concealed his faith, said, ‘Would you kill a man for saying, “My Lord is Allah,” while he has brought you clear proofs from your Lord? If he is lying, then upon him is [the consequence of] his lie; but if he is truthful, there will strike you some of what he promises you. Indeed, Allah does not guide one who is a transgressor and a liar.'” (Qur’an 40:28)

9. Those Whose Eyes Overflowed with Tears

“And when they hear what has been revealed to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflowing with tears because of what they have recognized of the truth. They say, ‘Our Lord, we have believed, so register us among the witnesses. And why should we not believe in Allah and what has come to us of the truth? And we aspire that our Lord will admit us [to Paradise] with the righteous people.'” (Qur’an 5:83-84)

There are many other examples. What is required of us is to show walayah to those whom Allah (swt) has described in the Qur’an as righteous—those who follow His commands and are among the people of happiness—whether they are mentioned by name, by kunya, or by their attributes.

Barā’ah al-Ḥaqīqah – The Real Dissociation

What does the real  barā’ah with Allah (swt) mean?

This means Allah (SWT) is the ultimate Judge and knows the minutiae of every human being. He knows best those who will die as mushrikūn (polytheists) or as ingrates. The only possible barā’ah (dissociation) we, as human beings, can have with one another is ẓāhir (apparent) and jumla (general).

Are There Any Proofs from the Qur’an for This?

“Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way. Lo! Thy Lord is Best Aware of him who strays from His way, and He is Best Aware of those who go aright.” (Qur’an 16:125)

“The decision is only for Allah, He declares the truth, and He is the Best of judges.” (Qur’an 6:57)

Is there any other proofs?

‘Abdullah bin ‘Utbah bin Mas’ud reported:

I heard ‘Umar bin Al- Khattab (ra) reported saying: “In the lifetime of Messenger of Allah (saw) some people were called to account through Revelation. Now Revelation has discontinued and we shall judge you by your apparent acts. Whoever displays to us good, we shall grant him peace and security, and treat him as a near one. We have nothing to do with his insight. Allah will call him to account for that. But whosoever shows evil to us, we shall not grant him security nor shall we believe him, even if he professed that his intention is good.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:395)

– The Real Dissociation: Those Truly Cut Off from Allah (swt).

1. Iblis, The Open Enemy of Mankind.

“Satan is indeed a sword enemy to humankind.” (Qur’an 17:53)

2. Hāmān, The Supporter of Pharaoh:

“So We seized him and his hosts, and cast them into the sea, while he was blameworthy.” (Qur’an 51:40)

3. Qārūn (Korah):


“So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling-place. Then he had no host to help him against Allah, nor was he of those who can save themselves.” (Qur’an 28:81)

4. Pharaoh:


“Go you to Pharaoh, for he has indeed transgressed all bounds.” (Qur’an 20:24)

5. Al-Namrūd (Nimrod):


“Have you not considered the one who argued with Abraham about his Lord [merely] because Allah had given him kingship? When Abraham said, ‘My Lord is the One who gives life and causes death,’ he said, ‘I give life and cause death.’ Abraham said, ‘Indeed, Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west.’ So the disbeliever was overwhelmed [by astonishment], and Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.“ (Qur’an 2:258)

6. The wives of Noah and Lot:


“Allah presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous servants but betrayed them, so they did not avail them from Allah at all, and it was said, ‘Enter the Fire with those who enter.'” (Qur’an 66:10)

Even if any of these individuals appeared to do good in the eyes of people, Allah (swt) knew their ultimate fate. Thus, this is barā’ah ḥaqīqah (the true dissociation).

The example of Abu Lahab Flawed Argument Regarding Abu Lahab

Some Muslims use a flawed argument about Abu Lahab to prove the truth of the Qur’an, saying: “If Abu Lahab had taken the shahādah, it would have made the Qur’an false.”

This is incorrect. The words of Allah (swt) are absolute truth, whereas Abu Lahab’s actions (if he had ever claimed faith) would have been deception. Allah (swt) has already decreed his fate. He is the very definition of one being in barā’ah ḥaqīqah (the true dissociation), being truly cut off.

The inverse is also true: If Allah (swt) states in the Qur’an that someone will enter Paradise, and that person commits sins, it is because Allah knows they will sincerely repent. Thus, their ending is good.

The established principle regarding spiritual guardianship (wilayah) is that one who possesses true guardianship never loses it regardless of sins committed – we are certain they will die repentant. Thus, we reject their wrong actions while maintaining connection to their essential spiritual station. 

This is why Imam Abu Sa’id al-Kudmi (May Allah have mercy on him) said: ‘We accept no falsehood from the blessed, nor reject any truth from the wretched.’

The examples of Adam (as) and Ayesha (ra)

The case of Adam (as).

We believe in the true spiritual guardianship (Walayah al-Haqiqah) of our father Adam (as), while Allah explicitly states in Scripture that he disobeyed and erred, then sought forgiveness and repented. We affirm his true guardianship while disassociating from his wrong action – his expulsion from Paradise being the consequence of his sin, constituting a divine punishment.

“And Adam and his wife ate of it, and their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred.” (Qur’an 20:121)

The case of the mother of the believers (Ayesha).

Ayesha (ra) fought against Ali. Ali is regarded as the Imam of the Muslims. This is true for the Imami Shi’i, Zaydi, Ibadi and most of Sunni Islam. Only a small (and rising faction) among them bring it into question.

“And if two groups from among the believers fight, effect reconciliation between them, but if one of them wrongfully oppresses the other then fight against the one which has wrongfully oppressed, till it returns to Allah’s command, then if it returns effect reconciliation between them with justice and act equitably, Allah certainly likes those who are equitable.” (Qur’an 49:9)

The amr of Allah belonged with Ali. Ayesha (ra) opposed him and later repented. We also know this because she (Ayesha) -may Allah be pleased with her is in the real spiritual guardianship (wilayat al-haqiqah).

Narrated Abu Maryam `Abdullah bin Ziyad Al-Aasadi:

“When Talha, AzZubair and `Aisha moved to Basra, `Ali sent `Ammar bin Yasir and Hasan bin `Ali who came to us at Kufa and ascended the pulpit. Al-Hasan bin `Ali was at the top of the pulpit and `Ammar was below Al-Hasan. We all gathered before him. I heard `Ammar saying, “`Aisha has moved to Al-Busra. By Allah! She is the wife of your Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter. But Allah has put you to test whether you obey Him (Allah) or her (`Aisha).”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:7100)

So even though Aisha (ra) is acknowledged by Ammar bin Yasir (ra) to be the ‘wife of the Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter‘ he was not about to leave the commands of Allah (swt).

Whoever violates these divine limits must face the prescribed punishment, even if they possess true spiritual guardianship (wilayat al-haqiqah).

The Believers’ Stance Toward Those in Barā’ah Ḥaqīqah

The believers must dissociate from those whom Allah (swt) has mentioned in the Qur’an as sinners or those promised punishment—whether they are mentioned by name, kunya, or attribute (e.g., Iblīs, Abu Lahab, his wife, etc.).

A Point of Reflection: Islam’s Theological Consistency Over Christianity in This Matter

Christians believe they are saved from Hellfire simply by uttering a confessional statement, being baptized, performing miracles, or doing meritorious acts. Yet, Christians from every denomination have seen members of their own churches abandon faith, convert to other religions, or reject Allah altogether.

This proves their salvation is ẓāhir (apparent), not al-ḥaqīqah (the true reality). True salvation is known only to Allah (swt).

Walayah al-Dhahir – The Apparent Friendship

These are the six basic rights that a Muslim owes to another Muslim.

Abu Hurairah reported Allah’s Messenger (saw) as saying:
“Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim.”
It was said to him: “O Allah’s Messenger, what are these?”
He replied:

  1. When you meet him, greet him.
  2. When he invites you, accept his invitation.
  3. When he seeks your counsel, advise him.
  4. When he sneezes and says, ‘Alhamdulillah,’ respond with ‘Yarhamuk Allah’ (May Allah have mercy on you).
  5. When he falls ill, visit him.
  6. When he dies, accompany his funeral.

Source:  (Sahih Muslim 2162b)

There are, of course, other obligations Muslims have toward one another.

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: ‘The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe, and the Muhajir is the one who forsakes (Hajara) what Allah has forbidden.’”

Source: (Sunan an-Nasa’i 4996)

Walayah al-Dhahir

This means to show walayah (loyalty/friendship) to anyone you see following the commandments of Allah—whether from the Qur’an or Sunnah—regardless of whether:

  • You have personally observed their piety, or
  • They are widely known for their piety.

(This applies only if there is no contradiction in their reputation. For example, if you visit two towns and find that in the first, he is known for piety, but in the second, he is known for dishonesty in business, then you must pause and withhold judgment—perform wuqoof (reservation, assessment)—or make a decision based on the testimony of two just witnesses.)

Conditions for Accepting Testimony (Shahada) in Walayah

For a walayah testimony to be valid:

  1. The two just witnesses must be in walayah with each other.
  2. The questioner must be in their walayah.
  3. They must be in the walayah of the questioner.
  4. The person in question must be in their walayah.
  5. Their testimonies must agree.

(If one witness says, “He is in my walayah,” while the other says, “He is in my bara’ah (disassociation),” then you must perform wuqoof—pause, reevaluate, and withhold judgment.)

Important Points: What If a Wali Commits a Sin?

Is there any sin worse than shirk (worshipping other than Allah)?
Yes—one can imagine a sin graver than polytheism, worse than all major sins: despairing of Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.

Allah says:
“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” (Qur’an 39:53)

“Never give up hope of Allah’s mercy, for none despairs of Allah’s mercy except the disbelieving people.” (Qur’an 12:87)

According to al-Diya’:

  • If one person calls a wali to repent, and he does so, then everyone else should maintain their affiliation with him.
  • It is unjust to dissociate from someone who has repented, as the door of repentance is always open.

No one has the right to say:

  • “Allah did not accept his repentance” (because this is unknowable),
  • “I do not accept it” (as no one can arrogate Allah’s role),
  • “When he sinned, his immorality was clear, so I assume he will sin again” (because dissociation cannot be based on mere speculation).

So be careful!

Bara’ah al-Dhahir

Bara’ah al-Dhahir is to disassociate from whoever you see disobeying the commandments of his Lord—whether from the Quran or Sunnah. If a waliy (ally) commits a major sin, he must be asked to repent. This applies if:

  • You witness the sin yourself,
  • The person admits to it,
  • The sin is infamous (without khilaf, i.e., no legitimate dispute—e.g., Epstein), or
  • There is testimony (shahada) from two just individuals confirming the sin.

Conditions for Accepting the Testimony (Shahada) of Bara’ah:

  1. The two just witnesses must be in walayah (loyalty) to each other.
  2. The questioner must be in their walayah.
  3. They must be in the walayah of the questioner.
  4. The one being asked about must be in their bara’ah (disavowal).
  5. The testimony must be in agreement.

If there is khilaf (dispute), then one must practice wuqoof (reservation—stopping, evaluating, suspending judgment, and remaining ambivalent).

What Should You Do If You Witness a Major Sin?

(Note: Not all major sins are equally known; ignorance is not an excuse for well-known sins.)

Example: Someone eats during Ramadan while it is still daytime.

  1. First, make excuses for them—perhaps they were sick, excessively hungry (fearing death), etc.
    • “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” (Quran 49:12)
  2. If they repeat the sin, investigate privately and remind them gently.
    • “And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers.” (Quran 51:55)
  3. If they have no excuse, teach them with proofs.
    • It is obligatory to call all sinners to repentance.
    • Failure to do so:
      • For a major sin: Makes one a hypocrite.
      • For a minor or unclear sin: Is itself a sin (according to the strongest opinion in our school).
  4. If they refuse to repent, ask them to make tawba (repentance).
    • There is khilaf on how many times:
      • Some say once,
      • Others say three times in three days,
      • Others say five times after each obligatory prayer (fareeda).
    • During this period, the person is in wuqoof with you personally—neither in walayah nor bara’ah (if they were in walayah, it would be general loyalty; if in bara’ah, general disavowal).
  5. Declaring Bara’ah:
    • There is khilaf on whether to declare bara’ah directly:
      • Some say you must,
      • Some say no,
      • Some say it depends on whether it will deter them from sinning.
    • Example: You say, “You are in the bara’ah of the Muslims, and whoever is in the bara’ah of the Muslims is also in the bara’ah of Allah (swt and His Messenger (saw).”
      • If they respond dismissively (“What does that mean?” or “So what?”), explain the severity.
    • If you believe declaring bara’ah will not stop them, you are not obligated to declare it.

Only after completing these steps do you perform bara’ah upon them.

Walayah al-Jumlah

Walayah al-Jumlah: General Wilayah (guardianship/loyalty) with mankind, jinn, angels, and all believers—past, present, and future—until the Day of Judgment. In other words, you maintain walayah (allegiance) toward all those who are in the walayah of Allah (swt). And those who are in Allah’s (swt) walayah are those whom Allah knows as the people of Jannah (Paradise).

Bara’ah al-Jumlah

Bara’ah al-Jumlah: General disassociation (bara’ah) from mankind, jinn, and all disbelievers—past, present, and future—until the Day of Judgment. In other words, you disassociate from whoever is in the bara’ah of Allah (swt), meaning those whom Allah (swt) knows as the people of the Hellfire.

Point of Difference Regarding Bara’ah al-Jumlah / Walayah al-Jumlah in Relation to Angels and Jinn

As previously mentioned in the discussion on Walayah al-Haqiqah, the angels are believers and do not rebel against Allah (unlike what Christians believe).

When it comes to the jinn, we must remember the following:

“Say: It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn listened and said, ‘We have heard a wonderful recitation, guiding to the right way, so we have believed in it, and we will not associate anyone with our Lord.’” (Qur’an 72:1-2)

Whoever completely disassociates from all jinn is a munafiq (hypocrite), and whoever disassociates from all jinn is an unbeliever, because he has rejected those whom Allah (swt) has affirmed as believers.

Wuqoof

Wuqoof means to stop, pause, slow down, assess, evaluate, suspend judgment, or remain ambivalent. It applies to everyone you do not know—you should not judge them to be in walayah (allegiance) or bara’ah (disavowal).

It is obligatory because walayah and bara’ah are matters of aqidah (creed), so they cannot be based on doubts or probabilities. They must be founded on certain evidence.

The Rulings and Conditions for Wuqoof

  1. Wuqoof applies to a person in your walayah who does something ambiguous. It does not apply to those in your bara’ah—there is no wuqoof for them.
  2. Wuqoof is temporary, lasting only until the individual’s status becomes clear.
  3. We do not declare walayah based on a single good deed. However, we do declare bara’ah based on a single sin—after presenting the evidence to the person, calling them to repentance (istitaba), and declaring bara’ah if they persist.

Types of Wuqoof

  1. Wuqoof in Religion (Wuqoof Deen)
    • This applies to someone whose condition is unknown.
    • It is obligatory and a religious duty because it is impermissible to declare walayah or bara’ah for them without certainty.
  2. Wuqoof of Opinion (Opinion Wuqoof)
    • This applies to someone in your walayah who does something you are unsure how to judge.
    • It also applies if it is confirmed that they did something that would necessitate bara’ah.
    • You pause judgment until you fulfill the conditions for declaring bara’ah (as mentioned above).
  3. Wuqoof Due to Uncertainty (Questionable Wuqoof)
    • This occurs when someone does something whose ruling you do not know.
    • You pause judgment until you research the ruling of their action.
    • Once you know the ruling, you first fulfill the conditions for bara’ah (if applicable).
  4. Wuqoof in Conflict (Problematic Wuqoof)
    • This applies when two people in your walayah do something, and you cannot determine who is right or wrong.
    • You pause judgment on both until the truth becomes clear.
  5. Wuqoof Due to Doubt (Doubtful Wuqoof)
    • This occurs when you doubt the walayah of someone who is already in your walayah, while others do not share this doubt.
    • Removing them from walayah based solely on this doubt is forbidden according to Imam Al-Salimy (may Allah have mercy on him), because it is based on uncertainty.

ʿilm al-ẓāhir & ʿilm al-ghayb

Why it is important to differentiate between ʿilm al-ẓāhir (the knowledge of the seen) and ʿilm al-ghayb (the knowledge of the unseen).

The former is what we, as human beings, are required to base our judgments upon, whereas the latter is exclusively attributed to Allah. On this basis, if a person commits a wrongful act but his intention was good, we—as people limited to knowledge that does not extend beyond the visible world—are commanded to judge based on what is apparent.

This is why you can have courts that give a verdict that a person is guilty but latter found to be innocent. In the afterlife such errors in judgement are impossible.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “I have not been commanded by Allah to search the hearts of people or to cut open their bellies.”


Source:  (Sahih al-Bukhari 4351)

So, unless Allah (swt) informs the Blessed Prophet (saw) about a matter he too judges based upon the apparent.

Furthermore, it was narrated that ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (ra) said:

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended. Whoever emigrated for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his emigration was for Allah and His Messenger. But whoever emigrated to attain some worldly benefit or to marry a woman, then his emigration was for that which he intended.”


Source: (Sunan an-Nasa’i 3437)

Again this should be a clear reminder to all of us that our judgement is based upon the Dhahir or apparent. Where as the judgement of Allah (swt) is based upon the Ḥaqīqah or reality.

The Companions – The Sahaba

We affirm our allegiance to all the Companions except those who clearly committed grave sins during the turmoil (al-fitan) that arose among them. We also affirm our allegiance to those who suspend judgment concerning them because they are unable to discern the truth, as it is obligatory for those who lack understanding to withhold judgment—unless it becomes clear that someone is capriciously suspending judgment after having recognized the truth.

We do not suspend judgment concerning those who were aware of the actions of ‘Uthman and ‘Ali and were present when they committed reprehensible acts—unless they considered wrong to be right or right to be wrong, for such a stance is intolerable.

Walayah with Allah

Regarding our friendship and guardianship with our Creator, it consists of willing surrender—obeying His commands and avoiding what He has forbidden.

Allah’s Walayah with Us

What do we receive in return for our willing surrender? In reality, Allah (swt) owes us nothing. Yet, by His grace, we are granted His promise of guidance, support, and protection:

“As for those who accept guidance, Allah increases them in guidance and blesses them with righteousness.” (Qur’an 47:17)

“So, surely with hardship comes ease. Surely with hardship comes ease. So when you have finished, strive, and to your Lord direct your longing.” (Qur’an 94:5-8)

“Say, ‘Nothing will befall us except what Allah has decreed for us. He is our Protector.’ So in Allah let the believers put their trust.” (Qur’an 9:51)

“Do not grieve or despair; Allah is certainly with us.” So Allah sent down His serenity upon the Prophet, supported him with unseen forces, and made the word of the disbelievers inferior while the Word of Allah remained supreme. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.” (Qur’an 9:40)

It is astonishing that some outsiders believe our faith is solely about flogging, stoning, and amputations. In truth, we have a tightly integrated system of disavowal and reconciliation, of repentance and restored bonds, of friendship and necessary detachment.

When Muslims apply this to their lives, it becomes the spiritual equivalent of Japanese minimalism. You should seek the company of those who prioritize obedience to Allah and His Messenger—those aligned with devotion, not rebellion.

Once we realize that walayah (loyalty) and bara’ah (disavowal) extend beyond humans to the Jinn and the unseen world, we will step back and declutter our lives. We will recognize darkness—and its temptations—for what they truly are.

For example: The desire to go to a particular concert—but wait, who or what is truly inviting me? What forces are pulling me in that direction? Are they forces I should align with—those that nurture my spiritual growth—or forces I must reject?

As our Creator reminds us:

“Surely Satan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his followers to become dwellers of the Blaze.” (Qur’an 35:6)

Satan has already declared bara’ah against us. The question is: Have we declared it against him and his minions?

May Allah guide the Ummah! May Allah forgive the Ummah!

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August 13, 2025 · 5:36 pm

The four conditions of the Muslim community according to the Ibadi school.

“It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others with Allah dislike it.” (Qur’an 9:33)

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This entry is based upon the work Studies in Ibadism by Dr. Amr K. al-Nami (May Allah continue to benefit us by him) which you may read here: https://primaquran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/studies_in_ibadhism.pdf

The four conditions (Masalik al-din) according to Ahl al-Haqq wa-l istiqama (The People of Truth and Straightness) are as follows:

  1. Kitman: The State of Secrecy.
  2. Shira’: The state of trading one’s life for the cause of Allah.
  3. Dhuhur: The state of being Manifest.
  4. Difa’: State of Defense.

The arrival of the Umayyad Imperium completed the cycle of four stages that the Muslim community underwent. From the Blessed Prophet (saw) teaching Islam in secret (Kitman), to the command in Qur’an 15:94 to teach Islam openly and to fight in the cause of Allah (Shira’), to when Madinah was under the rule of Islam and the rule was total (Dhuhur), until the fighting among the companions and the appointment of the 5th Imam, Imam Ar Rasibi (May Allah be pleased with him) (Difa’).

This is the Prophecy of the Blessed Prophet (saw)

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said:

“It was said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, when should we stop enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil?’ He said: ‘When there appears among you that which appeared among those who came before you.’ We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, what appeared among those that came before us?’ He said: ‘Kingship given to your youth, immorality even among the old, and knowledge among the base and vile.’”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:4015)

IMPORTANT! The rulings of the sharīʿah tighten or loosen depending upon the condition of the Muslims and the context that they find themselves in.

You could ask an audience a trick question: Can Muslims eat pork yes or no? The deception is in the false dichotomy. The correct answer is: It depends on context.

KITMAN: The State of Secrecy

Kitman means hiding one’s beliefs. In reality, the word kitman comes from the verb katama, which means to hide, to conceal. In this state the believers keep their beliefs in secret to avoid suppression by their enemies who will not allow the Ibadis to profess their beliefs if they discovered them. In this sense, hiding one’s beliefs is the best way to preserve them. So ‘secrecy’ becomes an obligation in such a case. Ibadis started their movement in secrecy to avoid suppression by the Umayyad rulers. Both Ibadi leaders Jabir b. Zaid (ra) and his successor Abu Ubaidah Muslim b. Abi Karimah (ra) acted in the stage of secrecy (kitman). All their activities were carried out in secret. During this time, secrecy was recommended almost in everything.

“He said, “O my son, do not relate your vision to your brothers or they will contrive against you a plan. Indeed Satan, to man, is a manifest enemy.” (Qur’an 12:5)

Kitman is of much greater importance when we realize that it is a type of trust. When one discloses some of his secrets to you and asks you to keep them secret from others, then it is your duty to keep them secret as required by that person. Even between the two spouses, they have to practice kitman, i.e. they are in no way allowed to talk to others about the details or generalities of their conjugal life or intimate relations. Kitman may extend to cover the secrets of the whole state at the time of war and peace where a person who is loyal to his people cannot divulge to anyone or tell the enemy about his country’s affairs.

Also, we know that not everyone needs to know about all of our day to day affairs. There are some real busy bodies in this world.

Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Seek help in the fulfillment of your needs by being discrete, for everyone who is given a blessing will be envied.”

Source: (al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 16644) not found at sunnah.com / found here: https://www.abuaminaelias.com/dailyhadithonline/2019/08/21/kull-dhi-nimah-mahsud/

Ibadi scholars claim that the stage of secrecy (kitman) in their doctrine is derived from the life of the Blessed Prophet (saw) ; but they differ in fixing the exact period of secrecy in the life of the Prophet. According to Shaikh Muhammad Yusuf Atfaiyish (r), it is the period between the beginning of the revelation up to the time when the number of the Muslims reached forty by Umar b. al-Khattab (ra) declaring his acceptance of Islam. Abu Sulaiman Dawud b. Ibrahim al-Talati (r) regards all the period before the Prophet’s immigration to Madina as a stage of secrecy, while Abu Ammar Abd al-Kafi (r) says, “The Prophet stayed in Mecca for some time after the revelation, in secrecy.” It seems that he meant the period of three years of the prophethood before the revelation of this verse: “Proclaim what you have been ordered and turn aside from the polytheists.” (Qur’an 15:94) However, this was the basis on which Ibadi scholars furnished the proof for the obligation of secrecy (kitman) as a religious duty ordered in the Qur’an.

Special rules that apply when in kitman and/or living under the rule of tyrants and/or any situation where one fears for their life.

The most important aspect is the suspension of the hadd punishment during kitman.

During kitman Ibadis have to live under the rule of tyrants. Special rules were laid down for Ibais regarding their relationship with ‘tyrants’ in the time of kitman. The main principle is that the Ibadis must not be of any help to tyrants in their rule, so they must not hold any posts for them. The exception to this rule is that those members of the Ibadi community who are known for their opposition to the ‘tyrants’ and were capable of commanding them to good and forbidding them from evil, such members can hold posts in the rule of ‘tyrants’; they can lead their troops in jihad, be in charge of the spoils (ghanaim), Qadiship, or futya (delivering legal opinions on religious questions). Ibadis, in this attitude, follow the example of Ibn Abbas, Jabir b. Zaid, al-Hasan al-Basri and Shuraih al-Qadi. All these great scholars were known for their opposition to the rule of ‘tyrants’ and held posts under them. The condition for such an attitude is to run the posts according to the shari’ah and not fear anybody in practising justice.

The teachings of Islam still continue as per the following verses:

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:

“The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘Whoever is asked about knowledge that he has and he conceals it, will be bridled on the Day of Resurrection with reins of fire.'”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:266)

“Verily those who conceal that which We have revealed of clear signs and guidance, after We have made it clear for people in the Book – on them shall be Allah’s curse, and the curse of those who curse. Except those who repent, make amends, and make manifest [the truth]; to them I relent, for I am Oft-returning, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:159-160)

There are certain occasions on which the ‘tyrants’ force Ibadis to act or speak contrary to their beliefs. In such circumstances, Ibadi school allows its followers to use a special dispensation (rukhsah) under the principle of religious dissimulation (taqiyah) to avoid the punishment of death. They can, for example, say that there is more than one God, or claim walayah for the enemies of Allah, and baraah from the true believers, or give false testimony, or tell lies, all these with the tongue only without believing it. They also can eat during the day in Ramadhan, or eat carrion, blood, or pork, all this to avoid the punishment of death.

Some of the proofs for the above views are as follows:

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after their belief—not those who are forced while their hearts are firm in faith, but those who embrace disbelief wholeheartedly—they will be condemned by Allah and suffer a tremendous punishment.” (Qur’an 16: 106)

“He has only forbidden to you dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah . But whoever is forced [by necessity], neither desiring [it] nor transgressing [its limit], there is no sin upon him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 2:173)

“The believers must not take the disbelievers as friends instead of the believers. And whoever does that has no relation with Allah whatsoever, unless you (do so) as a protective measure (in order to) save yourself from them. Allah warns you of Himself, for unto Allah is the return.” (Qur’an 3:28)

Exceptions to Kitman: When you must risk your life being forfeit.

As the whole point of Kitman is the preservation of human life you may not do the following:

There are certain actions that must not be done even if that should cause the one using kitman the loss of their lives. Such as slaying the innocent. If you are asked to kill someone unjustly you must drop your cloak of kitman as the point of kitman was preservation of your life. In this case you trade your life for the innocent. May Allah (swt) reward the one who does it. Other instances where the cloak of kitman must be dropped: One cannot seize people’s property or lay waste to it. One must not give up their weapons to their enemies. One must not drink wine, commit adultery or eat and drink unclean (najas) things like urine or excrement.

One may not fail to note that khamr (alcohol) is given stricter treatment than that of pork. Both are haram, yes, but the former opens up more doors to greater sins while the later just stops there. The drinking of khamr (alcohol) also affects judgement, which in turn can affect the point of kitman.

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after their belief—not those who are forced while their hearts are firm in faith, but those who embrace disbelief wholeheartedly—they will be condemned by Allah and suffer a tremendous punishment.” (Qur’an 16: 106)

If we revisit the above verse for a moment there is an interesting asbab-an-nuzul or occasion for this revelation being revealed.

In the Asbab Al-Nuzul by Al-Wahidi we find:

Said Ibn ‘Abbas: “This verse was revealed about ‘Ammar ibn Yasir. The idolaters had taken him away along with his father Yasir, his mother Sumayyah, Suhayb [al-Rumi], Bilal [ibn Rabah], Khabbab [ibn al-Aratt] and Salim [the client of Hudhayfah] and tortured them. As for Sumayyah, she was tied up between two camels and stabbed with a spear in her female organ. She was told: ‘You embraced Islam for the men’, and was then killed. Her husband Yasir was also killed. They were the first two persons who were killed in Islam. As for ‘Ammar, he was coerced to let them hear what they wanted to hear. The Messenger of Allah (saw), was told that ‘Ammar has renounced faith, but he said: ‘Never, ‘Ammar is filled with faith from his head to his toes; faith is admixed with his flesh and blood!’ ‘Ammar then went to see the Messenger of Allah (saw), crying. The Messenger of Allah (saw) wiped his tears with his own hand and said: ‘if they return to you, let them hear again what you told them’. Then, Allah, exalted is He, revealed this verse”. Mujahid said: “This verse was revealed about some Meccans who accepted faith. The Muslims of Medina wrote to them urging them to migrate and told them that they did not consider them part of them unless they migrated. And so they left Mecca intending to migrate to Medina. The Quraysh caught up with them on the way and coerced them to renounce their faith. It is about them that this verse was revealed

Source: (https://quranx.com/tafsirs/16.106)

Besides, Ibadis, although living under the rule of ‘tyrants’, must have their own organisation to look after their affairs, and to plan for the safety of their community and to preserve the teachings of their schools; in other words, to prevent the Ibadis from melting into the large body of their opponents, and to ultimately prepare for ‘manifestation’

Saving yourself is from one of the major rules in Islam. Self preservation is a very basic rule in Islam.

In Islam we have what is known as : Ad-Darooriyyaat Al-Khams-The Five Basic Necessities that are protected and recognized by the Islamic law (shari’ah).

Protection and sanctity of ones:
Life
Religion
Wealth
Lineage
Mind (intellect)

A modern example of this in action is where those who have have adopted the Ibadi school from other schools (be they Hanafi, Shafi’i, Hanbali, Maliki, Imam Shi’i, etc.) fear that if they pray the way the Blessed Prophet (saw) prayed they maybe violently attacked. So they are allowed to join the congregation and pray according tot he ijtihad of the prevailing school.

See here for example:

Those Muslims who adopt the Ibadi School Can Practice Kitman to protect their life

Another example: A woman in some remote part of the former United States or Canada embraces Islam. If her family knows she could be expelled from her home. She could be violently attacked even by members of her own family. If she outwardly adorns the khimar she could become violently attacked. So, in a place where the people wear winter attire (examples: Toboggan, Tuque, Toque, Touque, and neck scarfs) that woman can adorn winter wear and dress as modestly as she can. She can and must blend in to protect the sanctity of her life. However, the moment she moves to an area where the believers are both strong and able to defend her she must adorn the appropriate attire or be in a state of rebellion to Allah (swt) and his commands.

SHIRA’: The Sacrifice of one’s life for the cause of Allah

The Arabic word shira’ means buying and selling. This term is used in Ibadi writings for the action of sacrificing one’s life in the cause of Allah to attain Paradise.

Shira’ as an individual obligation; it is understood as a voluntary duty only.

Shurat (pl.) are: Those who have sold their souls for the cause of Allah .

The term al-shira’ is derived from the following verses of the Qur’an:

“Allah has bought from the believers their selves and their possessions against the gift of Paradise; they fight in the way of Allah; they kill, and are killed; that is a promise binding upon Allah in the Torah, and the Gospel, and the Qur’an; and who fulfil his covenant truer than Allah? So rejoice in the bargain you have made Him.”(Qur’an 9:111)

*Note* the above verse of the Qur’an teaches us clearly that Jesus (as) taught martyrdom against oppressors.

“So let them fight in the way of Allah who sell the present life for the world to come, and whosoever fights in the way of Allah and is slain, or conquers, We shall bring him a mighty wage.” (Qur’an 4:74)

“But other men there are that sell themselves desiring Allah’s pleasure.” (Qur’an 2:207)

The first to practice shira’ was none other than the Blessed Prophet (saw) and his noble companions who fought in the cause of Allah (swt) against those who wanted to physically stop the teaching and call to Islam.

Latter, after the arrival of the Umayyad Imperium it was practised by Abu Bilal Mirdas b. Hudair (ra). The idea of shira’ or Khuruj (coming out) occurred to him when he saw the harm caused by The Umayyad Imperium under Ubaidullah b. Ziyad against his fellow-Muslims. His comment on the situation was, “Surely, being content with tyranny is an offence, and drawing the sword and frightening the people is grave, but we come out and fight no one but those who do us wrong.”

They, i.e. the Shurat, agree that they sell themselves desiring Allah’s pleasure, and show no claim for ruling, but to end tyranny and revive righteousness. They must not revolt with less than forty men; they can complete the number with a woman. If their intention was not to return before ending falsity, batil), they, therefore, must not return to their homes unless they ended falsehood or died. If they went out with the intention to return if they wanted, they can return at any time. Their homes are their swords, so if they return to their original homes for any purpose, they must pray short prayers qasr and pray complete prayers during their revolt even though they were far away from their original homes

The following are the main principles of Shira’:

  1. Shira’ is a voluntary duty for Ibadis in general, and an obligation for those who imposed it on themselves.
  2. The minimum number of forty persons must carry it out.
  3. .They must elect their leader among themselves. Imam of Shira‘. The authority of their leader is binding on his followers only.
  4. Religious dissimulation, Taqiyah, does not behoove the Shurat, they have to fight till they bring tyranny to an end or are killed. Some scholars say that they can return if only three of them were left
  5. They have no home except the places where they gather to fight their enemies; if they return to their original homes to get supplies, or information, or for any other purpose, they must consider themselves travelers and pray short prayers (qasr) while in their original homes.
  6. They must not fight anyone except those who fight them, must not follow the defeated or kill the injured, must not kill old men, women, or children, and must not take any spoils or property unless they have a right to it

Regarding the stage of Shira’, it has already been mentioned that it is a voluntary duty for more than forty persons, and that they must pray full prayer during their revolt though they are far from their original homes. In case the Shurat wanted to take over during the Imamate of defence, they have all the right to do so, for the Imam of the Shurat, for his intention of sacrificing his life for the cause of the Ibadi community, is more entitled to the right of leadership than the Imam of defence.

Some scholars suggest that the state of Shira’ was practised first during the Meccan period of the Prophet’s life. They point out that the Prophet declared Islam openly when the number of his followers reached forty, this was about the time that Umar ibn al-Khattab (ra) had embraced Islam. It was thus, directed by the Qur’an to leave the house of al-Arqam b. Abi al-Arqam which was “the centre of his preaching activities.” When he had passed the stage of secrecy, Allah revealed to him, “O Prophet, Allah suffices you, and the believers who follow you.” (Qur’an 8:64)

DHUHUR: The State of Manifestation

The Blessed Prophet (saw) died leaving the Muslims in the stage of manifestation (Dhuhur). It is when Islam is established and it is dominant. It is not in a state of fracture or subjugation by enemies.

It is obligatory for Muslims to maintain this state in order to execute the commands of Allah (swt). Hadd punishments, the Friday prayers, the collection of zakat and protection tax (jizyah), fighting such enemies as Polytheists and rebels (al-bughat) the proper division of spoils and zakat, none of these obligations can be carried out without the authority of the Imam.

Note about Zakat. Yes Zakat is being paid by the Muslims today. However, it is being done by will alone. In reality the Zakat is a forced taxed collection by the Amir (Imam) to make sure that those who can do contribute to the betterment of the society. Abu Bakr (ra) fought people who refused to pay Zakat.

Ibadi scholars cite the Caliphates of Abu Bakr and Umar (May Allah be pleased with them both) as examples of the stage of manifestation in early Islam. Whenever Muslims attain satisfactory conditions of proper, wealth, and knowledge of religion, so that they can execute the commands of Allah, and when they number about half of the enemy around them, they must move from the condition of kitman via shira’ to the condition of Dhuhur by electing their own Imam from among their outstanding men.

The Imazighen or Free-Men of North Africa were the last to try to establish the Imam Adh- Dhuhur or the Manifest Imam.  Manifestation (Dhuhur)

After the collapse of the Rustamid Imamate in Tahert in 909 A.D. Ibadis of North Africa tried to revive their Imamate under the leadership of Abu Khazr Yaghla b. Zaltaf, but they lost the battle of Baghy which they fought against the Fatimids on the year 358 A.H. After this the Ibadis entered the stage of secrecy up to our times. No attempt was made afterwards by the Ibadis of North Africa to establish the Imam Adh Dhuhur.

So a question arises: Are the Ibadis today without an Imam?

The answer to that is no. The Ibadis today are not without an Imam. The Imam today is the Imam Kitman. That is to say, the Imam in a state of secrecy. This Imam is known to his inner circle and it kept as such until the condition changes.

DIFA’: The state of Defence

Defence becomes the obligatory duty in the absence of manifestation (Dhuhur).

When under attack, or suspecting a sudden attack, the Muslims must elect a leader to lead them in fighting their enemy. Such a leader is called Imam al difa’, Imam of defence. He must be a learned man of high military capability. He has the same full authority as the Imam of Dhuhur until the end of the war. At the end of the war his Imamate dissolves automatically, so the Muslims would have no difficulty in removing him from his office. The Muslims must then elect their new Imam as required by the resultant state, either of ‘manifestation’ or ‘secrecy’. The first Imam of defence given in Ibadi sources is Abdullah b. Wahb al-Rasibi (ra) who was elected before the battle of al-Nahrawan. The other Imams of defence of North Africa included Abu Hatim al-Malzuzi (r) who tried to revive the Imamate of ‘manifestation’ which was established by Abu al-Khattab Abd al-Ala b. al-Samh al-Ma’afiri (r) and Abu Khazr Yaghla b. Zaltaf (r) who tried to revive the Rustamid Imamate and fought the Fatimids for this purpose.

For those who wish to learn more about Abdullah b. Wahb al-Rasibi our sister bintibadh has an excellent write up here: https://bintibadh.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-fifth-caliph-abdullah-ibn-wahb-al.html

Concerning the stage of difa’, it is already mentioned that the Imamate of defence (Imamat al-difa’) dissolves automatically after the end of the war, but some scholars hold that the Imamate of defence can remain after the end of the war as well. In the case of Imam Ali Ibn Abu Talib if he would have repented for the arbitration the Muslims would have rejoined him and the Imam of defense (Abdullah b. Wahb al-Rasibi –might have pledged allegiance to him (Ali) and rejoined him again, and Imam Ali would have been the Imam Adh-Dhuhur. However, this is only a possibility as Ali also removed himself from the authority; so the people were free to choose their Imam. People think that the Ibadi position is that if a leader makes one mistake than we do khurooj against him or make tafkir. This is not correct. It depends on the type and nature of the mistake. IF he has committed a sin for which there is a required punishment such as adultery, or the act of the people of Lut, or theft, or drinking alcohol, unlawful killing and the arguments and proofs are established against him are proven by the Shari’ah judiciary, then there must be another Imam to carry out the Sharia punishment against him. He must retire or be isolated by the people of the contract and someone else is to be chosen. If he refuses, he will be judged as a transgressor and a revolt against him will be legislated.

May Allah (swt) guide the Ummah!

May Allah (swt) forgive the Ummah!

May Allah (swt) grant us the strength to return to the commands of Allah (swt).

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August 13, 2025 · 2:44 am

Ramadan Day 19

“On the Day their tongues, hands, and feet will testify against them for what they used to do.” (Qur’an 24:24)

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Ramadan Day 19: Control this beast (the tongue).

Replace the filth we say by the remembrance of Allah (swt). The remembrance of Allah (swt) sweetens the tongue from the filth of backbiting, lying, idle talk.

19th of Ramadan
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*Heart Illness: The Eyes*
˹O Prophet!˺ Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their chastity.” (Qur’an 24:30)
Allah has created the eye for the sake of contemplation in the creation of Allah, and looking at what Allah has allowed. However, it can be an entrance for the devil, and a path for corrupting the heart. The misuse of the blessings of vision should not be underestimated.

Looking at women lustfully is an arrow from the arrows of Iblis. Whoever leaves it for the sake of Allah, Allah will give him the sweetness of Iman.

When The Blessed Prophet (saw) was asked about unexpected look, he commanded us to lower the gaze. So the first glimpse is for you and the second is against you.

It was narrated that ‘Ali said:

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said to me: “Do not follow one glance with another; you may be allowed the first but not the second.

Source: (https://sunnah.com/ahmad:1369)

From the benefits of lowering the gaze:
Strengthening the heart
Repels the Muslim from following desires

and many other benefits,. May Allah guide us and all Muslims to follow his commands and avoid the seduction of Satan.

As the poet said. First a look, then a glance then a nod of the head, then a kiss, then an embrace then the warmth of the bed and soon the fire.

*Faith and what it Entails*
“The ˹true˺ believers are only those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord.” (Qur’an 8:2)

Iman is to believe, and in the Islamic Shari’a Iman is believing in the unknowns that came with the messages of Allah, and the origins of Iman are collected in the Hadith of Gabriel (as) “It’s to believe in Allah, his angles, his books, his messengers, the day of judgment and destiny.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:50)

Our faith is saying and acting. So after saying the Shahadah, you have to confirm it with deeds. Starting with obligations and to Nafilas when you can.

The sentence of monotheism has a doctrinal and practical interpretation. We have looked at the doctrinal interpretation from the beginning of Ramadan which includes: Allah and his attributes, prophets, angles, hell, paradise, Qur’an…etc

but know we will get into the practical interpretation of faith with topics such as: the fundamentals of the religion, the pillars of the religion, the stages of the religion, sorting the religion, the protection of the religion and guardianship and dissociation…etc

May Allah grant us success to do what he pleases.

*What the Imam carries for the followers*

There are things that the Imam carries for the Ma’moom (follower):

1. Reading the verses after Al Fatiha, so when the Imam recites the verses after Fatiha the followers should just listen and they don’t have to recite by their own nor repeat after the Imam.

2. Saying “Sami’al lahu liman hamidah” while standing from Ruku’, the followers should only say “Rabbana walakal hamd” after standing from Ruku’.

3. Sahu (inattention in prayer) because the heart may get busy with other than the prayer sometimes. May Allah protect us.

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August 12, 2025 · 12:54 pm

Ramadan Day 18

“And whoever strives ˹in Allah’s cause˺, only does so for their own good. Surely Allah is not in need of ˹any of˺ His creation.” (Qur’an 29:6)

﷽ 

Ramadan Day 18: Allah is not in need of us. We are in need of Allah.

*18th of Ramadan*
——————————–
*Heart Illness: The tounge*
Sa’d Bin Mu’ath May Allah be pleased with him asked the Blessed Prophet (saw): are we held accountable for what we say?, The Blessed Prophet (saw) replied:

“May your mother lose you, are the people thrown in hell on their faces for other than their tongues?”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/nawawi40:29)

In another Hadith: “The man can say a word -which he doesn’t care about-, which would make him fall to hell for 70 years.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3970)

There are many diseases of the tongue.
Obscenity, cursing and swearing.
Laughing and joking excessively-everything in moderation. (These actions cause one to drop their guard)
Backbiting
Gossip
Lying
Mockery and ridicule
Whistling

The tounge is small in size but big in crime

*Fate and Destiny*
“But you cannot will ˹to do so˺ unless Allah wills. Indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Qur’an 76:30)


We should believe in destiny by Allah either good or evil, The Blessed Prophet (saw) said:

“You will not believe and reach the reality of faith, until you believe in fate good and evil that it’s from Allah exalted.”, Ubada Bin Assamit -May Allah be pleased with him- said: “O messenger of Allah, how can I know good fate and its evil?”, he said: “To know that what missed you wasn’t going to hit you, and what hit you wasn’t going to miss you, if you died upon other than this you will enter hell.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4700)

The meaning of destiny is an area of difference in opinion by Islamic schools:
Some over affirmed it, and they are the Jahmis who said that humans have no free will, and the human is like a string that’s moved by wind.

Some over denied it, and they are Mu’tazilis who deny the effect of divine will on human beings, and that humans are completely independent in choosing and making actions.

Some took a middle opinion that collects all these proofs, affirming destiny and free will, saying that all humans in their actions good or evil have the aspect of كسب acquisition but not creation, and acquisition entails reward and punishment, but creation doesn’t, as Allah is the creator of everything including the actions of people, and this doesn’t contradict that Allah knows everything that people will do, some actions Allah likes and some he dislikes, so the human is not forced to do an action, but whatever actions they do is known by Allah in eternity.

The last one is our creed, the creed of people of truth and straightness the Ibadis, and it collects all textual proofs that seem contradicting on the surface in a comprehensive way.

Fate is a secret from the secrets of Allah, that’s why we aren’t supposed to dive deep into it, but we should believe that Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala doesn’t punish a person for other than his actions, so when Allah punishes someone for his evil that he acquired, and not for the action Allah created, and the same with good deeds.

And the people that deny acquisition and claim that punishments and rewards that are entailed by actions are because Allah found these good and evil actions at the hand of the human, without the human acquiring it is impossible, as Allah is more merciful and greater than punishing someone for something he had no choice in.

For those who want to acquire more in depth information on this subject you may wish to see the following article:

The Ibadi vs the Mu’tazila on kasb (acquisition)

*Priority of Imamate in Prayer*
when praying in congregation, here is the order of who should be an Imam from the Hadith of the prophet peace be upon him:
1- The most knowledgeable in reciting the Qur’an
2- The most knowledgeable in Sunnah
3- The earlier in Hijrah (migration to Medina)
4- The older in age

So if a more knowledgeable in Fiqh and a better reciter are present the better reciter should lead, as long as he has a enough Fiqh knowledge to pray.

The Fasiq (sinner) is not qualified to lead a prayer, but if he does then the prayer is correct as long as nothing else corrupts it and Allah knows best

May Allah (swt) Guide the Ummah!

May Allah (swt) Forgive the Ummah!

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August 12, 2025 · 9:36 am

Marxist Ash’aris

“Do not mix truth with falsehood or hide the truth knowingly.” (Qur’an 2:42)

﷽ 

Why was I not surprised when reading the latest attacks upon those of us in the Muslim ummah who will speak out against injustice.

Now, it seems the Asha’ari have split into different political camps. Those of them who decry injustice and those of them who ally with power. Even if allying with power is to the detriment of their own souls.

In the former United States, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf has been fond to call such people Marxist. In traditional circles in the Middle East the pejorative term of choice is Khawarij.

Yet, the people do not sleep. We have a generation of people who are researching and looking into matters. The betrayal of our brothers and sisters in Palestine as caused a great deal of soul searching in the Muslim Ummah. Those who wish to shape the present and the future how honest have they been about the past?

Thus, especially eye opening was Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary’s statement:

“They cherry-pick quotes from history, rip them from their contexts, and apply them recklessly to modern-day situations as if geopolitics were a simple matter of medieval textbooks rulings.”

That is quite the statement coming from someone who proceeds to do the exact same thing. Especially in regards to selective quotes from the past and his own political spin.

So what has happened is that the Ummah has began to research about the Khawarij and they have come to places like primaquran.com and they started to research. They started to see that the picture is not as what has been painted to them. So what do we do when we are told that the Khawarij were blood thirsty savages and yet we come across a group that were quietist and did not want to wet their swords with the blood of the believers?

What we do is we make them the worst of the lot!

So now a people are to be faulted for following the advise of none other than the Blessed Messenger (saw)?

It was narrated that Abu Burdah said:

“I entered upon Muhammed bin Maslamah and he said that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘There will be tribulation, division and dissension. When that comes, take your sword to Uhud and strike it until it breaks, then sit in your house until there comes to you the hand of the evildoer (to kill you) or a predestined (natural) death.’” “And that came to pass, and I did as the Messenger of Allah (saw) said.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3962)

At this juncture in history a group of the believers saw that the Ummah was beset by injustice on all fronts. The situation had become murky and mired in corruption.

Yet, what else did the Blessed Messenger (saw) instruct us?

Abu sa’Id al-Khudri said:

I head the Messenger of Allah (saw) say: If any one you sees something objectionable, he should change it with his hand if he can change it with his hand. (The narrator Hammad broke the rest of the tradition which was completed by Ibn al-‘Ala’.) But if he cannot (do so), he should do it with his tongue, and if he cannot (do so with) his tongue he should do it in his heart, that being the weakest form of faith.

Source: (https://sunnah.com/abudawud:4340)

So remember,

According to Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary we cannot even give vocal support to the oppressed, or we are Marxist and Khawarij!

Indeed many of those whom Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary call as ‘armchair’ warriors would be warriors on the battlefield. Yet, the very governments that people like Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary defend prevent the people from fighting in the cause of Allah!

“And what is it with you? You do not fight in the cause of Allah and for oppressed men, women, and children who cry out, “Our Lord! Deliver us from this land of oppressors! Appoint for us a saviour; appoint for us a helper—all by Your grace.”  (Qur’an 4:75)

” But those ˹believers˺ who were certain they would meet Allah reasoned, “How many times has a small force vanquished a mighty army by the Will of Allah! And Allah is ˹always˺ with the steadfast.” (Qur’an 2:249)

No, rather people like Shaykh Ahmed El Azhary he would take the hadith of the munkar and if they had their way not only would you not change evil with your hands or your tongue but if they could silence your conscience they would do so. “He should do it in his heart, that being the weakest form of faith.” If they could even remove from your heart the pain and anger and sorrow you feel towards the suffering of the Ummah they would! If that is the weakest form of faith and it is removed what would we have left?

May Allah (swt) guide the Ummah.

May Allah (swt) forgive the Ummah.

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August 10, 2025 · 2:30 pm

The Attributes of Allah and the Way of the Salaf.

“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is The Hearing, The Seeing.” (Qur’an 42:11)

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example (mathalu) of his light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a crystal, the crystal is like a shining star, lit from a blessed olive tree, neither to the east nor the west, whose oil would almost glow, even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! Allah guides whoever He wills to His light. And Allah sets forth similitudes for humanity. For Allah has knowledge of all things.” (Qur’an 24:35)

﷽ 

Let us get something out of the way from the very beginning. There is not a single narration from the Blessed Messenger (saw) where when he (saw) speaks of Allah’s “hands” that he (saw), says, “In a way that befits his majesty” or “unlike his creation.”

I challenge any of those people who make such a disclaimer statement after mentioning “hands”, “foot”, “eyes”, “shin” “leg” “foot” or “side” to show this!

The Ibadis discuss with the Atharis on their errors in regards to the understanding of Allah’s attributes.

Another point that we need to clarify from the very beginning is that a certain group of Muslims try to put in the minds of the common people is that the early generation of Muslims often called, ‘The Salaf’ were upon the following:

Assumption 1) That the early community even understood certain words in the Qur’an as ‘attributes’ of Allah (swt) to begin with. Where is that list from the Blessed Prophet (saw)?

Assumption 2) That the early community didn’t understand “face”, “hands”, “foot”, “shin” as metaphors, idioms, or allegory to begin with. In other words, that the Arabs of that time were ignorant of Majaz. At the end of this article we will have another article by our esteemed teacher.

Assumption 3) That they did not apply ta’wil (figurative) interpretation of what are assumed to be “Allah’s attributes”.

Assumption 4) All the companions had the exact same level of understanding and thinking about the sacred sources. This is simply not true. Just like there are people today who speak the English language and not all of them have the same mastery of the language; likewise there were Arabs who were more adept at their language than others.

These premise of theirs that they managed to fool the masses on has no basis. It is an unproven premise based on many assumptions (as we shall see).

Addressing the four assumptions.

Addressing assumption 1

Assumption 1) That Blessed Prophet Muhammed (saw) or his companions left us with a list (like you find in Al-Aqidah Al-Wasitiyah) they did not.

Addressing assumption 2

Assumption 2) Many languages employ the use of simile, metaphor, anthropormic metaphors, parables and other literacy devices. 

Often context helps to determine the meaning of a specific word. The word ‘run’ has 645 meanings. To think that Arabic as a language would lack a depth in comparison to English is really quite shocking.

https://www.npr.org/2011/05/30/136796448/has-run-run-amok-it-has-645-meanings-so-far

So for example in the Qur’an we may find a word. That word can have a range of meanings depending upon it’s context. Just like the example of the word ‘run’ which has 645 meanings which are determined by context.

In English we could say: “She is the brains of the organization.” Now a word is used that has the apparent meaning of brains. However, no English speaker individual would understand this as the woman is literally a brain or that the organization has a literal brain. They would understand what is meant is that the lady is in charge. The organization runs by her vision.

For example: Let us say that the Qur’an said: “Oh believers do not rattle my cage.” The assumption of the postmodern “Salafi” or ‘Athari’ is that the companions had a literal or apparent understanding of that idiom, to begin with. The assumption is that they did not understand that in accordance with the Arabic language that this simply meant: “Do not earn my wrath.”

A very obvious text that proves this point is as follows:

“O you who believe! Be helpers of Allah, just as Jesus son of Mary said to the apostles, “Who are my helpers unto Allah?” The apostles replied, “We are helpers unto Allah.” Then a group from the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We strengthened those who believed against their enemies, and they came to prevail.” (Qur’an 61:14)

A similar statement is found in Qur’an 3:52.

The obvious and most apparent reading of this text is that Allah needs help. I thought those that took the apparent reading were obtuse.

It should go without saying that Allah (swt) does not need any help.

“And whoever strives only does so for their own good. Surely Allah is not in need of His creation.” (Qur’an 29:6)

This also applies to the use of idioms or expressions:

Assumption 3) You will see examples of this later in the article.

Addressing assumption 4)

“Then We gave the Scripture as inheritance unto those whom We elected of Our servants. But of them are some who wrong themselves and of them are some who are lukewarm, and of them are some who outstrip (others) through good deeds, by Allah’s leave. That is the great favour!” (Qur’an 35:32)

In fact, this should be a wake-up call. Simply ask yourselves how many of the companions are known for their tafsir of the Qur’an? How many?

It is very important to not misrepresent the position or views of other Muslims. I do not believe that those who claim that Allah (swt) has “hands”, “face” “two right hands” or “two eyes” believe that Allah (swt) is composed of parts. This is what their belief entails. I also do believe that they are indeed body worshippers. They worship a body.

However, those who hold the apparent meaning of the words make many bold claims that are simply not true.

One of the most obvious indicators of the inconsistency of those who call themselves “Athari” or those who claim to uphold the way of the Salaaf is the fact that the Qur’an refers to Allah (swt) using the masculine pronoun ‘huwa’ or ‘he is’. This is because the word “Allah” is grammatically masculine, not because Allah is naturally masculine.

“Say: He is Allah, the One!”(Qur’an 112:1)

However, do these people claim that Allah (swt) is masculine? That Allah (swt) is a male? Of course not. Even though that is the apparent meaning of the text. You will never hear them say, We affirm Allah is a He (in a way that befits his majesty).

“It is He who sent down the Book to you from Him: verses that are absolutely clear — they are the foundation of the Book — and others which are open to interpretation. As for those whose hearts are given to swerving, they follow that of it which is open to interpretation, seeking discord and seeking its interpretation. And none know its (tawil) interpretation save Allah and those firmly rooted in knowledge. They say, “We believe in it; all is from our Lord.” And none remember, save those who possess intellect.” (Qur’an 3:7)

Now it is generally understood that the absolutely clear, the mubeen are those verses in relation to the law. Where as those which are mutashabih, are those in which metaphor, simile, allegory and other rhetorical devices are used.

“Whenever they bring you an argument, We come to you with the right refutation and the best explanation-tafsiran.” (Qur’an 25:33)

The verses about hands, face, and shin were so absolutely clear to the Blessed Messenger (saw) that we do not find this innovated religious terminology of Him (saw) saying, “hands” “In a way that befits his majesty” or “hands” “unlike his creation.”

“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Qur’an 42:11)

When someone says, we say ‘Hand but not like other hands‘ It is still comparing the Creator to the Creation. For example, I have a hand but it’s not like other human hands. Even identical twins have different hands with different patterns. Many animals have hands and those hands are not like the hands of other animals.

However, what is the apparent meaning of hand but hand? They know this that is why they are quick to add this innovated religious terminology that we do not see the Blessed Messenger (saw) say. That is they will quickly add the disclaimer: (but unlike other hands).

However, does the text say “unlike other hands”?

For example:

“And the Jews say, “The hand of Allah is chained.” Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His hands are extended.” (Qur’an 5:64)

Did this text say:

“Rather, both His hands (which are unlike other hands) are extended?”

No! The text doesn’t say that. So on what basis do they deny that the hands are like other hands? They claim on the basis of this text.

“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Qur’an 42:11)

Yet they turn around deny that because they do not allow the usage of the Arabic language to take effect.

Our real difference with them is the following:

  1. We allow the Qur’an to be interpreted in light of how the Qur’an uses these words or expressions in other places.
  2. The fact that the Blessed Messenger (saw), never used the innovated terminology “unlike other hands” or “in a way that befits his majesty.”
  3. Their assumption that what they call attributes are even attributes to begin with.
  4. That we firmly believe that the Arabs of that time were people of peak eloquence in understanding the Arabic language and all it’s literary devices.

So what are the principles when dealing with statements in the Qur’an about hands, face, shin, and so forth?

The first and most obvious point is that the Qur’an was sent down in Arabic.

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.” (Qur’an 12:2)

“And thus We have sent it down as an Arabic Qur’an and have diversified therein the warnings that perhaps they will avoid sin or it would cause them remembrance. “ (Qur’an 20:113)

“And that behold, it will be for Us to explain it.” (by-ya-nahu) (Qur’an 75:19)

As the Qur’an came down in the Arabic language it would employ the understanding that the Arabs would have of its grammar, syntax, metaphors, simile and so forth.

“Thus Allah makes plain to you His revelations, that perhaps you may reflect”. (Qur’an 2:219)

If something in the Qur’an is not made plain to us it falls under the category of being open to interpretation.

Also, those Muslims who claim that Allah (swt) has hands, face, and shin (but unlike his Creation) have admitted that they have no model of comparison and thus ultimately they don’t really know what it means. At this point to insist that we accept hands, face, and shin for Allah (swt) while admitting that they ultimately do not know what it means is committing a very heavy sin.

Allah (swt) does not need your disclaimer statements: Proof that those who call themselves “Salafi” have a guilty conscious.

If the “Salafi” or the “Athari” were consistent they would simply say, Allah (swt) has a hands, shin and face…full stop! Why do they need to add “in a way that befits his majesty?”

Why not simply do what is in line with Wara and Taqwa and say: “hands”, “shin” or “face” and than add what Allah (swt) says about himself: “There is nothing like unto Him”

Every single Muslim knows that Allah (swt) is majestic. So why do they need to add the disclaimer: “In a way that befits his majesty?”

Because they have a guilty conscious. This is why they use -bid’ah- innovated religious terminology that the Blessed Messenger (saw) did not use.

A sin of speculation about the Creator that Allah (swt) warned us about.

Say, “My Lord has only forbidden immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed – and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.” (Qur’an 7:33)

Now we come to addressing assumption 3

Majaz is all through the Qur’an & the Sunnah.

I would encourage the readers to read this article about Majaz in the Qur’an.

https://primaquran.com/2024/05/12/the-use-of-majaz-in-the-quran-by-shaykh-juma-mazrui/

https://primaquran.com/2024/05/13/the-use-of-majaz-in-the-sunnah-by-shaykh-juma-mazrui/

Thankfully Allah (swt) has given us the Arabic language, with its rules of grammar and language pertaining to what is figurative interpretation, literal, metaphorical, and so forth.

Also, as we will see that those who are grounded In knowledge have shown that these are indeed figurative and metaphorical devices that are used by Allah (swt) about himself.

The Qur’an abounds with figurative language in regards to Allah (swt) that if taken by their apparent meaning will lead to some very problematic conclusions concerning our Sovereign Lord.

“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him, you will be returned.” (Qur’an 2:245)

It should go without saying that Allah (swt) is not in need of a loan. There are three other places with such wording: Qur’an 57:11, 57:18, and 64:17.

“O you who believe! Be helpers of Allah, just as Jesus son of Mary said to the apostles, “Who are my helpers unto Allah?” The apostles replied, “We are helpers unto Allah.” Then a group from the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We strengthened those who believed against their enemies, and they came to prevail.” (Qur’an 61:14)

It should go without saying that Allah (swt) does not need any help. A similar statement is found in Qur’an 3:52.

“They desire to deceive Allah and those who believe, and they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive.” (Qur’an 2:9)

It should go without saying that Allah (swt) cannot be deceived.

“The hypocrite men and hypocrite women are of one another. They enjoin what is wrong and forbid what is right and close their hands. They have forgotten Allah, so He has forgotten them accordingly. Indeed, the hypocrites it is they who are defiantly disobedient.” (Qur’an 9:67)

It should go without saying that Allah (swt) does not forget. A similar verse is in Qur’an 59:19

“Those who hurt Allah and His Messenger — they Allah has cursed in the present world and the world to come, and has prepared for them a humbling chastisement.” (Qur’an 33:57)

Are we really to believe that Allah (swt) can be hurt?

“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.” (Qur’an 17:24)

An apparent and most obvious reading of this text is that human beings have at least two wings one of which is the ‘wing of humility’ that we should lower to our parents from time to time.

“Lo! those on whom you call besides Allah are slaves like unto you. Call on them now, and let them answer you if you are truthful!” (Qur’an 7:194)

Are we really to believe from this that Allah (swt) is giving permission for a momentary practice of shirk to prove a point?

Allah is the light of the heavens and earth.

“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example (mathalu) of his light is like a niche in which there is a lamp, the lamp is in a crystal, the crystal is like a shining star, lit from a blessed olive tree, neither to the east nor the west, whose oil would almost glow, even without being touched by fire. Light upon light! Allah guides whoever He wills to His light. And Allah sets forth similitudes (l-amthala) for humanity. For Allah has knowledge of all things.” (Qur’an 24:35)

“There is not like him (Kamith’lihi) anything.” (Qur’an 42:11)

In the above verse Allah (swt) is not denying being a thing. A Shay -or thing meaning something that exist. Allah (swt) is saying that nothing in existence is like his existence.

We know this from the fact that everything other than Allah (swt) is created. We know all other existents are dependent upon the existence of Allah (swt).

“And whoever is blind in this life will be blind in the Hereafter and more astray in way.” (Qur’an 17:72)

Are we really to believe from this that Shaky Abdul Aziz bin Baz (who was blind in this life) will be raised up blind in the next life?

THE “FACE” OF ALLAH?

“And whoever submits his face to Allah while he is a doer of good – then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold. And to Allah will be the outcome of all matters.” (Qur’an 31:22)

“Nay, whosoever submits his face to Allah, while being virtuous, shall have his reward with his Lord. No fear shall come upon them; nor shall they grieve. “ (Qur’an 2:112)

“So direct your face toward the religion, inclining to truth. Adhere to the fitrah of Allah upon which He has created all people. No change should there be in the creation of Allah. That is the correct religion, but most people do not know.” (Qur’an 30:30)

Anyone care to explain how I ‘direct my face towards the religion’?

Or what does it mean to ‘submit my face to Allah’?

If I take it at the apparent meaning does this mean I don’t have to submit my heart to Allah?

So let me tell you something about the Salaaf and these expressions in the Qur’an. Either one of two situations is possible.

  1. Either you were told by people themselves who are not informed that these people (the early Muslims) did not employ the usage of the Arabic language to make sense of these expressions.
  2. You were deliberately lied to.

We have already written an article in which we have shown that Ibn Taymiyya himself applied Ta’wil or figurative interpretation (based upon the tafsir of the Qur’an by the Qur’an and the usage of the Arabic language). In turn, he got this information from people like none other than Jafar As Sadiq (ra).

Please see the very short entry here:

https://primaquran.com/2022/10/04/ibn-taymiyya-applies-tawil-of-allahs-attributes

THE “TWO EYES” OF ALLAH?

This should let you know that those who call themselves Athari, Salafi, or upon the Salafi manhaj are upon clear error. They claim it is a point of creed (aqidah) to affirm that Allah (swt) has two eyes. They have no clear text for this. The consistent position (for them) would be to affirm that Allah (swt) has eyes (plural) without specifying a number (of which is an innovation that they brought from their own pocket).

“Cast him into the chest and cast it into the river, and the river will throw it onto the bank; there will take him an enemy to Me and an enemy to him.’ And I bestowed upon you love from Me that you would be brought up under My eye.” (Qur’an 20:39)

“Build the Ark under Our eyes and Our direction. And do not supplicate Me concerning those who have engaged in wrong-doing. They are doomed to be drowned.” (Qur’an 11:37)

“Sailing, before Our eyes, a reward for him who was denied.”(Qur’an 54:14)

Now for a people who claim not to liken Allah (swt) to the creation, they sure did drop the ball on this one! They claim that Allah (swt) has two eyes of which they have absolutely 0 proof.

Abu Bakr Ibn Khuzaymah, stated:

“We say: Our Lord, the Creator, has two eyes and He sees with them what is beneath the soil, and what is beneath the seventh and lowest earth, and what is in the highest heavens, and whatever is between them, whether small or great…”

Source:(Kitāb At-Tawheed p. 52, Dār Al-Kitāb Al-Ilmiyyah)

Ibn ‘Uthaimeen stated:

“We believe that Allah, The Most High, has two real eyes. And this is the saying of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamā’ah. Abul-Hasan Al-Ash’aree said: The saying of Ahlus-Sunnah and the As-hāb Al-Hadeeth is that Allah has two eyes, without saying ‘how’ just as Allah has said, “[It was] sailing under Our Eyes.” (54:14).”

Source: (See Izālatus-Sitār ‘an Al-Jawāb Al-Mukhtār li-Hidāyatil-Muhtār of Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, p. 22; also Al-Maqālāt Al-Islāmiyyeen 1/345)

What they do is rely upon the following hadith:

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, (saw) said, “No prophet was sent but that he warned his nation of the one-eyed liar. Verily, he is blind in one eye and your Lord is not. Verily, between his two eyes is written the word of unbelief.

Source: ( https://sunnah.com/bukhari:7408 )

Through the above hadith, they rely upon reason and speculation!! The very thing they accuse others of doing.

This should be a dead give away to the discerning reader whom Allah (swt) has guided as to the reality of their beliefs!

First point. Notice that they are contrasting two very real eyes for Allah (swt) with the creation (Dajjal)? If that Is not telling I don’t know what is. They have to one-up the Dajjal by attributing to Allah (swt) two eyes!

Second point. If they are going to take that route why not say Allah (swt) has ‘three very real eyes’? After all a careful reading of the dajjal hadith says, “between his two eyes‘.

Third point. As they have relied upon the hadith about the Dajjal and one eye, it is proof enough that they don’t feel the Qur’an informs them as to the actual “number of eyes” Allah (swt) really has. So from that perspective, Allah (swt) could have hundreds of thousands of eyes.

Fourth point. As their Shaykh Uthaymeen has said that Allah (swt) has “two real eyes” and Ibn Khuzaymah who said, “he sees with them,” this is unlike Satan who apparently doesn’t need the use of eyes to see us!

“O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils as allies to those who do not believe.” (Qur’an 7:27)

Ibn Hazm who is more consistent than those who proclaim themselves “Salafi” or “Athari”.

Ibn Hazim said in regards to the the subject of Allah (swt) having “two eyes” the following:

Saying: He has two eyes is null and void and part of the belief of anthropomorphist. Allah said ‘ayn(eye) and ayunan (eyes) and it is not permissible for anyone to describe Him as possessing “two eyes”, because no text has reached us to that effect.”

Source: (Ibn Hazm, al-Fasl fi al-milal 2:166)

So concerning the Blessed Prophet Muhammed (saw) and the Companions, you will find no record of them affirming “two eyes” for Allah (swt).

Those who claim this are either

1) Jahil (ignorant) merely repeating what others said without any verification.

2) They are spreading lies about the Blessed Messenger (saw) and the companions.

3) Attributing to Allah (swt) lies and falsehood without proofs and evidences. Merely relying upon assumption and speculation.

“SALAFI” and “ATHARI” publishers slowly back away from so called apparent reading of text in deference to Majaz.

Thankfully these people seem to be slowly backing away from this position as we have seen more sensible translations (within the parameters of the Arabic language) coming out of Saudi Arabia.

Examples:

“And construct the ship under Our observation and Our inspiration and do not address Me concerning those who have wronged; indeed, they are [to be] drowned.” (Qur’an 11:37 Sahih International)

“Sailing under Our observation as a reward for he who had been denied.” (Qur’an 54:14 Sahih International)

“She floats under our eyes (and care): a recompense to one who had been rejected (with scorn)!”(Qur’an 54:14 Yusuf Ali Original 1938 and Saudi Revised 1985)

That the Sahih International doesn’t opt for a literal translation is a softening of their approach. The fact that even the Yusuf Ali Saudi Revised 1985 edition which has in brackets (and care) shows that this is exactly what ‘under our eyes’ means. Both are good signs for the Muslim ummah.

THE “LAUGHTER” OR “CHUCKLING” OF ALLAH

Now to be honest this is very bizarre indeed.

Only in the minds of the people who liken Allah (swt) to the Creation is it necessary to affirm as a point of creed (I am looking at you Aqidah Al Wasatiyyah) that Allah (swt) laughs.

Imagine being ex-communicated from religion for refusing to believe in a God that laughs? Now they affirm laughter for Allah (swt) with the caveat “in a way that befits his majesty.”

Abu Razin reported: The Messenger of Allah, (saw), said, “Allah laughs at the despair of his servant, for he will soon relieve him.” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, does the Lord laugh?” The Prophet said, “Yes.” I said, “We will never be deprived of goodness by a Lord who laughs!” Source: ( https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:181 )

“It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: Allah chuckles at the two men both of whom will enter Paradise (though) one of them kills the other. They said: Messenger of Allah, how is it? He said: One of them fights in the way of Allah, the Almighty, and Exalted. and dies a martyr. Then Allah turns in mercy to the murderer who embraces Islam, fights in the way of Allah, the Almighty, and Exalted, and dies a martyr.”

Source:(https://sunnah.com/muslim:1890a)

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, (saw), said, “Allah laughs at two men, one of them killed the other, yet they both entered Paradise. This one fought in the way of Allah and was killed, then his killer repented and was also martyred.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2826)

Apparently, Imam al-Bayhaqi reports (without a chain) that Imam al-Bukhari said concerning the hadith: “Allah laughs at two men, one of them kills the other, and both of them enter Paradise,” that laughing means, “mercy.” That is, ‘Allah shows mercy to both of them.”

Source: (Al-Asma wa al-Sifat: page 298 and 470 Imam al-Bayhaqi)

Prima-Qur’an comments:

I notice the inconsistency in the translation here. If “Allah Chuckling“ is to be equated with his mercy than the above hadith should have translated the word used for ‘chuckling‘ or ‘mercy‘ twice.

All of these hadiths seem to be confused and mixed up and I have a huge doubt that any of them were passed down impeccably. The fact that the ahadith seem to mix things up should be apparent to anyone reading them. They seem to belong to the same pedigree or genre.

So I would like to have good thoughts that indeed we are talking about the mercy of Allah (swt).

If not this presents a very dark picture of the Creator laughing and chuckling at people who are in despair. People who are contemplating suicide, the plight of the Palestinians, or even the Blessed Prophet (saw) being distraught over conveying Islam.

“You would only, perchance, worry yourself to death, following after them, in grief, if they believe not in this Message.”(Quran 18:6)

I believe another point of consideration is that if Allah (swt) chuckles and laughs is there sound?

Is this part of his speech?

If so does this mean that the chuckling and laughter of Allah (swt) is an eternal sifat?

Are we to imagine our Creator laughing/chuckling for all eternity?

On what consistent basis is the speech considered to be an eternal uncreated attribute but the chuckling and laughing is not?

Take heed seekers after truth! This is the kind of creed that many among the Muslims are calling you too, unfortunately! This type of aqidah (creed) is causing doubt among the Muslims.

THE “TWO HANDS” OF ALLAH?

Let us get something out of the way from the very beginning. There is not a single narration from the Blessed Messenger (saw) where when he speaks of Allah’s “hands” that he (saw), says, “In a way that befits his majesty” or “unlike his creation.”

I challenge any of those people who make such a disclaimer statement after mentioning “hands”, “foot”, “eyes”, “shin” “leg” “foot” or “side” to show this!

The fact that such people have to put a disclaimer after such a statement is an innovation!

“They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be within His grip on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.” (Qur’an 39:67)

This verse also demolishes the claim that Allah (swt) is above the throne in a literal sense. When Allah (swt) folds up the heavens there goes the throne as well!

“Allah said, “O Iblis, what prevented you from prostrating to that which I created with My hands? Were you arrogant then, or were you already among the haughty?” (Qur’an 38:75)

Some of these people have tried to argue that this word translated as “hands” must be understood as “hands” as something special in relation to the creation of Adam. However, this is refuted by the following text of the Qur’an:

“Do they not see that We have created for them from what Our hands have made, grazing livestock, and then they are their owners?”(Qur’an 36:71)

Are we to say that cattle have an advantage or distinction over other animals because they were created by the “hands” of Allah?

“And the sky we built it with hands.” (Qur’an 51:47)

Look at how all three of these Saudi English translations of the Qur’an translate the above text!!

“And the heaven We constructed with strength, and indeed, We are its expander.”(Qu’ran 51:47 Sahih International)

“With power did we Construct heaven. Verily, We are able to extend the vastness of space thereof.” (Qur’an 51:47 Muhsin Khan & Muhammed Al Hilali)

“With power and skill did We construct the Firmament: for it is We Who create the vastness of pace.” (Qur’an 51:47 Yusuf Ali Saudi 1985)

The hands of Allah (swt) tied up?

“And the Jews say, ‘The hand of Allah is tied up.’ Chained are their hands, and cursed are they for what they say. Rather, both His Hands are extended, HE spends however He Wills.” (Qur’an 5:64)

It is obvious, to begin with, that this very verse is allegorical. The Jews are not literally saying that Allah’s hand is “tied up”. Rather they are claiming that Allah (swt) is not bestowing upon them what they feel he should bestow. What this verse means is that both the power and generosity of Allah (swt) is on full display.

“He wrote the Tawrāt for you with His Own Hand.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6614)

TWO RIGHT HANDS OF ALLAH? MORE GUILTY CONSCIOUS.

“The Prophet [saw] said: “Those who are just and fair will be with Allah, Most High, on thrones of light, at the right hand of the Most Merciful, those who are just in their rulings and in their dealings with their families and those of whom they are in charge.” Muhammed (one of the sub narrators) said in his Hadith: “And both of His hands are right hands.”

Source: (Sunan an-Nasa’i 5379 Book 49, Hadith 1 English reference: Vol 6, Book 49, Hadith 5381)

This cannot be said to be attributed to the Blessed Messenger (saw). This is the statement of the sub-narrator. These people in their guilty conscious did not want people to think Allah (swt) has a left hand. Which also shows they are involved in dhan (speculation) about Allah (swt). They did not just let the words pass they had to make bold assertions without proof!

Other uses of the word hand in the Qur’an.

“Indeed, those who pledge allegiance to you, they are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. The hand of Allah is over their hands. So he who breaks his word only breaks it to the detriment of himself. And he who fulfills that which he has promised Allah – He will give him a great reward.” (Qur’an 48:10)

This is a metaphorical usage of the word hand that is allowed within the context of the Qur’an itself. Will it be said that people who have no hands or people who are amputees could never make such a pledge?

“And whatever strikes you of disaster – it is for what your hands have earned, but He pardons much.”(Qur’an 42:30)

Are we to understand from the above verse that as long as we do evil with our tongues, eyes, feet that disaster will not befall us? As far as those who do not have physical hands does this verse still apply to them?

“And also prohibited to you are all married women except those your right hands possess.” (Qur’an 4:24)

Are we to understand by this verse that a person who has no right hand or a person who was an amputee would not be permitted to marry women as he has no “right hand” to possess them? Certainly not.

“Oh Prophet, say to whoever is in your hands of the captives, “If Allah knows any good in your hearts, He will give you something better than what was taken from you, and He will forgive you, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 8:70)

Are we supposed to imagine that the Blessed Prophet (saw) was a giant with little tiny people in his hands!?!

“And remember Our servants Ibrahim and Ishaq and Yaqoub, men who possessed hands and vision.” (Qur’an 38:45)

Here the word hands literally do mean power. Look how virtually everyone under the sun translates this!

https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/38/45/default.htm

“Or he in whose hand is the knot of marriage remits.” (Qur’an 2:237)

AFFIRMING THE “SHIN” FOR ALLAH

“The Day the shin will be uncovered and they are invited to prostration but the disbelievers will not be able.”(Qur’an 68:42)

The Shin. Why the shin?

Just ask that question of those who say that it is a matter of creed to accept this on its apparent meaning. Without going into linguistics this alone should expose to everyone under the sun their anthropomorphic creed.

If this is not a metaphor, an example of majaz and we are to understand that an attribute of Allah (swt) called, “The Shin” ‘ (but a Shin, unlike the creation, is shown) o.k fair enough, but….. umm……

WHY THE SHIN IN PARTICULAR?

Why not the hands, face, foot, leg, or side? Think about it. Take all the time that you need.

What did the Salaaf say about the shin? What did those early Muslims say about the “Shin”?

Ibn Abbas (ra) understood this to mean “severity”. That is, “The day that severity will be laid bare.” Explaining this verse, Imam al-Tabari said:

A group of the Prophet’s companions and their disciples, and the people of figurative interpretation have said: “He will uncover a severe matter.” And among those who interpreted the shin to mean “severity” from the Imams of Quranic exegesis are Mujahid, Sa’id bin Jubayr, Qatada, and others, Allah (swt), said,: “And the sky, we built it with hands, And it is We who give expanse.” (Quran 51:47). Ibn Abbas said concerning it: “with strength”.

Source: (Tafsir al-Tabari 27/57)

AFFIRMING THE “LEG” OR “FOOT” FOR ALLAH

And his saying, (saw) Hell will continue to be filled and will say: Are there any more? Until the Lord of honor places His leg (and in another narration: His foot) over it and some of its parts retreat from each other and it says: Enough! Enough!’ All of its parts will be filled together and Allah will not wrong any of His creatures. As for Paradise, Allah will create a new creation with which to fill it.” Source: (Al-Bukhari 4569 and Sahih Muslim 2847)

Abu Sulayman al-Khattabi a Shafi’i hadith master said concerning this:

“The meaning of the qadam here is possibly a reference to those whom Allah has created of old or “sent forth” for the Fire in order to complete the number of its inhabitants. Everything that is “sent forth” is a qadam, in the same way, that the verbal noun of demolishing (hadama) is a hadm or ruin, and that of seizing (qabada) is qabd or a seizure. Likewise, Allah said:

“They have a sure foundation (qadam sidq) with their Lord.” (Qur’an 10:2). With reference to the good works which they have sent forth. This explanation has been transmitted to us from Al-Hasan al-Basri”

Source: (Al-Khattabi, Mu’alim al-sunan (Hims ed.) 5:95)

My comments:

This is the nature of our brothers who understand the usage of the Arabic language and apply those rules accordingly. Otherwise, we will end up believing disgraceful things concerning our Creator.

For us, the Muslims, Ahl al-Haqq wa-l istiqama (The People of Truth and Straightness) there are a few points we might make as regards this hadith.

As mentioned by al-Khattabi there is scope for a figurative interpretation based upon the rules of the Arabic language. Otherwise, that hadith will clash with these two verses from the Qur’an:

“Allah said, “O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” (Qu’ran 21:69)

Upon the command of Allah (swt) the fire became cool why would Allah (swt) need to stamp it out with his foot or leg? He can just make the command.

“Had they really been gods they would not have entered it: They will all abide in it forever.” (Qur’an 21:99)

We know that Allah (swt) is really God. So on the basis of this verse hell is for that which is evil, vile and false and Allah (swt) is Haqq, not falsehood.

AFFIRMING THE “COMING” OF ALLAH

“Do they await but that Allah should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels as well and the matter is then decided? And to Allah, all matters are returned.” (Qur’an 2:210)

“And thy Lord shall come with angels, rank on rank.” (Qur’an 89:22)

‘Are they waiting for the angels to come, or for your Lord to come, or for some of the signs of your Lord?’ (6:158)

This is Imam Ahmad’s ta’wil of the “coming”

Ibn Kathir reports in al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya that Imam Ahmad said about Allah’s saying: “And Your Lord comes”, “That is, His reward comes.” Imam al-Bayhaqi said, “This is a chain with no dust on it.”

“Wait they aught save that your Lord’s command (amr) should come to pass?” (Qur’an 16:32)

Imam Ahmad’s nephew Hanbal said that he heard Imam Ahmad say:

They argued against me on the day of the (great) debate [munazara], and they say: ‘Sura al-Baqara will come on the Day of Resurrection.” He [Imam Ahmed] said: “So I said to them: “That is merely the reward of Sura al-Baqara that will come.”

Source: (Imam al-Razi’s Asas al Taqdis p 108 and Dhahabi’s Siyar Alam Al-Nubala: 5/11)

Also telling from this group is their treatment of the following hadith:

“Allah says…..And whoever comes to Me walking, I come to him running.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari/97/34)

Concerning the above hadith they have been reported to have said::

In Fatawa al-Aqida by Muhammad b. Salih b. Uthaimin, page 112, he says:
Quote:

وأي مانع يمنع من أن نؤمن بأن الله تعالى يأتي هرولة

“What could forbid us from believing that Allah performs jogging/trotting [harwala]?” [!!!]

Quote:

“If My slave comes to Me walking, I go to him running”.

Source: (Al-Bukhari, vol. 9, Book 93, Number 627)


Ibn Baz cites the hadith in his Fatawa and adds:

“Interpreting such hadith metaphorically and avoiding relying upon their literal meanings is the practice of the heretic Jahmiyyah and Mu’taziliyyah”.

Source: (Fatawa Ibn Baz, vol. 5, p. 374)

Al-Albani is very explicit on the point: “Running is an attribute of Allah that we lack a base for denying”. Source: (Fatawa Al-Albani, p. 506)

Again, Ibn Baz adds:

Question: Is running an attribute of Allah?

Answer: Yes, as it has been shown in the holy divine hadith…..” and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.’ narrated Bukhari and Muslim.

Ibn Baz, The Everlasting Garden for Scientific Research and Legal Opinions Vol.3 Page 196. The heading of the subject where this fatwa was issued is called “Sifat al-harwala” , the attribute (Sifa) of running.

Source: (The fatwa issued here is number 6932 Book title: Fatawa al-Janna al-Da’ima Lilbuhuth al’ilmiyah wa al’ifta)

“Standing firm on justice” (Qur’an 3:18)

You may also ask these people if they believe that Allah (swt) is “sitting” on the throne or do they believe that Allah (swt) is “standing” as this verse says. Perhaps some of them believe it is both and will simply add “without asking how.”

AFFIRMING THE “SIDE” OF ALLAH

“Lest anyone should say, Alas for me, having neglected the side(janbi) of Allah, and having been one of those who scoffed!” (Qur’an 39:56)

Thankfully this one escaped the Aqida Al Wasatiyyah! I haven’t heard yet these people asking Muslims to affirm the “side” of Allah (swt) as an attribute. Praise be to Allah (swt) that Majaz, the usage of the Arabic language prevailed here!

In fact all three of the usual suspects, all three Saudi Arabian English translations have translated Arabic as such:

“Lest the soul should (then) say: ‘Ah! Woe is me!- In that, I neglected (my duty) towards Allah, and was but among those who mocked!’- (Qur’an 39:56 Yusuf Ali Saudi Version 1985)

“Lest a person should say: “Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to Allah (i.e. I have not done what Allah has ordered me to do), and I was indeed among those who mocked (at the truth! i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), the Quran, and Muhammad SAW and at the faithful believers, etc.)” (Qur’an 39:56 Muhsin Khan & Muhammed Al Hilali)

“Lest a soul should say, “Oh [how great is] my regret over what I neglected in regard to Allah and that I was among the mockers.” (Qur’an 39:56 Sahih International)

In fact, this is a rare occasion of total consensus in the English language in which all translations have translated at the word as other than “side”.

https://www.islamawakened.com/quran/39/56/default.htm

AFFIRMING THE “DESCENT” OF ALLAH

I believe that the following article covered this subject.

https://primaquran.com/2022/10/04/where-is-allah-allah-is-in-london-england/

I wonder if the Christians find it bittersweet that the Saudi funded Shaykh Ahmed Deedat (May Allah have mercy on him) which was set loose upon Christianity and mercilessly attacked anthrporphic descriptions of God in the Bible are regretting the fact that the chickens are coming home to roost!

https://primaquran.com/2022/10/04/ahmed-deedat-roasting-athari-aqeedah

In the end, ultimately this type of concept concerning Allah (swt) falls flat. If these people will refer back to the Salaaf and bring us a single statement where the Blessed Messenger (saw) said, “hand- in a way that befits his majesty” or “foot- in a way that befits his majesty”.

If they are unable or unwilling to understand metaphor, majaz, figurative speech and/or rhetorical devices than perhaps they will listen to this Imam of the Hanbali school, none other than Ibn Jawzi.

“Regarding Abu Ya’la ibn al-Farra, the scholars have been particularly harsh. Ibn al-Athir relates that Abu Muhammed al-Tamimi said of him that he had stained the Hanbalis with such distortion and disgrace that the waters of the sea will never wash them clean.” Source: (Ibn al-Athir, al-Kamil 10:52)

Furthermore, Ibn Jawzi relates:

“Al-Qadi Abu Bakr ibn al-Arabi says: “One of my shaykhs whom I consider trustworthy has related to me that Abu Ya’la used to say in relation to the meanings of Allah’s attributes: “No matter what justifications you give to me, I consider it necessary for Him to possess everything in the way of attributes, except a beard and genitals.”

Source: (Abu Bakr Ibn al-Arabi al-Awasim 2:283)

What an evil thing to muse about Allah (swt). May Allah (swt) guide these people

You might be interested in the following articles:

https://primaquran.com/2024/05/12/the-use-of-majaz-in-the-quran-by-shaykh-juma-mazrui/

https://primaquran.com/2024/05/13/the-use-of-majaz-in-the-sunnah-by-shaykh-juma-mazrui/

https://primaquran.com/2022/10/05/allah-has-two-hands-and-both-his-hands-are-right-hands-and-he-has-a-left-hand

May Allah Guide the Ummah.

May Allah Forgive the Ummah.

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August 10, 2025 · 6:07 am

Ramadan Day 17

“O believers! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, overseen by formidable and severe angels, who never disobey whatever Allah orders—always doing as commanded.” (Qur’an 66:6)

﷽ 

Ramadan Day 17: Share what you learn with your family

*17th of Ramadan*
——————————–
*Heart Health: Enjoining good and forbidding evil*
“You are the best community ever raised for humanity—you encourage good, forbid evil, and believe in Allah.” (Qur’an 3:110)


It’s an obligation in Islam, as it’s a way for Muslims to strengthen the community with Islam, by permitting good and hastening towards it, and forbidding evil and alienating it, the attributes of enjoining good and forbidding evil:
Generosity and tolerance
Mercy and tenderness
Forgiveness and patience
Talking to people based on their level
Considering priorities: so roots before branches, obligations before volunteering and faith before action.
Considering timing
Giving and not taking
Continuity and invention: Example: By finding new ways for Dawah, because people can get bored
Being based on knowledge
Being a leading example
Taking initiative
Optimism

Finally, Dawah for Allah is for every Muslim and you don’t have to be a scholar to do it.

*The Qur’an*
“˹It is˺ Allah ˹Who˺ has sent down the best message—a Book of perfect consistency and repeated lessons—which causes the skin ˹and hearts˺ of those who fear their Lord to tremble, then their skin and hearts soften at the mention of ˹the mercy of˺ Allah.” (Qur’an 39:22)

The Qur’an is the speech of Allah which was sent down to The Blessed Prophet Muhammed (saw) with the angle Gabriel, to teach and as a miracle, which reciting it is a form of worship, transmitted to us in certain chains, starting from Surat Al Fatiha to Surat An Nas.

Believing in the Qur’an is a necessity in Islam and ignorance in the Qur’an is unacceptable.

Here is a summary of the issue of the creation of the Qur’an;
When we hear about holy books we instantly know that these books came after not existing, which mean they happened, happening means they are created, or else it would mean things can happen without a creator which is impossible.

No one argues that the Qur’an is not the essence of Allah or a part of the essence of Allah, and if we agree that it’s not Allah, then it must be created, Allah says: “Allah is the Creator of all things), and created means took from not existing to existence.” (Qur’an 39:62)

-Some say the Qur’an is an attribute of Allah, we reply: it’s not an attribute rather it’s an effect of his attribute, as the attribute cannot separate from whom it’s attributed to, or for it to be in a place, Allah says: “In fact, this is a glorious Quran، ˹recorded˺ in a Preserved Tablet.” (Qur’an 85:21-22) and said: “But this ˹Quran˺ is ˹a set of˺ clear revelations ˹preserved˺ in the hearts of those gifted with knowledge.” (Qur’an 29:49)

We say the Qur’an is an effect of his attributes because it wouldn’t be created without his power, will and knowledge, just like any other creation, but we don’t say that they are also eternal.

A reply to those who say that the Qur’an is the speech of Allah we say: The Qur’an is the speech of Allah, and there are two types of speech attributed to Allah:
        The ability to say and it’s to deny muteness
        An effect of the attribute, and it’s what is created as a speech, mixing between the two is like mixing between knowledge and the known or seeing with the seen..etc

There are texts that show the Qur’an is created: “Whatever new reminder comes to them from their Lord, they only listen to it jokingly.” (Qur’an 21:2) The word reminder refers to the Qur’an and the word محدث comes in the object form مفعول به meaning happened, happening and eternally existing are opposites.

Allah says: “Certainly, We have made it a Quran in Arabic so perhaps you will understand.” (Qur’an 43:3) The word made in the verse also doesn’t support the idea that the Qur’an is uncreated

For who say that the Qur’an is not created rather it’s sent down منزل, it’s a really weak argument that can be used against them, as “sending down” is moving from a place to another, and this only is possible for the creation, but if they are still convinced that the Qur’an is sent down and not created they should also believe that water, iron and cattle are uncreated, Allah says: “and We send down pure water from the sky.” (Qur’an 25:48), “And We sent down iron with its great might, benefits for humanity.” (Qur’an 57:25) and “And He sent down for you four pairs of cattle.” (Qur’an 39:6)

In conclusion, this issue is just a Fitna for the Islamic Ummah, and we shouldn’t spend 90% of our time on it. We only discuss it because some sects excommunicate the people of Haqq and Istiqamah for it, so we had to scientifically refute them. We do not excommunicate those who believe the Qur’an is eternal or uncreated. This issue was not discussed among the righteous companions. This issue came about later, and each side deduces its proofs and evidence.

After carefully weighing the arguments and proofs that each side presented, the position that the Qur’an was brought from non-being into being is the position that the Ibadi coalesced around.

Also, when constantly attacked over the issue, our senior scholar did offer to have a public debate or symposium with all the Muslim scholars and media, and the other side declined the offer.

The Qur’an: Created or Uncreated: Shaykh Ahmed bin Hamad al-Khalili to debate Shaykh Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz

For those who want to read more on the issue you may read here:

The Truth about the Qur’an: Created or Uncreated?

*Exiting difference in opinion*
As a precaution in the matters of religion *** going from doubt to certainty

When there is a difference in opinion it’s always better to take the safer one as long as it doesn’t contradict Qur’an or Sunnah

The 1st opinion: (You will go to hell if you do X)
the 2nd opinion: (It’s fine if you do X)

Which opinion would you choose?

For example: the issue of Isbal…-trailing the garment below the ankles.

1- If your garment is below the ankle without arrogance it’s fine

2- If your garment is below the ankle your prayer is not acceptable, and you will go to hell if you don’t repent

If you take the 1st opinion and the 2nd turns out to be correct you will be in a very dangerous situation, if you take the 2nd opinion and the 1st turns out to be correct you will be fine.

Thus the wise and pragmatic believer does not play with fire.

The 2nd opinion is safer, as there is no necessity for any person to drag his dress anyways.

This is not about the issue of Isbal, this is a general idea which should be applied in all issues of Khilaf.

May Allah (swt) Guide the Ummah!

May Allah (swt) Forgive the Ummah!

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August 10, 2025 · 1:57 am

Kufr An-Ni’mah & Kufr Ash-Shirk: According to the Qur’an and Sunnah

“This is a favor from my Lord by which He wants to test whether I am grateful or ungrateful.” (Qur’an 27:40)

A person has only two choices: either to be grateful or to be ungrateful. Now the question is If he is ungrateful, do we say that he has committed shirk (associating partners with Allah)?

So when one reads the books of the Ibadi scholars and luminaries of the past and they come across the statement that such and such was declared to be a kafir one needs to read this with the correct lenses.

First point. For the vast majority of Muslims the declaration that such a one is a kafir means to expel them from the millat of Islam. In other words to expel them from Islam altogether. This is simply not the case. We use the word kufr as Allah (swt) used it in the Qur’an to describe those who are ungrateful.

Second point. Not every act of kufr is shirk. However, every act of shirk is kufr.

Third point. Kufr does not necessitate a permanent condition. If someone became a kafir by something they did deserving of Bara’ah (shunning/ostracization) that same person can repent, reform and be deserving of Wilayah (friendship/protection/solidarity).

Fourth point. There are different types of Kufr according to Sunni, Imami and Zaydi perspectives.

Kufr al-Amal

Kufr al-Inkar

Kufr al-Juhud

Kufr al-Nifaq

Kufr bi’l-l’rad

Kufr al-Irad

Kufr al-Ni’mah

Kufr al-‘Inad

Kufr al-Takdhib

Kufr al-Inad

WHAT IS A MUSLIM AND HOW IS THE WORD MUSLIM DEFINED?

Muslim =one who submits to Allah.  Now ask yourself. Does this mean submit to Allah 50% of the time?  Does it mean to submit to Allah 99% of the time?   

“Yes, whoever submits his whole self in Islam to Allah while being a doer of good will have his reward with his Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve (Qur’an 2:112)

“So who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Abraham, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Abraham as an intimate friend.” (Qur’an 4:125)

“So whoever submits his whole self to Allah while he is a doer of good, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold. And to Allah will be the outcome of all matters. (Qur’an 31:22)

WHAT IS IBADAH (DEVOTION)?

In Arabic ‘Abd carries the meaning of both slave and devotee.

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship (liya ‘buduni) Me.” (Qur’an 51:56)

“Lo! My slaves (‘ibadi) – over them you have no authority. And sufficient is your Lord as Disposer of affairs.” (Qur’an 17:65)

“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Slave (‘abdina) [Muhammed], then produce a Surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah , if you should be truthful.” (Qur’an 2:23)

Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan has made it a point to drive home the concept of what a slave in Islam actually means. A slave to Allah (swt) is something that we all hope to strive for. May we die as obedient slaves to Allah (swt).

WHAT IS KUFR AND HOW IS THE WORD DEFINED?

“And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us and then We withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing and ungrateful (kafarun)(Qur’an 11:9)

“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful (kafuran)“
(Qur’an 17:27)

It is important to understand here that Satan knows the truth. He knows the unseen. Being chief of the Jinn he knows allot.  He even made du’a to Allah (swt) not to punish him immediately!

“He said, “My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.”  (Qur’an 15:36)

Satan also made the following pledge.

“Then I will surely come upon them from before them and from behind them and from their right and from their left, and then You will not find most of them (shakirina) grateful.” (Qur’an 7:17)

“Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone treacherous and ungrateful (kafurin)” (Qur’an 22:38)

“Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful (shakiran) or be he ungrateful (kafuran).” (Qur’an 76:3)

“And We had certainly given Luqman wisdom [and said], “Be grateful (ush’kur) to Allah.” And whoever is grateful (yashkur) is grateful (yashkuru) for [the benefit of] himself. And whoever is ungrateful (kafara) [His favor] – then indeed, Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.”
(Qur’an 31:12)

“Certainly they are ungrateful (KAFARA) who say: Surely, Allah– He is the Messiah, son of Mary. Say: Who then could control anything as against Allah when He wished to destroy the Messiah son of Mary and his mother and all those on the earth? And Allah’s is the kingdom of the heavens and the earth and what is between them; He creates what He pleases; and Allah has power over all things,” (Qur’an 5:17)

“O my sons! Go you and enquire about Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who are ungrateful (l-kakiruna) .”

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful (shakartum), I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you are ungrateful (kafartum), indeed, My punishment is severe.
(Qur’an 14:7)

“And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: “Now I repent;” nor of those who die while they are ungrateful (kuffarun). For them, We have prepared a painful torment.” (Qur’an 4:18)

“It is the duty of all men towards Allah to come to the House a pilgrim, if he is able to make his way there. As for the (kafara) ungrateful, Allah is All-sufficient nor needs any being.” (Qur’an 3:97)

We can see from the above text that kufr is of two types.

Kufr Ni’mah

Ni’mah means: favour, ease, blessings, grace.

Kufr Ni’mah is not the ingratitude of disbelief, but the ingratitude of not recognizing Allah’s blessings, grace, and favour, by going against his commands, prohibitions, guidance.

Kufr Shirk.  

Shirk/Mushrik means: To give worship to something other than Allah, along with Allah.

Kufr Shirk is the ingratitude of not recognizing and acknowledging who Allah (swt) is. As well as not directing one’s devotion to Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) alone.

So for us kufr is ingratitude.  Rather than disbelief.

“Say: O ungrateful (l-kafiruna) ones! I will not be a devoted slave (a’budu) to what you are a devoted slave (ta’buduna) to. Neither are you devoted slave (‘abiduna) to Him whom I am devoted slave (a’budu) to. Nor will I be devoted slave (‘abidun) to that which you base your (‘abadttum) devoted slavery. Nor are you going to be devoted slave (‘abiduna) to Him who I am devoted slave (a’budu) to. To you is your way of life (worldview),and to me, my way of life (worldview). (Qur’an 109:1-6)

WHAT IS EMAAN? (BELIEF)

“Indeed, those who believed (amanu) and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans [before Prophet Muhammed] – those [among them] who believed (amanu) in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness – will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Qur’an 2:62)

“And when it is said to them: Believe (aminu) as the people believe (amana) they say: Shall we believe (anu’minu) as the fools believe (amana)? Now surely they are the fools, but they do not know.” (Qur’an 2:13)

“These are the verses of Allah which We recite to you in truth. Then in what statement after Allah and His verses will they (yu’minuna) believe“? (Qur’an 45:6)

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

“Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the, removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith.”

Source: https://sunnah.com/muslim:35b

So even an agnostic or an atheist who removes an obstacle on a path they have some faith.

Remember, Iblis himself was a devoted Muslim until…

“So when We said to the angels: Prostrate to Adam they did prostrate, but Iblis (did it not). He refused and he was proud, and he was one of the ungrateful (l-kafirina).” (Qur’an 2:33)

At this moment, this one act of defiance, made Iblis go from being a devoted slave (‘abdina) to being in a state of Kufr Ni’mah.  

Heaven is not a place for the ungrateful!

“Get down from here! Here is no place for your arrogance, Get out! You are the lowest of creatures!” (Qur’an 7:13)

“Like the Shaitan when he says to man: be (uk’fur) ungrateful, but when man is (kafara) ungrateful, he says: I am surely clear of you; surely I fear Allah, the Lord of the worlds.” (Qur’an 59:16)

Iblis is not said to be a disbeliever in Allah (swt) nor in his last day. Yet, this one sin (kufr niama), this one act of transgression was enough to bar him from paradise and to have him to burn in hellfire forever. There is absolutely no indication anywhere that Iblis will repent.

“He said, “My Lord, then reprieve me until the Day they are resurrected.”  (Qur’an 15:36)

Allah! There is no god but He. The Most Merciful, The Most Gracious! Can you imagine! Iblis wants respite, not to make repentance, not to turn from his waves, not to show himself a devoted slave of Allah (swt) but a persistent and continuous rebel until the very end!

Look at how Merciful Allah (swt) is to humanity! We have been given chance after chance to make tawbah, to repent, to amend, to reform, to turn towards Allah (swt) as devoted slaves.

The Hadith Evidences.

Brothers and sisters there is no verse in the Qur’an anywhere that believers will enter the hellfire.  This is a trap and false belief that clashes with stronger evidence.

Hadith such as the following:

Narrated ‘Ubada:

The Prophet (saw) said, “If anyone testifies that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone Who has no partners, and that Muhammed is His Slave and His Apostle, and that Jesus is Allah’s Slave and His Apostle and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true, and Hell is true, Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few.” (Junada, the sub-narrator said, ” ‘Ubada added, ‘Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes.”)

Source: ( Sahih al-Bukhari 3435 Book 60, Hadith 106)

‘Itban bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) said in his long Hadith cited in the Chapter entitled ‘Hope’ reported:

When the Prophet (saw) stood up to offer As-Salat (the prayer) he asked, “Where is Malik bin Ad-Dukhshum?” A man replied: “He is a hypocrite. He does not love Allah and His Messenger.” The Prophet (saw) said, “Do not say that. Do you not know that he said: La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah),’ seeking His Pleasure. Allah has made the fire of Hell unlawful for him who affirms that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah.”

Source: (Riyad as-Salihin 1529)

Prima Qur’an Comment: It is becoming readily apparent that those hadith need to be taken contextually.  First of all the hadith about Allah (swt) making hellfire unlawful for those who say “la ilaha illallah seeking His Pleasure”  cannot simply mean just saying the testimony of faith.  This is obvious as it is attached to “seeking his Pleasure.”

This goes directly against the following verse:

“Do people think once they say, “We believe,” that they will be left without being put to the test?” (Qur’an 29:2)

“So of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: “Now I repent;” nor of those who die while they are ungrateful. For them We have prepared a painful torment”. (Qur’an 4:18)

This idea that Muslims can just do what ever they wish and say the testimony of faith and they will be absolutely fine has no basis in the Qur’an.  It is a dangerous belief. Not only this but how many times have we seen kufr ni’mah become kufr shirk?  Virtually every apostate I have ever encountered was involved in some major sin and then they slipped away into darkness.   When in reality the problem was sin to begin with.

When the believer commits sin, a black spot appears on his heart. If he repents and gives up that sin and seeks forgiveness, his heart will be polished. But if (the sin) increases, (the black spot) increases. That is the Ran that Allah mentions in His Book: “Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn.” (Qur’an 83:14)

Hadith quote:

Source: (Sunan Ibn Majah 4244 Book 37, Hadith 145)

The Hadith Evidences That Support Our Position.

The hadith evidences that support our position are numerous. The following should suffice.

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

I heard the Prophet (saw) saying, “Do not revert to disbelief (kuffaran) after me by striking (cutting) the necks of one another.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:7077)

It is well known that the companions certainly did fight among each other and killed each other. So the question is; Was their kufr an act of Kufr Ash-Shirk or Kufr An Ni’mah?

It is narrated on the authority of ‘Abdullah b. Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (saw) observed:

Abusing a Muslim is an outrage and fighting against him is (kufr)unbelief. Zubaid said: I asked Abu Wa’il: Did you hear it from Abdullah narrating if from the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him)? He replied: Yes. But there is mention of the talk between Zubaid and Abu Wa’il in the hadith narrated by Shu’ba.

Source: (https://sunnah.com/muslim:64a)

It is well known that the companions certainly did fight among each other and killed each other. So the question is; Was their kufr an act of Kufr Ash-Shirk or Kufr An Ni’mah?

“Abu Hurairah narrated that : the Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever engages in sexual intercourse with a menstruating woman, or a woman in her anus, consults a soothsayer, then he has disbelieved (kafar) in what was revealed to Muhammed.”

https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi:135

The one who did intercourse with a menstruating woman, or in her anus are those acts of kufr ash-shirk or kufr an-ni’mah ?

By the way, There is commentary in Arabic on the above hadith. That if intercourse with a woman was considered disbelieve than expiation would not have been ordered for it. However, this is not true. Expiation depends on the type and manner of sin. So there is something strange in the commentary.

It is narrated on the authority of Jarir that he heard (the Holy Prophet) saying, The slave who fled from his master committed an act of infidelity as long as he would not return to him.

https://sunnah.com/muslim:68

Did the slave commit shirk? No.

Did he commit kufr? Yes.

Another hadith evidence that supports our position. I will show you where those who call themselves ‘Salafi’ try to fool those who are not familiar with the Arabic. Then I will show you were the majority Sunni position comes clean and basically their view is in alignment with us.

Narrated Abu Dhar:

The Prophet (saw) said,

“A man who knowingly claims to be the father of someone other than himself has committed an act of disbelief. And whoever claims to be the father of a people when he is not one of them, let him take his place in hellfire.”

Source: (https://sunnah.com/bukhari:3508)

However, notice how the above link renders the Arabic text as:

Narrated Abu Dhar:

The Prophet (saw) said, “If somebody claims to be the son of any other than his real father knowingly, he but disbelieves in Allah, and if somebody claims to belong to some folk to whom he does not belong, let such a person take his place in the (Hell) Fire.”

Notice that ‘he but disbelieves in Allah’ to the English reader gives the indication that this person is on the same level of an Atheist.

We all know those who disbelieve in Allah are bound for hell. So knew information is being presented. So we know that ‘he but disbelieves in Allah’ is not a rendering of the Arabic text. The new information being presented is: “if somebody claims to be the son of any other than his real father knowingly..”

Now notice the interesting observation the followers of majority Sunni Islam make here:

However, the scholars explain that the term kufr in this hadith has two interpretations.

“The first interpretation applies to someone who considers such an act permissible. The second interpretation is that it refers to ingratitude for blessings and kindness, as well as violating the rights of Allah (Most High) and the rights of his father. However, the intended meaning is not disbelief that takes one out of the fold of Islam. This is similar to when the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) mentioned “disbelief” concerning women and then explained it as their ingratitude for kindness and their ingratitude toward their husbands.” [Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim]

Source: https://seekersguidance.org/answers/islamic-belief/does-falsely-claiming-lineage-lead-to-major-disbelief/

Now notice something dear readers. Context is important. The above hadith that promise someone paradise is dependent upon all the other text (Qur’an and Sunnah) that put terms and conditions.

The same is true for the above hadith about affirming that the one who makes such a statement would take his place in hellfire. This too is dependent upon all other text (Qur’an and Sunnah) that mention the acceptance of those who sincerely repent.

‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that:

The Prophet (saw) said, “Allah accepts a slave’s repentance as long as the latter is not on his death bed (that is, before the soul of the dying person reaches the throat)”.

Source: https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:18

And of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them and he says: “Now I repent;” nor of those who die while they are ungrateful disbelievers. For them We have prepared a painful torment. (Qur’an 4:18)

Narrated Ibn `Abbas:

The Prophet (saw) said, “When (a person) an adulterer commits illegal sexual intercourse, then he is not a believer at the time he is doing it; and when somebody steals, then he is not a believer at the time he is stealing .”

Source: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6782

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet (saw) said, “An adulterer, at the time he is committing illegal sexual intercourse is not a believer; and a person, at the time of drinking an alcoholic drink is not a believer; and a thief, at the time of stealing, is not a believer.” Ibn Shihab said: `Abdul Malik bin Abi Bakr bin `Abdur-Rahman bin Al- Harith bin Hisham told me that Abu Bakr used to narrate that narration to him on the authority of Abu Huraira. He used to add that Abu Bakr used to mention, besides the above cases, “And he who robs (takes illegally something by force) while the people are looking at him, is not a believer at the time he is robbing (taking).

Source: https://sunnah.com/bukhari:5578

All the above acts: Fornication, Adultery, Stealing, Drinking, none of these acts are committing shirk. Yet, the people who do such are not to be described as believers at the time of doing such actions.

Narrated ‘Ikrima from Ibn ‘Abbas:

Allah’s Messenger (saw) said, “When a slave (of Allah) commits illegal sexual intercourse, he is not a believer at the time of committing it; and if he steals, he is not a believer at the time of stealing; and if he drinks an alcoholic drink, when he is not a believer at the time of drinking it; and he is not a believer when he commits a murder,” ‘Ikrima said: I asked Ibn Abbas, “How is faith taken away from him?” He said, Like this,” by clasping his hands and then separating them, and added, “But if he repents, faith returns to him like this, by clasping his hands again.

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:6809

Taking the life without right is not committing shirk. Yet, the people who do such are not to be described as believers at the time of doing such actions.

Not every act of Kufr is Shirk.

However, every act of Shirk is Kufr.

May Allah (swt) continue to bless us and guide us and keep us on the straight path. May Allah (swt) cause us all to die as devoted slaves, as Muslims.

Please also see the following:

” And when your Lord made it known: If you are (shakartum)grateful, I would certainly give to you more, and if you are (kafartum) ungrateful, My chastisement is truly severe.” (Qur’an 14:7)

“This is a favor from my Lord by which He wants to test whether I am grateful (a-ashkuru) or ungrateful (akfuru).” (Qur’an 27:40)

“Truly, those who were ungrateful (kafaru), and they died and they were ones who are ungrateful (kuffarun), those, on them is a curse of Allah, and the angels and humanity, one and all.” (Qur’an 2:161)

” And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed – then it is those who are the disbelievers (l-kāfirūna).” (Qur’an 5:44)

While the immediate context is a reference to the Jews it would be a strange thing to say that Jews who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are kafir while Muslims get a free pass.

You may wish to read the following:

I’ll go to hell for a little while and then enter heaven. Think again!
The hadith of the card. Get out of hell free card!
What about all those hadith that promise a Muslim paradise based upon testimony alone?
The Mercy, Love and Forgiveness of Allah

May Allah forgive the Ummah.

May Allah guide the Ummah.

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August 9, 2025 · 4:06 pm

Ramadan Day 16

“O mankind, there has come to you instruction from your Lord and healing for what is in the breasts and guidance and mercy for the believers.” (Qur’an 10:57)

﷽ 

Ramadan Day 16: The relationship with the Qur’an should continue beyond Ramadan.

16th of Ramadan
——————————–
*Heart Health: Service and Humility*
“And be gracious to the believers who follow you.” (Qur’an 26:215)
Humility and service are from the ways to achieving purification of the soul and heart tenderness.
The Blessed Prophet (saw) him said: (whoever lowers himself for the sake of Allah, Allah will raise him)

Source: (https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:4176) Though here the grading has been given as Da’if that grading is not given across the board of Islamic scholarship on the matter.

The meaning is sound.

And Abu Bakr May Allah be pleased with him said: “We found generosity in righteousness, wealth in firm belief, and honour in humbleness.”

The human finds tenderness in his heart and mercy for others based on how humble he is, and finds comfort and purity in the conscience bases on his service to others.

*Prophets and Holy Books*

The Messenger ˹firmly˺ believes in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. They ˹all˺ believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His messengers. ˹They proclaim,˺ “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” (Qur’an 2:285)

Believing in prophets and holy books is a necessity in Islam, so failing to believe in the prophets and books would take you out of the circle of Islam.

Do you have to believe in each prophet and books?
The bare minimum is to believe that Allah sent prophets and the last one is Muhammed + Allah sent books and the last is the Qur’an.

After that if the argument is established for you that there is a prophet called Musa by reading the Qur’an or hearing it in a lecture…etc you are obligated to believe in him, and so on…

*Fasting when traveling*
“Whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship.” (Qur’an 2:185)

Here is the summary on this issue:
– It’s permissible to fast or break the fast when traveling.
– There is a difference in opinion regarding what is better? The most prominent opinion is what is easier is better.
– The traveling in the context of this issue is the same as travelling in the issue of prayer, so when you pray Qasr you can break the fast.
– Who ever has the intention to break the fast by traveling should travel before Fajr, otherwise it’s not allowed to break the fast at home before traveling
– The traveler can break his fast after traveling the required different even if he had the intention to fast initially.
– If someone committed something that would obligate a heavy atonement with the intention of breaking the fast then there is nothing on him.
– If someone returns home from traveling while not fasting, he can continue without needing to abstain from fast breakers
– Traveling is a valid excuse to breaking the fast, but breaking the fast isn’t an excuse for traveling, so it’s not allowed to travel with the intention of breaking the fast as this is from the actions of hypocrites: “They seek to deceive Allah and the believers, yet they only deceive themselves, but they fail to perceive it.” (Qur’an 2:9)

May Allah (swt) Guide the Ummah!

May Allah (swt) Forgive the Ummah!

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August 9, 2025 · 5:15 am

Islam is the only path to salvation

“Indeed, those who disbelieve in Allah and His messengers and wish to discriminate between Allah and His messengers and say, “We believe in some and disbelieve in others,” and wish to adopt a way in between.” (Qur’an 4:150)


“The disbelievers vow, “We will never believe in this Quran, nor in those ˹Scriptures˺ before it.” If only you could see when the wrongdoers will be detained before their Lord, throwing blame at each other! The lowly ˹followers˺ will say to the arrogant ˹leaders˺, “Had it not been for you, we would certainly have been believers.” (Qur’an 34:31)

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First understand that we will approach this topic by: Tafsir al-Quran bi-l-Quran. (Interpreting the Qur’an by the Qur’an) That is sufficient to destroy the platform of those who claim that Judaism and Christianity are equally salvific paths. That is to say one can practice Judaism or Christianity without the need to embrace Islam. Or the belief that one need not to enter into the fold of Islam to begin their path to salvation.

We will not rely upon a single hadith or statement of any scholar or anything extraneous to the Qur’an. The tafsir will be: al-Quran bi-l-Quran.

“Whoever chooses to be guided, it is only for their own good. And whoever chooses to stray, it is only to their own loss. No soul burdened with sin will bear the burden of another. And We would never punish ˹a people˺ until We have sent a messenger ˹to warn them˺.” (Qur’an 17:5)

“O Mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve – then indeed, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise.” (Qur’an 4:170)

“O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light.” (Qur’an 4:174)

“O People of the Book! Now has come to you, making (things) clear to you, Our Messenger, after the break in (the series of) our messengers, So do not say: “There came to us no bringer of glad tidings and no warner (from evil)”: But now has come to you a bringer of glad tidings and a warner (from evil). And Allah has power over all things.” (Qur’an 5:19)

“O children of Adam, if there come to you messengers from among you relating to you My verses, then whoever fears Allah and reforms – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Qur’an 7:35)

“We said, “All of you go down from it [the Garden]. When my guidance comes to you, whoever follows my guidance will not have fear or grieve” (Qur’an 2:38)

“Allah said, “Descend, both of you, from here together ˹with Satan˺ as enemies to each other. Then when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray ˹in this life˺ nor suffer ˹in the next˺.“ (Qur’an 20: 123)

The Qur’an is adamant that those who die while in a state of ingratitude (kuffar) that they are cursed by Allah (swt) and that they will be in hell forever.

This means those Non Muslims who express their ingratitude by rejection of Muhammed (saw) as Allah’s Messenger.

It also means Muslims who express their ingratitude by partaking in major sins and not making repentance.

So there is no favoritism shown in these verses. You die as in a state of ingratitude than hell is your destiny no matter who you are.

“Verily, those who are ungrateful(kafaru), and die while they are (kuffarun) ungrateful disbelievers, it is they on whom is the Curse of Allah and of the angels and of mankind, combined. They will abide therein [under the curse in Hell], their punishment will neither be lightened nor will they be reprieved.” (Qur’an 2:161-162)

Let us look at the ‘go to’ verses that are often used to deceive people to make them believe that Allah (swt) endorses creeds other than what is based upon the Qur’an.

Or the idea that Allah (swt) endorses a way of life (Din) other than Islam.

 “Indeed, those who believe (amanu) and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabeans – those [among them] who believed (amana) in Allah and the Last Day and did righteousness will have their reward with their Lord, and no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve.” (Qur’an 2:62)

“Those who believe (amanu), as well as the Jews, the Sabeans and the Christians: all who (amana) believe in Allah and the Last Day and did righteous deeds, will have nothing to fear and they will not grieve.” (Qur’an 5:69)

These two verses are what is quoted. They bring the Christians and the Jews and the Sabeans to the table. However, these so-called champions of inclusivism often leave out the Magians. Today they get invited to the discussion. Let us bring in the Magians.

So let us ask which verses would be more inclusive? Those that only mention the Christians, the Jews and the Sabeans? Or the one that mentions the Christians, the Jews, the Sabeans and the Magians? Obviously, the one that mentions four groups rather than three groups.

Subhan’Allah. You see how Allah (swt) has clearly shown us how he would anticipate such manipulation of our religion?

“Indeed, those who have believed (amanu) and those who were Jews and the Sabeans and the Christians and the Magians and all those who associated (ashraku) with Allah – Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection. Indeed Allah is, over all things, Witness.” (Qur’an 22:17)

So why do you suppose they do not quote the above verse?

Why leave out the Magians?

Because the above verse does not give that blanket salvation statement that they love to quote from Qur’an 2:62 & 5:69.

The above verse mentions those who believed (amanu) as well as all those who associated (ashraku) with Allah’ and the fact that Allah will ‘judge between them’.

What do we understand about those who have associated (ashraku) with Allah?

“They have certainly disbelieved who say, “Allāh is the Messiah, the son of Mary” while the Messiah has said, “O Children of Israel, worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord.” Indeed, he who associates others with Allāh – Allāh has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.” (Qur’an 5:72)

The difference between those who believe in Allah and the last day and those who say so with their mouths.

“And there are some people who say: We believe in Allah and the last day; and they are not at all believers. They desire to deceive Allah and those who believe, and they deceive only themselves and they do not perceive.” (Qur’an 2:8-9)

It makes consistent and logical sense that this would be applicable to anyone who has this condition. The condition of claiming with their mouths what is not really in their hearts.

Does Qur’an 2:62 & 5:69 & 22:17 mean blanket salvation of Jews, Christians, Sabians or Magians?

The answer is no.

#1) Major Point.

Allah (swt) has already informed us for example that the majority of the (ahl l-kitabi) -Jews, Christians, Sabians, & Magians are fasiquna (defiantly disobedient)

This trait of being fasiquana is the trait of those destined for hellfire.

“You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe (watu’minuna) in Allah. If only the (ahlu l-kitabi) People of the Book had (amana) believed, it would have been better for them. Among them (min’humu) are (l-mu’minuna) believers, but most of them are (l-fasiquna) defiantly disobedient.” (Qur’an 3:110)

Many things to note about this verse.

A) The current gen of Muslims (that the verse is addressing) are the best nation produced for mankind and not (The people of the Book).

B) People of the Book = does not necessarily equate to believers.

C) There is a caveat. among them (min’humu) are believers.

D) However, most of them(People of the Book) are l-fasiquna (defiantly disobedient)

Allah (swt) says among them are believers.

“Yet they are not all alike: there are some among the People of the Book who are upright, who recite Allah’s revelations throughout the night, prostrating ˹in prayer˺. They believe in Allah and the Last Day, encourage good and forbid evil, and race with one another in doing good. They are ˹truly˺ among the righteous. They will never be denied the reward for any good they have done. And Allah has ˹perfect˺ knowledge of those mindful ˹of Him˺. (Qur’an 3:113-115)

“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.” (Qur’an 99:7)

No one (Atheist, Agnostic, Muslim, Jew, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Taoist, Sabean, Magian etc.), is denied the good that they do. They will either get rewarded for it in this life or if the end up in the hellfire (it has levels) and they made not be in the lowest level.

Seems like most of them (Christian, Jew, Sabean, Magian) would be believers if all they had to do was believe in Allah and the Last Day and do good. Yet Allah (swt) mentions that most are fasiqun.

“Most of them(People of the Book) are l-fasiquna (defiantly disobedient)

What is the destiny of the fasiqun?

“And as for those who are Fasiqa (disbelievers and disobedient to Allah), their abode will be the Fire, every time they wish to get away therefrom, they will be put back thereto, and it will be said to them: “Taste you the torment of the Fire which you used to deny.” (Qur’an 32:20)

So who are those that have believed (amanu) in verses 2:62 & 5:69 & 22:17 ?

“And when they hear what has been sent down to the Messenger, you see their eyes overflow with tears because of the truth (l-haqi) they recognize. They say, ‘Our Lord, we believe; so write us down among the witnesses.” (Qur’an 5:83)

They recognize that the Qur’an is l-haqi (The Truth). Not one of many truths. Not a truth. They recognize it as (The Truth).

Also,

“But those firm in knowledge among them and the believers (wal-mu’minuna) believe (yu’minuna)in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammed], and what was revealed before you. And the establishers of prayer [especially] and the givers of zakah and the believers (wal-mu’minuna) in Allah and the Last Day – those We will give a great reward.” (Qur’an 4:162)

Believe in Allah and the Last Day and did righteous deeds is that all that is required?

(believe in Allah and the Last Day and did righteous deeds, will have nothing to fear and they will not grieve)

The verse is what is known as ‘Amm (general) verse.

Note that believing in Allah and the Last Day seem straight forward (will come back to this). However, the text also states to do: righteous deeds. So what are those righteous deeds?

That verse is similar to:

“Surely those who say, Our Lord is Allah, then they continue on the right way, they shall have no fear nor shall they grieve.” (Qur’an 46:13)

Notice the above verse has no mention about believing in the Last Day. So are we to assume that if one does not believe in the Last Day than they shall have nothing to fear nor shall they grieve?

“Say, “My Lord has forbidden immoral acts– openly or in secret– sinning and unjustified aggression, and ascribing divinity to others besides Him, and saying things about Him that you do not know.” (Qur’an 7:33)

Notice that the verse above does not simply make believing in Allah one of the requirements for having no cause for fear or grieving. The verse clearly tells us not to: “say thing about Him that we do not know.”

As the honourable Dr. Shadee Elmasry had the following to say in his debate with an envoy from Harvard on the above verses: 2:62 & 5:69

“Believe in God and the last day. That’s it? No, that is a summary! Does the summary explain better or the details?” -Dr. Shadee Elmasry


Very excellent point!

For a more detailed analysis of 2:62 & 5:69 you have verses that add more depth for example:

“O believers! Have faith in Allah, His Messenger, the Book He has revealed to His Messenger, and the Scriptures He revealed before. Indeed, whoever denies Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Last Day has clearly gone far astray.” (Qur’an 4:136)

“The Messenger believes (amana) in what has been revealed to him from his Lord, and so do (wal-muminuna) the believers. They (amana) believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, and His Messengers. ˹They proclaim,˺ “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and obey. ˹We seek˺ Your forgiveness, our Lord! And to you ˹alone˺ is the final return.” (Qur’an 2:285)

Heaven is prepared for the righteous.

“And race towards forgiveness from your Lord, and a Garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for (lil’muttaqīn) the righteous.” (Qur’an 3:133)

Righteousness is not in turning your faces towards the east or the west. Rather, the righteous are those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Books, and the prophets; who give charity out of their cherished wealth to relatives, orphans, the poor, travellers, beggars, and for freeing captives; who establish prayer, pay alms-tax, and keep the pledges they make; and who are patient in times of suffering, adversity, and in battle. It is they who are true , and it is they who are mindful . (Qur’an 2:177)

#2) Major Point. Allah (swt) has never endorsed any religion that goes by the name of Christianity, Judaism, Sabianism or Magianism. In fact, Allah (swt) has never given as a divine appellation the title of Christian, Jew, Sabean, Magian to anyone. Not in the Qur’an and not ever.

Allah (swt) is acknowledging that these are appellations that they have given to themselves. A clear example of that is what follows:

“You will surely find the most intense of the people in animosity toward the (amanu) believers the Jews (l-yahuda) and those (ashraku) who associate others with Allah; and you will find the nearest of them in affection to the (amanu) believers those who say, (qalu inna Nasara) “We are Christians.” That is because among them are priests and monks and because they are not arrogant.” (Qur’an 5:82)

“Those who say we are Christians” -Allah is not giving as a divine appellation the title of Christianity nor is Allah (swt) endorsing the beliefs of those who call themselves “Christians” Allah (swt) acknowledging that there are those who call themselves “Christians”. Just as there are those who call themselves: Jews, Sabeans, Magians…etc.

The Jews and associators are being contrasted against the (amanu) believers. In the sense of being in the most intense in hatred towards the (amanu) believers.

The Christians are also contrasted with the (amanu) believers, but not in the sense of intense hatred but that at the very least these Christians are prone to show affection as they have among them learned people who are not arrogant.

Go and look once more at the Qur’an 5:69. Notice how all this text that is before that verse is completely ignored. Look at the context that is ignored before they use this “Big Verse”.

“And had they observed the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to them from their Lord, they would have been overwhelmed with provisions from above and below. Few among them are upright, yet most do nothing but evil. O Messenger! Convey everything revealed to you from your Lord. If you do not, then you have not delivered His message. Allah will ˹certainly˺ protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the (l-kafrina)the ungrateful disbelievers. Say, “O People of the Book! You have nothing to stand on unless you observe the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.” And your Lord’s revelation to you will only cause many of them to increase in wickedness and becoming (wakuf’ran) ungrateful disbelievers. So do not grieve for the people who are (l-kafrina) ungrateful disbelievers.” (Qur’an 5:66-68)

So what ever you read in that next verse (Qur’an 5:69) it completely rules out any Jew or Christian that does not observe the Torah, the Gospel and what was revealed to Muhammed(saw). They are automatically ruled out!

THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE WAY OF LIFE NAMED BY ALLAH IS ISLAM

“Certainly, The way of life (l-dina) with Allah is (l-is’lamu)Islam. Those who were given the Scripture did not dispute ˹among themselves˺ out of mutual envy until knowledge came to them. Whoever denies Allah’s signs, then surely Allah is swift in reckoning,” (Qur’an 3:19)

Din (way of life) with Allah is Islam.

“If anyone desires other than (l-is’lami) Islam as a way of life (dinan), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” (Qur’an 3:85)

Those who want to choose a Din (way of life) other than Islam it will not be accepted from them.

“This day have I perfected your way of life (dinakum) for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam (l-is’lama) as your (dinan) way of life. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, Allah is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(Qur’an 5:3)

This Din (way of life) that has been perfected and chosen by Allah is called: Islam)

We do not find the word Judaism in the TNCH (What Christians call Old Testament), nor do we find the word Christian as a reference to what Isa (as) was in the New Testament. This absence of the two words tell us that these titles were never authorized by Allah. In addition, these titles were never used by Musa (as) nor Isa (as).

This can be seen very clearly in our entry here:

The Way of Life that existed before Christianity and Judaism.

The Qur’an acknowledges the common thread in all the divine messages when it says: 

“He has ordained for you of the way of life (l-dini) what He enjoined upon Nuh and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muḥammed], and what We enjoined upon Ibrahim and Musa and Isa – to establish this way of life (l-dina) and not be divided therein. Difficult for those who associate (l-mush’rikina) others with Allāh is that to which you invite them. Allāh chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever turns back to Him. (Qur’an 42:13)

So what ever Din (way of life) that Muhammed (saw) is upon is what Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and Isa (upon them all be peace) were upon.

As Allah (swt) in verses: 5:3 & 3:85 & 3:19 has identified that Din (way of) life as Islam we know that all the prophets were upon Islam.

This is why the Blessed Prophet (saw) is commanded to say:

“Say, “I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner.” (Qur’an 46:9)

“And so those who were given knowledge may know that it is the truth from your Lord and [therefore] believe in it (faya’minu), and their hearts humbly submit to it. And indeed is Allah the Guide of those who have believed to a straight path.” (Qur’an 22:54)

The Qur’an also acknowledges that a universal divine message has been sent to all in all languages and the Qur’an affirms the continuity of the divine message.  That universal way of life (Din) that has been affirmed is Islam.

“For every community We appointed a code of life to follow. So do not let them dispute with you ˹O Prophet˺ in this matter. And invite ˹all˺ to your Lord, for you are truly on the Right Guidance.” (Qur’an 22:67)

If the code of life of other communities were acceptable, the Blessed Prophet (saw) would not be inviting to them to the Right Guidance.

“O you People of the Book, believe (aminu) in what We have (NOW) revealed, confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces of some of you and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the sabbath-breakers. And ever is the decree of Allah accomplished. Indeed, Allah does not forgive (yush’raka) association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And he who (yush’rik)associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin. Have you not seen those who claim themselves to be pure? Rather, Allah purifies whom He wills, and injustice is not done to them, as much as a thread . Look how they invent about Allah untruth, and sufficient is that as a manifest sin. Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture, who believe in superstition and false objects of worship and say about the (kafaru) ungrateful “These are better guided than the believers as to the way”? Those are the ones whom Allah has cursed; and he whom Allah curses – never will you find for him a helper (Qur’an 4:47-4:52)

And he would never ask you to take angels and prophets as lords. Would he ask you to disbelieve after you have submitted?˹Remember˺ when Allah made a covenant with the prophets, ˹saying,˺ “Now that I have given you the Book and wisdom, if there comes to you a messenger confirming what you have, you must believe in him and support him.” He added, “Do you affirm this covenant and accept this commitment?” They said, “Yes, we do.” Allah said, “Then bear witness, and I too am a Witness.” Whoever turns back after this, they will be the rebellious. Do they desire a way other than Allah’s—knowing that all those in the heavens and the earth submit to His Will, willingly or unwillingly, and to Him they will ˹all˺ be returned? Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “We believe in Allah and what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and his descendants; and what was given to Moses, Jesus, and other prophets from their Lord—we make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we ˹fully˺ submit.” “If anyone desires other than (l-is’lami) Islam as a way of life (dinan), never will it be accepted of him; and in the Hereafter He will be in the ranks of those who have lost (All spiritual good).” (Qur’an 3:80-85)

You see here that those who believe in the Din (way of life) called Islam has been juxtaposed in contradistinction to those who do not believe in all the revelation from Allah.

MUSLIMS ARE THOSE WHO ARE UPON the MILLAT of IBRAHIM.

The Qur’an never identifies the Jews or the Christians or anyone else as being upon the Millat of Ibrahim (as).

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in this way of life (l-dini) any difficulty. [It is] the creed (millata) of your father, Ibrahim. Allah named you (l-mus’limina) before and in this that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper. (Qur’an 22:78)

  1. The way of life (Din) approved by Allah (swt) has already been identified as Islam.
  2. The creed (millata) of Ibrahim (as) is the creed (millata) of Muhammed (saw).
  3. Muhammed (saw) is a Muslim just as Ibrahim (as) is a Muslim.

“Ibrahim was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim (Mus’liman). And he was not of the (l-mush’rikina)” (Qur’an 3:67)

If Muslim =monotheist than Jews and Christians cannot be by that definition a monotheist. Because Ibrahim (as) as a Muslim is being held in contradistinction with the Jews and Christians.

“Then We revealed to you, [O Muhammed], to follow the creed (millata) Ibrahim, inclining toward truth; and he was not of (l-mush’rikina) those who associate with Allah.” (Qur’an 16:123)

“And who is better in their way of life (dinan) than those who (aslama) submit themselves fully to Allah, do good, and follow the millata (creed) Ibrahim, the upright? Allah chose Ibrahim as a close friend.” (Qur’an 4:125)

Say, “My Lord has guided me to a straight path (siratin mus’taqimin), the way of life (dinan), the millat (creed) of Ibrahim. He was a monotheist and was not of the (l-mush’rikina)” (Qur’an 6:161)

The Jews and Christians are trying to pull us away from the millat (creed) of Ibrahim (as).

“And the Jews will not be pleased with you, nor the Christians until you follow their (millatahum)creed. Say: Surely Allah’s guidance, that is the (true) guidance. And if you follow their desires after the knowledge that has come to you, you shall have no guardian from Allah, nor any helper.” (Qur’an 2:120)

They say, “Be Jews or Christians [so] you will be guided.” Say, “Rather, the (millata)religion of Ibrahim, inclining toward truth, and he was not of the (l-mush’rikina) polytheists.” (Qur’an 2:135)

“O believers(alladina amanu)! If you were to yield to a group (fariqan) of those who were given the Book, they would turn you back from belief (imanikum) to (kafirina) ingratitude.” (Qur’an 3:100)

“Or do you say that Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaq and Yacoub and the Descendants were Jews or Christians? Say, “Are you more knowing or is Allah ?” And who is more unjust than one who conceals a testimony he has from Allah ? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.” (Qur’an 2:140)

“I have abandoned the millat (creed) of a people who (la yu’minuna) do not believe in Allah, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are (kafiruna) ungrateful disbelievers.” (Qur’an 12:37)

“Those who were ingrates (kafaru) said to their messengers, “We will drive you out of our land unless you return to our (creed) millat.” (Qur’an 14:13)

WHO ACTUALLY ARE THE BELIEVERS?

“The believers (l-mu’minuna) ARE ONLY those who believe (amanu) in Allah and His Messenger and, when they are [meeting] with him for a matter of common interest, do not depart until they have asked his permission. Indeed, those who ask your permission, [O Muhammed] – those are the ones who believe (yu’minuna) in Allah and His Messenger. So when they ask your permission for something of their affairs, then give permission to whom you will among them and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 24:62)

“The believers (l-mu’minuna) ARE ONLY the ones who have (amanu) believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. It is those who are the truthful.” (Qur’an 49:15)

The believers (l-mu’minuna) ARE ONLY those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely (Qur’an 8:2)

When the Qur’an is recited does it increase Jews and Christians in faith?

The Qur’an has either one of two effects upon the Jews & Christians.

  1. It softens their heart, they recognize it as truth and enter into Islam (Qur’an 5:83)
  2. It hardens their heart, they seethe in rage concerning the Muslims. (Qur’an 2:88-90)

“So We saved him and those with him by mercy from Us. And We eliminated those who denied Our signs, and they were not (mu’minina) believers.” (Qur’an 7:72)

On what consistent basis can one be called a believer that reject some of the signs of Allah (swt) and accept others?

If the Qur’an is a sign of Allah (swt) on one consistent basis can those who reject it and be called a believer?

“But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a (mu’minun)believer – it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by Allah].” (Qur’an 17:19)

The above describes an individual that must exert effort and be on guard. No one someone who believes they are saved by grace apart from effort and vigilance.

The Messenger has believed(amana) in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers (wal-mu’minuna). All of them have (amana)believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], “We make no distinction between any of His messengers.” And they say, “We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination. (Qur’an 2:285)

“So if they believe (amanu) in what you believe (amantum), then they will indeed be ˹rightly˺ guided. But if they turn away, they are simply opposed ˹to the truth˺. But Allah will spare you their evil. For He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Qur’an 2:137)

“As for those who believe (amanu) in Allah and His messengers—accepting all; rejecting none—He will surely give them their rewards. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an 4:152)

“Surely those who deny (yakfuruna) Allah and His messengers and wish to make a distinction between Allah and His messengers, saying, “We believe (nu-minu) in some and disbelieve (wanakfuru) in others,” desiring to forge a compromise, they are indeed the true disbelievers. And We have prepared for the disbelievers (l-kafiruna) a humiliating punishment. (Qur’an 4:150-151)

The believers are those who accept all of Allah’s Messengers. Where as the ungrateful disbelievers such as the Jews & Christians they believe in some and disbelieve in others. As such, they will be prepared a humiliating punishment.

“But how is it that they come to you for judgement while they have the Torah, in which is the judgement of Allah? Then they turn away, [even] after that; but those are not believers (bil-mu’minina).” (Qur’an 5:43)

“But no, by your Lord, THEY WILL NOT BELIEVE (la yu’minuna) UNTIL (hatta) they make you, [O Prophet], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission.” (Qur’an 4:65)

“And whoever opposes the Messenger after guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the believers (l-mu’minina) – We will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil it is as a destination.” (Qur’an 4:115)

DO NOT TAKE UNBELIEVERS IN YOUR WILAYAT

“O you who believe (amanu)! Take not the Jews and the Christians as (awliyaa)(friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but (awliyau) to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as (yatawallahum), then surely he is one of them.” (Qur’an 5:51)

“Your only guardians (waliyyukumu) are Allah, His Messenger, and fellow (amanu)believers—who establish prayer and pay alms-tax with humility.” (Qur’an 5:55)

“Let not believers (l-mu’minuna) take disbelievers (l-kafirina)as allies (awliya) rather than (l-mu’minina)believers. And whoever [of you] does that has nothing with Allah , except when taking precaution against them in prudence. And Allah warns you of Himself, and to Allah is the [final] destination.” (Qur’an 3:28)

These verses combine together to perform a powerful combo that totally knocks out any concept of the Jews and Christians as believers.

So what ever you want to understand (awliya) as being: friend, protector, helper, ally -that is not something that the believers keep with the Jews and Christians. (except when taking precaution against them in prudence.) However normally that is not the case.

What would be so bad about “being one of them” if being one of them was acceptable to Allah (swt)?

WHOEVER SURRENDERS COMPLETELY TO ALLAH?

“Yea, indeed: everyone who surrenders his whole being unto Allah, and is a doer of good withal, shall have his reward with his Sustainer; and all such need have no fear, and neither shall they grieve.” (Qur’an 2:112)

Can it be said that one who rejects what Allah has ordained to be among those who “submit their whole being unto Allah?”

Can it be said that those who do not accept the Prophets and Revelation that Allah (swt) has ordered upon us to believe in be among those who “submit their whole being unto Allah?“

Allah (swt) requires total submission and not partial, 1/3rd submission.


Does submit to Allah mean ignore his last Messenger?

Do I have a choice to follow the Blessed Messenger (saw) or not?
If the Blessed Messenger (saw) says go right than what? I go left?

“Say, “O People of the Book! You have nothing to stand on unless you observe the Torah, the Gospel, and what has been revealed to you from your Lord.” And your Lord’s revelation to you ˹O Prophet˺ will only cause many of them to increase in wickedness and disbelief. So do not grieve for the people who disbelieve.” (Qur’an 5:68)

“So if they believe (amanu) in what you(amantum) believe, then they will indeed be guided. But if they turn away, they are simply opposed. But Allah will spare you their evil. For He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing.” (Qur’an 2:137)

They are˺ the ones who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whose description they find in their Torah and the Gospel. He commands them to do good and forbids them from evil, permits for them what is lawful and forbids to them what is impure, and relieves them from their burdens and the shackles that bound them. Those who (amanu)believe in him, honour and support him, and follow the light sent down to him will be successful.” (Qur’an 7:157)

“As for those who believe, do good, and have faith(amanu)in what has been revealed to Muḥammed which is the truth from their Lord—He will absolve them of their sins and improve their condition.” (Qur’an 47:2)

To be a believing Jew and Christian-what is the condition? That they follow the Prophet (saw).

Those who believe it is the truth from their Lord he will forgive their sins.

“Nor were the People of the Book divided until after the clear proof came unto them. And they were not commanded except to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in the way of life (Din), inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct way of life (Din). Indeed, they who are ungrateful (kafaru)among the People of the Book and the polytheists(wal-mush’rikina) will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures.” (Qur’an 98:4-7)

The people of the book were commanded: Worship Allah. Be sincere to Him in their Islam, establish the Prayer and pay the Zakah. The ungrateful among them they will be in hell where they will abide eternally within.

MUSLIMS MUSLIMS & MUSLIMS NOT CHRISTIANS OR JEWS

“My Lord, You have given me [something] of sovereignty and taught me of the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and earth, You are my protector in this world and in the Hereafter. Cause me to die a (mus’liman) Muslim and join me with the righteous.” (Qur’an 12:101)

“And do not argue (tujadil) with the People of the Book except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them, and say, “We believe(amanna) in that which has been revealed to us and revealed to you.” And our God and your God is one; and we are(mus’limuna) Muslims to Him.(Qur’an 29:46)

Who are Muslims according to this verse?

Muslims are those who believe that Our God and your God is one. Who believe in that which was sent to us and you.

If Muslim was interchangeable with Jew or Christian than it could not be said that they are those who believe in what was sent to us and you.

Note that the People of the Book are contrasted with Muslims.

Also note that Allah (swt) advises us to not argue (tujadil) with The People of the Book except in a way that is best. Why would we need to argue at all if the Jews and Christians could be identified with the millat of Ibrahim?

“And Ibrahim instructed his sons [to do the same] and [so did] Jacob, [saying], “O my sons, indeed Allah has chosen for you this way of life (l-dina), so do not die except while you are (mus’limuna) Muslims.” (Qur’an 2:132)

“But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, “Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah ?” The disciples said,” We are supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are (mus’limuna) Muslims.” (Qur’an 3:52)

Testify that we are Muslims not Christians. As already mentioned above no where will you find Allah (swt) giving divine sanction to the name Nasara (translated as Christian). Neither Jesus (as) nor John (as) identify with the term.

No religion called Christianity. Muslim is the name in association with Jesus (as). Notice he did not say: “Nasara”

Does the Qur’an call the followers of Jesus Al-Nasara?

Let us look at the word ‘Al Nasara’ which is often translated as “Christians” in English translations of the Qur’an. One of the things that is most interesting is that the Qur’an never once connects the term (l-nasara) to those who are followers of Jesus(as).

“And Moses said, “O my people, if you have believed in Allah , then rely upon Him, if you should be (mus’limina) Muslims.” (Qur’an 10:84)

No religion called Judaism. Muslim is the name in association with Moses(as). Notice he did not say: “Hudan”

“Say, “O People of the Book, come to a word that is equitable between us and you – that we will not worship except Allah and not associate (nush’rika) anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah.” But if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are (mus’limuna)Muslims.” (Qur’an 3:64)

Ahl Kitab are associated with associators with Allah. They are contrasted with the Muslims.

Nothing else will drive this point home than the following text:

Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture – [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled. The Jews say, “Ezra is the son of Allah “; and the Christians say, “The Messiah is the son of Allah .” That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who were kafara (ungrateful disbelievers [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded? They have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah , and [also] the Messiah, the son of Mary. And they were not commanded except to worship one God; there is no deity except Him. Exalted is He above whatever they associate (yush’rikuna) with Him. They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light, although the (ungrateful disbelievers) dislike it. It is He who has sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to manifest it over all religion, although they who associate others (l-mush’rikuna) with Allah dislike it. (Qur’an 9:29-33)

“Those who say, “Allah is the Messiah, son of Mary,” have certainly become (kafara) ungrateful disbelievers. The Messiah ˹himself˺ said, “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah—my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever associates (yush’rik) others with Allah ˹in worship˺ will surely be forbidden Paradise by Allah. Their home will be the Fire. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers. Those who say, “Allah is one in a Trinity,” have certainly become (kafara) ungrateful disbelievers. There is only One God. If they do not stop saying this, those who (kafaru) disbelieve among them will be afflicted with a painful punishment.” (Qur’an 5:72-73)

“O you who have believed (amanu), fear Allah as He should be feared and do not die except as (mus’limuna) Muslims.” (Qur’an 3:102)

You will never find a verse in the Qur’an anywhere advising people not to die except as ‘hudan’ or a ‘nasara’. If that was the case than perhaps those who wish to pull the wool over the eyes of the masses namely the bizarre claim that: muslimin are monotheists (including Jews, Christians). There is not a shred of evidence of this from the Qur’an!

Muslim is one who follows the way of life (Din) called Islam. It is not title for a federation of monotheist many of whom who have beliefs that are outright shirk.

In fact, let those who argue that Jews and Christians are just different names for Muslims let them prove those claims from the Bible. Since these same people are very tongue n cheek about the Qur’an apparently stating that one of the many biblical canons was current in the time of the Blessed Prophet (saw). Now, if they want to say well these names: ‘Jews’ and ‘Christians’ just became nomenclature and nothing more. Well, that is exactly the point I’ve established #2) Major Point above.

“Perhaps those who disbelieve (kafaru) will wish that they had been(mus’limina) Muslims.” (Qur’an 15:2)

“And you cannot guide the blind away from their error. You will only make hear those who believe (yu’minu) in Our verses so they are (mus’limuna) Muslims .” (Qur’an 30:53)

Muslims are those who believe in our verses -the Qur’an.

“Who believed (amanu)in Our verses and were (Mus’limina) Muslims.” (Qur’an 43:69)

Not everyone who claims they are Muslim is a Muslim.

“And We took the Children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh and his soldiers pursued them in tyranny and enmity until, when drowning overtook him, he said, “I (amantu) believe that there is no deity except that in whom the Children of Israel (amanat) believe, and I am of the (l-mus’limina) Muslims.” (Qur’an 10:90)

You can have faith (iman) in the wrong things.

“And when We took your covenant and raised over you the mount, “Take what We have given you with determination and listen.” They said, “We hear and disobey.” And their hearts absorbed the calf because of their (bikuf’rihim) ungrateful disbelief. Say, “How wretched is that which your faith (imanukum) enjoins upon you, if you should be believers. (mu’minina)” (Qur’an 2:93)

MUSLIMS ARE TO JUDGE BY THE QUR’AN THE TORAH OR THE INJIL?

Some people, even pseudo-Muslim scholars, Christians will themselves try to be very slippery when it comes to this matter. Be vigilant.

When Allah made a covenant with the prophets, “Now that I have given you the Book and wisdom, if there comes to you a messenger confirming what you have, you must believe in him and support him.” He added, “Do you affirm this covenant and accept this commitment?” They said, “Yes, we do.” Allah said, “Then bear witness, and I too am a Witness.” (Qur’an 3:81)

Question: What is the covenant with the Prophets? That if there comes a Messenger confirming what they have with them that they must believe in him and support him.

Now look at the next few verses:

“We have revealed to you this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and an assessor over them. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed, and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If Allah had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given you. So compete with one another in doing good. To Allah you will all return, then He will inform you regarding your differences.” (Qur’an 5:48)

“Although they used to pray for victory over the polytheists, when there came to them a Book from Allah which they recognized, confirming the Scripture they had ˹in their hands˺, they rejected it. So may Allah’s condemnation be upon the disbelievers. Miserable is the price they have sold their souls for—denying Allah’s revelation and resenting Allah for granting His grace to whoever He wills of His servants! They have earned wrath upon wrath. And such disbelievers will suffer a humiliating punishment. When it is said to them: “Believe in what Allah has revealed,” they reply, “We only believe in what was sent down to us,” and they deny what came afterwards, though it is the truth confirming their own Scriptures! Ask ˹them, “Why then did you kill Allah’s prophets before, if you are (mu’minina)believers? “Indeed, Moses came to you with clear proofs, then you worshipped the calf in his absence, acting wrongfully.” (Qur’an 2:89-92)

The point being is that no matter what you think the Torah, or the Injil was at the time of the Blessed Prophet (saw) or what it may/may not have consisted of because the deal is this:

Does the Qur’an confirms the previous scriptures? The answer is Yes!

So what is required of you people (Jews & Christians)? “you must believe in him and support him!”

So all that can be said is that Allah (swt) often calls them out on account of what they claim to have.

Examples:

“All food was lawful for the children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Torah was revealed. Say, “Bring the Torah and read it, if your claims are true.”(Qur’an 3:93)

That statement is a call out and not a confirmation of what is in it.

“Then in the footsteps of the prophets, We sent Jesus, son of Mary, confirming the Torah . And We gave him the Gospel containing guidance and light and confirming what was revealed in the Torah—a guide and a lesson to those who fear Allah.” “So let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah has revealed in it. And those who do not judge by what Allah has revealed are (l-fasiquna) the rebellious.” (Qur’an 5:46-47)

Notice that the above text is referencing the Torah and the Gospel. Knowing full well that the Christians and the Jews dispute about their scriptures.

“The Jews say, “The Christians have nothing to stand on” and the Christians say, “The Jews have nothing to stand on.” Although both recite the same scriptures. And those who have no knowledge say the same. Surely Allah will judge between them on the Day of Judgment regarding their dispute.” (Qur’an 2:113)

So this is a lesson to Muslims. Those who are the People of the Book still have not settled the matter between them on who is and who is not upon right guidance. Therefore do not be troubled if there are those among them that reject the Prophet (saw).

What we do know is that what ever was in that Injil was certainly not sufficient to guide the Christians to the truth. If Allah (swt) was accepting of the Christian doctrine than why inspire the Prophet (saw) the following:

“Now, whoever disputes with you ˹O Prophet˺ concerning Jesus after full knowledge has come to you, say, “Come! Let us gather our children and your children, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves—then let us sincerely invoke Allah’s curse upon the liars.”-(Qur’an 3:61)

Islam has the truth concerning Jesus (as) otherwise these people would not be summoned. A summon in which both parties invoke curses upon one another’s children is a matter of serious doctrinal difference!

The People of the Book, the Jews in particular would try and play a game with the Blessed Prophet. For example:

O Messenger! Do not grieve for those who race to (l kuf’ri) be ingrates—those who say, “We believe (amanna)” with their tongues, but their hearts are(wala tu’min) in disbelief. Nor those among the Jews who eagerly listen to lies, attentive to those who are too arrogant to come to you. They distort the Scripture, taking rulings out of context, then say, “If this is the ruling you get ˹from Muḥammed˺, accept it. If not, beware!” Whoever Allah allows to be deluded, you can never be of any help to them against Allah. It is not Allah’s Will to purify their hearts. For them is disgrace in this world, and they will suffer a tremendous punishment in the Hereafter. (Qur’an 5:41)

“If this is the ruling you get ˹from Muḥammed˺, accept it. If not, beware!”

This is why the advise: “and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you.”

This is why Allah (swt) poses a rhetorical question to the Prophet (saw)

“But why do they come to you for judgment when they ˹already˺ have the Torah containing Allah’s judgment, then they turn away after all? They are not ˹true˺ believers.” (Qur’an 5:43)

The above verse is not endorsing the Torah as it is throwing a question back to those who think they mock the Prophet (saw). Which is why go to Him (the Prophet) for a ruling unless you think He (the Prophet) is capable to guide?! If He (saw) is capable to guide why not follow him?

“We revealed the Torah with guidance and enlightenment. The prophets, who had submitted themselves to Allah(aslamu), as well as the rabbis and the scholars, all judged according to that part of Allah’s Book they were entrusted to preserve and to which they were witnesses. So do not fear people. Only fear Me. Do not barter my verses for a small profit. Those who do not judge according to what Allah has revealed are (l-kafiruna) unbelievers.” (Qur’an 5:44)

Lastly, anyone who tries to equate the Torah, or the Injil to any number of disputed Christian canons of the New Testament or to the TNCH would need to prove this. This false notion that the belief in the Qur’an means that we have to believe in the whole of this undefined Torah or the whole of an undefined Injil of the Christians and Jews concurrent in the time of the Blessed Prophet (saw) would need to substantiated.

Give us an idea of what that Torah and Gospel looked like. What do the believers of the historical critical method say about it?

We have dealt with this mistaken notion here:

https://primaquran.com/2024/04/15/does-the-quran-teach-that-the-bible-was-corrupted

However, if one wants to make the claim that the Qur’an confirms the previous scriptures than what is required of the (Jews & Christians)

“you must believe in him and support him!” So there is no escape from that!

“It is He who expelled the ones who disbelieved (kafaru) among the (ahli l-kitabi) People of the Scripture from their homes at the first gathering. You did not think they would leave, and they thought that their fortresses would protect them from Allah ; but [the decree of] Allah came upon them from where they had not expected, and He cast terror into their hearts [so] they destroyed their houses by their [own] hands and the hands of the (l-mu’minina) believers. So take warning, O people of vision.” (Qur’an 59:2)

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “O People of the Book! Let us come to common terms: that we will worship none but Allah, (nush’rika) associate none with Him, nor take one another as lords instead of Allah.” But if they turn away, then say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” O People of the Book! Why do you argue about Abraham, while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed until long after him? Do you not understand? Here you are! You disputed about what you have ˹little˺ knowledge of, but why do you now argue about what you have no knowledge of? Allah knows and you do not know. Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was one inclining toward truth, a Muslim (Mus’liman). And he was not of the (l-mush’rikina). Indeed, those who have the best claim to Abraham are his followers, this Prophet, and the (amanu) believers. And Allah is the Guardian of those who (l-mu’minina)believe. Some of the People of the Book wish to mislead you. They mislead none but themselves, yet they fail to perceive it. O  People of the Book! Why do you reject the signs of Allah by showing ungrateful disbelief(takfuruna) while you bear witness? O  People of the Book! Why do you mix the truth with falsehood and hide the truth knowingly? A group among the People of the Book said ˹to one another˺, “Believe(aminu) in what has been revealed to the (amanu)believers in the morning and reject it in the evening, so they may abandon their faith. And only believe (tu’minu) those who follow your (dinakum) religion.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Surely, ˹the only˺ true guidance is Allah’s guidance.” ˹They also said,˺ “Do not believe that someone will receive ˹revealed˺ knowledge similar to yours or argue against you before your Lord.” Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Indeed, all bounty is in the Hands of Allah—He grants it to whoever He wills. And Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” (Qur’an 3:64-3:72)

And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in this way of life (l-dini) any difficulty. [It is] the creed (millata) of your father, Ibrahim. Allah named you (l-mus’limina) before and in this that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give zakah and hold fast to Allah. He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, and excellent is the helper. (Qur’an 22:78)

The way of life (Din) approved by Allah (swt) has already been identified as Islam.

The creed (millata) of Ibrahim (as) is the creed (millata) of Muhammed (saw).

Muhammed (saw) is a Muslim just as Ibrahim (as) is a Muslim.

Perennialism is a colonial project and a form of gaslighting on various faith traditions. These faith traditions are not allowed to define the parameters of their own world views and beliefs.

If it is true that 2x=10 that all we see are different symbols that are ultimately equal to one another than why not have everyone simply be a 10? In other words, if Jews, Christians, & Muslims are equal in their beliefs and are equally valid paths than it should be no problem for everyone to become Muslim than.

There are too many questions that such advocates have failed to answer. Which Christian denomination in the world has a belief system that would be acceptable to the theology of the Qur’an? Where can we attend this place of worship?

Again using the questions that Dr. Shadee Elmasry so excellent deployed let us bring them here and may Allah (swt) reward him!

“How could the correct interpretation of a religion be that which brings its own destruction?” In other words there is no need to be upon this din (way of life) because you can be upon other dins? Other ways of life are equally acceptable to Islam?

“Why bring a new religion than?” “Why would Allah bring a new religion?” If the previous emanations of this ‘one truth’ are in tact why bring a new religion? This is redundancy.

“The Quran in constant attack upon the The people of the Book. Torah and Injeel are not reliable. Jews and Christians why do you reject the truth. They twist words out of context. They disregard much of what they were reminded of.”-Dr. Shadee Elmasry

If I am a believer in one constant consistent truth (which is shared by Muslims, Jews & Christians) than why are there conflicting views in the sacred sources of these traditions?

Examples abound:

Jesus is the Messiah and he is also a rebel, and He is also not the Messiah, and he is the Son of God and a Prophet and he is also not a Prophet. He conceived of a virginal conception and others say that his mother (May Allah honour in this world and the next) had illicit relations with Pantera (A Roman Soldier). May Allah protect us from the perverts!

Is the blessed Prophet Muhammed (saw) a liar? Was he crazy. He is both a Prophet and not a Prophet.

What has passed is simply just the tip of the iceberg.

There are too many key irreconcilable differences to suggest these are all divinely endorsed paths going in the same direction.

“And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger will certainly be in the Fire of Hell, to stay there for ever and ever.” (Qur’an 72:23)

“The ungrateful disbelievers (kafaru) from the People of the Book and the (wal-mush’rikina) polytheists were not going to desist until the clear proof came to them a messenger from Allah, reciting scrolls of purity, containing upright commandments. It was not until this clear proof came to the People of the Book that they became divided even though they were only commanded to worship Allah with sincere devotion to Him (l-dina) the way of life that is upright, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax. That is the upright Way (dinu). Indeed, those who are ungrateful disbelievers(kafaru) from the People of the Book and the (wal-mush’rikina) polytheists will be in the Fire of Hell, to stay there forever. They are the worst of ˹all˺ beings.” (Qur’an 98:1-6)

May Allah (swt) guide us all to the truth! Dear reader may Allah expand your chest and open your heart to the light of Islam!

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