The 200 FAQ On Muslim Belief
Q 201: What are the Blasphemous Innovations?
A ---Though they are numerous, they can be defined as follows: It is whosoever denies or rejects a matter that is unanimously agreed upon or well known in religion, as rejection of the Glorious Qur'an and of what Allah sent His Messengers with. The lahmis is a good example in this context. They rejected the Attributes of Allah the Almighty, along with their saying that the Qur'an and Allah's Attributes are created. Or, such as rejecting the fact that Allah the Almighty took Ibrahim (Abraham (Peace be upon him)) as a friend. Or, that He Spoke directly to Musa (Moses (Peace be upon him)). Or, such as the Innovations of those who denied Allah's Knowledge, Acts, Pre-ordainment and Destiny. Or, such as those who liken Allah the Almighty to His creation, etc. However, among those who went astray are some whose intention was to demolish the Pillars of religion and to raise suspicions around it, those are certainly disbelievers and are the most malicious enemies of religion. But, those who were merely misguided and were led to hold misconceptions about religion, they are regarded as disbelievers not before showing them clear evidences that they were indeed misguided (and they insist on sticking to their fallacies).
Q 202: What is that other than the Non-blasphemous Innovation?
A--- The Non-blasphemous Innovation does not imply denying or rejecting the Glorious Qur'an or anything of what has been sent with Allah's Prophets. Such as the Innovations of the Marwanis that were rejected by the dignified companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). However, the companions neither said that the Marwanis were disbelievers, nor did they withdraw their pledge of allegiance paid to them. These Innovations were: they used to delay performing some prayers, their delivering the `Id sermon before the Prayer, and their abusing of some of the grand companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) on pulpits, etc. They used to do so not bearing in mind any legal thought, but it was only false interpretations, psychological desires, and worldly purposes.
Q 203:What are the divisions of Innovation pertaining to the field in which it takes place?
A--- There are two divisions: Innovations in Acts of worship, and Innovations in dealings.
Q 204: What are the divisions of Innovations in Acts of worship?
A--- There are two divisions:
First: Adopting methods of worship other than those prescribed by Allah the Almighty. For instance, the ignorant Sufis use musical instruments accompanied with dance, clapping, and singing resembling those in whose regard Allah the Almighty says: {Their Salat (prayer) at the House (of Allah, i.e. the Ka'bah at Mecca) was nothing but whistling and clapping of hands). (Al-Anfal, 35)
Second: Adopting as a method of worship that is originally lawful, but it is done in other than its proper place, time, or manner. For instance, unveiling one's head is permitted while practicing Ihram, but if one who is not wearing Ihram does it while performing Prayers, Fasting or other acts of worship with the intention of drawing near to Allah thereof, this is deemed an unlawful Innovation. Besides, performing supererogatory prayers in the forbidden times, and fasting the first day of the two 'Ids.
Q 205: How does Innovation affect the Act of Worship it touches?
A--- First: it nullifies the whole act of worship such as adding a third Rak'ah to the Fajr Prayer, a fourth one to the Maghrib, or a fifth to the Zuhr Prayer. Or, such as decreasing a Rak' ah thereof.
Second: it does not nullify the act of worship though it is (Innovation) itself is basically nullified. Such as the one who adds a fourth time of wash to the organs to be washed in Ablution. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) did not say it is nullified, but said: "Whosoever adds to this, he certainly did badly, transgressed and did (something) wrong." (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)
Q 206: What are the Innovations pertaining to dealings?
A--- This is to impose conditions which are not in neither Allah's Book (Laws), nor in the Prophetic Sunnah. Such as imposing conditions that may nullify that which is lawful, or legalize that which is unlawful. Also, stipulating the Wala,[1] to be for other than the manumitter. Having heard the story of Barirah, Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) stood up in front of the people, and after glorifying Allah he said: "Amma Ba'du (i.e. then after)! What about the people who impose conditions which are not in Allah's Book (Laws)? Any condition that is not in Allah's Book (Laws) is invalid even if they were one hundred conditions, for Allah's decisions are the right ones and His conditions are the strong ones (firmer) and the Wala' will be for the manumitter.”(Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 207: What do we must observe regarding the companions of the Prophet and his household?
A--- We should keep our hearts and tongues clean and sound regarding them all. We should work on spreading their merits and virtues, along with avoiding discussing any of the troubles aroused among them. We should also refer to their dignity and honor as we are taught by Allah the Almighty Who mentioned them in His Books: Torah, Gospel and the Glorious Qur'an. Also, there are so many Hadiths informing us of their merits and unprecedented virtues. Allah the Almighty says: {Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise)}. (Al-Fath, 29)
Allah the Almighty says: {And those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard in the Cause of Allah (Al-Jihad), as well as those who gave them) asylum and aid- these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Karim (a generous provision i.e. Paradise)}. (Al-Anfal, 74)
Allah the Almighty says: {And the foremost to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Mecca to AI-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of AI-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allah is well pleased with them as they are well pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success}. (At -Taubah, 100)
Allah the Almighty says: {Allah has forgiven the Prophet ((Peace be upon him)), the Muhajirun (Muslim emigrants who left their homes and came to AI-Madinah) and the Ansar (Muslims of AlMadinah) who followed him (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) in the time of distress (Tabuk expedition), after the hearts of a party of them had
nearly deviated (from the Right Path), but He accepted their repentance. Certainly, He is unto them full of Kindness, Most Merciful}. (At- Taubah, 117)
Allah the Almighty says: {(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allah and to please Him, and helping Allah (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say).And (it is also for) those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banu An-Nadir), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful}. (Al-Hashr, 8, 9)
In addition, we should know and believe that Allah has already looked at the Badr warriors and said: "Do whatever you like, for I have forgiven you." (Bukhari and Muslim) Their number was 313 (three hundred and thirteen). Also, we believe that "None from among those who paid the pledge under the tree would enter Hell-fire.” (Sahih Muslim) But, Allah was pleased with them and they with Him. Moreover, they were one thousand and four hundred (or, five hundred) on the Day of Hudaibiya. Allah the Almighty says: {Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai'ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory}. (Al-Fath, 18)
We testify that they Were the best of all generations of this Ummah (Community) which is the best of all nations and communities. Besides, if one amongst the generations to come after them were to spend as much gold as Uhud, it would not amount to as much as one Mudd of one of them or half of it. We also believe in that they were not infallible; they might do some mistakes, but they did their best to establish what is right and true.
The same can be said about the honorable wives of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his dignified household whom Allah wished only to remove Ar-Rijs (evil deeds and sins) from them and to purify them with a thorough purification.
Moreover, we acquit ourselves from all in whose hearts or on whose tongues there were something bad pertaining to the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) and his honorable household. We call Allah the Almighty to witness our love for them, following them, and defense for them in application to the will of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him): "None should revile my companions.” Rather, he (Peace be upon him) says: "I leave amongst you two weighs: the first is Allah's Book, so follow stick to it firmly.” Then, he (Peace be upon him) says: "And my household, I remind you with Allah for the sake of my household.” This Hadith is transmitted in the two Sahihs: Bukhari and Muslim.
Q 208: Who is the best amongst the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in general?
A ---The best amongst them were the foremost to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Mecca to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun), then the people of Badr, then Uhud, then the Pledge of Ar-Ridwan, etc. Allah the Almighty says: {Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Mecca, with those among you who did so later). Such are higher in degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allah has promised the best (reward)}. (Al-Hadid, 10)
Q 209: Who is the best amongst the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in details?
A--- Narrated Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them): "During the lifetime of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) we considered Abu Bakr as peerless and then`Umar and then' Uthman (coming next to him in superiority) and then we used not to differentiate between the companions of the Prophet.”(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
him): "I said to the Prophet (Peace be upon him) while I was in the Cave. "If any of them should look under his feet, he would see us. "He said: "O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two (persons) the third of whom is Allah?" (Bukhari and Muslim)
him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "If I were to take a Khalil, I would have taken Abu Bakr, but he is my brother and my companion (in Islam)." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Allah sent me (as a Prophet) to you (people) but you said (to me), 'You are telling a lie,’ while Abu Bakr said: 'He has said the truth, and consoled me with himself and his money.” He then said twice, "Won't you then give up harming my companion?" After that nobody harmed Abu Bakr.(Sahih Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said regarding the speaking of the wolf and the cow, "But I believe in it and so do Abu Bakr and 'Umar. " (Bukhari and Muslim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "O Ibn Al-Khattab! By Him in Whose Hands my life is! Never does Satan find you going on a way, but he takes another way other than yours.”(Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger says: "Among the nations before you there used to be people who were inspired (though they were not Prophets). And if there is any of such a persons amongst my followers, it is 'Umar.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
When `Uthman Ibn 'Affan went to Mecca prior the Pledge of Ar-Ridwan, "Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) held out his right hand saying, 'This is 'Uthman's hand.’ He stroke his (other) hand with it saying, 'This (pledge of allegiance) is on the behalf of `Uthman.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "Whosoever digs the well of Rumah, he will enter Paradise" then 'Uthman dug it. Then, he (Peace be upon him) said: "Whosoever makes provisions for the Army of Al'Usrah (the Battle of Tabuk), he will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Allah's Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Shouldn't I become shy of the one of whom the Angels became shy.” (Sahih Muslim)
Allah's Prophet (Peace be upon him) said to 'Ali Ibn Abu Talib, "You are (a part) from me, and I am (a part) from you.” (An Authentic Hadith)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) informed us that `Ali Ibn Abu Talib loves Allah and His Messenger, and that he is loved by Allah and His Messenger Allah's Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Whom so ever I am his master, 'Ali is his master.” (Ahmed and At-Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Aren't you satisfied with being unto me what Aaron was unto Moses but with this exception that there would be no Prophet after me.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Allah's Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Ten (persons) will enter Paradise: the Prophet will enter Paradise, Abu Bakr will enter Paradise, 'Umar will enter Paradise, 'Uthman will enter Paradise, 'Ali will enter Paradise, Talha will enter Paradise, AzZubair Ibn Al-'Awwam will enter Paradise, Sa'd Ibn Malik will enter Paradise, and `Abdur-Rahman Ibn 'Auf will enter Paradise.” (Ahmed, At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud) Sa'id Ibn Zaid said: 'If you wish, I would name the tenth, i.e. himself.' May Allah be pleased with them all!
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "The most merciful among my Ummah towards my Ummah is Abu Bakr, the severest (in rights) pertaining to Allah's Religion is 'Umar, the most modest is 'Uthman, the most knowledgeable about what is lawful and unlawful is Mu'adh Ibn Jabal, the best reciter of Allah's Book is Ubaiy, the most knowledgeable about the laws of inheritance is Zaid Ibn Thabit, and for each Ummah there is a trustee, and the trustee of this Ummah is Abu`Ubaidah Ibn Al-Jarrah.”(At- Tirmidhi, Ahmed and Ibn Hibban)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said pertaining to Al-Hasan and Al-Husain that both are masters of the young men from the residents of Paradise and that they are his two basils. (Quoted from Sahih Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "O Allah! I love them, so (please) love them." (Bukhari and Muslim)
Once the Prophet brought out Al-Hasan and took him up the pulpit along with him and said: "This son of mine is a Sayid (i.e. chief) and I hope that Allah will help him bring about reconciliation between two Muslim groups.” (Sahih Bukhari)
He (Peace be upon him) said regarding their mother, Fatimah that she is "The mistress of all the ladies of Paradise." (Bukhari and Muslim)
However, countless are the merits and virtues of the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him). Affirming a virtue to any of them does not necessitate that he is far and above them all in every aspect save the four Rightly-guided Caliphs. The first three are due to the Hadith mentioned earlier and narrated by Ibn 'Umar. As for `Ali Ibn Abu Talib, the earlier Sunni scholars unanimously agreed upon that he was the fourth after them as the best creatures on earth.
Q 210: How many years did the Caliphate last after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?
A--- Narrated Abu Dawud and others on the authority of Sa'id Ibn Jamhan after Safinah as saying: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "The Caliphate after Prophethood will last for thirty years, then Allah grants kingship to whom He wills." (At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ahmed and Al-Hakim)
This implies the period lasted by Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman and `Ali, may Allah be pleased with them all. Abu Bakr stayed for two years and three months, 'Umar for ten years and six months, 'Uthman for twelve years, `Ali for four years and nine months, and in completion of the thirty years comes the Bai'ah (Pledge of allegiance) given for Al-Hasan Ibn 'Ali, that is six months.
The first Muslim king was Mu'awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) who was the best among them all. Then, followed a severe and unjust kingship, up till the time when `Umar Ibn 'Abdel'Aziz came. Indeed, the Sunni Muslim scholars regarded him as the fifth Caliph as he followed their (the previous four ones) very steps.
Q 211: What is the general proof of their (the four Caliphs') right to the Caliphate?
A--- The proofs are numerous: counting its period with thirty years which is the period of their leadership, preferring them to all other companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), and what has been narrated by Samura Ibn Jundub saying: that a man said: “O Allah's Messenger! I saw as if a bucket descended from the sky. Then came Abu Bakr and took it and he drank very few thereof Then, came 'Umar who took it and drank till he got satisfied. Then, came `Uthman who took it and drank till he got satisfied. Then, came `Ali who took it and it was drawn from him and something thereof was spelt over him.” (Abu Dawud and Ahmed)
In addition, the Ummah has agreed on their Caliphate and none contests against this but who went astray and adopted Innovations.
Q 212: What is the detailed proof that the first three Caliphs have a right to the Caliphate?
A--- Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as saying: "'Who did see a vision from amongst you?' A man said: 'I have seen as if a balance descended from the sky. You (the Prophet) weighed with Abu Bakr and you overweighed Abu Bakr, and Abu Bakr and `Umar got weighed, and Abu Bakr overweighed 'Umar, and' Umar and' Uthman got weighed, and 'Umar overweighed `Uthman, then the balance was raised up (to the sky again). '" (Abu Dawud and Al- Hakim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Tonight, a pious man was made to see a vision that Abu Bakr was entrusted by Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him), 'Umar was entrusted by Abu Bakr, and 'Uthman was entrusted by 'Umar." (Abu Dawud, Al-Hakim and Ahmed)
Q 213: What is the proof of the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and `Umar?
A--- Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): I heard Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying, "While I was sleeping, I saw myself standing at a well, on it there was a bucket. I drew water from the well as much as Allah wished. Then Ibn Abu Quhafa (i.e. Abu Bakr) took the bucket from me and brought out one or two buckets (of water) and there was weakness in his drawing the water. May Allah forgive his weakness for him. Then the bucket turned into a very big one and Ibn Al-Khattab took it over and I had never seen such a mighty person amongst the people as him in performing such hard work, till the people drank to their satisfaction and watered their camels that knelt down there.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Q 214: What is the proof that Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) has the right to the Caliphate and being a successor to Allah's Messenger?
A--- Narrated Jubair Ibn Mut'im (May Allah be pleased with him): A woman came to the Prophet (Peace be upon him), he ordered her to come back to him later. She said: "What if I came and did not find you?” as if she wanted to say, "If I found you dead?" The Prophet said: "If you should not find me, go to Abu Bakr.”(Bukhari and Muslim)
'A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrated: Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) said to me: "Call unto me your father and brother, I want to get something written, for I fear someone to wish for it (the Caliphate), or someone else says: I deserve it (more than anyone else), but Allah and the Believers wish no one but Abu Bakr.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) became ill and his illness became serious he ordered Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer... ". "So, Abu Bakr led the prayer (during this period of illness) in the life of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him).”(Bukhari and Muslim)
Besides, all companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) from among the Muhajirun and the Ansar paid homage to Abu Bakr and none contested thereto.
Q 215: What is the proof that `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) has the right to the Caliphate and being a successor to Abu Bakr?
A--- Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "I do not know when will I be dead, so follow the two who come after me.” He pointed to Abu Bakr and 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them). (AtTirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmed and AI-Hakim)
Narrated Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him): "... 'Umar said: 'I did not mean that but I asked about that affliction which will spread like the waves of the sea.’ I (Hudhaifah) said: 'O leader of the faithful believers! You need not be afraid of it as there is a closed door between you and it.’ 'Umar asked, 'Will the door be broken or opened?' I replied, 'It will be broken.’ 'Umar said: 'Then it will never be closed again.’ (Sahih Bukhari)
The whole Ummah unanimously agreed on his right to be the successor of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with them).
Q 216: What is the proof that `Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him) has the right to the Caliphate and being a successor to Abu Bakr and `Umar?
A--- Narrated `A'ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying: "O 'Uthman! /fone day Allah gave you this issue (the Caliphate) and the hypocrites wanted you to take off the shirt (Caliphate) Allah bestowed on you, do not take it off" He said it thrice. (Ibn Majah, At- Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban and AI-Hakim)
The People of Shura (Consultation) agreed on him, then all the Prophet's companions. The first to pay him homage was `Ali Ibn Abu Talib after 'Abdur-Rahman Ibn 'Auf, then the rest of the people.
Q 217: What is the proof that 'Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) has the right to the Caliphate and being a successor to Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman?
A--- The Prophet (Peace be upon him) passed by 'Ammar and removed the dust off his head and said: "May Allah be Merciful to 'Ammar. He will be killed by a rebellious aggressive group. 'Ammar will invite them to (obey) Allah and they will invite him to the (Hell) fire." (Bukhari and Muslim) Thus, 'Ammar was on the side of ' Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) and he was killed by the people of Sham (Syria) while he was inviting them to obey Allah, the Prophetic Sunnah, Jama'ah (Community), and the true Imam: `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him). This Hadith is Authentic.
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "A group would secede itself (from the Ummah) when there would be dissension among the Muslims. Out of the two groups who would be nearer the truth would kill them.” (Sahih Muslim) The Khawarij seceded itself from the Ummah and they were killed by 'Ali on the Day of Nahrawan. Thus, he is the nearer to the truth as agreed upon by the People of Sunni Islam.
Q 218: What should be observed towards the people of authority?
A--- We should pay counsel to the people of authority by following them on the truth and obeying them in truth, ordering them to stick to the truth and reminding them kindly of the truth. We should pray behind them, fight with them, paying Zakah and charity to them, being patient towards them even if they became transgressors, quitting seceding oneself from them with force unless they show clear disbelief. Also, we should not over-praise them in a way to mislead them. We should supplicate Allah the Almighty to guide them and grant them full success.
Q 219: What is the textual proof of all this?
A--- Allah the Almighty says: {O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad (Peace be upon him)), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger ((Peace be upon him)), if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination}. (An-Nisa', 59)
Narrated Anas Ibn Malik (May Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "You should listen to and obey your ruler even if he was an Ethiopian (black) slave whose head looks like a raisin. " (Sahih Bukhari)
Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "Whoever notices something which he dislikes done by his ruler, then he should be patient, for whoever becomes separate from the company of the Muslims even for a span and then dies, he will die as those who died in the Pre-Islamic period of Ignorance (as rebellious sinners).”( Bukhari and Muslim)
'Ubadah Ibn As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet (Peace be upon him) called us and we gave him the Pledge of allegiance for Islam, and among the conditions on which he took the Pledge from us, was that we were to listen and obey (the orders) both at the time when we were active and at the time when we were tired, and at our difficult time and at our ease and to be obedient to the ruler and give him his right even if he did not give us our right, and not to fight against him unless we noticed him having open Kufr (disbelief) for which we would have a proof with us from Allah. "( Bukhari and Muslim)
Narrated `Abdullah: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) says: "A Muslim has to listen to and obey (the order of his ruler) whether he likes it or not, as long as his orders involve not one in disobedience (to Allah), but if an act of disobedience (to Allah) is imposed one should not listen to it or obey it." (Sahih Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "There is no submission in matters involving God's disobedience or displeasure. Submission is obligatory only in what is good (and reasonable).”(Bukhari and Muslim)
He (Peace be upon him) says: "You will listen to the Amir and carry out his orders; even if your back is flogged and your wealth is snatched, you should listen and obey.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says:
"One who withdraws his hand from obedience (to the Amir) will find no argument (in his defense) when he stands before Allah on the Day of Judgment, and one who dies without having bound himself by an oath of allegiance (to an Amir) will die the death of one belonging to the days of Jahillyya. " (Sahih Muslim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Anyone who tries to disrupt the affairs of this Ummah while they are united you should strike him with the sword whoever he be. (If remonstrance does not prevail with him and he does not desist from his disruptive activities, he is to be killed.)" (Sahih Muslim)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Amirs will be appointed over you, and you will find them doing good as well as bad deeds. One who hates their bad deeds is absolved from blame. One who disapproves of their bad deeds is (also) safe (so far as Divine wrath is concerned). But one who approves of their bad deeds and imitates them (is doomed). People asked: Messenger of Allah, shouldn't we fight against them? He replied: 'No, as long as they say their prayer.'" (Sahih Muslim) ("Hating and disapproving" refers to liking and disliking from the heart.)
Q 220: Whose is the duty of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil? What are its ranks?
A--- Allah the Almighty says: {Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma'ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful}. (Al 'Imran, 104)
Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated, I heard the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) as saying: "He who amongst you sees something abominable should modify it with the help of his hand; and if he has not strength enough to do it, then he should do it with his tongue, and if he has not strength enough to do it, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of faith. " (Sahih Muslim)
There are countless proofs and evidences pertaining to this issue, all of which implies the necessity of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil on whosoever sees it. If anyone carries this out, the rest of the Ummah will be saved from Allah's Wrath. The more one is able (to do it) and knowledgeable, the more it is necessary for him to do it himself. Verily, none was saved upon the descending of torment on the heads of the disobedient but those who forbade them from committing the evil.
Q 221: What is the ruling pertaining to Wondrous Acts of Auliya '?
A--- The wondrous acts attributed to Auliya’ are real and true. A wondrous act is an unusual thing that is done unwillingly at the hands of Auliya’. It is not. accompanied with challenge, and Allah the Almighty may do it on their hands without their own knowledge. Such as the story of the People of the Cave, the People of the Rock, and the story of Juraij. Among the wondrous acts that took place at the hands of the companions of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) were: what happened to Abu Bakr during the Apostasy Wars, the reach of `Umar's call to Sariyah while he was standing on the pulpit (in Madinah) and Sariyah was in Sham (Syria), `Umar's letter to the Nile of Egypt causing it to flow, the horses of Al-`Alaa' Ibn Al-Hadrami on which he (and his men) crossed the sea during the conquest of Bahrain, and performing the prayer by Abu Muslim Al-Khawalani in the fire set for him by Al-Aswad Al-`Ansi.
Along with so many others that happened during the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and after his death for His honorable companions and their followers till the Day of Resurrection. In fact, all these were miracles for Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) for they did not attain this dignity but by following and sticking firmly to him. So, if any miracle or unusual thing appeared on the hand of one who is not adherent to Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him), it is thus a trial, sorcery and not a miracle or a wondrous act, and he is indeed one of the Auliya' of Satan. May Allah grant us refuge against him.
Q 222: Who is Allah's Waii[2] (pl. Auliya')?
A--- The Wali is the one who believes in Allah, fears Him, follows His Straight Path, and follows His Messenger (Peace be upon him).
Allah the Almighty says: {No doubt! Verily, the Auliya' of Allah, no fear shall come upon them nor shall they grieve}. (Yunus, 62)
Then, He says: {Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah -Islamic Monotheism), and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds)}. (Yunus, 63)
Allah the Almighty says: {Allah is the Wali (Protector or Guardian) of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their Auliya' (supporters and helpers) are Taghut [false deities and false leaders], they bring them out from light into darkness}.(Al-Baqarah, 257)
Allah the Almighty says: {Verily, your Wali (Protector or Helper) is none other than Allah, HisMessenger, and the believers, - those who perform As -Salat, and give Zakah, and they are Raki'un[3]. And whosoever takes Allah, His Messenger, and those who have believed, as Protectors, then the Party of Allah will be the victorious}. (Al-Ma'idah, 55, 56)
Allah's Messenger (Peace be upon him) says: "Verily, the household of so and so are not my Auliya' (helpers and protectors), my Auliya' are none but the pious people.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Al-Hasan (May Allah grant him Mercy) said: Some people claimed that they love Allah, so He tried them with this verse: {Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful}. (Al 'Imran, 31)
Imam Ash-Shafi'i (May Allah grant him Mercy) said: If you see a man walks on the surface of water, or flies in the air, don't believe him or be misled by him till you know (for certain) that he follows (earnestly) Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Q 223: Who is the group meant by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) in the following Hadith: "A group of people from my Ummah will continue to obey Allah's Command, and those who desert or oppose them shall not be able to do them any harm. They will be dominating the people until Allah's Command is executed (i.e. Resurrection is established.”[4]?
A--- This group is the one who will survive from among the seventy-three religious sects as given exception by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in his saying: "All of which will enter Hell-fire except one which is the lama' ah (main body of Muslims who rightly follow Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet). " (Sahih Muslim)
In another narration, "All in Hell, except one, and that one is: on which I and my companions are today, i.e. following the Qur'an and the Prophet's Sunnah.” (Sahih Muslim)
We ask Allah the Almighty to make us from among them. Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower! {Glorified is your Lord, the Lord of Honor and Power! (He is free) from what they attribute unto Him! And peace be on the Messengers! And all the praises and thanks are to Allah, Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)}. (As-Saffat, 180-182)
The author (May Allah forgive him and his parents) said: I finished the first draft on the 1st of Sha` ban, 1365 A.H., and I finished the last draft on the 14th of Sha`ban, 1365 A.H.
[1] It is a right to inherit the property of a freed slave to the person who has freed him. Hadiths have made it clear that Wala' is a part like a lineage. It cannot be sold or gifted, so selling it or offering it as a gift is prohibited. (Translator)
[2] i.e. Protector, guardian, supporter, helper, friend, etc.
[3] i.e. those who bow down or submit themselves with obedience to Allah in Prayer. (Translator)
[4] Bukhari and Muslim.