MosDef
16th September 2004, 10:37 PM
Our Scholars - The Defenders Of Faith
Ibraaheem Abu Khaaled
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings upon our humble and beloved
Prophet, and upon his family and companions.
A companion by the name of Sa'd bin 'Ubada once proclaimed: "If I saw a
man
with
my wife, I would strike him with the sharp edge of the sword." The Prophet
(s.a.w), in reply, said to his companions: "Are you astonished by Sa'd's
sense
of honour? (By Allah) I have a greater sense of honour than he has, and Allah
has still more greater sense of honour than I have" [Sahih al-Bukhari].
Only a true believer would feel such a deep sense of protection over his
religion. This honour was reflected in the sacrifices they bore whenever they
sensed that Islam was threatened, no matter the personal consequences.
Many of today's so-called 'Modern Muslims' bear the stench of being grossly
apologetic. They portray polygamy as being nearly a grave sin in Islam, modesty
as a cultural habit of the first generation of Muslims, and Jihad as a fight
not
against the enemies of Allah, but our own desires. It reaches a stage whereby
we
fear revealing our Islamic identity, and watch our religion and its followers
disgraced without even raising a squeak.
Yet history is rich in the example set by those who defended Islam with their
words, their wealth, and their persons. The believers in Tawheed had a common
trait: the fear of Allah, not of men, nor hunger, nor poverty, nor death.
Cowardice is a disease which even the Prophet (s.a.w) himself sought refuge
from. 'Aishah (r.a.a) said: "The Prophet of Allah (s.a.w), for as long as
I
knew
him, never slept without first seeking refuge from cowardice and
indolence..."
The torch-bearers of faith can never waiver in the sight of opposition; this is
as command from Allah: "It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of
his
'Awlia' (supporters), so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are true
believers".
The Examples They Have Set
Our enemies and our own people are always monitoring our actions and words.
With
Muslims, if they note us faltering, then they will also become weak in their
practice. As for our enemies, any sign of weakness and they will exploit that
opportunity to degrade our religion, and harm us in any way perceivable. This
is
why we find that our pious predecessors stood firm in their belief, and in
defending Islam from any attack.
After the time of the Righteous Caliphs, the laws governing Islamic principles
became lax. It became the practice of some future kings to introduce magicians
into their royal courts. Since the State stopped applying the law, some of the
companions took it upon themselves to enforce it. Caliph al-Waleed ibn
'Abdul-Malik had a man in his court who used to perform feats of magic. Once he
severed a man's head and separated it completely from his body. When the shock
of his deed electrified the audience, he proceeded to further amaze them by
rejoining the head. The man then appeared as if though his head had never been
cut off. The people in the audience gasped, "SubhanAllah! He is able to
give
life to the dead!" A companion by the name of Jundub al- Azdee noticed the
commotion in the court and so he came and watched the magician's performance.
On
the following day, he returned with his sword strapped across his back. When
the
magician stepped up to begin his show, Jundub burst through the crowd with his
sword drawn and chopped off the head of the magician. He then turned to the
startled audience and said, "If he is really able to bring life back to
the
dead, let him bring himself back to life. As a result, he was arrested and
thrown in jail.
When Ibn Abbas (r.a.a) heard about the people who were doubting Fate, he
remarked: "This verse has been revealed about similar people: "Feel
the touch
of
Hell. Lo! We have created every thing by measure" [S. 54;V 48-49]. These
people
are the worst individuals of this Ummah. Don't enquire after the health of
their
sick ones nor say the funeral prayer for them. Should I see any one of them , I
would blind both his eyes with these two fingers."
Imam Abu Haneefah was much sought-after by the calipha of the day for his
outstanding qualifications. Although he was offered the high position of Judge
of Kufah, he refused, and was consequently physically beaten. He was also
imprisoned by the calipha Aby Ja'far al-Mansoor, and remained so until his
death, and refused to give in to their demands, because of the many compromises
the position demanded.
Imam Malik was another of those who favoured his religion over his ownself, and
stood as an example for many generations to follow. He once issued a fatwa that
the caliphate belonged rightfully to a man other than the current ruler. The
people objected saying that they had sworn fealty to Mansur, the then calipha.
Imam Malik said: "Mansur has coerced you into doing this and the Shari'ah
does
not regard as valid any act done under coercion. There is a hadith that if a
man
is forced to divorce his wife, the divorce would be invalid". On hearing
this,
the Governor of Median, Ja'far, ordered Imam Malik not to issue any fatwa
declaring that a divorce obtained by force or under coercion is invalid as this
would strengthen the case of those who regarded as invalid the oath of fealty
obtained by Mansur under coercion. But Imam Malik refused to succumb to the
whims of anyone, and continued to give his verdict against divorce under
coercion. As a result of his stance, Imam Malik was flogged in public until he
bled white, but still he refused to bow to the wishes of the rulers. His arms
became severely damaged to such a degree that he became unable to clasp them on
his chest in Salat, and so would pray with his hands on his sides.
Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal also went through a series of persecutions. He was jailed
and beaten for two years for rejecting the philosophical concept that the
Qur'an
was created.
As a result of his fight against the heretical beliefs of the people of his
time, Ibn Taymiyyah was continually challenged for his beliefs. In 1309 AC, Ibn
Taymiyyah was exiled to Alexandria after being sentenced for deviating from the
'norm' of what was then being taught.
Ibn Taymiyyah firmly held the opinion that the three sentences of divorce
spoken
at the same time should be regarded as one revocable divorce. The view of Ibn
Taymiyyah happened to be against the official view which naturally brought him
in conflict with some of the scholars on one hand and with the government on
the
other.
Consequently, the theologians tried to prevent him from expressing further
legal
opinion on such matters. In fact a royal edict was issued from Cairo in 718AH
/1318AC forbidding him from giving legal opinions in such cases. Initially Ibn
Taymiyyah abided by the edict but later again began giving legal judgements on
this issue as he decided that it was improper for him to desist simply for fear
of the government. As a result in 720AH /1320AC he was detained in a citadel
for
just over five months.
This persecution continued until Ibn Taymiyyah finally died in prison in 728
ah/1328 ac at the age of 67.
Our Models
Imagine if companions like Jundub and Ibn 'Abbas remained quiet when they saw
obvious corruption occurring. Or if scholars such as Imam Malik, Imam Abu
Hanifah, Imam Ibn Hanbal and Ibn Taymiyyah bowed to the wills of those in
power.
The knowledge and understanding we have today of Islam would never have reached
such heights.
When a Jew once revealed the private parts of a Muslim woman, a companion stood
up and immediately killed him. He knew that next time it would lead to rape.
How disgraceful it is that today's Muslims hide behind a screen when Islam is
attacked. We fear to portray our religion in its true glory, we become silent
if
we think raising a topic might invoke the wrath of people, yet the Messenger of
Allah (s.a.w) said: "Let not any one of you belittle himself". When
the
companions replied as to how one can belittle himself, he said: "He finds
a
matter concerning Allah about which he should say something, and he does not
say
[it], so Allah (Mighty and Sublime be He) says to him on the Day of
Resurrection: 'What prevented you from saying something about such-and-such and
such-and-such?' He will say: '[It was] out of fear of people'. Then He says:
'Rather it is I whom you should have more properly feared' [related by Ibn
Majah
with a sound chain of authorities.]
Nida Ul Islam
Ibraaheem Abu Khaaled
All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings upon our humble and beloved
Prophet, and upon his family and companions.
A companion by the name of Sa'd bin 'Ubada once proclaimed: "If I saw a
man
with
my wife, I would strike him with the sharp edge of the sword." The Prophet
(s.a.w), in reply, said to his companions: "Are you astonished by Sa'd's
sense
of honour? (By Allah) I have a greater sense of honour than he has, and Allah
has still more greater sense of honour than I have" [Sahih al-Bukhari].
Only a true believer would feel such a deep sense of protection over his
religion. This honour was reflected in the sacrifices they bore whenever they
sensed that Islam was threatened, no matter the personal consequences.
Many of today's so-called 'Modern Muslims' bear the stench of being grossly
apologetic. They portray polygamy as being nearly a grave sin in Islam, modesty
as a cultural habit of the first generation of Muslims, and Jihad as a fight
not
against the enemies of Allah, but our own desires. It reaches a stage whereby
we
fear revealing our Islamic identity, and watch our religion and its followers
disgraced without even raising a squeak.
Yet history is rich in the example set by those who defended Islam with their
words, their wealth, and their persons. The believers in Tawheed had a common
trait: the fear of Allah, not of men, nor hunger, nor poverty, nor death.
Cowardice is a disease which even the Prophet (s.a.w) himself sought refuge
from. 'Aishah (r.a.a) said: "The Prophet of Allah (s.a.w), for as long as
I
knew
him, never slept without first seeking refuge from cowardice and
indolence..."
The torch-bearers of faith can never waiver in the sight of opposition; this is
as command from Allah: "It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of
his
'Awlia' (supporters), so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are true
believers".
The Examples They Have Set
Our enemies and our own people are always monitoring our actions and words.
With
Muslims, if they note us faltering, then they will also become weak in their
practice. As for our enemies, any sign of weakness and they will exploit that
opportunity to degrade our religion, and harm us in any way perceivable. This
is
why we find that our pious predecessors stood firm in their belief, and in
defending Islam from any attack.
After the time of the Righteous Caliphs, the laws governing Islamic principles
became lax. It became the practice of some future kings to introduce magicians
into their royal courts. Since the State stopped applying the law, some of the
companions took it upon themselves to enforce it. Caliph al-Waleed ibn
'Abdul-Malik had a man in his court who used to perform feats of magic. Once he
severed a man's head and separated it completely from his body. When the shock
of his deed electrified the audience, he proceeded to further amaze them by
rejoining the head. The man then appeared as if though his head had never been
cut off. The people in the audience gasped, "SubhanAllah! He is able to
give
life to the dead!" A companion by the name of Jundub al- Azdee noticed the
commotion in the court and so he came and watched the magician's performance.
On
the following day, he returned with his sword strapped across his back. When
the
magician stepped up to begin his show, Jundub burst through the crowd with his
sword drawn and chopped off the head of the magician. He then turned to the
startled audience and said, "If he is really able to bring life back to
the
dead, let him bring himself back to life. As a result, he was arrested and
thrown in jail.
When Ibn Abbas (r.a.a) heard about the people who were doubting Fate, he
remarked: "This verse has been revealed about similar people: "Feel
the touch
of
Hell. Lo! We have created every thing by measure" [S. 54;V 48-49]. These
people
are the worst individuals of this Ummah. Don't enquire after the health of
their
sick ones nor say the funeral prayer for them. Should I see any one of them , I
would blind both his eyes with these two fingers."
Imam Abu Haneefah was much sought-after by the calipha of the day for his
outstanding qualifications. Although he was offered the high position of Judge
of Kufah, he refused, and was consequently physically beaten. He was also
imprisoned by the calipha Aby Ja'far al-Mansoor, and remained so until his
death, and refused to give in to their demands, because of the many compromises
the position demanded.
Imam Malik was another of those who favoured his religion over his ownself, and
stood as an example for many generations to follow. He once issued a fatwa that
the caliphate belonged rightfully to a man other than the current ruler. The
people objected saying that they had sworn fealty to Mansur, the then calipha.
Imam Malik said: "Mansur has coerced you into doing this and the Shari'ah
does
not regard as valid any act done under coercion. There is a hadith that if a
man
is forced to divorce his wife, the divorce would be invalid". On hearing
this,
the Governor of Median, Ja'far, ordered Imam Malik not to issue any fatwa
declaring that a divorce obtained by force or under coercion is invalid as this
would strengthen the case of those who regarded as invalid the oath of fealty
obtained by Mansur under coercion. But Imam Malik refused to succumb to the
whims of anyone, and continued to give his verdict against divorce under
coercion. As a result of his stance, Imam Malik was flogged in public until he
bled white, but still he refused to bow to the wishes of the rulers. His arms
became severely damaged to such a degree that he became unable to clasp them on
his chest in Salat, and so would pray with his hands on his sides.
Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal also went through a series of persecutions. He was jailed
and beaten for two years for rejecting the philosophical concept that the
Qur'an
was created.
As a result of his fight against the heretical beliefs of the people of his
time, Ibn Taymiyyah was continually challenged for his beliefs. In 1309 AC, Ibn
Taymiyyah was exiled to Alexandria after being sentenced for deviating from the
'norm' of what was then being taught.
Ibn Taymiyyah firmly held the opinion that the three sentences of divorce
spoken
at the same time should be regarded as one revocable divorce. The view of Ibn
Taymiyyah happened to be against the official view which naturally brought him
in conflict with some of the scholars on one hand and with the government on
the
other.
Consequently, the theologians tried to prevent him from expressing further
legal
opinion on such matters. In fact a royal edict was issued from Cairo in 718AH
/1318AC forbidding him from giving legal opinions in such cases. Initially Ibn
Taymiyyah abided by the edict but later again began giving legal judgements on
this issue as he decided that it was improper for him to desist simply for fear
of the government. As a result in 720AH /1320AC he was detained in a citadel
for
just over five months.
This persecution continued until Ibn Taymiyyah finally died in prison in 728
ah/1328 ac at the age of 67.
Our Models
Imagine if companions like Jundub and Ibn 'Abbas remained quiet when they saw
obvious corruption occurring. Or if scholars such as Imam Malik, Imam Abu
Hanifah, Imam Ibn Hanbal and Ibn Taymiyyah bowed to the wills of those in
power.
The knowledge and understanding we have today of Islam would never have reached
such heights.
When a Jew once revealed the private parts of a Muslim woman, a companion stood
up and immediately killed him. He knew that next time it would lead to rape.
How disgraceful it is that today's Muslims hide behind a screen when Islam is
attacked. We fear to portray our religion in its true glory, we become silent
if
we think raising a topic might invoke the wrath of people, yet the Messenger of
Allah (s.a.w) said: "Let not any one of you belittle himself". When
the
companions replied as to how one can belittle himself, he said: "He finds
a
matter concerning Allah about which he should say something, and he does not
say
[it], so Allah (Mighty and Sublime be He) says to him on the Day of
Resurrection: 'What prevented you from saying something about such-and-such and
such-and-such?' He will say: '[It was] out of fear of people'. Then He says:
'Rather it is I whom you should have more properly feared' [related by Ibn
Majah
with a sound chain of authorities.]
Nida Ul Islam