A verse recalled by honest people when handling the subtle and obvious “Common Cause Alliances”
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Allah [The Exalted] says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَاۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 135]
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:
One must stand firmly for justice, whether it be in favour or against oneself, one’s parents, one’s close relatives, or one’s dearest friend among the people. If one’s affection towards oneself, parents, and relatives hinders them from standing up for the truth, particularly if the truth aligns with someone they despise and consider an adversary because of them, then only those whose devotion to Allah and His Messenger surpasses all other affections would uphold justice in such circumstances. Furthermore, an individual must uphold justice when dealing with their adversaries and those who deny them their rights. It is unacceptable for animosity towards one’s enemies to result in unjust actions towards them, just as it is unacceptable for self-love, love for one’s parents, and love for relatives to cause one to abandon the pursuit of justice. Therefore, one’s animosity towards someone should not lead them to falsehood, and their love for oneself and their loved ones should not cause one to compromise on the establishment of truth, as one of the righteous predecessors stated, “A just person is someone whose anger does not lead them astray from the path of truth, and whose contentment does not divert them from it.” [1]
Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:
The objective is not to transgress against anyone – not the adversary or anyone else; not to disregard their rights or label them with specific descriptions which apply to both them and others. Instead, the objective is to speak based on the virtues of sound knowledge, justice, and religion, just as Allah [The Most High] says:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety. [5:8] [2]
Indeed, many years ago, we came across individuals who displayed no inclination toward pursuing the truth. Instead, they opted to align themselves with a particular individual solely out of disdain for others. Their primary objective was to exploit a given circumstance to address their grievances, all the while failing to comprehend that the situation extended beyond the mere identification of true friendship based on their definition. Nevertheless, it would have been prudent for them to acknowledge that a bond forged on convenience or flattery, stemming from a shared cause or a misguided perception of oppression, does not embody genuine loyalty. The individuals in question failed to acknowledge the fundamental truth that the matter at hand extended far beyond mere companionship during moments of adversity. Instead, it revolved around the invaluable presence of those who offered sincere counsel and illuminate the correct course of action to enhance one’s circumstances. Over time, it became abundantly clear that a connection built upon convenience or a fleeting coalition forged upon groundless allegations against others, devoid of introspection or candour, is nothing but a bond that ultimately exposes its people when confronted with trials and tribulations.
Naive companions relished the smooth ride at first, however, when the path grew slightly challenging, their true nature began to reveal itself. Indeed, some of them, to safeguard their interests, went to the extent of unveiling the plots of their previous accomplices. Likewise, it was customary for certain individuals to incessantly forge alliances against a shared adversary, all in an attempt to veil their transgressions or shift blame onto others. However, this deplorable conduct merely served to amplify their sycophantic tendencies and their relentless pursuit of garnering sympathisers, all in a desperate bid to emerge victorious in any argument, regardless of the consequences. As for our elder teachers at Salafipublications, they are known for establishing justice, all by the Tawfeeq of Allah, in accordance with the robust principles of Salafiyyah. We ask Allah to safeguard us and them from every calamity in our religious and worldly affairs. We ask Allah: [يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِيَ كُلَّهُ وَلاَ تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ – O Ever Living! O The Self Subsisting, Upon Whom Everything Depends! By Your mercy I seek assistance; rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye]. [Silsilah As-Saheehah Number 227]
[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303
[2] An Excerpt from “Ar-Radd Alal Ikhnaa’ee”. page 110