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Have German ideologues learnt lessons from the genocidal actions of General Lothar von Trotha In Namibia?!

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Featured, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations, Sin.

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

The genocide perpetrated by German colonialists against the Namibians occurred from 1904 to 1908. During the 31 years of colonisation in Namibia, it is estimated that over 70,000 Namibians were killed. This atrocity was largely ignored by successive German Governments for nearly a century, until May 28, 2021, when former German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, representing the government, along with Chancellor Angela Merkel, publicly acknowledged these events as genocide. The majority of this genocide took place among two tribes, primarily the Herero and the Nama.

Germany sought to expand its territory, and even prior to the onset of the First World War, they were actively searching for resources to support their ambitions for global dominance. This pursuit led them to Africa, specifically to Namibia, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, Gabon, and Togo, during a period when Africa’s borders had not yet been delineated by the colonialists. Consequently, they briefly colonised these areas. However, one may wonder why their presence in Africa was not more prolonged. In Namibia, their intention to raise cattle resulted in the appropriation of lands belonging to two tribes, which constituted the primary means of sustenance for these communities. As a result, these tribes were dispossessed, plunged into poverty, and subjected to forced labour. This situation ultimately led to confrontations between the tribes and the colonialists, prompting the latter to perpetrate genocide under the command of General Lothar von Trotha, who orchestrated a ruthless campaign aimed at exterminating both the Herero and the Nama peoples. The massacre ensued, claiming thousands of lives.

It is noted that the primary reason the Germans did not inflict more casualties or maintain a longer presence in Africa was the imminent outbreak of the First World War, necessitating their return to Germany to engage in the conflict in Europe. By the years 1914-1918, German colonialists had lost all their African territories to either the British or the French as a consequence of the war in Europe. Around the same time, German colonialists governed a significant area of East Africa in the early 1900s known as German East Africa, which included present-day Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi. The conflict that took place between the German colonialists and the natives was referred to as the Maji Maji Rebellion, which lasted from 1905 to 1907. The reason for this conflict was because the German colonial authorities imposed heavy taxes and enforced labour, compelling the local populace to engage in cotton farming for export. This shift forced the indigenous people to abandon their own food cultivation in favour of cotton production, resulting in widespread hunger and growing resentment among the community.

So, in July 1905, when the populace could no longer tolerate their circumstances, they initiated an uprising in the Matumbi Hills, which rapidly extended throughout southern and eastern Tanzania. However, the German response was marked by extreme brutality, resulting in the massacre of individuals, the incineration of villages, and the destruction of food supplies, including the targeting of civilians. Estimates suggest that between 75,000 and 300,000 Africans perished due to starvation. Ultimately, this rebellion was suppressed by 1907, yet it significantly undermined the German perception of effortless colonial governance in Africa, contributing to their eventual withdrawal from the continent by 1918.

However, despite the government of Angela Merkel acknowledging that this incident constitutes genocide and their agreement to provide compensation, no payments have been made. This promise has been outstanding since 2013. In contrast, Germany has compensated Israel and individual Holocaust survivors. Since 1945, Germany has disbursed over $86.8 billion dollars in various forms of compensation to Israel, benefiting both Holocaust survivors and Jewish organizations. This compensation has addressed forced labour, confiscated property, and the suffering endured. Yet, regarding Namibia, although promises were made, no payments have been rendered.

https://www.state.gov/reports/just-act-report-to-congress/germany/

Have German ideologues truly absorbed the lessons from the atrocities perpetrated by their ancestors during the violent colonial era against Namibians?! It appears that they have not gained enough valuable insights, as evidenced by their compensation to the Jews while neglecting to compensate the Namibians. Furthermore, they continue to supply arms to Netanyahu’s genocidal administration, which are employed in the killing of Palestinians, despite occasionally criticising Netanyahu’s administration for its settlement expansion. Please read further below:

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/german-minister-says-future-arms-deliveries-israel-depend-gaza-situation-2025-05-30/

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-vows-continued-support-of-israel-as-fm-visits-berlin/a-72802920

https://www.firstpost.com/world/germany-says-will-continue-arms-deliveries-to-israel-even-as-public-wants-stricter-control-13894497.html

Germany Says to Continue Israel Arms Sales Amid Embargo Call

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/large-majority-germans-want-tighter-controls-arms-exports-israel-2025-06-04/

“The Last Word Syndrome” On Social Media

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

“The Last Word Syndrome” On Social Media After Proof is Clearly Distinguished

Imam Al-Barbahaaree, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: Al-Hasan (al-Basree) said, “The wise man does not argue or seek to overcome with stratagem rather he propagates his wisdom. If it is accepted, he praises Allah and if it is rejected he praises Allah”. [Sharh As-Sunnah]

Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

The wise man is the one who posses wisdom, and wisdom is to place something in its place. Similarly, the wise one means the one with understanding.

He does not debate (with) a fruitless debate that is devoid of benefit.

He propagates his knowledge and if accepted he praises Allah. This is what is sought after. If it is not accepted, he is absolved of his responsibility and the proof is conveyed.

“He praises Allah” because he established and conveyed the proof, and fulfilled what is required of him, and the guiding of the hearts is in the hands of Allah. [1]

Nowadays, many individuals on social media platforms, such as Twitter and others, engage in discussions on various topics. However, when they encounter someone whom they consider less knowledgeable or inferior in a particular area, or when their own inflated status in another domain is challenged, they struggle to accept reality. They often believe that they alone should be the authoritative voices on specific subjects, dismissing others whom they deem to have lesser expertise. Consequently, anyone who attempts to correct their misunderstandings is not only viewed as incorrect but also as having insulted their authority and expertise, whether in relation to religious or worldly matters, even when those they regard as adversaries cite recognised experts in the field. Without hesitation, they resort to social media to harshly criticize those they see as opponents, often distorting their statements. When faced with critical questioning regarding the foundation of their accusations, they typically respond with further ambiguity or employ various evasion tactics that is not befitting anyone who claims moral superiority. Then when subsequently challenged and find themselves cornered, they exhibit a tendency to engage in a series of tirades, manipulation, emotional blackmail, and misrepresentation on social media, driven by a desire to have the final say. We observe this behaviour among individuals on social media—those who are confident in their mistakes, as well as those who are uncertain about their correctness, often driven by an inflated sense of self-worth that compels them to maintain a favourable image at all costs, while simultaneously portraying their adversaries in a negative light.

It is very important to recognise that individuals from diverse backgrounds engage with social media for various purposes. A person may struggle to gain recognition within their own country or face limitations in expressing certain opinions; however, they can reach a different audience online, where they may seek to influence others by initially capturing attention through shared information, gradually attracting unsuspecting supporters through the details they provide, the inquiries they address, and the notable figures they reference. Once they establish an online presence, particularly when their influence is restricted elsewhere and their mistakes are exposed, their online conduct can become increasingly problematic. When confronted in a broad platform like social media and challenged for a public misstep—one that could have been addressed privately—their dominant demeanour often surfaces in all online discussions. This is because they are typically unwilling to acknowledge the possibility of alternative perspectives, instead striving to assert their correctness at all costs.

We continue to witness the coercive communication tactics employed by numerous individuals on social media, which have become an ingrained aspect of their nature and behaviour. Consequently, discerning individuals begin to distance themselves from these individuals, as many start to feel the repercussions of their attitude of needing to have the final word. The peak of this opinionated conduct is evident in their conversational patterns, particularly when they are unable to contribute meaningfully to the discussion. Ultimately, they resort to summarizing and paraphrasing the discussion’s outcomes, presenting themselves as the initiators or as more knowledgeable than others. In addition, they endevour to evade accountability for their negative actions, as they hope to be forgotten amidst the torrent of tweets, ultimately seeking to emerge as the victor in any dialogue. This addiction compels them to impose their views and showcase their perceived superiority, blurring the lines between those they can challenge without consequence and those who can effectively articulate their mistakes, contradictions, deceptions, and misrepresentations.

When an individual expresses facts, whether gently or harshly, they often trigger their ‘Last Word Syndrome,’ leading them to respond with disdain or to divert the conversation, presenting themselves as more knowledgeable and wise than others. Consequently, discerning individuals recognize that such people on social media become isolated from those with sound judgment, yet they attract a following of unjustifiably discontented individuals or those united by a shared animosity towards someone who refuses to remain silent about their wrongdoings when clarification is warranted. Thus, every discussion transforms into a battleground for these egomaniacs, where the perception of not achieving victory is seen as unworthy of their status and undeserved by those they consider ignorant for daring to challenge or reveal their mistakes.

It is crucial to recognize that individuals who exhibit such behavior are likely to persistently undermine the authentic emotions and experiences of others, believing that this will render others feeling overlooked and insignificant. Consequently, upon encountering such individuals, it is prudent to maintain a sensible distance, adopt appropriate positions, and leave their affair to a select few who can effectively address their negative behaviour without becoming entangled in it. This is due to the fact that the pursuit of validation can become an unending cycle, fueled by the abuser’s refusal to acknowledge reality stemming from their inflated self-perception. These individuals cannot be confronted about their actions by just anyone, even in the most gentle manner, without incurring severely adverse repercussions. Engaging in reasoning, communication, or compromise with them is futile. They are incapable of viewing situations from alternative perspectives; instead, they thrive on eliciting reactions and emotions, often resorting to any means necessary to provoke them.

They relish the attention garnered from reprimands directed at them by multitudes of people, which only serves to embolden their misbehaviour online. The more you respond, the more detrimental the situation becomes. Consequently, your silence and withdrawal of attention inflict significant discomfort upon them. This is their form of punishment while we observe how those capable of reprimanding them expose their behaviour for all rational individuals to witness. It is futile for anyone to provide them with attention; instead, what is required from all of us is to assert our positions without hesitation or compromise. This is due to the fact that for these individuals, the matter is not about the subject at hand, but rather about exerting control and manipulation. They flourish in chaos, and permitting others to have the final say would undermine their perceived authority over you.

Another important matter to consider is their continuous role as a source of drama. For nearly three decades, some Salafi teachers in the West, guided by senior scholars from Muslim regions, have managed to navigate the complexities of this drama. They have learned to discern when it is appropriate to engage and when to simply observe, responding thoughtfully and then moving forward. This experience stems from their interactions with individuals who have long sought drama, even before the emergence of twitter, and who have personally encountered those capable of fabricating false narratives to rationalise their anger to others in pursuit of a bigger agenda. Thus whenever the egomaniacs begin their tirade on social media, regardless of the numbers that follow them, we remind ourselves as follows:

They are once again drawn into their dramatic tendencies, attempting to evade a deeply painful situation. Their intense behaviour stems from a desire for recognition. Consequently, let these individuals believe they can dominate conversations through intimidation and manipulation, silencing others in the process. As adults in our late forties to fifties, with children and grandchildren, we know that after truth is manifest, those who cannot refrain from having the final say often possess a fragmented self-identity. They frequently experience high levels of anxiety and seek to alleviate their stress by insisting on being ‘right’ and prevailing in every dispute. Lacking a solid sense of self, they define their identity through reactivity and unnecessary confrontations. Their actions reflect their own issues, not ours; thus, we should remain calm and avoid emotional provocation, instead, while relying on others to address the behaviour of these people, we ask Allah for Tawfiq to strengthen ourselves.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Whoever is given strength and facilitated to (engage in) something, his pleasure will be found in utilising that strength. Whoever is granted the strength to have sexual relations will find pleasure in utilising his strength in it. Whoever is given strength to become angry and overcome (others) will utilise the strength of his anger. Whoever is given the strength to eat and drink, his pleasure will be found in utilising his strength. Whoever is given the strength to (acquire) knowledge and understanding, his pleasure will be found in utilising his strength and directing it towards knowledge. Whoever is given strength in loving Allah, turning to Him in repentance, submission and obedience, being devoted to Allah (sincerely in one’s) heart, having an ardent desire to please, obey, and meet Allah in (the Hereafter) and desiring to come close to Allah, be recognised and loved by Allah, he will find his pleasure and bliss in utilising this strength in that. All the pleasures will dwindle and disappear, except this one (i.e. love of Allah). [2]

We ask Allah:

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِي الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَايَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي

وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي

وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ

وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ

O Allah! Rectify my religion for me, which is the safeguard of my affairs; rectify my worldly [affairs], wherein is my livelihood; and rectify my Afterlife to which is my return; and make life for me [as a means of] increase in every good and make death for me as a rest from every evil. [Saheeh Muslim Number: 2720]

[1] An Excerpt from It’haf Al-Qari Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharh As- Sunnah Lil Imam Barbahaaree. 2/265-266
[2] Al-Fawaa’id 121-122

Allah is pure and only accepts what is pure

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

The Messenger of Allāh, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, said: “Indeed Allah is pure and He does not accept, except that which is pure”.

Al-Allamah Salih Al Fawzan, may Allah preserve him, said:

In this hadith he, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, described Allāh, The Exalted, that He is pure. “Allah is pure”, meaning: Allah is free from all imperfections and deficiencies. He is pure in His Essence, His Names and Attributes, and His Commandments and Prohibitions. Allah is pure in every aspect and imperfection cannot reach Him. Due to this, Allah does not accept actions, statements and intentions except that which is pure. He does not accept filthy statements, actions and intentions. Allah does not accept except what is pure, as Allāh, The Most High, said:

إِلَيْهِ يَصْعَدُ الْكَلِمُ الطَّيِّبُ وَالْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ يَرْفَعُهُ
To Him ascend (all) the goodly words. [35:10]

Allah does not accept, except good speech and good actions. As for filthy speech, indeed Allah rejects and hates it, such as lies, backbiting, tale carrying, abuse, false speech and false testimony, and all filthy statements, (such as) shirk and kufr. All of this is filthy speech and does not ascend to Allah, and they are not accepted.

Al Minhatur Rabbaaniyyah Fee Sharh Arba’een An-Nawawiyyah’ page:133-134

Riba (Usury) of the tongue

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Sin.

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

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Verily, the worst act of usury is to attack the honour of a Muslim without a just cause”. (1) Meaning: The greater in evil and the more strictly prohibited is to unleash your tongue against the honour of a Muslim by insulting him, acting haughtily towards him, and speaking ill of him through abusive language or slander. This becomes a stricter prohibition because honour is more valuable than wealth. “Without a just cause”. This shows there are instances in which it is allowed to refer to someone negatively by using language like “such and such is an oppressor or transgressor” or “such and such is an innovator (in religious affairs) and an open sinner” to warn others is allowed. (2)

This has been referred to as usury because the transgressor receives his honour and then goes above and beyond it as if he has added an increase that infringes on the boundaries concerning the honour of a Muslim, which is more valuable than his wealth. According to At-Teebee, may Allah have mercy upon him, “From the standpoint of emphasis, honour is included in the categories of wealth. Usury is classified into two types: that which is conventional and is described as what is added to debts, and that which is not unconventional, such as verbally disparaging someone’s honour.” Al-Qaadhee, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, ”Violating a Muslim’s honour means dealing with him more than he deserves of what is to be said about him, or more than is permitted to be said about him, which is why it is compared to usury and regarded as one of its types. Then it is considered to be worse because it contains more harm and is more serious in corruption”. (3)

[1] Abu Daawud 4876

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Mabood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud’ 13/152

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Mirqaatul Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh’ 8/3157

 

One of the great blessings bestowed upon teacher and student

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

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

Shaikh Abdus Salaam Burgess, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Just as it is obligated to a student to recant a mistake, similarly, it is obligated to a teacher to return to the truth when he errs. He is not to be prevented from returning to the truth after reviewing a statement that he made and finds that it is in opposition to what is correct, for indeed that is a sign of equity and humbling (oneself) to the truth. Therefore, it is obligatory that one follows what is correct, whether it was (conveyed) by a younger or older person. It is a blessing that a teacher has amongst his students one who notifies him of his mistake and leads him to what is correct, so that he does not persist upon that ignorance. This requires that one shows gratitude to Allah, The Exalted, and then being thankful to the person through whom one was guided, whether it was a student or other than him.

An Excerpt from ‘Awā’iq at-Talab p. 52

Nobility determined based on adherence to truth and not due to the level of one’s intellect or status

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Imam Ash-Shaatibi, may Allah have mercy upon him, stated:

Know that Allah has established this Shariah as proof against the creation (humankind and jinn) – the old and young alike, the obedient and the disobedient, the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also, all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the nations to whom they were revealed. The Shariah is the judge- in general, and specifically; the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and it is the Greatest Guide. Have you not heard the statement of Allah, The Most High:

وَكَذَٲلِكَ أَوۡحَيۡنَآ إِلَيۡكَ رُوحً۬ا مِّنۡ أَمۡرِنَاۚ مَا كُنتَ تَدۡرِى مَا ٱلۡكِتَـٰبُ وَلَا ٱلۡإِيمَـٰنُ وَلَـٰكِن جَعَلۡنَـٰهُ نُورً۬ا نَّہۡدِى بِهِۦ مَن نَّشَآءُ مِنۡ عِبَادِنَاۚ وَإِنَّكَ لَتَہۡدِىٓ إِلَىٰ صِرَٲطٍ۬ مُّسۡتَقِيمٍ۬

And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism). [Ash-Shura 52]

He (the Prophet) – peace and blessings of Allah be upon him- was the first to be guided to the Book and Iman, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah that was revealed to him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (mankind and Jinn) are guided through it. Therefore, when this is the case that the Shariah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth, their nobility is determined by the extent to which they embrace its rulings- through acting upon them in speech, belief, and deeds– and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah, The Most High, has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah, The Most High, says: [إِنَّ أَڪۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَٮٰكُمۡۚ- Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa] [49:13]

Al-I’tisam 3/434

A firm, abiding, truthful shyness

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Basics, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Shirk, Sin, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Abdullah Bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Be shy of Allah (in a manner) that shyness should be”. They said, “We do feel shy of Allah, and all praise and thanks be to Allah”. The prophet said, “It is not like that. Rather the one who is truly shy of Allah, let him safeguard his head and what it carries, safeguards the stomach and what it carries, remembers death and affliction. He who wants the Hereafter should do away with the adornments of this life, then indeed he is truly shy of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic”.

“Be shy of Allah (in a manner) that shyness should be”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakfuri, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A firm, abiding and truthful shyness“.

 

“We do feel shy of Allah”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakfuri said: They said, “O Messenger of Allah! We do feel shy of Allah and all praise and thanks be to Allah”, but they did not say, “We are truly shy of Allah” due to their acknowledgment of the fact that they are unable to do so.

 

“And all praise and thanks be to Allah”.

Meaning, all praise and thanks be to Allah for granting us Tawfeeq [i.e. for guiding and enabling us to perform righteous deeds].

 

Then the Messenger said: “It (shyness) is not like that”.

Al-Mubaarakfuri said: “True shyness is not what you think; rather it is to safeguard all the limbs from what is not pleasing to Allah”.

 

“Rather the one who is truly shy of Allah, let him safeguard his head and what it carries, safeguards the stomach and what it carries, remembers death and affliction. He who wants the Hereafter should do away with the adornments of this life, then indeed he is truly shy of Allah, The Mighty and Majestic”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakfuri said, “Safeguard the head by refraining from disobedience to Allah, that you do not make prostrate to other than Allah and refrain from showoff while praying. Neither lower your head for other than the sake of Allah nor raise it out of pride. Regarding what the head carries, such as the tongue, the eyes, and the ears, do not utilise them for what is forbidden. Safeguard the stomach by refraining from eating what is forbidden as well as safeguarding what is connected to it, such as the private parts, the legs, the two hands, and the heart.

 

“Remembers death and affliction”.

Al-Allamah Al-Mubaarakfuri said: Remember death and your abode in the grave. “He who wants the Hereafter should do away with the adornments of this life”. Meaning, “This is because the two cannot be combined in a perfect manner, even those who are strong (in Iman) cannot do so. Therefore, whoever does this (i.e. the things mentioned this hadith), indeed he is truly shy of Allah.

An Excerpt from Tuhfah Al-Ahwadhi. 7/131

A profound and insightful reflection on the virtue of patience

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Featured, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah'.

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

Sa’eed Bin Jubayr, may Allah have mercy upon him, said, “Patience is the person’s acknowledgment that what has afflicted him is from Allah, seeking for reward from Allah and hoping for Allah’s good recompense. Indeed, a man maybe in a state of distress whilst he is being whipped, but you see nothing from him except patience”. (1)

 

Regarding the statement “Patience is the person’s acknowledgement that what has afflicted him is from Allaah”.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him,  said, “It is as if this statement is an explanation of the statement “Innaa lil laah – to Allah we belong”. Thus, the person acknowledges that he belongs to Allah and his owner does whatever He wants with him.

 

Regarding the statement “Seeking for reward from Allah”.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “It is as if this statement is an explanation of the statement “Wa Innaa Ilayhi Raaji’oon – and to Him (i.e. Allah) we shall return”. Meaning, we shall return to You, so that you reward us due to our patience and the reward for being patient during calamity will not be lost”.

 

Regarding the statement “Indeed, a man maybe in a state of distress whilst he is being whipped, but you do not see from him except patience”.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Patience is not that one bears the whip, rather it is to restrain the heart from getting angry with Allah’s decree and to restrain the tongue from complaining about Allah. Whoever is whipped and his heart is displeased with Allah, he is not one who is patient”. (2)

[Ref 1: As-Sabr  Wath-Thawaab Alayhi. By Ibn Abee Dunya page 113]

[Ref 2: Iddat As-Saabireen pages 183-184]

“UN would condemn Moses if he freed the Jews today”- Brief response to Gerald Steinberg

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Refutations.

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

Allah said:

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth). [Al-Baqarah 42]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

He (Allah) prohibits mixing truth with falsehood and concealing (truth). Mixing truth with falsehood is to confound truth with falsehood until one of them is confused for the other, and from this (results) deception, fraudulent maneuver, and cheating whose underlying reality contradicts the outward appearance. Similarly, when the truth is cloaked in falsehood, the perpetrator manifests falsehood in the image of truth and utters a wording that carries two meanings—a correct meaning and a false one, thus the listener may mistakenly think that the perpetrator intended the correct meaning, while his actual intent is falsehood. This is Ijmaal Fil Lafdh [general, unrestricted wording (or speech)]. As for ambiguity in meaning, it can manifest in two ways; one of which is truth while the other is false; its correct intended aspect is misconstrued, thus its intended meaning becomes false. The basis of Bani Adam’s misguidance lies in general wordings and ambiguous meanings, particularly when they encounter confused minds; so how about when accompanied by vain desires and fanatism? Therefore, ask the One (Allah) Who keeps the hearts steadfast to keep your heart steadfast in the religion He has ordained, and not allow you to fall into this darkness. [1]

He, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said:

“If the speaker falls short in his clarification and addresses the listener with vague terms that may encompass various interpretations, and the listener remains uncertain of the intended meaning; if this arises from the speaker’s inability, the listener is given from the speaker’s inability rather than his intent. If the speaker possesses the ability and he does not do so while it is obligated to him to do so, he gives the listener from his evil intent”. [2]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy upon him, as follows:

“It is incumbent that the expression conveys the intended meaning through the appropriate terminology. Should the term be explicit or evident, the objective is achieved. However, if the term possesses dual interpretations—one valid and the other erroneous—the intended meaning must be clarified. In instances where the term suggests a flawed interpretation, it should only be employed with an explanation that mitigates any potential misunderstanding. Furthermore, if the term may mislead certain listeners into grasping an incorrect meaning, it should not be used if it is known to carry such implications, as the primary aim of communication is clarity and understanding. Conversely, if the term accurately reflects the intended meaning but some individuals remain unaware of its significance without any negligence on the speaker’s part, the responsibility lies with the listener, not the speaker”. [3]

Gerald M. Steinberg said: “The International Criminal Court would issue arrest warrants charging the Israelite leaders with genocide and other versions of the blood libel”. [end of quote]

Response: The question of who the Israelite leaders are needs further explanation and differentiation, as follows: Some propagate the idea that they are the descendants of the first Israelites who lived in Palestine, and claim that they are the inheritors of those first Israelites who were in Palestine. They strive to disseminate the claim of the purity of this race that it is not mixed with other nations- a race that has maintained, in their claim, its purity. This claim portrays them, in the eyes of Christians, as the children of Yaqub, peace be upon him, and his descendants, thus they are the ones intended for the promises found in the Old Testament to the children of Israel. So, through this, they win the sympathy, kindness, and support of many Christians, especially with knowledge of the fact that the Christians sanctify the Torah and believe that what is in it is a revelation from Allah, The Mighty and Majestic. However, the reality opposes their claim of the purity of their race, and that is because a general observation of their appearance and features shows the difference in their origins. Some of them have European features, some have Arab features, and some have African features. With this difference, it cannot be claimed that their origin is the same, as they must have mixed with other nations from whom they inherited this difference in physical characteristics.

Furthermore, the Jews mentioned in their books that many of them married foreign women and that their women folk were also taken by foreign men, to the point that they attributed this to Prophet Sulayman – peace be upon him – (i.e. that he married women outside his race). It has also been proven historically that a big nation, the people of the Khazar state, converted to Judaism in the eighth century CE. This nation had previously been pagans, a Turkic Aryan people who inhabited the Central Asian region, and their state, named after themselves as the Khazar state, was located in the region between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It occupies the northern Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Ukrainian regions and the entire South Asian region, up to the borders of Moscow, the capital of Russia. The Caspian Sea was called the Khazar Sea. It is stated in the Jewish Encyclopedia about the Khazars as follows: “The Khazars are a people of Turkish origin, whose life and history are mixed with the beginning of the history of the Jews of Russia. The nomadic tribes of the steppes, on the other hand, forced them to consolidate the foundations of the Khazar kingdom in most parts of southern Russia before the Franks established the Russian monarchy in 855 CE. At this time (855 CE), the Khazar Kingdom was at the height of its power, engaged in constant wars, and at the end of the eighth century, the Khazar king, his nobles, and a large number of his pagan people converted to the Judaism. The Jewish population was large throughout the Khazar province during the period between the 7th and 10th centuries CE, (and) it appears that around the 9th century, all the Khazars had become Jews and that they had converted to Judaism only a short time earlier. Then this country subsequently fell into the hands of the Russians, who occupied it and completely destroyed it, and seized all of its lands. It disappeared from the map of Europe in the thirteenth century CE, and its people were dispersed among the countries of Eastern and Western Europe, and their largest existence in Eastern Europe were Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Russia”. This clearly shows that the Jews who are called Ashkenazi, who are European, have no connection to Prophet Yaqub by lineage. [4]

Nevertheless, it cannot be asserted that there is not a single Jewish individual in the world who is not connected to Yaqub, peace be upon him, by ancestry. If such a connection is proven by any of them, it should not be refuted.

Secondly, the upright leaders of Bani Israel, particularly their Prophets Musa and Harun, peace be upon them, were not oppressors; in fact, Prophets do not engage in oppression. In contrast, Netanyahu and his associates, along with their predecessors, have been the oppressors of the Palestinian people for more than 70 years. Moreover, the Prophets Musa and Harun were not Zionists; they were Muslims whose primary mission was to command the cursed tyrant Fir’awn to worship Allah alone and to stop the oppression of the Children of Israel – the descendants of noble Prophet Yaqub, peace be upon him. Visit: https://www.islammoses.com/im/

Thirdly, the missions of Prophets Musa and Harun, peace be upon them, are entirely separate from Netanyahu and his Zionist associates. They were advocates of Tawhid and true believers, while Netanyahu and his followers promote disbelief following the arrival of the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Thus, it is important not to link your agenda, which has rightly been condemned as genocide, to the noble missions of Prophets Musa and Harun, peace be upon them.

 

Gerald said: When Jews worldwide sit around the Seder table and retell the 4,000 year old story of the Exodus from slavery to freedom, we have no doubt about the identities of the heroes and villains. Jacob (aka Israel) and his extended family, later to become the 12 tribes, were invited by Joseph and Pharaoh to settle in Egypt to escape the famine, and they prospered. [end of quote]

Response: The 12 tribes of Bani Israel, who are the descendants of the noble Prophet Yaqub, peace be upon him, entered the land due to the authority given to Prophet Yusuf, peace be upon him, who was a champion of justice and fairness, known for his trustworthiness throughout the land. Because of his piety and commendable patience, Allah elevated his status. Read:

https://salaficentre.com/2025/04/09/set-me-over-the-storehouses-of-the-land/

Gerald said: But then, their descendants were enslaved for over 200 years, and the reigning Pharaoh, concerned that they would join with Egypt’s enemies, ordered the murder of male Israelite children – a form of genocide. When the slaves cried out, God heard and appointed Moses to lead them out of the house of bondage through 10 plagues that devastated the entire Egyptian population. [end of quote]

Response: The suffering endured by Bani Israel under Fir’awn is widely recognized and doesn’t need further explanation in this article. However, Gerald has undermined his own argument by referencing the violence inflicted upon the children of Israel, as this mirrors the actions of Netanyahu and his associates against the Palestinians over the last 70 years. Beyond the daily occurrences, they also make their intentions clear. Read and listen:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/slaughtering-children-holy-war
https://abuiyaad.com/a/amalekite-genocide-doctrine-gaza
https://www.abuiyaad.com/a/pharoah-slaughtering-babies
https://salaficentre.com/2025/01/15/must-take-a-look-at-what-is-happening-in-their-own-backyard-first/

We also, without any reservation, denounce any Muslim who participated in the killing of non-combatants and unarmed civilians on October 7, whether under the command of Hamas or other groups. This stance has been clearly articulated by Prince Turkui Al-Faisal, may Allah protect him. Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

 

Gerald said: Today, if these events transpired, the powerful “human rights” industry, led by the UN and the NGO superpowers (Human Rights Watch and Amnesty) would issue lengthy reports, hold press conferences and publish posts on social media platforms condemning Moses and Aaron as war criminals. The International Criminal Court would issue arrest warrants charging the Israelite leaders with genocide and other versions of the blood libel. Campus mobs under the heading of Students for Justice for Pharaoh (SJP), supported by their “progressive” allies, would be vandalizing buildings, intimidating Israelites (now Jews – descendants from the tribe of Judah), and demanding the return of the runaway slaves to their Egyptian taskmaster. [end of quote]

Response: This is merely a mix of empty talk, nonsense, and unreasonable emotional manipulation. To begin with, it was the same UN, influenced by Christian Zionists, that supported your cause against the Palestinians. [Footnote a] Secondly, it was the honourable Musa and Harun, peace be upon them, along with the Children of Israel, who faced oppression, while Netanyahu and his associates are the current aggressors. Lastly, nothing could have prevented the noble Prophet Musa and Harun from carrying out their mission rooted in pure Tawhid, justice, truthfulness, and fairness. The following verses clearly demonstrates the plan of the Al-Mighty, All-Wise Creator:

And We inspired the mother of Musa (Moses), (saying): “Suckle him [Musa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers.” Then the household of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Verily! Fir’aun (Pharaoh), Haman and their hosts were sinners. And the wife of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son.” And they perceive not (the result of that). And the heart of the mother of Musa (Moses) became empty [from every thought, except the thought of Musa (Moses)]. She was very near to disclose his (case, i.e. the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers. And she said to his [Musa’s (Moses)] sister: “Follow him.” So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not. And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and) said: “Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and sincerely they will look after him in a good manner?” So did We restore him to his mother, that she might be delighted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of Allah is true. But most of them know not. And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukman (Prophethood, right judgement of the affairs) and religious knowledge [of the religion of his forefathers i.e. Islamic Monotheism]. And thus do We reward the Muhsinun (i.e. good doers). [Al-Qasas 7-14]

Gerald said: How did this ludicrous inversion of oppressor and oppressed, and of victimizer and victim take place? Who is responsible for erasing, distorting and appropriating the moral principles that distinguish between right and wrong? And, most importantly, how can the modern theater of the absurd be shut down, and the core foundations of morality, embodied in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, be restored? TO ANSWER these questions, we begin with the pervasive conspiratorial Jew-hatred anchored in post-Holocaust antisemitism. Its adherents reject any form of Jewish sovereignty in our ancient homeland – the Land of Israel to where the Israelites returned 40 years after leaving Egypt. The essence of today’s “Israel derangement syndrome” – as prominently displayed in the activities of Kenneth Roth, who ran HRW for 30 years, and Agnes Callamard of Amnesty International – is not on “occupation” and settlements that followed the 1967 Six Day War. [end of quote]

Response: How can you attempt to distort the narrative and engage in this absurd reversal of oppressor and oppressed, as well as victim and victimizer? Who is accountable for the erasure, distortion, and appropriation of the moral principles that clearly differentiate Zionist propaganda and oppression from the suffering of Palestinians over the last 70 years? Most importantly, how can we put an end to this modern theater of the absurd and challenge the foundational claims of morality that are rooted in the false assertions of Netanyahu regarding land that rightfully does not belong to him and his henchmen? To address these questions, we start with the frequent and exaggerated use of the anti-Semitism card, which is waved every time Netanyahu and his henchmen are justly called out. We denounce anti-Semitism when it is clearly identified and not politicised. The land does not solely belong to you, nor were you its first inhabitants. Therefore, if there is such a thing as “Israel derangement syndrome,” it is merely a fitting label for those who claim ownership of what is not theirs—both from religious and historical viewpoints—while expecting the world to ignore this reality, or else be branded as anti-Semites. Read: https://salaficentre.com/2024/11/20/the-promised-land-a-brief-examination-from-a-religious-and-historical-perspective/

 

Gerald said: Rather, the successful creation of Israel and its survival remains the core “crime.” The 1947 UN Partition Plan (the original two states for two peoples) and the victory of the Jews over the invading Arab armies were spun into nefarious Zionist plots, aided by the imperialist West. As a result, for them, Israelis have no inherent right of self-defense – all military actions, including after the October 7 atrocities, are automatically and cynically defined as war crimes and worse. In parallel, Palestinian Arabs (aided by UNRWA and the “refugee” industry) are perpetual victims, and any act against the hated Zionists, no matter how brutal, is embraced as “resistance.” In today’s backwards world, the EU, NGO and UN network would denounce the ten plagues as a highly disproportionate use of force, and demand the return of the slaves to their Egyptian owners. [end of quote]

Response: Muslims, Jews, and Christians coexisted peacefully in Palestine before the emergence of the Zionist agenda, without the conflicts we witness today. The injustice faced by the Palestinians is as evident as the midday sun, regardless of whether a two-state solution succeeds or the Zionist movement prevails. It is undeniable that Christian Zionist imperialists have supported you, as we have clearly shown in the references provided in Footnote a. The right to self-defense is a gift from Allah to everyone, and no one should endure oppression; however, you have been the oppressors for over 70 years. The events of October 7 cannot justify the excessive violence and brutality that you have perpetrated for more than a year. We have previously condemned all actions that harmed non-combatants and unarmed civilians on that day, but it is impossible to ignore that the ruthless Netanyahu has exploited this situation to advance his malicious agenda. Please listen again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

Gerald said: THIS PARTICULAR and obsessive focus on Israel is accompanied by a broader anti-Western, anti-democratic ideology that blames Western colonialism for all of the world’s problems, and automatically assigns victimhood to “the Third World,” Global South, and “people of color.” In this straitjacket of fake history, just as Palestinians are not held accountable for mass murder and barbarism, the same is true for non-Western dictatorships throughout the world. [end of quote]

Response: Those who truly deserve the label of obsession are Netanyahu, his associates, and their predecessors. They relentlessly strive to assert ownership over what is not rightfully theirs and frequently invoke accusations of anti-Semitism against others, especially when their violence escalates. It is important to recognise that Western colonialism is not the root cause of all global issues; rather, it is the lack of Iman and obedience to the final Messenger that lies at the heart of these problems. The Zionists, in particular, exhibit significant disobedience to Allah and His Messenger as they base their claims on outdated and distorted texts. While colonialists are often remembered for their brutality, which stems from their corrupt Iman, the underlying issues in the world can be traced back to defiance against Allah’s commands and those of His Messenger. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:

“Whoever ponders upon the state of affairs of the world will find that every affair of rectification is due to Tawhid, worshipping Allah alone and obedience to His Messenger (Muhammad). And every evil in the world, trial, affliction, scarcity (in livelihood), being overpowered by an enemy and other than that is due to (our) opposition to the Messenger and the call to other than (the way of) Allah and His Messenger. Whoever truly ponders upon this and examines the state of affairs of the world- since its beginning and until the time Allah will take it away and those upon it- he will realise this affair regarding himself and others, in general and specific (circumstances). And there is no Might or Power except with Allah –The Most High, The Most Great”. [Source: Badaa’i Al-Fawaa’id 3/525-526]

Additionally, before concluding this section, we want to emphasise once more that individuals whether Palestinians or non-Palestinians can never be supported if they harm non-combatants and unarmed civilians. We would like to reiterate the clear statement made by Prince Turki al-Faisal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3-cWyFcK5w

 

Gerald said: Other brutal colonial conquests, such Chinese imperialism as the Muslim takeover of much of Africa and Asia are simply erased. For self-appointed high priests of progressive morality, the worst offenders in any conflict are always the Americans and their allies. This dogma can also be explained as a theme in Christian theology that equates weakness (including victimhood) with morality, and strength with aggressive immorality. Highly distorted interpretations of the laws of war are the direct product of this philosophy. When the human rights propaganda industry is criticized for erasing heinous Palestinian Arab attacks (aggression), the response is to blame Israel, “which relies mainly on force, applied as brutally as deemed necessary.” Moses and Aaron could be accused of the same calumny. [end of quote]

Response: All praise is due to Allah. The Muslims of Africa, including the writer of this response, have been blessed with Islam. The historical presence of Islam in Africa is well-documented, and it is widely recognised that Africans chose Islam willingly, drawn by the exceptional moral principles inherent in this might and infallible path. While it is acknowledged that every conquest may involve errors and shortcomings, it is undeniable that since World War II, no group has endured greater suffering than the Palestinians at the hands of the oppressive Zionist administrations. Although the United States bears some responsibility, it is inaccurate to attribute the entirety of the issue to American actions; however, it is well-established that Zionist lobbies exert significant influence in the U.S. and elsewhere. This is a widely accepted fact, not merely a conspiracy theory. Also, if Christians perceive weakness as synonymous with morality and strength as linked to aggressive immorality, it is equally evident that Zionists often conflate excess and brutality with self-defense. The principles governing warfare cannot be dictated by human whims; rather, they are established by the final infallible divine revelation—the Qur’an and the Sunnah. While the attacks by Arabs on unarmed civilians and non-combatants are unequivocally condemned, it is essential to recognise that the violence and brutality exhibited by Netanyahu’s Zionist forces surpass all others. Thus, to compare the Zionist situation to the noble figures of Musa and Harun, peace be upon them, is a profound misrepresentation, as neither were oppressors nor supporters of oppression; they were indeed noble Prophets of Allah.

 

Gerald stated: Following this non-Jewish model, the polemicist Peter Beinart published a column in the anti-Israel and antisemitic UK Guardian condemning celebrations of Purim for encouraging “Jewish zealotry,” declaring: “As Jews celebrate Purim, let us end the slaughter in Gaza committed in our name.” In a sharp response, UK Chief Rabbi Mervis berated the false presentation of Purim and the “insidious attempt to cast Jewish history and identity as heartless and vengeful.” [end of quote]

Response: We refrain from generalizing all Jews, opting instead to evaluate individuals on their own merits. It is unjust to characterize Jewish history and identity as devoid of compassion, particularly given that many esteemed Prophets and Messengers emerged from the Children of Israel, whose lineage has been previously discussed. Every nation and community has its share of wrongdoers whose actions are often disavowed by some their own people. Just as many Muslims denounce ISIS and other brutal factions, some Jews also openly criticize the inhumane actions of certain Zionist administrations. Consequently, we do not categorize all individuals uniformly, nor do we hastily label someone as anti-Islam simply for critiquing a Muslim based on substantiated evidence of their behaviour. However, figures like Netanyahu and his associates often go to great lengths to brand anyone who rightly critiques them as an anti-Semite, especially when confronted with their genocidal actions.

 

Gerald said: With enough money and PR spin, the plagues and the drowning of Pharaoh’s military force could also be rewritten to falsely portray the Egyptians as victims of crimes against humanity and genocide perpetrated by the Israelites. In an age where history is simply one of many narratives – and the power of political spin machines under the facade of morality can turn heinous terrorists into victims – anything is possible. [end of quote]

Response: This proposal is utterly nonsensical, as Firawn and his misguided followers have been condemned until the Day of Judgment. This truth remains unaltered and is consistently referenced in the final divine revelation.

And he (Fir’awn) and his hosts were arrogant in the land, without right, and they thought that they would never return to Us. So We seized him and his hosts, and We threw them all into the sea (and drowned them). So behold (O Muhammad ) what was the end of the Zalimun [wrong-doers, polytheists and those who disbelieved in the Oneness of their Lord (Allah), or rejected the advice of His Messenger Musa (Moses)]. And We made them leaders inviting to the Fire, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will not be helped. And We made a curse to follow them in this world, and on the Day of Resurrection, they will be among Al-Maqbuhun (those who are prevented to receive Allah’s Mercy or any good, despised or destroyed, etc.) [Al-Qasas. 39-42]

The Fire; they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon, and on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): “Cause Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh) people to enter the severest torment!” [Al-Ghafir 44]

Therefore, this narrative will remain unchanged. Every text has been distorted, similar to how the Torah and the Injeel have been altered. However, the Qur’an and Sunnah will remain intact and uncorrupted. Consequently, the account found in the Qur’an regarding the tyrannical Fir’awn and his followers will always remain consistent and cannot be misrepresented. Allah stated: [إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا ٱلذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ – Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). [Al-Hijr 9]

We ask Allah for truthfulness and sound determination in responding to Gerald and his ilk, and may Allah guide him to Islam Aameen.

——————————————

Footnote a:

https://salaficentre.com/2024/11/13/the-initial-rise-and-gradual-impact-of-christian-zionism-on-some-european-political-decision-makers/

https://salaficentre.com/2024/10/08/an-overview-of-christian-zionism-in-america-since-the-arrival-of-the-puritans/

https://salaficentre.com/2024/11/15/american-christian-zionists-media-initiatives-aimed-at-influencing-public-opinion-with-a-brief-mention-of-the-concept-of-greater-israel/

[1] As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 3/927

[2] As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mussalah 2/503

[3] As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mussalah 2/503

[4] An Excerpt from “Diraasaat Al-Adyaan Al-Yahoodiyyah Wan Nasraaniyyah”. Pages 67-70. 6th Edition 1439AH (2018)

We must cultivate the ability to ignore those who prolong disagreement on Twitter

Written by abumuaawiyah on . Posted in Brotherhood, Contemporary Issues, Fitnah, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq'.

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

Allah said:

وَلَقَدۡ خَلَقۡنَا ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ وَنَعۡلَمُ مَا تُوَسۡوِسُ بِهِۦ نَفۡسُهُ ۥ‌ۖ وَنَحۡنُ أَقۡرَبُ إِلَيۡهِ مِنۡ حَبۡلِ ٱلۡوَرِيدِ
إِذۡ يَتَلَقَّى ٱلۡمُتَلَقِّيَانِ عَنِ ٱلۡيَمِينِ وَعَنِ ٱلشِّمَالِ قَعِيدٌ۬
مَّا يَلۡفِظُ مِن قَوۡلٍ إِلَّا لَدَيۡهِ رَقِيبٌ عَتِيدٌ۬

And indeed We have created man, and We know what his ownself whispers to him. And We are nearer to him than his jugular vein (by Our Knowledge). (Remember!) that the two receivers (recording angels) receive (each human being after he or she has attained the age of puberty), one sitting on the right and one on the left (to note his or her actions). Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).

Imam As-Sadi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Allah informed us that He alone created humans -males and females- and He knows all their state of affairs. He knows everything that is hidden about them and what their souls whisper to them. Allah is nearer to them than their jugular veins by His knowledge, even though the jugular vein is the closest thing to the human. Therefore, this should make the human being mindful of Allah -the One Who knows all the hidden affairs in the soul and heart of the human being in all circumstances. This should also make the human being shy in the presence of Allah so that he (she) is not seen committing what Allah has forbidden or abandoning what Allah has commanded. [1]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“When the son of Adam wakes up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say, ‘Fear Allah for our sake, (for) we are with you; if you are upright, we will be upright; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked. [2]

Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his mouth, his tongue, and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him.[3]

Imam Abdul-Azeez Bin Baaz, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“This requires two affairs: profuse remembrance (of Allah) and keeping away from gatherings of heedlessness and doubts, and that which will result in fornication and nonsense speech”. [4]

Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Neither hajj nor taking up positions during battle, nor Jihad is more difficult than restraining the tongue”. [5]

Imam Ibn Qudamah Al-Maqdisi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Know that whoever is acquainted with the worth of his era and that it is his main capital will not seek an understanding except in what is beneficial. This acquaintance obligates one to restrain the tongue from speaking about that which does not concern him, for indeed the one who abandons the remembrance of Allah and busies himself with what does not concern him is like one who can get hold of a gem but exchanges it for a clod of earth. This is a loss of one’s lifespan”. [6]

Abdullah Ibn Tawus, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

Tawus, may Allah have mercy upon him, used to find it difficult to speak for a very long time, and he would say: “I examined my tongue and found it to be malicious”. [7]

Imam Al-Fudayl Ibn Iyad, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Some of our companions used to guard their speech from one Jumu’ah to another Jumu’ah.” [8]

It was said to one of the scholars may Allah have mercy upon him, “Indeed, you do keep quiet for a long time!” He said: “Indeed, I consider my tongue as a wild voracious animal. I fear that if I let it loose, it will hurt me.” [9]

It is said that a man argued with Al-Ahnaf Ibn Qays- may Allah have mercy upon both of them- and said: “If you say one, you will hear ten.” Al-Ahnaf replied: “But if you say ten, you will not hear one!” [10]

Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“O student of knowledge! Likewise, it is obligated to you to abandon debate and argumentation because debate and argumentation is a means to cutting off the path to what is correct, and makes a person speak to give the upper hand to himself. Even if the truth is made clear to him, you will find him either rejecting it or misconstruing the truth -out of disliking it- to give himself the upper hand and to compel his opponent to accept his statement. Therefore, if you notice debate and argumentation from your brother when the truth is very clear, but he does not follow it, flee from him like you would flee from a lion, and say, ‘I do not have anything other than the truth I have mentioned to you’”. [11]

Ziyad Ibn Yunus, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“By Allah, Malik, may Allah have mercy upon him, was the greatest of people in terms of honourabe behaviour, and the one who kept silent the most. When he sat down, he would not get up until he had to, and I saw him as someone who was often silent, spoke little, and guarded his tongue”. Ibn Al-Mubarak said: “Malik was the most patient in dealing with people, and he would leave what did not concern him”. [12]

Al-Hasan Bin Salih, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“I scrutinised the affair regarding one refraining from doubtful matters out of fear of falling into haram and did it find it more lacking in anything than the tongue”. [13]

Yunus Ibn Ubayd, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:

“Indeed, you see a man fasting a lot, abstaining from the forbidden deeds and praying the night prayer, whilst he testifies to falsehood in the morning.” [14]

Ibnul Mubaarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about the statement of Luqmaan, peace be upon him, to his son: ‘’If speech is from silver, then silence is from gold.” So he said: ‘’It means that if speech in obedience to Allah is from silver, then silence (to refrain from) disobedience to Allah is gold’’. [15]

Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said:

“Verily, the worst act of usury is to attack the honour of a Muslim without a just cause”. [16]

Meaning: The greater in evil and the more strictly prohibited is to unleash your tongue against the honour of a Muslim by insulting him, acting haughtily towards him, and speaking ill of him through abusive language or slander. This becomes a stricter prohibition because honour is more valuable than wealth. “Without a just cause”. This shows there are instances in which it is allowed to refer to someone negatively by using language like “such and such is an oppressor or transgressor” or “such and such is an innovator (in religious affairs) and an open sinner” in order to warn others is allowed. [17]

This has been referred to as usury because the transgressor receives his honour and then goes above and beyond it as if he has added an increase that encroaches on the boundaries in regard to the honour of a Muslim, which is more valuable than his wealth. According to At-Teebee [may Allah have mercy upon him], “From the standpoint of emphasis, honour is included in the categories of wealth. Usury is classified into two types: that which is conventional and is described as what is added to debts, and that which is not unconventional, such as verbally disparaging someone’s honour.” Al-Qaadhee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, ”Violating a Muslim’s honour means dealing with him more than he deserves of what is to be said about him, or more than is permitted to be said about him, which is why it is compared to usury and regarded as one of its types. Then it is considered to be worse because it contains more harm and is more serious in corruption”. [18]

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allah be pleased with him] said:

“If there’s evil in anything, it is between the two Jaws, meaning the tongue. There is nothing more in need of prolonged imprisonment than the tongue”. [19]

Ibnul Akwaa came to Rabee Bin Khuthaym and said:

“Refer me to one who is better than you; he (Rabee) said: The one whose speech is a reminder for himself; his silence is (so that he can) think and his destination (in the Afterlife is a reason) for reflection. He (i.e. this type of person) is better than me. [20]

Ibnul Mubaarak, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked about the statement of Luqmaan, peace be upon him, to his son: “If speech is from silver, then silence is from gold”. He said, “It means that if speech in obedience to Allah is from silver, then silence (in order to refrain from) disobedience to Allah is gold”. [21] [end of quotes]

Certainly, if the above narrations do not convince us to avoid extending discussions online with those who wish to continue talking after everything has been made as clear as day, then what else could possibly persuade someone if Allah does not grant them the guidance to steer clear of unproductive arguments?!

We come across individuals online who enjoy arguing but mask their behaviour as a pursuit of good or a display of knowledge. This tendency has become quite prevalent online. As a result, it’s important for us to cultivate the ability to ignore such provocations. Recognizing when to disengage can save us a significant amount of time, especially once the necessary points have been made to conclude a debate or disagreement. These argumentative personalities thrive on platforms like Twitter, so it’s wise to avoid them. Blocking or unfollowing them on social media and steering clear of asking them questions can help prevent drawn-out discussions. This strategy can effectively address many challenges we face online at the moment.

Just like we choose to be around uplifting people in our daily lives, it’s equally important to connect with positive individuals online. With the internet filled with endless distractions and an overload of information, achieving peace of mind and staying focused can be quite difficult. That’s why we need to develop the skill of selective attention, tuning out the noise to sharpen our focus and concentrate on what genuinely matters once we have established evidence online.

Cultivating the ability to ignore troublesome and confrontational individuals on twitter, even when they present their opinions under the guise of knowledge or useful discussion, is a valuable internal strength. It enables us – by the Tawfiq of Allah – to concentrate on what truly matters while intentionally ignoring distractions or negativity. It involves honing our discernment to distinguish between what is worthy of our focus and what is not. By doing so, we retain control over our mental environment and foster a sense of tranquility, even in the midst of the turmoil created by those who frequently seek validation or approval online through various tactics.

It’s important for us to prioritise and establish boundaries by recognising what matters most and managing our time and focus accordingly. We should set limits on unnecessary debates. It is essential to make it very clear to individuals online, irrespective of their knowledge, credentials or the good opinion held about them, that genuine attention should be earned and focused on meaningful interactions. This should not be driven by a need to showcase superiority in discussions, self-importance, or stubbornness. Failing to impart a valuable lesson online through silence once evidence has been presented only encourages peoples’ idle pusuits. Instead of establishing clear boundaries about our availability and the communication we wish to foster, we inadvertently enable their actions. We must not feed the egos or emotional turmoil of those who incessantly argue online; otherwise, they will relentlessly seek our validation and attention, pulling us into a situation we wish to avoid.

Indeed, we must come to terms with the fact that online dissenting voices will always exist, but by the Tawfiq of Allah, steadfastness in our determination to ignore can teach us the value of remaining focused on our goals, irrespective of outside opinions. By tuning out the critics and naysayers online, we liberate ourselves from the need for external validation. Once we have established our stance in a debate or disagreement – based on knowledge based unambiguous proofs, we don’t need to be inundated with numerous opinions, particularly from those who ought to know better. It’s remarkable that in our everyday lives, many of us set clear boundaries in our interactions as we navigate our routines, choose which study circles attend, and manage other important pursuts. Yet, some of us allow ourselves to be distracted by someone -online- thousands of miles away, who, from the comfort of their home, orchestrates controversy on twitter and seeks to provoke our thoughts. After stirring up trouble, they move on with their life while we find ourselves troubled by their words. Instead of placing blame on them, reflect on why you chose to engage with their words in the first place.

Do not let anyone make you feel guilty for choosing to disregard them online, as if doing so implies disdain or superiority. Instead, it is a matter of exercising control over whom you choose to prioritise and give your attention. The status of an individual, their provocative statements, or even their seemingly powerful and persuasive words online should not be the focal point. A discerning individual recognises that it is not merely the surface of a person or their online persona that matters; rather, when evaluating their stance on a specific issue, we must focus on the evidence. All their other positive contributions online should not distract us from the fact that they are mistaken on this or that particular matter, regardless of the multitude of supporters rallying behind them, inundating us with various narratives and tactics to distort the reality. This does not imply that we are ignoring the potential harm caused by anyone; rather, we are deliberately choosing where to invest our attention and energy. However, when their online harm becomes overwhelming, it is those who can engage with them wisely, thoughtfully, and equitably who will effectively address them without diverting us from the most pressing issues.

It is essential to recognize that, despite the bold or captivating rhetoric of any prominent figure online, subjecting them to silence can be a deeply distressing experience for them. We have witnessed that when someone they wish to target ignores them, it evokes feelings of inadequacy, leading to futile attempts at emotional manipulation or scapegoating. In their struggle, they become engulfed in uncertainty, rage, and a diminishing sense of self-worth, often attempting to pull us down to their level. Just as we consciously distance ourselves from individuals known for their anti-social behavior in our everyday lives, we must also choose to ignore online bullies, particularly those who conceal their true intentions behind a facade of knowledge and wisdom.

However, it is important to reiterate that ignoring such individuals online does not equate to total disengagement; rather, it signifies that they will be addressed appropriately at the right moment by those whose voices hold greater significance, ensuring that they do not distract us from what truly matters. Thus, reflecting on the Prophetic narrations and the statements of the senior scholars at the outset of this article, we turn to Allah for guidance, seeking the wisdom to temper our words and focus solely on what is constructive, while denying any opportunity to those on twitter who thrive on conflict, even when the weakness of their arguments are as clear as the midday sun. We ask Allah: [اللهم كما حَسَّنْت خَلْقِي فَحَسِّنْ خُلُقِي – O Allah! Just as You made my external form beautiful, make my character beautiful as well].

[1] An Excerpt from ‘Tafsir As-Sadi

[2] Sahih at-Tirmidhee 2407

[3] Al-Bukhari 6474

[4] Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min At-Taliqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh al-Bukhari. Vol 4. Page:244. Footnote:2

[5] Jami’ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 145

[6] Mukhtasar Minhaaj Al-Qaasideen’ page 176

[7] As-Samt page 86

[8] As-Samt page 223 By Ibn Abi Dunyah

[9] As-Samt page 299

[10] Siyar A’lam An-Nubula 4/93

[11] Sharh Hilyati Taalibil Ilm’ page 246

[12] Tarteeb Al-Madaarik Wa Taqreeb Al-Masaalik 1/127-128

[13] Siyar A’laam An-Nubulaa 7/368

[14] Hilyatul Awliyaa 3/20]

[15] Jami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam 155]

[16] Abu Daawud 4876

[17] An Excerpt from ‘Awnul Mabood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud’ 13/152

[18] An Excerpt from ‘Mirqaatul Mafaateeh Sharh Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh’ 8/3157

[19] Musannaf Abdur Razzaaq 19528

[20] Siyah A’laam An-Nubulaa: 4/261

[21] Jami al-Ulum Wal-Hikam. 155