Skip to main content

Question: “Why this blatant contradiction?!” Answer: “No comment”.

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

Allah [The Most High] 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]

 

Recent statement:

Mr. Starmer stated: Let me be clear about what I was saying and what I wasn’t saying; I was saying Israel has the right to self-defense, and when I said that right, it was the right to self-defense; I was not saying that Israel had the right to cut off water, fuel, food supplies or medicine.

 

Previous Statement:

The Interviewer said to Mr Starmer: I think you would understand, I have to start with events that we are seeing, the Israel and Hamas conflict. Overnight Leo Varadkar, the Irish Prime minister had said that Israel has to be careful because if they are not proportionate, they will risk losing global support. So, what is the proportionate response in your view?

Mr Starmer responded: I think I have to say that the responsibility lies with Hamas. This is cold-blooded murder of men, women, even children. It is terrorism and Israel has the right to defend herself, and there is an ongoing situation with hostages, and Israel has the right to do everything that it can to get those hostages back, safe and sound. Therefore, I am very clear, Israel does have that right to defend herself and Hamas bears responsibility.

The Interviewer said: A siege is appropriate? Cutting off power, cutting off water?

Mr Starmer responded: I think Israel does have that right, it is an ongoing situation. Obviously, everything must be done within international law, but I don’t want to step away from the core principles that Israel has the right to defend herself and Hamas has responsibility for these terrorist acts….. [End of quote]

So, you can judge for yourselves whether the recent and previous statements are a contradiction or whether they can be reconciled.

 

Finally, examine the consistency of this Muslim ruler – Saudi Prince Turki Al-Faisal who stated – on October 18, 2023 – about the present Israel Government and the Hamas:

All militarily occupied people have a right to resist their occupation, even militarily. I do not support the military option in Palestine. I prefer the other option: civil insurrection and disobedience. It brought down the British Empire in India and the Soviet Empire in Eastern Europe. Israel has overwhelming military superiority and we see in front of our eyes, the devastation and oblivion it is bringing to the people of Gaza.

I categorically condemn Hamas’ targeting of civilian targets of any age or gender, as it is accused of. Such targeting belies Hamas’s claims to an Islamic identity. There is an Islamic injunction against the killing of innocent children, women, and elders. The injunction is also against the desecration of places of worship.

I also condemn Hamas’ gifting the higher moral ground to an Israeli government that is universally shunned, even by half of the Israeli public as fascist, miscreant, and abhorrent. I condemn Hamas for giving this awful government the excuse to ethnically cleanse Gaza of its citizens and bombing them to oblivion.

I condemn Hamas further undermining the Palestinian Authority as Israel has been doing. I condemn Hamas for sabotaging the attempt of Saudi Arabia to reach a peaceful resolution to the plight of the Palestinian people.

But equally, I condemn Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the attempt to forcibly drive them into Sinai. I condemn Israeli targeted killing and the indiscriminate Arrest of Palestinian children, women, and men in the West Bank. Two wrongs don’t make a right.

I’ve been hearing a repeated phrase in American media: unprovoked attack. What more provocation is required to make it provoked than what Israel has done to the Palestinian people for three-quarters of a century? I refer you to the article in the Middle East Monitor of February 17 2014 under the title: Israeli army veterans admit role in massacre of Palestinians in 1948. Read it and weep as I did. Just this year, from May to July, over 450 Palestinians were killed, including 67 children. This bloodletting must stop. I condemn Israel’s stealing of Palestinian lands. I condemn Israeli colonists for rampaging through houses of worship in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. I condemn Israel for destroying Palestinian homes and olive orchids. I condemn Israel for incarcerating Palestinian women, children, and men in concentration camps without reason to due process. I condemn Israel’s targeted killings and assassinations of Palestinians.

I condemn Western politicians for shedding tears when Israelis are killed by Palestinians but refuse to even express sorrow when Israelis kill Palestinians. There are no heroes in this complicit. Only victims.

Eid Day is a day of enjoyment, eating, drinking and spending time with loved ones, but there should be no extravagance!

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

Allah [The Most High] says:

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا
إِنَّ الْمُبَذِّرِينَ كَانُوا إِخْوَانَ الشَّيَاطِينِ ۖ وَكَانَ الشَّيْطَانُ لِرَبِّهِ كَفُورًا

And give to the kindred his due and to the Miskin (poor) and to the wayfarer. But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift. Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayaateen, and the Shaitan (Devil – Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. [17:26-27]

Imaam As-Sa’di [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Shaytaan does not call the person except to every blameworthy habit. So he calls him to miserliness and to refrain from spending, but when the person refuses to obey him, he calls him to overspending and extravagance; but Allah calls to the most just and balance of affairs and He praises the person for that, as He [The One free from all imperfections] says about His faithful slaves:

وَالَّذِينَ إِذَا أَنْفَقُوا لَمْ يُسْرِفُوا وَلَمْ يَقْتُرُوا وَكَانَ بَيْنَ ذَٰلِكَ قَوَامًا

And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor miserly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).'[Surah Furqaan; Ayah: 67] [1]

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzaan [may Allaah preserve him] said: To be moderate in spending and not being extravagant and wasteful is an obligation during marriage ceremonies and other than it. Those squanderers who waste meat and food, and dispose of it in waste bins should be reminded that there are hungry people hoping for a mouth full and a scrap of bread. They should be reminded to fear Allah and to fear Him in their gatherings, and that they do not become the cause of Allah’s blessings being stopped. [2]


[1] Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan

[3] An Excerpt from Al-Bayaan Li-Akhtaa’i Badil Kuttaab 1/27

Seek Provision and Knowledge, But Do Not Entertain The One Who Turns It Into Mutual Rivalry!

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

Allaah [The Exalted] says:

أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ
حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ
كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
ثُمَّ كَلَّا سَوۡفَ تَعۡلَمُونَ
كَلَّا لَوۡ تَعۡلَمُونَ عِلۡمَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
لَتَرَوُنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ
ثُمَّ لَتَرَوُنَّہَا عَيۡنَ ٱلۡيَقِينِ
ثُمَّ لَتُسۡـَٔلُنَّ يَوۡمَٮِٕذٍ عَنِ ٱلنَّعِيمِ

The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves (i.e. till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again, Nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have occupied yourselves in worldly things); verily, You shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delight (you indulged in, in this world)! [Surah At-Takaathur]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] stated: This Surah is specifically based on the mention of promise, punishment and threat, and it is enough as an admonition for the one who understands it.

Regarding the statement of Allaah: [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ – You are diverted] – meaning, they are preoccupied in a manner that is not free from blame, for indeed being diverted by something is to be preoccupied with it. So, if this occurs intentionally, then one is held accountable; but if it is not intentional, then one is excused, such as the statement of the Prophet [sallal laahu alayhi wasallam] regarding the Khameesah [square garment], “Indeed, it has distracted my attention from the prayer”. (1) A person is pardoned for this because it is a type of (unintentional) forgetfulness. It is also said, [Lahaa Bish Shay – distracted by something]- meaning, busied with it; and [Lahaa Anhu – distracted from it]- meaning, if he turns away from something. The heart is that which is diverted and the limbs engage in play, and this is why Allaah’s statement [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُر- The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you] is a stronger rebuke than the statement “they are preoccupied’, because the doer may preoccupy his limbs with what he is doing, but his heart is not diverted.

At-Takaathur means to compete one another in piling up something by way of mutual rivalry, but Allaah did not mention the thing that is piled up, therefore the meaning is general. Everything a person competes in – other than obedience to Allaah, obedience to the Messenger and that which benefits a person’s Afterlife – by way of mutual rivalry is included in this affair. It enters into every affair, such as wealth, status, leadership, women and speaking; or knowledge, especially when it is not utilised as proof; also collecting books, writing books, engaging in the discussion of numerous topics of the religion, categorising and initiating it. At-Takaathur occurs when a person seeks to amass more than others and this is blameworthy, except in that which earns a person Allaah’s love, Pleasure and Reward, because seeking more than others in this affair is competition in good and to excel one another.

In a hadith in Saheeh Muslim, Abdullaah Ibn Ash-Shikkheer [may Allaah be pleased with him] went to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] whilst he was reciting [أَلۡهَٮٰكُمُ ٱلتَّكَاثُرُ]; then the Prophet said: The son of Adam claims: My wealth, my wealth! O son of Adam! Is there anything as your belonging except that which you consumed, which you utilised, or which you wore and then it was worn out or you gave as charity and sent it forward?” [An Excerpt from Al-Fawaa’id. Pages 58-59]

The basis of being diverted is due to heedlessness, then it affects every pursuit of the person. Rivalry in amassing abundant worldly things and boasting about it, such as two groups of people saying to one another, “We have more”. (2) Busied through turning away from obedience to Allaah and worship; gathering wealth and children by way of mutual rivalry, boasting about your tribes and families, busy with livelihoods and trade by way of mutual rivalry. (3)

You have become preoccupied until you are diverted from what is more important such as remembrance of Allaah and fulfilling acts of obedience to Him. This is an address to all the Ummah except those whose preoccupation with the affairs of the afterlife diverts them from the affairs of the worldly life and they are few. (4)

Allaah [The Exalted] reprimanded His servants due to them busying themselves by tuning away from the purpose for which they were created, which is to worship Him alone without ascribing partners to Him, to know Him (by way of the signs He has created in the universe and the revelation given to the Messenger), turning to Him sincerely in obedience and repentance and giving precedence to loving Him over everything else; but you are diverted from this by mutual rivalry in pilling up worldly things. And Allaah did not mention the thing that causes the mutual rivalry in pilling up worldly things so this Aayah includes all things, such as wealth, children, supporters, armies, servants, status and other than that through which a competitor intends to compete another competitor and the intent is not sincerity to Allaah [The Exalted]. (5)

[حَتَّىٰ زُرۡتُمُ ٱلۡمَقَابِرَ- until you visit the graves]- Meaning, until death comes to you whilst you are upon this state of affairs; then you are placed in the graves as visitors and finally returned to your permanent abodes [on the day of resurrection]- either Jannah or Jahannam, just as a visitor returns to his permanent dwelling place. (6)

The human being reaches old age and still hopes for things- to the extent that a man reaches ninety years of age and you find him hoping and having prolonged hope for worldly things more than a fifteen year old youth. This is the meaning of the noble Aayah- that you are diverted by mutual rivalry in amassing worldly things until you die. Umar Bin Abdil Azeez [rahimahullaah] used this Aayah as proof that a visitor has to return to his permanent place and that the grave is not a permanent place of residence. Likewise, it has been mentioned regarding a Bedouin that he heard a reciter reciting, “The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves”, so he said, “By Allaah! You will be resurrected”. (7)


Ref 1: Al-Bukhaari. Number 373]

[Ref 2 An Excerpt from Roohul Ma’aanee 16/401. By Imaam Al-Aloosee (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 3 Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer by Imaam Ibn Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 4 Tafseer Juz Ammah by Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 5 An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

[Ref 6 An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah)]

[Ref 7 An Excerpt from Tafseer Juz Ammah by Imaam Muhammad Bin Saaleh Al-Uthaymeen (rahimahullaah). Pages 300-301. Slightly paraphrased]

Sound Creed, Methodology, and Upright Conduct Derived From Few Authentic Narrations About Fasting In Ramadhaan

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

Abu Dharr [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “My Ummah will continue in goodness so long as they hasten to break their fast and delay the pre-fasting meal”. [1]

Abu Hurayrah [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “The religion will not cease to prevail as long as people hasten to break the fast, because the Jews and the Christians (i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets) delay it”. [2]

“The religion will not cease to prevail”- Meaning, triumphant and lofty or manifest and clear, “as long as the people hasten to break the fast”- Meaning, they earnestly hasten to break the fast, “because the Jews and the Christians delay it” [i.e. those amongst them who deviated from the path of their Prophets]. At-Teebiy [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is proof that upright establishment of the religion of pure Islamic monotheism is by opposing the enemies amongst the people of the scripture, and agreeing with them ruins the religion”. [i.e. what they have innovated in the religion of the Prophets] [3]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “This is a text regarding (the fact that) triumph of the religion is attained through hastening to break the fast, and it is to oppose the Jews and Christians [i.e. those amongst them who deviated, innovated in religion and opposed their prophets]. And when it is the case that opposing them is a reason behind the triumph of the religion, then the purpose of sending the Messengers is so that the religion ordained by Allah prevails over all others. Therefore, being in opposition to (the deviated people) is one of the greatest goals behind the advent of the Messengers”. [4]

Sahl Ibn Sad [may Allaah be pleased with him] said that Allaah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten to break the fast”. [5]

Imaam An-Nawawi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “In this is an urge to hasten (to break the fast) after the setting of the sun is ascertained. What this means is that the affair of the Ummah will not cease being consistent and that they will (remain) good if they preserve this Prophetic tradition. If they delay breaking the fast, then this is a sign of corruption”. [6]

They will not cease to be upon good if they do this by acting upon the Sunnah and limiting themselves to its prescribed legislated boundaries, not being over-stringent (through what their) intellects (suggest to them), and changing its principles. The people of the scripture [i.e. those amongst them who deviated] delayed breaking the fast until the stars appeared. [7]

Is The One Who Provides Suhoor For Needy People The Same As The One Who Provides Iftaar?

Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: In Ramadhaan, one notices the concern people give to providing Iftaar for those needy people who observe the fast – whether it is in the Masaajid or the houses – in order to receive reward just as the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Whoever provides Iftaar for a fasting person, he has reward similar to his” [i.e. reward similar to that of the fasting person]. However, we find big tables [i.e. with food and drink] at the time of Iftaar -in the Masaajid- but few people sit to eat, whereas it is very rare to find one who provides Suhoor for a needy fasting person. Therefore, is the reward received by the one who provides Suhoor for the people similar to the one who provides Iftaar?

Answer: I do not know of a (specific) exhortation -as an act of Sunnah- to provide Suhoor for the fasting people, and it is not possible to compare it to providing Iftaar. That is because the fasting person’s need for eating and drinking during Iftaar is much greater than his need for eating and drinking during Suhoor; therefore, we do not go beyond what has been reported in the Sunnah. However, whoever knows someone- from the poor people around him- who needs food for Suhoor, then the door is open in this affair [i.e. he can provide that person with food for Suhoor]. [8]

Al-Allaamah Abdullaah Bin Humaid [may Allah have mercy upon him] was asked: Is attendance at the Haram (in Makkah) and breaking the fast over there something desired in the Sunnah or not, for some people obligate that on themselves?

Answer: It is not Sunnah; rather some people break their fast at the Masjid Al-Haraam to be present for Maghrib Salaah. That is because they will miss the Maghrib Salaah if they were to break their fast at home. And it is not the case that breaking the fast at a Masjid has a distinguished virtue; rather it is to attend the congregational prayer. So they (i.e. the people) break their fast over there to attend the congregational prayer and not miss it. As for merely breaking the fast, it contains the same reward whether the person does so in his house or at another place. They (i.e. the people) only choose it (i.e. the Masjid) because the Salaah is established over there so that they can perform it at the Kabah and together with the Muslims as a group. This is the aim. [9]


[1] Saheeh Al-Jaami 7224]

[2] Abu Dawud Number 2353. Hadeeth graded ‘Hasan’ by Imaam Al- Albaanee in Saheeh Abu Dawud. Publisher: Maktabah Al-M’aarif. 1st Edition]

[3] Awnul Ma’bood Sharh Sunan Abee Daawud. Vol 3. Pages 343-344. slightly paraphrased. Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1419AH (1998)]

[4] Iqtidaa As-Siraat Al-Mustaqeem 1/209. slightly paraphrased]

[5] Saheeh Muslim 1098]

[6] Sharh Saheeh Muslim. Slightly paraphrased. Vol 7 pages 180-181. Publisher: Daar Al-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)].

[7] Fat’hul Baaree Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhaari Vol 4/ 253. Publisher: Daarus Salaam. 1st Edition 1421AH (2000)]

[8] Fataawaa Alaa At-tareeq Fee Masaa’il Mutanawwi’ah. Fatwa Number 871]

[9] Al-Fataawaa Wad-Duroos Fil Masjidil Haraam. pages 528-529]

The Profound Contrast Between Fasting in Ramadan Driven by Faith and the Desire for Reward, Versus Merely Observing It as a Healthy Interlude

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

Abu Huraira [may Allah be pleased with him] reported that Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan due to faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven. Whoever stands in prayer during the Night of Decree due to faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven”. [Al-Bukhaaree 1901 and Muslim 760]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated about this hadith: “The reason behind this is the belief that Allah has ordained it and the desire for reward, in contrast to those who fast based on blind following. [1] “This is because fasting is a means of drawing closer to Allah, and having the intention is a prerequisite for its validity.” [2]

The intention, or Niyyah, is what distinguishes between different acts of worship. It sets apart prayer from fasting, obligatory prayer from optional prayer, and so on. [3] Moreover, it is also what differentiates acts of worship from customary deeds. For instance, taking a bath can be done for hygiene or comfort purposes, unrelated to worship, or it can be performed as a ritual purification. [4] Hence, the journalist ought to have emphasized the disparity between fasting as a religious practice and fasting for health reasons.

“His previous sins will be forgiven”, Imam An-Nawawi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “It is well known – regarding what the jurists hold – that this specifically applies to the minor sins and not the major”. [5] Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “This forgiveness is attained on condition that one abandons the major sins”. [6] Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz also stated a principle related to the unrestricted narrations in which a mention is made regarding the expiation of sins that they are restricted by the texts regarding the abandonment of major sins – either restricted by the statement of Allah:

[إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ – If you avoid the great sins which you are forbidden to do, We shall remit from you your (small) sins. (Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 31)]; or by the statement of the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], “The five prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan will expiate the sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided”. [a]

Al-Allaamah Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allah preserve him] stated: The benefits of fasting are immense as it serves as a form of protection. According to the hadeeth reported by Imam Bukhaari and Imam Muslim, “Fasting is a shield.” [b] Fasting acts as a shield against the hellfire in the afterlife and guards against disobedience to Allah and His Messenger. By weakening a person’s desires, fasting helps to control their whims and prevents them from engaging in sinful acts that may result from excessive indulgence beyond the limits set by Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] mentioned that “Paradise is surrounded by hardships and the hellfire is surrounded by all kinds of desires and passions.” [c]

The path to paradise necessitates the exercise of patience in refraining from disobedience, while the path to hellfire is encompassed by forbidden desires. By distancing oneself from these forbidden desires, one will find safety. However, engaging in such forbidden desires will lead to falling into what Allah has prohibited. Although this forbidden enjoyment may provide temporary pleasure, its consequences will bring sorrow, remorse, and humiliation in both this life and the hereafter. According to a hadith narrated by Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud [may Allah be pleased with him], the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] advised the youth, saying, “O young people! Those among you who are capable of marriage should marry, and those who are unable to marry are encouraged to observe fasting as it will decrease their sexual desires.” [d]

Henceforth, the Prophet explicitly stated that if an individual is capable of entering into marriage, they should promptly pursue it to maintain their chastity and provide the opportunity for another individual (i.e. spouse) to also uphold their chastity. However, if one is unable to do so, they should dedicate themselves to the Prophetic solution that the Honorable Messenger advised, which is fasting. This practice serves as a safeguard and shield against succumbing to acts of disobedience. To summarize, this is a noble guidance bestowed by the Honorable Messenger to the younger generation, emphasising that they should marry if possible; but if not, they should exercise self-restraint through fasting.

The fasting of wealthy individuals serves as a reminder of hunger, prompting them to contemplate the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah. They are made aware of their Muslim brothers and sisters who experience hunger even without fasting. This awareness motivates them to show kindness to the less fortunate, providing for the destitute and needy. [7]

Hence, it is imperative for anyone discussing fasting in Islam to thoroughly elucidate its profound merits and differentiate it from other matters. Unfortunately, in today’s era, we are being tested by the words written by journalists using their pens and keyboards. Many of them delve into religious affairs without offering any evidence or insights from the esteemed scholars of the Muslim community – the scholars who adhere to the sound Prophetic methodology. It is of utmost importance that individuals either provide comprehensive explanations from these upright scholars or refrain from delving into the sacred aspects of our faith. Recently, a journalist from Turkey made a statement regarding fasting as follows “Its religious significance aside, fasting has become one of the most encouraged methods of replenishing health, with recent clinical studies citing countless physical and mental benefits, ranging from weight loss and mental clarity to reversing disease. While this historical month of fasting is certainly not new and in fact spans back thousands of years, there are many among us who have just recently boarded the fasting train and thus we may choose to embark on this annual tradition ourselves this year, whether it be as a spiritual practice or a healthy interlude”. [end of quote]

Certainly, it is crucial to provide further clarification regarding this statement to differentiate the great virtue of fasting as an act of worship from fasting as a method to enhance one’s health. This article has already presented authentic divine reports and statements from esteemed scholars of the Ummah, emphasising the importance of understanding this distinction. Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no good thing except that the Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] has clarified it and urged a person to it, and there is no evil except that he has warned the Ummah against it”. Imam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen said, “This is correct because good is something one seeks to do, so he clarified it specifically and urged a person to do it. Regarding evil, we say, “There is no evil except that he warned against it” because there are certain evils that have been explicitly clarified and warned against, while others have been addressed in a general manner. For instance, acts like fornication and murder, along with other similar deeds are manifest evils. Innovation in religious matters is a manifest evil, however, did he mention every bidah specifically by their descriptions in texts or mentioned in general? Instead, they are generally mentioned and warned against. The distinction between (evil) and good deeds is that good is something one seeks to do and, therefore, requires specific clarification. On the other hand, evil deeds are to be abandoned, and thus they may be mentioned in detail and sometimes in general”. [8]

And Allah knows best


[1] Al-Hulal Al-Ibreeziyah Min at-Ta’leeqaat al-Baaziyyah alaa Saheeh al-Bukhari. 2/130. Footnote 6

[2]Sharh Al-Arba’een by Shaikh Saaleh Aala Ash Shaikh. page 12. Publisher: Maktabah Al-Hadyi Al-Muhammadee. 1st Edition 1428AH (2007)]

[3] Bahjatul Quloob Al-Abraar. By Imaam As-Sadi. page 10. 1st Edition 1414AH (1994)]

[4] Sharh Saheeh Muslim Vol 6. Page 36. Publisher: Daarul Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah. 1421AH (2000)]

[5] Al-Hulalul Ibreeziyyah Min Ta’leeqaat Al-Baaziyyah Alaa Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree Vol 2. Page 120. Footnote 6. Slightly paraphrased]

[6] https://binbaz.org.sa/audios/45/1–%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%AD%D8%AF%D9%8A%D8%AB-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%83%D9%81%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7-%D8%A8%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%87%D9%85%D8%A7

ال النبيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم: «العمرةُ إلى العمرة كفَّارةٌ لما بينهما، والحجُّ المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة»، هذا يُبين فضل الحج والعمرة، وأن العمرة كفَّارة لما بينهما، يعني: عند اجتناب الكبائر.
قاعدة: الأحاديث المطلقة في تكفير الذنوب مُقيَّدة بترك الكبائر، إما بقوله سبحانه: {إِنْ تَجْتَنِبُوا كَبَائِرَ مَا تُنْهَوْنَ عَنْهُ نُكَفِّرْ عَنْكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ} [النساء:31]، وفي قوله صلى الله عليه وسلم: «الصَّلوات الخمس، والجمعة إلى الجمعة، ورمضان إلى رمضان كفَّارات لما بينهنَّ إذا اجتنب الكبائر»، وفي اللفظ الآخر: «ما لم تُغْشَ الكبائر»، فالعمرة إلى العمرة كفَّارة لما بينهما عند اجتناب الكبائر.
«والحج المبرور ليس له جزاء إلا الجنة» يعني: عند اجتناب الكبائر، كما قال صلى الله عليه وسلم: «مَن حجَّ فلم يرفث ولم يفسق رجع كيوم ولدته أمه»، فالحج المبرور هو الذي ليس فيه رفثٌ ولا فسوقٌ، هذا الحج المبرور، ليس فيه ما يُبطله، وليس فيه ما ينقصه من المعاصي، هذا هو الحج المبرور الذي يُوجب الجنة

[7] An Excerpt from أثر العبادات في حياة المسلم pages: 4-20

[8] An Excerpt from ‘Ad-Duratu Al-Uthaymeeniyyah Bi-Sharhi Fat’hi Rabbil Bariyyati Bi-Talkhees Al-Hamawiyya. Page 34. Slightly paraphrased]

[a] Bukhaari No1894 and Muslim No: 1151]

[b] Sahih Al-Bukhari 1894

[c] Muslim No: 2822 and Bukhaari No: 6487]

[d] Bukhaari No: 5065]

Cannot give one another false hopes nor engage in wishful thinking and flattery when frank advice is needed

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

Umar Ibn Abdul Azeez [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Whoever advises his brother to rectify affairs related to his religion and gives him insight into a worldly affair of his, then indeed he has perfected their relationship and fulfilled his obligation towards him. [Taareekh At-Tabari 6/572]

Imaam Al-Barbahaaree [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: It is not permissible to hide sincere advice from any of the Muslims, whether pious or impious, in matters of religion. Whoever hides that has acted deceitfully towards the Muslims. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the Muslims has done so towards the religion. Whoever acts deceitfully towards the religion has behaved treacherously towards Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers.

Al-Allaamah Ahmad Bin Yahyah An-Najmi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: I say: The meaning of An-Naseehah is ‘Purity’ and ‘Clearness.’ It is said: [  نصح اللبن – the milk is pure] when it is clear. This is the linguistic meaning of An-Naseehah. In the Shariah, (it means) to inform a Muslim regarding what is obligated on him in relation to the (rights of Allah or his relationship with Allah) and His creation without slyness and false courtesy. An-Naseehah is obligatory, even though its obligation varies, and its opposite is Al-Ghish [deception].

Indeed, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said in the authentic Hadeeth, “The religion is Naseehah, the religion is Naseehah, the religion is Naseehah; so, the Sahaabah said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! To who?’ He said, ‘To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk.’”

Abu Hurairah [may Allah be pleased with him] narrated that the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] passed by a pile of foodstuff, he put his hand in it and found that it was wet. He said, ”What is this, O seller of the foodstuff?” He said, ”It became wet due to the rain O Messenger of Allah!” He said, ”Why do you not put it on top of the food so that people can see it? Whoever deceives [people] is not from me.” [Muslim 102]

Deception in trade is when one hides a defect [found in the commodity]. And with regards to consultation, it is when one recommends something to a person that is harmful to his religious or worldly affairs.

As for Naseehah Lil-Laah – [sincerity to Allah]: It is to believe in Allah [The Most High], single Him out in [His Lordship, Names and Attributes and to single Him out in worship], give precedence to obeying Him over obedience to the creation, fearing the standing in His presence [on the Day of judgement] and to be mindful of Him in private and public.

As for An-Naseehah Li-kitaabihee-[Sincerity to His Book]: It is to recite it, ponder upon its meanings, act upon it and believe in the information it contains. As for Naseehah Li-Rasoolihee – [Sincerity to His Messenger]: It is to testify to that which he has informed [us], fulfil what he  commanded, keep away from what he has forbidden, exalt and honour him [salawaatu wasalaamuhu alayhi].

An-Naseehah Li-A’immatil Muslimeen- [Sincerity to the leaders of the Muslims]: It is to obey them in that which does not necessitate disobedience to Allah, to refrain from betraying them, send them advice through those who are able to advise them in private, because that is the manner that will be more suitable for advice to be accepted. An-Naseehah Li-Aammatil Muslimeen- [sincerity to the common Muslims]: It is to call them to the path of Allah, teach them what is beneficial and warn them against that which will harm them.


Ir’shaad As-Saariy Fee Sharhis Sunnati Lil-Barbahaaree. Pages 157-158

[12] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated: “In 1966, when Ibn Baz was vice-president of the Islamic University of Medina, he wrote an article denouncing Riyadh University for teaching the “falsehood” that the earth rotates and orbits the sun. In his article, Ibn Baz claimed that the sun orbited the earth, and that “the earth is fixed and stable, spread out by God for mankind and made a bed and cradle for them, fixed down by mountains lest it shakes”. As a result of the publication of his first article, Ibn Baz was ridiculed by Egyptian journalists as an example of Saudi primitiveness, and King Faisal was reportedly so angered by the first article that he ordered the destruction of every unsold copy of the two papers that had published it. In 1982 Ibn Baz published a book, Al-adilla al-naqliyya wa al-ḥissiyya ʿala imkān al-ṣuʾūd ila al-kawākib wa ʾala jarayān al-shams wa al-qamar wa sukūn al-arḍ (“Treatise on the textual and rational proofs of the rotation of the sun and the motionlessness of the earth and the possibility of ascension to other planets”). In it, he republished the 1966 article, together with a second article on the same subject written later in 1966, and repeated his belief that the sun orbited the earth. In 1985, he changed his mind concerning the rotation of the earth (and, according to Lacey, ceased to assert its flatness), when Prince Sultan bin Salman returned home after a week aboard the space shuttle Discovery to tell him that he had seen the earth rotate”. [End of quote]

Response:

First of all, if the Imam did reprimand someone at Riyadh University for claiming that the earth rotates, then that was undoubtedly a justifiable rebuke against those who oppose what has been established based on divine texts.

Second, the Imam’s position that the sun rotates is a fact rather than a claim since everything stated in the divine revelation—the Qur’an and Sunnah—is an unquestionable fact and reality, not a statement of opinion. Read on the links:

https://abuiyaad.com/a/bin-baz-motion-sun-around-earth

http://www.aqidah.com/creed/articles/auazc-disbelief-of-the-one-who-denies-suns-motion-around-the-earth.cfm

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-motion-of-the-sun-around-the-earth-and-the-islamic-belief/

https://abuiyaad.com/a/motion-of-the-sun-timelapse

Third, if it is true that Egyptian media made fun of the Imam, then it is not at all unusual for learned Salafi scholars to face scorn from ignorant people when they present real evidence. Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: “All praise is due to Allah, who in every age and interval between the Prophets, raises up a group from the people of knowledge, who call the misguided to guidance, patiently bear ill-treatment and harm. With the Book of Allah they give life to the dead and with the Light of Allah they give sight to the blind. How many a person killed by Iblees (the Devil) they have revived, how beautiful their effect has been upon the people, and how vile the people have been towards them! They remove from Allah’s Book the alterations of those going beyond bounds, the false claims of the liars, and the false interpretations of the ignoramus- those who uphold the banner of innovation and let loose the trials and discords, who oppose the Book and agree upon opposing the Book. They speak about Allah and his Book without knowledge, argue about what is ambiguous in the Book, and deceive the ignorant ones with such ambiguities. We seek refuge in Allah from the trials of the misguided ones”. [(2)]

Fourthly, if the cretins at Wikipedia are correct in their claim that King Faisal [may Allah have mercy upon him and enter him into Jannatul Firdaws] was angered by the Imam’s position, then indeed the upright Scholars are an example of how the rulers are treated in that they are not obeyed in anything that is contrary to the Shariah, but rather they are advised in private and have supplications made for them. No one is to be obeyed in disobedience to Allah, as Imam Al-Barbahaaree [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “From the Sunnah is that you do not help anyone in disobedience to Allah, whether they be parents or any of the creation. There is no obedience to a human in disobedience to Allah and no one is to be loved for that; rather all of that is to be hated for [the sake of Allah], the Blessed and Most High”. Al-Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan [may Allah preserve him] stated: This is a fundamental principle from the fundamental principles of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah that has been derived from the statement of the (Prophet) that, “There is no obedience to the creation in disobedience to the Creator”. And he [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said, “Obedience is only in that which is good”. So, whoever commands disobedience to Allah is not to be obeyed. He is not to be obeyed in disobedience, whether your father, mother, or from the closest of the people to you, or a Ruler or a King. He is not to be followed in disobedience. [(3)]

Regarding the statement that the Imam reaffirmed his position in 1982 that the sun rotates and the earth is stationary, it is true that the upright Scholars do not forsake any evidence in order to appease others or follow the crowd. As for the claim by the unknown writers and cretins at Wikipedia that “In 1985 the Imam changed his mind concerning the rotation of the earth (and, according to Lacey, ceased to assert its flatness) when Prince Sultan bin Salman returned home after a week aboard the space shuttle Discovery to tell him that he had seen the earth rotate”, then indeed, the burden of proof is on the claimant, and the cretins at Wikipedia must present a statement from the Imam for what they attribute to him because the only position known from the Imam till his death was that the earth does not move and that it is the sun and moon that rotate.

As for the statement of the Imam regarding the flatness of the earth, he himself stated as follows: “According to the scholars, the Earth is spherical. Ibn Hazm and a group of other (scholars) have transmitted that the scholars hold a consensus that it is spherical. Meaning: Some of it is joined together with some and rolled up like a ball. However, Allah spread out the top of it for us and placed on it firm mountains, animals, and seas out of mercy for us. This is why Allah says: [وَإِلَى الأَرْضِ كَيْفَ سُطِحَتْ – And at the earth, how it has been spread out (to facilitate habitation and travel)?] It is flat and visible to us (i.e. the top) so that people can live on it and be calm (without worry). The fact that it is spherical does not exclude that its surface is not flat because if a large, great thing is flat, it will have a wide back”. [(4)]

May Allah enter the Imam into Jannatul Firdaws! His remark is quite obvious for everyone to see. Them read Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s (may Allah preserve him) article on the link for more information about the statements of other Scholars regarding the shape of the earth. “Ibn Taymiyyah on the Shape of the Heaven and Earth and the Concept of Time and Related Issues:

https://salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=1859

If after reading Shaikh Abu Iyaad’s post in the aforementioned link you believe that the explanation offered by the other scholars is more persuasive or that the Imam’s position is incorrect, then you should know that every upright Mujtahid is rewarded for striving to reach the correct position, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “If a Mujtahid gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct, he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, even then he will get a reward”. [Bukhari Number 7352]

Finally, as for the debate that people have been able to reach the moon, listen here:

To be continued…InShaaAllah


[(1)]: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2682

[(2)]: Ar-Radd Alal Jahmiyyah Waz-Zanaadiqah. page 2

[(3)]: An Excerpt from It-haaful Qaaree Bitta’liqaat Alaa Sharhis Sunnah Lil Imaam Barbahaaree. 2/297-299

[(4)]:

https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/5966/%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B6#:~:text=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%3A%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B1%D8%B6%20%D9%83%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%A9%20%D8%B9%D9%86%D8%AF%20%D8%A3%D9%87%D9%84,%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%B1%20%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%20%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%8A%D8%B4%20%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%8A%D9%87%D8%A7%20%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B3

[11] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated: His obituary in The Independent said “His views and fatwas (religious rulings) were controversial, condemned by militants, liberals and progressives alike”. He was also criticised by hard line Salafi jihadists for supporting the decision to permit U.S. troops to be stationed in Saudi Arabia in 1991. [End of quote]

Response:

First, we have already established in this series that there is no benefit in saying that an affair is contentious while offering no solid knowledge-based proof to differentiate truth from untruth based on the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood by the Sahaabah.

Second, the mere usage of the word militant is enough to disprove the Imam’s opponents because there is no militancy in Islam; rather, the Khawaarij are the ones on the path of militancy. Visit the website prepared by Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah protect him]: https://www.kharijites.com/kj/

Third, liberals and so-called progressives in our time are well-known for their misguidance and extreme immorality, so there is no need to go into detail about their affairs. Listen to Shaikh Abu Khadeejah’s clarification.

https://abukhadeejah.com/modernity-western-liberalism-materialism-in-islamic-discourse-abu-khadeejah/

Fourth, cretins on Wikipedia and elsewhere are always keen to repeat that there is a group called Salafi Jihadists, despite the fact that it has already been robustly refuted by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Alla preserve him].

Read here:

https://abukhadeejah.com/a-response-to-western-academics-who-categorise-salafis-into-quietists-politicos-and-jihadists-and-why-this-is-a-false-categorisation/

Finally, the cretins at Wikipedia once again failed to provide any explanation regarding the Shariah position on admitting non-Muslim soldiers in Muslim countries, whether in Saudi Arabia or any other Muslim country; instead, they just stated that this was a point of contention. However, unlike the cretins and pseudo-researchers at Wikipedia, the Salafiyyoon provide detail and educate the Ummah. Read the article by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him]:

https://abukhadeejah.com/ibn-baaz-allowed-the-american-military-into-saudi-arabia/

Indeed, merely being on the opposing side is insufficient because the misguided opponents—the liberals, so-called progressives, and militants—who are all following divergent pathways of Bidah and misguidance, have not offered any unambiguous knowledge-based proof.

To be continued…InShaaAllah.


[(1)]: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2682

[10] These people are either unaware of or concealing some realities regarding the legacy of Erudite Salafi Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

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

The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] said: “Indeed, the scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, for the prophets do not leave behind a dinar or a dirham for inheritance, but rather, they leave behind knowledge. So whoever takes hold of it, has acquired a large share (i.e. of inheritance)”. [(1)]

The anonymous writers at Wikipedia stated, “Ibn Bāz was among the Muslim scholars who opposed regime change using violence. He called for obedience to the people in power unless they ordered something that went against God. During his career as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, he attempted to both legitimise the rule of the ruling family and to support calls for the reform of Islam in line with Salafi ideals. Many criticised him for supporting the Saudi government when, after the Persian Gulf War, it muzzled or imprisoned those regarded as too critical of the government, such as Safar al-Hawali and Salman al-Ouda. His influence on the Salafi movement was large, and most of the current prominent judges and religious scholars in Saudi Arabia are his former students”. [End of quote]

First, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] forbade rebellion against Muslim rulers, whether they be pious or sinful, so Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz’s [may Allah have mercy upon him] position on regime change is based on the sound Prophetic narrations. Therefore, there is no discussion of whether their rule is valid or not; rather, Muslims are instructed to consider all Muslim rule as legitimate, regardless of how such a Muslim ruler behaves, and rebellion is prohibited. Read articles by Shaikh Abu Iyaad and Shaikh abu Khadeejah [may Allah preserve him].

https://www.kharijites.com/kj/

https://abukhadeejah.com/ahlus-sunnah-wal-jamaah-believe-that-rebellion-against-the-rulers-is-forbidden/

https://abukhadeejah.com/the-tyranny-of-the-rulers-a-reason-for-rebellion/

https://abukhadeejah.com/revolt-of-the-early-scholars-against-the-tyranny-of-rulers-in-light-of-the-sunnah-and-salaf/

Believer’s Bahaviour Towards Muslim Rulers – [Supplicates For Them….]

Second, regarding Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz’s revival efforts, his call was for the Ummah to return to Tawheed and that which the pious ancestors were on. During his lifetime, he was also supported in this endeavour by Imaam Al-Albaani, Imaam Muhammad ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen, and other scholars. Read below.

Rectification of Modern Societies – By Saudi Scholar Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz

As for those who criticised the Imaam for supporting the Saudi government to restrain the Qutubies, such as Safar al-Hawali and Salman al-Ouda, these critics are either ignorant of the destructive methodology of these two callers to bidah or they are upon the same methodology as them. Read below.

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/plbqrxl-extremist-qutbi-safar-al-hawali-outed-as-a-liar-by-musa-abd-al-azeez-in-interview.cfm

http://www.ikhwanis.com/articles/upypzld-ikhwani-muhammad-al-areefee-exposed-lying-upon-the-messenger-and-lying-upon-imaam-al-nawawi.cfm

As for the statement that “His (Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz) influence on the Salafi movement was large, and most of the current prominent judges and religious scholars in Saudi Arabia are his former students”, then indeed we remind these ignorant people that Salafiyyah is not a movement, rather, it is the methodology of the Salafus Saalih [the pious predecessors]. Read below.

 http://www.salafis.com/authors/Abu.Iyaad.cfm

Finally, there is no doubt that Imaam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz alongside Imaam Al-Albaani and Imaam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon them] had a great impact on the Ummah during their lifetime due to their piety and knowledge. Indeed, the positive outcomes of their knowledge and piety in the Ummah is well-known.

To be continued InShaaAllah


[(1)]: Sunan At-Tirmidhee 2682

So and So Identifies as a Dog or a Cat! [What is the basis of this absurd behaviour?]

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

Imam As-Sadi [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

The statement of many materialists (atheists) and those who blindly follow them is that “There should be freedom of thought, everyone should be free to hold the opinion he sees fit and the proposal he makes”. This has also manifested its great harm. Indeed, freedom of thought – giving everyone his freedom (i.e. based on desires) – has shown to be the very reason behind anarchy; rather that is its basis. Animals become better than them (i.e. humankind and Jinn) when they are given freedom in that which corrupts their morals and (sound) beliefs, thus their deeds become chaotic. This is the reality in every country where freedom has been let loose and not restricted by the divine legislated restrictions that conform with (sound) intellect because the souls command evil, incline towards arrogance and insolence, and approach every desire whether it harms individuals and groups or not. Just as giving one the freedom to do as he pleases unrestrictedly cannot remain because if everyone was left with his freedom that he can murder, injure or hit, or take the wealth of the people or violate their honour, the state of affairs would have been corrupted, the world would be in anarchy, chaos, disturbance and great harm will occur; likewise, the freedom of thought has brought evil, and from its filthy fruits is dispensing with religion and the Messengers [peace and blessings of Allah be upon them], rejecting what they brought and that which sound intellect indicates, such as the obligation of restraining and guarding oneself against the harmful affairs related to creed, morals and deeds. Among the outcomes of freedom of thought are the statements heard from the atheistic and vile newspapers that shake the hearts of the people of sound intellect, and indeed they have done great harm to the beliefs and morals; rather it has harmed governments, groups and individuals. As for the Islamic legislation, then indeed it – and praise be to Allāh – came to alert the intellects and urge towards (sound) reflection on those affairs that are useful for one to reflect on, such as the signs Allah has created in the creation and the signs conveyed in the divine revelation; pursues the sound paths of reflection and examining them, and thus it affirms the beneficial sciences and truthful understandings- urges towards every beautiful character, warns against every evil character and places a sound restriction on ideas, which if encroached will result in destructive things and various types of misguidance. If ideas are not restricted by sound intellects and religion – which Allāh has provided for the servants in which is the rectification of their affairs and perfection of their circumstances, then indeed they give birth to chaos and error, misguidance, misery, folly and insanity.

[An Excerpt from “Ad-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aaniyyah”. page 22]