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A verse recalled by honest people when handling the subtle and obvious “Common Cause Alliances”

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

Allah [The Exalted] says:

يَـٰٓأَيُّہَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ كُونُواْ قَوَّٲمِينَ بِٱلۡقِسۡطِ شُہَدَآءَ لِلَّهِ وَلَوۡ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَوِ ٱلۡوَٲلِدَيۡنِ وَٱلۡأَقۡرَبِينَ‌ۚ إِن يَكُنۡ غَنِيًّا أَوۡ فَقِيرً۬ا فَٱللَّهُ أَوۡلَىٰ بِہِمَا‌ۖ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُواْ ٱلۡهَوَىٰٓ أَن تَعۡدِلُواْ‌ۚ وَإِن تَلۡوُ ۥۤاْ أَوۡ تُعۡرِضُواْ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ خَبِيرً۬ا

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah; even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well-Acquainted with what you do. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 135]

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

One must stand firmly for justice, whether it be in favour or against oneself, one’s parents, one’s close relatives, or one’s dearest friend among the people. If one’s affection towards oneself, parents, and relatives hinders them from standing up for the truth, particularly if the truth aligns with someone they despise and consider an adversary because of them, then only those whose devotion to Allah and His Messenger surpasses all other affections would uphold justice in such circumstances. Furthermore, an individual must uphold justice when dealing with their adversaries and those who deny them their rights. It is unacceptable for animosity towards one’s enemies to result in unjust actions towards them, just as it is unacceptable for self-love, love for one’s parents, and love for relatives to cause one to abandon the pursuit of justice. Therefore, one’s animosity towards someone should not lead them to falsehood, and their love for oneself and their loved ones should not cause one to compromise on the establishment of truth, as one of the righteous predecessors stated, “A just person is someone whose anger does not lead them astray from the path of truth, and whose contentment does not divert them from it.” [1]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

The objective is not to transgress against anyone – not the adversary or anyone else; not to disregard their rights or label them with specific descriptions which apply to both them and others. Instead, the objective is to speak based on the virtues of sound knowledge, justice, and religion, just as Allah [The Most High] says:

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ ۖ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَىٰ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ

O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety. [5:8] [2]

Indeed, many years ago, we came across individuals who displayed no inclination toward pursuing the truth. Instead, they opted to align themselves with a particular individual solely out of disdain for others. Their primary objective was to exploit a given circumstance to address their grievances, all the while failing to comprehend that the situation extended beyond the mere identification of true friendship based on their definition. Nevertheless, it would have been prudent for them to acknowledge that a bond forged on convenience or flattery, stemming from a shared cause or a misguided perception of oppression, does not embody genuine loyalty. The individuals in question failed to acknowledge the fundamental truth that the matter at hand extended far beyond mere companionship during moments of adversity. Instead, it revolved around the invaluable presence of those who offered sincere counsel and illuminate the correct course of action to enhance one’s circumstances. Over time, it became abundantly clear that a connection built upon convenience or a fleeting coalition forged upon groundless allegations against others, devoid of introspection or candour, is nothing but a bond that ultimately exposes its people when confronted with trials and tribulations.

Naive companions relished the smooth ride at first, however, when the path grew slightly challenging, their true nature began to reveal itself. Indeed, some of them, to safeguard their interests, went to the extent of unveiling the plots of their previous accomplices. Likewise, it was customary for certain individuals to incessantly forge alliances against a shared adversary, all in an attempt to veil their transgressions or shift blame onto others. However, this deplorable conduct merely served to amplify their sycophantic tendencies and their relentless pursuit of garnering sympathisers, all in a desperate bid to emerge victorious in any argument, regardless of the consequences. As for our elder teachers at Salafipublications, they are known for establishing justice, all by the Tawfeeq of Allah, in accordance with the robust principles of Salafiyyah. We ask Allah to safeguard us and them from every calamity in our religious and worldly affairs. We ask Allah: [يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِيَ كُلَّهُ وَلاَ تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ – O Ever Living! O The Self Subsisting, Upon Whom Everything Depends! By Your mercy I seek assistance; rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me to myself, even for the blink of an eye]. [Silsilah As-Saheehah Number 227]


[1] An Excerpt from ‘Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim. 1/300-303

[2] An Excerpt from “Ar-Radd Alal Ikhnaa’ee”. page 110

[2] Accurate Identification of the embodiment of Contemporary Beneficial Sciences and Activities within the Islamic Religion

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

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

Everything Allāh says is truth. Allāh says:

وَٱللَّهُ يَقُولُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَهُوَ يَهْدِى ٱلسَّبِيلَ

Allah says the truth, and He guides to the (Right) Way. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayah 4]

This noble verse makes it explicitly clear that Allah – The Exalted – speaks the truth, with truthfulness and certainty in His statements, perfect justice, and wisdom in His commands and prohibitions. Everything He has stated is undeniably true and facts that align with reality, and beneficial for His servants to rectify their beliefs, manners, religious and worldly affairs. Everything He has commanded is righteousness, goodness, generosity, perfect welfare, and a blessing, and everything He has prohibited is (definitely) evil, harmful, and corrupt, both in religious and worldly matters. The entirety of Islamic law serves to elaborate on and reinforce this foundational principle, as articulated in this verse and others like it.

Then Allāh says: [وَهُوَ يَهْدِى ٱلسَّبِيلَ – And He (Allāh) guides to the (Right) Way]- meaning, the path that guides to the truth, by which Allah makes His judgments. Therefore, Allah has undertaken to elucidate and make clear this complete truth through evident intellectual and textual evidence, as stated in another verse as follows:

سَنُرِيهِمْ ءَايَٰتِنَا فِى ٱلْءَافَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ

We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their ownselves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Quran) is the truth. [Surah Fussilat. Ayah 53]

When Allah [The Exalted] informed us about His Oneness and His unparalleled perfection, commanded us to worship Him alone, without any partners, and to devote ourselves sincerely to Him, made it clear that His speech, promises, threats, messenger, and book are all true, He then states that He must show us signs within ourselves and in the vast universe to serve as undeniable proof that He is The Truth and that anything worshipped besides Him is false. The signs within us and around us all bear witness to these mighty principles through which it is known that Allah is The Truth, and that His Speech, His Book, and the religion He has ordained are all absolute truth.

Allah says:

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَٰبِ

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. [Surah Al-Imran. Ayah 190]

Allah says:

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ وَٱلْفُلْكِ ٱلَّتِى تَجْرِى فِى ٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ وَمَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مِن مَّآءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ ٱلْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ ٱلرِّيَٰحِ وَٱلسَّحَابِ ٱلْمُسَخَّرِ بَيْنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ لَءَايَٰتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidences, signs, etc.) for people of understanding. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 164]

There are numerous verses in which Allah informs us about how the universe works, and that they serve as signs and evidence of His Oneness, His truthfulness, and the truthfulness of His Messengers. Hence, the One who brought forth these magnificent creations, endowed with astonishing characteristics, and established an extraordinary system, completing the creation with utmost perfection and beauty, is the One who is uniquely distinguished in His Lordship and the only Deity deserving of worship, the Possessor of vast, all-encompassing mercy and wisdom, and encompassing all things within His knowledge. Therefore, the One whose affairs are as such rightfully deserves to be worshipped alone, without any partners, and to be acknowledged and remembered for His all-encompassing perfect benevolence and the blessings He has bestowed upon us. The magnificent creations in the universe demonstrate the flawlessness of His capability and the grandeur of His authority. The remarkable and exquisite organisation within it, the creation that is impeccably perfected in every aspect, reveals His unparalleled, all-encompassing perfect wisdom, and affirms that He alone deserves all praise. Moreover, the diverse elements of a specific nature found within it exemplify the enforcement of His all-encompassing perfect will and intention. Furthermore, the countless benefits and welfare for His servants, which are beyond enumeration and comprehension due to their vast variety and distinct characteristics, serve as evidence of His immense mercy, grace, kindness, generosity, and benevolence. All of these manifestations unequivocally establish the obligation to worship Him exclusively and to perform deeds with utmost sincerity for His sake. Additionally, the fact that He has brought forth these mighty creations into existence attests to His ability to resurrect the deceased and His capability to accomplish all things. [1]

Read the article by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve him]
Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation
http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm


[1] Al-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aniyyah Fee Anna Al-Uloom Wal A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fee Ad-Deen Al-Islamiy pages 2-3 [The Qur’an evidences demonstrates that modern beneficial sciences and activities are incorporated into the Islamic religion]

 

[1] Accurate Identification of the embodiment of Contemporary Beneficial Sciences and Activities within the Islamic Religion

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

All praise and thanks are due to Allāh. We praise Him, ask for His assistance and forgiveness, and turn to Him in repentance. We seek protection with Allāh from the harm caused by ourselves and our actions. Whomever Allāh guides, no one can lead astray, and whomever Allāh allows to stray (due to a perversion in their heart), then no one can guide. I testify that there is no god worthy of worship besides Allāh, alone, without any partners, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

This treatise presents conclusive evidence that the Islamic religion encompasses all that is good, compassionate, righteous, rightly guided, and corrective in its teachings, practices, functions, and instructions. It addresses all situations and incorporates the beneficial modern sciences and professions within its framework. The religion does not dismiss these sciences as some ignorant individuals claim, nor (agrees with) those who feign ignorance and believe that these sciences offer nothing new. Rather, whatever is beneficial from these fields for both religious and worldly matters, for communities and individuals, falls under the umbrella of the religion. The religion has clearly pointed out and directed people towards these beneficial affairs and every useful thing until the Day of Judgement; and a clarification that if modern professions are not aligned with the principles and values of religion, their negative impact will outweigh their positive contributions. Nonetheless, this principle necessitates two important considerations:

First, it is essential to know the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah, both in general and in detail. Additionally, one must be aware of the existing affairs and recognised realities that are acknowledged by fair-minded individuals. By being well-informed about these two aspects, it becomes evident that Islamic disciplines, functions, and specific subject matters do not exclude anything that promotes goodness and righteousness. The person who thoroughly understands this uses these two elements as evidence and understands that a lack of either one or both can lead to deficiencies. By grasping the overarching fundamental principles related to the topic, they can connect specific issues back to these fundamental principles. However, if someone speaks on these specific issues without first understanding the general fundamental principles, serious mistakes will be made, leading to confusion only for the ignorant or the stubborn opponents. [1]

Read the article by Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve him]

Understanding the Two Definitions of ‘Science’ in Operation

http://www.aboutatheism.net/articles/juvtbpd-understanding-the-two-definitions-of-science-and-scientific-enquiry.cfm


[1] Al-Dalaa’il Al-Qur’aniyyah Fee Anna Al-Uloom Wal A’maal An-Naafi’ah Al-Asriyyah Daakhilatun Fee Ad-Deen Al-Islamiy pages 1-2 [The Qur’an evidences demonstrates that modern beneficial sciences and activities are incorporated into the Islamic religion]

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]

Popes Received a Deserved Precise Response From An Erudite Contemporary Senior Scholar of The Ummah [Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali]

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

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadi Al-Mad’khali [may Allah preserve him] stated:

It has been broadcasted and spread in the media, including via broadcasts, newspapers, and websites, that the Pope of the Vatican Benedict the 16th attacked Islam and Allah’s Messenger, Muhammad [peace and blessings be upon him], describing him and his message to be evil and rough. This is a strange and astounding affair that contradicts sound reasoning and intelligence, and the evident reality of Islam – the Islam through which Allah removed humankind out of darkness (and entered them) into light, (removed them) from the tyranny of (false or distorted) religions to the justice of Islam, which (even) the people of intelligence amongst its enemies bear witness to. I will not prolong my praise of Islam and the Messenger of Islam, because indeed the world and the libraries are filled with it, so I say:

Indeed, Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger- truly and truthfully. Allah sent him as a mercy to the entire creation, as a bearer of glad tidings, a warner, a caller to (the path of) Allah, and an illuminating lamp (through Allah’s instructions from the Qur’an and the Sunnah). He came honouring the Prophets and their books; rather he came with love for them, belief in them and their books. Allah [The Exalted] said:

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِن رَّبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللّهِ وَمَلآئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّن رُّسُلِهِ

The Messenger (Muhammad ) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say, “We make no distinction between one another of His Messengers”. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 285]

Allah [The Exalted] – whilst commanding the Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his Ummah- stated:

قُولُواْ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالأسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَمَا أُوتِيَ النَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say (O Muslims), “We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which has been sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob), and to Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)], and that which has been given to Musa (Moses) and ‘Iesa (Jesus), and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam).” [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 136]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

قُلْ آمَنَّا بِاللّهِ وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَيْنَا وَمَا أُنزِلَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَالأَسْبَاطِ وَمَا أُوتِيَ مُوسَى وَعِيسَى وَالنَّبِيُّونَ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ لاَ نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِّنْهُمْ وَنَحْنُ لَهُ مُسْلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “We believe in Allah and in what has been sent down to us, and what was sent down to Ibrahim (Abraham), Isma’il (Ishmael), Ishaque (Isaac), Ya’qub (Jacob) and Al-Asbat [the twelve sons of Ya’qub (Jacob)] and what was given to Musa (Moses), ‘Iesa (Jesus) and the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between one another among them and to Him (Allah) we have submitted (in Islam).” [Surah Aal Imran. Ayah 84]

Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] brought Adl and Ihsan, forbidding indecency, evil and transgression. Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ اللّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالإِحْسَانِ وَإِيتَاء ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَيَنْهَى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاء وَالْمُنكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet in a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help, etc.): and forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and Al-Munkar (i.e all that is prohibited by Islamic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and Al-Baghy (i.e. all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed. [Surah An-Nahl. Ayah 90]

He brought Jihad to uphold the statement of Allah [i.e. none has the right to be worshipped except Allah] and eliminate disbelief, polytheism and corruption. Musa [Moses – (peace and blessings be upon him)] and the Prophets of the Children of Israel preceded him in this. And he brought Qisaas [the law of Equality in punishment] and Hudood [prescribed limits related to lawful and unlawful based on the Qur’an and Sunnah] to protect religion, lives, honour and wealth. And indeed, Musa (Moses) and the Prophets of the children of Israel after him preceded Muhammad in this affair, and that is good, benevolence, preservation of honour and wealth… to establish security and safety, facilitate (sound, lawful things that are) beneficial and ward off harm. No one describes Muhammad and his message as evil except a disbelieving liar who attacks Musa and his message, and attacks the Prophets after him who used to rule by the Torah. Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَا التَّوْرَاةَ فِيهَا هُدًى وَنُورٌ يَحْكُمُ بِهَا النَّبِيُّونَ الَّذِينَ أَسْلَمُواْ لِلَّذِينَ هَادُواْ وَالرَّبَّانِيُّونَ وَالأَحْبَارُ بِمَا اسْتُحْفِظُواْ مِن كِتَابِ اللّهِ وَكَانُواْ عَلَيْهِ شُهَدَاء فَلاَ تَخْشَوُاْ النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلاَ تَشْتَرُواْ بِآيَاتِي ثَمَناً قَلِيلاً وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْكَافِرُونَ وَكَتَبْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ فِيهَا أَنَّ النَّفْسَ بِالنَّفْسِ وَالْعَيْنَ بِالْعَيْنِ وَالأَنفَ بِالأَنفِ وَالأُذُنَ بِالأُذُنِ وَالسِّنَّ بِالسِّنِّ وَالْجُرُوحَ قِصَاصٌ فَمَن تَصَدَّقَ بِهِ فَهُوَ كَفَّارَةٌ لَّهُ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ

Verily, We did send down the Taurat (Torah) [to Musa (Moses)], therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to Allah’s Will, judged the Jews. And the rabbis and the priests [too judged the Jews by the Taurat (Torah) after those Prophets] for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book, and they were witnesses thereto. Therefore fear not men but fear Me (O Jews) and sell not My Verses for a miserable price. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, such are the Kafirun (i.e. disbelievers – of a lesser degree as they do not act on Allah’s Laws ). 45. And We ordained therein for them: “Life for life , eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth, and wounds equal for equal.” But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which Allah has revealed, such are the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers – of a lesser degree). [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayaat 44-45]

Allah [The Exalted] said: [وَلْيَحْكُمْ أَهْلُ الإِنجِيلِ بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فِيهِ وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ فَأُوْلَـئِكَ هُمُ الْفَاسِقُونَ – Let the people of the Injeel (Gospel) judge by what Allah has revealed therein. And whosoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed (then) such (people) are the Fasiqun (the rebellious i.e. disobedient (of a lesser degree) to Allah]. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 47]

Indeed, the Jews and Christians disbelieved in the Torah and the Injeel (i.e. those amongst them who disbelieved during and after the departure of their Prophets), and they did not act according to the (sound) beliefs and rulings in them. And they belied Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], who came to confirm the Prophets and their books, including the Torah and the Injeel. They disbelieved in Muhammad and what was included in his message of ratification of all the Prophets and ratification of what is in the Torah and the Injeel, and what is in them of (sound) beliefs and rulings, except what Islam abrogated.

And they fought him with the fiercest of war, especially their rabbis, monks and popes, out of arrogance, envy and transgression after they distorted their books and manipulated their texts, and turned what they contained of (sound) beliefs, monotheism and faith into polytheism and disbelief, and invalidated the rulings in them!! So if this is their stance towards their books that they claim to believe in, then how is it difficult for them to disbelieve in Muhammad and in what he brought of the Qur’an, which falsehood cannot approach from before it or behind it [i.e. no devil -amongst humankind and Jinn – can approach it, neither by stealing nor by entering what is not part of it, neither by addition nor taking away something from it, because Allah preserved it at the time of its revelation, preserved its words and meanings, and indeed the One who revealed it (Allah) guaranteed that it will be preserved, as He [The Exalted] said: إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا ٱلذِّكۡرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ ۥ لَحَـٰفِظُونَ – Verily We: It is We Who have sent down the Dhikr (i.e. the Quran) and surely, We will guard it (from corruption). (see Tafseer as-Sadi. Surah Fussilat. Ayah 42]

O People of the Scripture! Repent to Allah with sincere repentance, and follow Muhammad, about whom your books and Isa (Jesus) [peace and blessings be upon him] gave glad tidings. Allah says:

وَإِذْ قَالَ عِيسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ إِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكُم مُّصَدِّقاً لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَاةِ وَمُبَشِّراً بِرَسُولٍ يَأْتِي مِن بَعْدِي اسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ فَلَمَّا جَاءهُم بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ قَالُوا هَذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ

And (remember) when ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: “O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you confirming the Taurat [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed . But when he (Ahmed i.e. Muhammad ) came to them with clear proofs, they said: “This is plain magic.” [Surah As-Saff. Ayah 6]

Allah says:

قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ تَعَالَوْاْ إِلَى كَلَمَةٍ سَوَاء بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمْ أَلاَّ نَعْبُدَ إِلاَّ اللّهَ وَلاَ نُشْرِكَ بِهِ شَيْئاً وَلاَ يَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُنَا بَعْضاً أَرْبَاباً مِّن دُونِ اللّهِ فَإِن تَوَلَّوْاْ فَقُولُواْ اشْهَدُواْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ

Say (O Muhammad ): “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): Come to a word that is just between us and you, that we worship none but Allah, and that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords besides Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” [Surah Al Imran . Ayah 64]

Allah says: [يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَلْبِسُونَ الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُونَ الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ . O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians): “Why do you mix truth with falsehood and conceal the truth while you know?”] [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 71]

Allah says: [قُلْ يَا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ لِمَ تَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ اللّهِ مَنْ آمَنَ تَبْغُونَهَا عِوَجاً وَأَنتُمْ شُهَدَاء وَمَا اللّهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ – Say: “O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you stop those who have believed, from the Path of Allah, seeking to make it seem crooked, while you (yourselves) are witnesses [to Muhammad as a Messenger of Allah and Islam (Allah’s Religion, i.e. to worship none but Him Alone)]? And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”] [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 99]

O you who is called the Pope of the Vatican! Submit in Islam and you will be safe, and Allah will reward you twice; but if you refuse, then you are responsible for the sin of your followers among the European and non-European Christians. Submit to Islam so that the adherents to your religion will be safe, and Allah will enter you into a garden as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous, the followers of the truthful messengers. Believe in this great Qur’an, which is (trustworthy in highness and a witness) over all messages, brought the correct beliefs and just rulings that are supported by those with the most superior (sound) intellects and sound (uncorrupted) natural disposition.

Believe – you and your followers – in this Qur’an that contains what I have mentioned to you, and has reached a degree of miraculousness that cannot be matched by any other type – material or religious. Allah challenged Jinn and mankind to come up with the like of it, but they are unable to come up with the like of it; rather, they are unable to come up with ten chapters like it, and not even a chapter like it. They are unable, even if they aid one another. In this alone is what should invite the popes and their followers to (Islamic) faith if they have a share of reason, prudence, comprehension and fairness. Submit in Islam O Popes, surrender and obtain a paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, or else be sure of the severe, eternal punishment of a fire that Allah has prepared for the unbelievers, whose heat is intense and its bottom is far away. Allah [The Exalted] stated in the Great and His Book full of wisdom (i.e. full of laws, evidences, and proofs): [إِنَّا أَعْتَدْنَا لِلْكَافِرِينَ سَلاسِلا وَأَغْلالاً وَسَعِيراً – Verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers iron chains, iron collars, and a blazing Fire]. [Surah Al-Insaan. Ayah 4]

Allah [The Exalted] says in His Great Book:

وَذَرْنِي وَالْمُكَذِّبِينَ أُولِي النَّعْمَةِ وَمَهِّلْهُمْ قَلِيلاً إن لدينا أنكالا وجحيما وطعاما ذا غصة وعذابا أليما يوم يوْمَ تَرْجُفُ الْأَرْضُ وَالْجِبَالُ وَكَانَتِ الْجِبَالُ كَثِيباً مَّهِيلاً . إنا أرسلنا إليكم رسولا شاهداً عليكم كما أرسلنا إلى فرعون رسولا فعصى فرعون الرسول فأخذناه أخذا وبيلا

And leave Me Alone to deal with the beliers (those who deny My Verses, etc.), and those who are in possession of good things of life. And give them respite for a little while. Verily, with Us are fetters (to bind them), and a raging Fire. And a food that chokes, and a painful torment. On the Day when the earth and the mountains will be in violent shake, and the mountains will be a heap of sand poured out and flowing down. [Surah Al-Muzzammil. Ayaat 11-14]

O popes! Neither be deceived by the life of this worldly life nor let the chief deceiver (Satan) deceive you about Allah. And know that your predecessors have distorted your books, corrupted your religion, made human beings objects of worship besides Allah and claimed that Jesus is the son of Allaah or the third of three -Exalted is Allaah, far away and above is He from this. Allaah stated in His eternal and miraculous book that is preserved against distortion and alteration: [قل هو الله أحد الله الصمد لم يلد ولم يولد ولم يكن له كفوا أحد – Say (O Muhammad): “He is Allah, (the) One. Allah-us-Samad (The Self-Sufficient Master, Whom all creatures need, He neither eats nor drinks). He begets not, nor was He begotten; and there is none co-equal or comparable unto Him]. [Surah Al-Ikhlaas]

And [The Exalted] stated in this great, miraculous book:

لقد جئتم شيئاً إدا تكاد السماوات يتفطرن منه وتنشق الأرض وتخر الجبال هدا أن دعوا للرحمن ولدا وما ينبغي للرحمن أن يتخذ ولداً إن كل من في السماوات والأرض إلا آتي الرحمن عبداً لقد أحصاهم وعدهم عدا وكلهم آتيه يوم القيامة فرداً

Indeed, you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing. Whereby the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, that they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah). But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily, He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting. And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender). [Surah Maryam. Ayaat 89-95]

O People of the Scripture and O Popes! All the messengers – including Jesus [peace be upon him] – came with monotheism and fought against polytheism. Allah [The Exalted] said:

لَقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُواْ إِنَّ اللّهَ هُوَ الْمَسِيحُ ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ وَقَالَ الْمَسِيحُ يَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ اعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ رَبِّي وَرَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ مَن يُشْرِكْ بِاللّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللّهُ عَلَيهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَأْوَاهُ النَّارُ وَمَا لِلظَّالِمِينَ مِنْ أَنصَارٍ

Surely, they have disbelieved who say: “Allah is the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)], son of Maryam (Mary).” But the Messiah [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: “O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.” Verily, whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode . And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 72]

So he [Isa (Jesus – peace be upon him)] commanded that Allah is worshipped alone, declared that Allah is his Lord, the Lord of those he addressed and was sent to (as their Messenger), and that whoever associates partners with Allah, then indeed Allah will forbid him from Paradise and his abode is Hell (if he dies in that state and did not repent). Allah [The Exalted] says:

لَّقَدْ كَفَرَ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ ثَالِثُ ثَلَاثَةٍ ۘ وَمَا مِنْ إِلَٰهٍ إِلَّا إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ ۚ وَإِن لَّمْ يَنتَهُوا عَمَّا يَقُولُونَ لَيَمَسَّنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ

Surely, disbelievers are those who said: “Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity).” But there is no ilah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God -Allah). And if they cease not from what they say, verily, a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them. [Surah Al-Maa’idah. Ayah 73]

O Christians and popes! Refrain from what Allah has warned you against about deifying Jesus and others amongst the creation, otherwise you are upon disbelief and polytheism, and the recompense for that is that Allah will forbid you from entering Paradise and make your abode the Fire (forever if you die in that state and refrain from repentance through Islam).

Do not be deceived by what you found your predecessors upon, your popes and monks, because indeed – By Allah – they were upon falsehood and disbelief, and they have distorted the Torah and the Injeel, as I have told you before. Do not think that Jesus will intercede for you or enter you into paradise and save you from Hell, because this is not in his hand, and because you have opposed him and his belief- the belief in monotheism; and you have taken him as a god, whilst he has declared that one who does so is a disbeliever, and he will free himself from you and your misguidance, and your taking him and his mother as two deities besides Allah. Allah [The Exalted] says:

وَإِذۡ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَـٰعِيسَى ٱبۡنَ مَرۡيَمَ ءَأَنتَ قُلۡتَ لِلنَّاسِ ٱتَّخِذُونِى وَأُمِّىَ إِلَـٰهَيۡنِ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ سُبۡحَـٰنَكَ مَا يَكُونُ لِىٓ أَنۡ أَقُولَ مَا لَيۡسَ لِى بِحَقٍّ‌ۚ إِن كُنتُ قُلۡتُهُ ۥ فَقَدۡ عَلِمۡتَهُ ۥ‌ۚ تَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى نَفۡسِى وَلَآ أَعۡلَمُ مَا فِى نَفۡسِكَ‌ۚ إِنَّكَ أَنتَ عَلَّـٰمُ ٱلۡغُيُوبِ
مَا قُلۡتُ لَهُمۡ إِلَّا مَآ أَمَرۡتَنِى بِهِۦۤ أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبَّكُمۡ‌ۚ وَكُنتُ عَلَيۡہِمۡ شَہِيدً۬ا مَّا دُمۡتُ فِيہِمۡ‌ۖ فَلَمَّا تَوَفَّيۡتَنِى كُنتَ أَنتَ ٱلرَّقِيبَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ‌ۚ وَأَنتَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىۡءٍ۬ شَہِيدٌ
إِن تُعَذِّبۡہُمۡ فَإِنَّہُمۡ عِبَادُكَ‌ۖ وَإِن تَغۡفِرۡ لَهُمۡ فَإِنَّكَ أَنتَ ٱلۡعَزِيزُ ٱلۡحَكِيمُ

And (remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allah?’ ” He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner-self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All-Knower of all that is hidden and unseen. “Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allah) did command me to say: ‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world). “If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise .” [Surah Al-Maa’idah. 116-118]

This is Jesus disavowing the belief of the Christians and their false belief in him and his mother that they are deities besides Allah, and declares in the presence of Allah that he only commanded people as his Lord commanded him (to worship Allah alone, my Lord and your Lord). Allah is his Lord and the Lord of people, and it is impossible for him to claim deityship for himself and his mother, and command people to associate partners with Allah.

If you deny the realities contained in this speech, argue and dispute about it, then indeed, I (i.e. Rabee Bin Haadi) invite you to Mubahala (see footnote a), just as Allah commanded His truthful and trustworthy Messenger, saying:

فَمَنْ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْاْ نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءنَا وَأَبْنَاءكُمْ وَنِسَاءنَا وَنِسَاءكُمْ وَأَنفُسَنَا وأَنفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَل لَّعْنَةَ اللّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allah, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad ) “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves – then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [Surah Al Imran. Ayah 61]

There is a perfect example – for me and every Muslim – in this to follow Muhammad [may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] And peace be upon those who follow guidance.

Written By Ash-Shaikh Rabee Bin Hadi Umayr Al-Madkhali 24 /Shaaban / 1427 AH

[Source: https://www.mimham.net/met-987 paraphrased]

———————————–

Footnote a: Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Tamiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: As for the Christians, then indeed the people of Najraan – from Yemen – came to debate with him [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] in his Masjid, so Allah revealed Surah Al Imraan regarding them. And when his proofs became manifest and it became clear to them that he is a Messenger of Allah sent to them, Allah commanded him that if they do not respond to his call, then he should call them for MUBAAHALAH [i.e. invoke the curse of Allah on the liars]. Allah [The Exalted] says:

فَمَنۡ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ فَقُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ نَدۡعُ أَبۡنَآءَنَا وَأَبۡنَآءَكُمۡ وَنِسَآءَنَا وَنِسَآءَكُمۡ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمۡ ثُمَّ نَبۡتَہِلۡ فَنَجۡعَل لَّعۡنَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰذِبِينَ

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allah, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad) “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves – then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Aayah 61]

When he called them for MUBAAHALAH, they asked him to give them some time until they consult one another. So they said to one another, “Do not do this, because by Allah, if he is a Prophet and we do this invocation, then neither we nor our offspring after us will be successful”. So they excused themselves from Mubaahalah and agreed to pay Jizyah, because they were scared of his supplication as they knew that he is Prophet. [An Excerpt from ‘Al-Jawaabus Saheeh. Pages 50-51. Slightly paraphrased]

MUBAAHALAH: Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “There is a benefit in the story of the people of Najraan, and in it is that Mubaahalah is legislated against the opposer when he persists upon [falsehood] after the proofs have been manifested. Indeed, Ibn Abbaas [radiyallaahu-anhumaa] did call to it, then Al-Awzaa’ee [rahimahullaah] and some of the scholars. And that which is well known from experience is that the affair of one who performs Mubaahalah – whilst he is one upon falsehood – does not extend beyond the year of the Mubaahalah. This occurred between me and a person who was fanatically supporting some of the heretics and after two months he could not stand up”. [An Excerpt from ‘Fat-hul Baari’ 12/195. Slightly paraphrased]

Imaam Al Albaanee [may Allaah have mercy upon him] was asked about the ruling on MUBAAHALAH in relation to worldly matters: Question: The hadith regarding the Najran delegation is well known when they came to the Messenger of Allah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him], and then Allah revealed:

فَمَنۡ حَآجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ مَا جَآءَكَ مِنَ ٱلۡعِلۡمِ فَقُلۡ تَعَالَوۡاْ نَدۡعُ أَبۡنَآءَنَا وَأَبۡنَآءَكُمۡ وَنِسَآءَنَا وَنِسَآءَكُمۡ وَأَنفُسَنَا وَأَنفُسَكُمۡ ثُمَّ نَبۡتَہِلۡ فَنَجۡعَل لَّعۡنَتَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰذِبِينَ

Then whoever disputes with you concerning him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] after (all this) knowledge that has come to you, [i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus)] being a slave of Allah, and having no share in Divinity) say: (O Muhammad) “Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves – then we pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie.” [Surah Aal Imraan. Ayah 61]

So he called them to MUBAAHALAH, but they refused. It is well known to us that MUBAAHALAH is not to be done except in issues related to Aqeedah, but some people amongst the Muslims suggest this ruling in worldly affairs between him and his Muslim brother; meaning, if my Muslim brother owes me money but denies it, then would it be permissible to suggest this ruling between me and my Muslim brother?

Answer: May Allah bless you. The answer to this question is that it is not permissible to suggest this in such a situation or suggest this Shariah ruling in relation to material issues due to two reasons: Firstly, because this story is related to issues of Aqeedah as you have stated today. Secondly, as for the material issues, then Islam has legislated a system and principle for it. He [i.e. the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] said, “The burden of proof is on the claimant and an oath is a duty upon the one who denies the claim”. So, there is no room for Mubaahalah in this affair, which Allah [The Mighty and Majestic] legislated in that affair between His Messenger [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] and those Christians of the Najran who denied true Islamic Monotheism and persisted on the Trinity. So, this affair is not suggested in another issue besides this because neither is there a narration of the pious predecessors nor a hadeeth regarding it. However, if it must be done, then it can be suggested when two groups of Muslims differ in some ideas or Aqeedah- for example between the Mutazilah and Ahlus Sunnah. It is possible that if some Mu’tazilee is haughty after discussion and after evidences have been presented, then the Sunnee seeks Mubaahalah from him – that may the curse of Allah be upon the liars. Therefore, it is possible to suggest this in such an affair. (see footnote b) But as for the question with regards to suggesting this affair in issues related to material dispute, then this is not permissible. [An Excerpt from ‘Silsilah Al-Hudaa Wan-Noor 703’. Slightly paraphrased]

Footnote b: Shaikh Rabee’: Decisive words regarding permissible and forbidden debating in explanation of Imām al-Barbahāree (d. 329H): https://abukhadeejah.com/shaikh-rabee-decisive-words-regarding-permissible-and-forbidden-debating-in-explanation-of-imam-al-barbaharee-d-328h/

Finally, we once make it very clear that we are a people – by the Tawfeeq of Allah – who deal justly with the non-Muslims. Read articles by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah and Shaikh Abu Iyaadh [may Allah preserve them].

The Islamic Shariah on the Foundation of Muslim Relations With Non-Muslims Who Do Not Show Aggression and Hostility: http://www.shariah.ws/articles/szsumlh-the-foundation-of-muslim-relations-with-non-muslims-who-do-not-show-aggression-and-hostility.cfm

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/nmsdfkp-islam-and-the-muslims-are-free-and-innocent-of-the-kharijite-extremists.cfm

Living With non-Muslims in the West with fine conduct- By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://abukhadeejah.com/living-with-non-muslims-in-the-west-with-fine-conduct/

Informing The Authorities of Terrorist Plots – By Shaikh Abu Khadeejah [may Allaah preserve him]: https://masjidfurqan.co.uk/2014/07/03/informing-the-authorities-of-terrorist-plots-by-ustaadh-abu-khadeejah-may-allaah-preserve-him/

Al-Allaamah Salih Aal Ash-Shaikh: Shariah Calls for Protection of Life and Property: http://www.shariah.ws/articles/csuslgk-shaikh-salih-aal-ash-shaikh-shariah-calls-for-protection-of-life-and-property.cfm

Al-Allaamah Salih Al-Fawzan: The Islamic Shariah Provides Security for Muslims and Non-Muslims and Those Who Violate It Are Kharijites Who Are to Be Fought and Severely Punished

http://www.shariah.ws/articles/duviqgl-shaykh-salih-al-fawzan-the-islamic-shariah-provides-security–for-muslims-and-non-muslims-and-those-who-violate-it-are-kh257rijites-who-are-to-be-fought-and-severely-punished.cfm

The Prophet of Islam would not kill diplomats, ambassadors, emissaries or foreign delegations even if they were sent by the worst of his enemies
https://abukhadeejah.com/the-prophet-of-islam-would-not-kill-diplomats-ambassadors-emissaries-or-foreign-delegations-even-if-they-were-sent-by-the-worst-of-his-enemies/

The path to relief during severe calamity – [Battle of the Confederates]: By Imaam Ash-Shanqeetee

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

Imaam Muhammad Ameen Ash-Shanqeetee [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated regarding the causes of weakness in the Ummah: The Great Qur’an provides guidance on how to resolve this issue through the most suitable and upright path. Allah explained that the solution to this is related to turning to Him truthfully, one’s degree of faith in Him, and reliance upon Him. That is because Allah is All-Strong and All-Mighty, the Overwhelming and Absolute Subduer of everything, Who is never overcome. Consequently, it is impossible to prevail over someone who is truly an ally of Allah. One glaring example of this was during the Battle of the Confederates when the Muslims were under siege by the unbelievers. Allah says:

إِذْ جَآءُوكُم مِّن فَوْقِكُمْ وَمِنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنكُمْ وَإِذْ زَاغَتِ ٱلْأَبْصَٰرُ وَبَلَغَتِ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٱلْحَنَاجِرَ وَتَظُنُّونَ بِٱللَّهِ ٱلظُّنُونَا۠
هُنَالِكَ ٱبْتُلِىَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَزُلْزِلُوا۟ زِلْزَالًا شَدِيدًا

When they came upon you from above you and from below you, and when the eyes grew wild and the hearts reached to the throats, and you were harbouring doubts about Allah. There, the believers were tried and shaken with a mighty shaking. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayaat 10-11]

Aside from the fact that the Muslims were cut off politically and economically at the time by everyone on Earth, consider the severity of this military siege and its effects on them! When you realise this, you should be aware that Allah said in Surah Al-Ahzaab the following as the solution to this enormous affair that ended this great difficulty. Allah says:

وَلَمَّا رَءَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلْأَحْزَابَ قَالُوا۟ هَٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَصَدَقَ ٱللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُۥ وَمَا زَادَهُمْ إِلَّآ إِيمَٰنًا وَتَسْلِيمًا

And when the believers saw Al-Ahzaab (the confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah). [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayah 22]

That enormous difficulty was ended by this perfect belief in Allah, great submission to Him, and dependence and reliance on Him. And in fact, Allah made clear the benefits of this treatment. Allah mentioned the fruits of this remedy, saying:

وَرَدَّ ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ بِغَيْظِهِمْ لَمْ يَنَالُوا۟ خَيْرًا وَكَفَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱلْقِتَالَ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ قَوِيًّا عَزِيزًا
وَأَنزَلَ ٱلَّذِينَ ظَٰهَرُوهُم مِّنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ مِن صَيَاصِيهِمْ وَقَذَفَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمُ ٱلرُّعْبَ فَرِيقًا تَقْتُلُونَ وَتَأْسِرُونَ فَرِيقًا
وَأَوْرَثَكُمْ أَرْضَهُمْ وَدِيَٰرَهُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلَهُمْ وَأَرْضًا لَّمْ تَطَـُٔوهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرًا

And Allah drove back those who disbelieved in their rage; they gained no advantage (booty, etc.). Allah sufficed for the believers in the fighting (by sending against the disbelievers a severe wind and troops of angels). And Allah is Ever All-Strong, All-Mighty. And those of the people of the Scripture who backed them [the Quraish disbelievers] Allah brought them down from their forts and cast terror into their hearts, (so that) a group (of them) you killed (during the battle), and a group (of them) you made captives. And He caused you to inherit (as war booty) their lands, and their houses, and their riches, and a land which you had not trodden (before). And Allah is Able to do all things. [Surah Al-Ahzaab. Ayaat 25-27]

This is how Allah supported them in their fight against their adversaries. They had no idea nor aware that they were aided by the wind and the angels. Allah says:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱذْكُرُوا۟ نِعْمَةَ ٱللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ جَآءَتْكُمْ جُنُودٌ فَأَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيحًا وَجُنُودًا لَّمْ تَرَوْهَا وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرًا

O you who believe! Remember Allah’s Favour to you, when there came against you hosts, and We sent against them a wind and forces that you saw not [i.e. troops of angels during the battle of Al-Ahzab (the Confederates)]. And Allah is Ever All-Seer of what you do. (1) [End of quote]

Therefore, we can never lose hope because the oppressed believers will receive help one day regardless of the difficulties. However, because it was Iman and complete submission that brought about relief in those trying circumstances during the battle of the confederates, let us strive to increase in Iman and submission, while also doing everything we can within the boundaries of the Sunnah to aid the oppressed.


[1] An Excerpt from ‘Adwaa Al-Bayaan Vol 3. pages 301-302

[1] “Jesus was not Palestinian” “Jesus was a proud observant Jew”- [Brief observation on an opinion piece -by Jordan Cope- at Jerusalem Post]

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

Allah (The Most High) said:

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا الْحَقَّ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا الْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

And mix not truth with falsehood, nor conceal the truth while you know (the truth). [2:42]

Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Allah forbade us from mixing truth with falsehood, thus leading to the concealment of the truth. Mixing truth with false is by mixing the two until one of them is confused with the other. This is forgery and deceit by way of which what is made apparent is the opposite of what it is in reality. Also, when the truth is confounded with falsehood, the culprit manifests falsehood in the image of truth and speaks with a statement that carries two meanings- a correct meaning and a false meaning, so the listener is under the illusion that the speaker intends the correct meaning, whilst he (i.e. the speaker) intends the corrupt meaning. [1]

Jordan Cope stated: “The ahistorical myth that Jesus was a Palestinian is often rooted in nationalist propaganda designed to erase Jewish history and memory, a centuries-old system of anti-Jewish oppression”. [End of quote]

 

Response

This is a myth, without a doubt, and it doesn’t take much work to demonstrate its fallacy. Nevertheless, Jordan’s opinion piece raises other points that require clarification. To complete this brief discussion, we must first examine the definition of the noun Jew, which is “any person whose religion is Judaism. In the broader sense of the term, a Jew is any person belonging to the worldwide group that constitutes, through descent or conversion, a continuation of the ancient Jewish people, who were themselves descendants of the Hebrews of the Bible (Old Testament). In ancient times, a Yĕhūdhī was originally a member of Judah—i.e., either of the tribe of Judah (one of the 12 tribes that took possession of the Promised Land) or of the subsequent Kingdom of Judah (in contrast to the rival Kingdom of Israel to the north). The Jewish people as a whole, initially called Hebrews (ʿIvrim), were known as Israelites (Yisreʾelim) from the time of their entrance into the Holy Land to the end of the Babylonian Exile (538 BCE). Thereafter, the term Yĕhūdhī (Latin: Judaeus; French: Juif; German: Jude; and English: Jew) was used to signify all adherents of Judaism, because the survivors of the Exile (former inhabitants of the Kingdom of Judah) were the only Israelites who had retained their distinctive identity. (The 10 tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel had been dispersed after the Assyrian conquest of 721 BCE and were gradually assimilated by other peoples.) The term Jew is thus derived through the Latin Judaeus and the Greek Ioudaios from the Hebrew Yĕhūdhī. The latter term is an adjective occurring only in the later parts of the Hebrew Bible and signifying a descendant of Yehudhah (Judah), the fourth son of Jacob, whose tribe, together with that of his half-brother Benjamin, constituted the Kingdom of Judah. In the modern world, a definition of Jew that would be satisfactory to all is virtually impossible to construct, for it involves ethnic and religious issues that are both complex and controversial. In daily life, for example, those who consider themselves Jews are generally accepted as such by Jews and non-Jews alike, even though such persons may not observe religious practices. While all Jews agree that a child born of a Jewish mother is Jewish, Reform Judaism goes beyond Orthodox and Conservative Judaism in affirming that a child is Jewish if either one of the parents is a Jew. From a purely religious standpoint, Gentile converts to Judaism are accepted as Jewish in the fullest sense of the word. Under Israel’s Law of Return (1950) as amended in 1970, all non-Israeli Jews and Gentile converts to Judaism are entitled to settle in Israel and receive full Israeli citizenship. However, converts who wish to marry in Israel must demonstrate that they were converted under the supervision of an Orthodox rabbi approved by the country’s chief rabbinate, which is authorized to settle questions of personal status regarding marriage and divorce. The Supreme Court of Israel has made incursions into rabbinic interpretations of personal status”. [2] [End of quote]

Jordan’s generalisation that “Jesus was a proud, observant Jew” must be critically examined in light of the infallible, final revelation from Allah. Allah says:

إِذۡ قَالَتِ ٱلۡمَلَـٰٓٮِٕكَةُ يَـٰمَرۡيَمُ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُبَشِّرُكِ بِكَلِمَةٍ۬ مِّنۡهُ ٱسۡمُهُ ٱلۡمَسِيحُ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ وَجِيهً۬ا فِى ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَمِنَ ٱلۡمُقَرَّبِينَ
وَيُكَلِّمُ ٱلنَّاسَ فِى ٱلْمَهْدِ وَكَهْلًا وَمِنَ ٱلصَّٰلِحِينَ
قَالَتْ رَبِّ أَنَّىٰ يَكُونُ لِى وَلَدٌ وَلَمْ يَمْسَسْنِى بَشَرٌ قَالَ كَذَٰلِكِ ٱللَّهُ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَآءُ إِذَا قَضَىٰٓ أَمْرًا فَإِنَّمَا يَقُولُ لَهُۥ كُن فَيَكُونُ
وَيُعَلِّمُهُ ٱلْكِتَٰبَ وَٱلْحِكْمَةَ وَٱلتَّوْرَىٰةَ وَٱلْإِنجِيلَ
وَرَسُولًا إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ أَنِّى قَدْ جِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ أَنِّىٓ أَخْلُقُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطِّينِ كَهَيْـَٔةِ ٱلطَّيْرِ فَأَنفُخُ فِيهِ فَيَكُونُ طَيْرًۢا بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَأُبْرِئُ ٱلْأَكْمَهَ وَٱلْأَبْرَصَ وَأُحْىِ ٱلْمَوْتَىٰ بِإِذْنِ ٱللَّهِ وَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا تَأْكُلُونَ وَمَا تَدَّخِرُونَ فِى بُيُوتِكُمْ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَءَايَةً لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَجِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ
فَلَمَّآ أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ قَالَ ٱلْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَٱشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ وَٱتَّبَعْنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱكْتُبْنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ
وَمَكَرُوا۟ وَمَكَرَ ٱللَّهُ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرُ ٱلْمَٰكِرِينَ
إِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَىٰٓ إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ
فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَأُعَذِّبُهُمْ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْءَاخِرَةِ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن نَّٰصِرِينَ
وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ فَيُوَفِّيهِمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ

(Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word [“Be!” – and he was! i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to Allah. “He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.” She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for Allah creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” and it is. And He (Allah) will teach him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel). And will make him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by Allah’s Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe. And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurat (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me. Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path. Then when ‘Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helpers in Allah’s Cause?” Al-Hawariun (the disciples) said: “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah). Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)”. And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill ‘Iesa (Jesus)], and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of the planners. And (remember) when Allah said: “O ‘Iesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Quran] till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute. As to those who disbelieve, I will punish them with a severe torment in this world and in the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers. And as for those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah) and do righteous good deeds, Allah will pay them their reward in full. And Allah does not like the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers). [Surah Al-Imran. Ayah 45-57]

The above infallible verses of the final revelation make it abundantly evident that the Messiah [peace be upon him] was commanded to affirm the truth found in the Torah and was also given a new scripture, the Injeel, through which he was commanded to abrogate part of the Tawrat, as Allah says that the Messiah said to them:

وَمُصَدِّقًا لِّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ ٱلتَّوْرَىٰةِ وَلِأُحِلَّ لَكُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى حُرِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَجِئْتُكُم بِـَٔايَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُونِ

And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurat (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear Allah and obey me”- Meaning, Isa abrogated some of the laws of the Tawrat but most of it was not abrogated. [3] [إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ رَبِّى وَرَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُوهُ هَٰذَا صِرَٰطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ – Truly! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path]

Then, many of them disbelieved and plotted to have him killed, but Allah saved him. Allah says:

فَلَمَّآ أَحَسَّ عِيسَىٰ مِنْهُمُ ٱلْكُفْرَ قَالَ مَنْ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ قَالَ ٱلْحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحْنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ ءَامَنَّا بِٱللَّهِ وَٱشْهَدْ بِأَنَّا مُسْلِمُونَ
رَبَّنَآ ءَامَنَّا بِمَآ أَنزَلْتَ وَٱتَّبَعْنَا ٱلرَّسُولَ فَٱكْتُبْنَا مَعَ ٱلشَّٰهِدِينَ
وَمَكَرُوا۟ وَمَكَرَ ٱللَّهُ وَٱللَّهُ خَيْرُ ٱلْمَٰكِرِينَ
إِذْ قَالَ ٱللَّهُ يَٰعِيسَىٰٓ إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوْقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ يَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَٰمَةِ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأَحْكُمُ بَيْنَكُمْ فِيمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ

Then when ‘Iesa (Jesus) came to know of their disbelief, he said: “Who will be my helpers in Allah’s Cause?” Al-Hawariun (the disciples) said: “We are the helpers of Allah; we believe in Allah and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e. we submit to Allah). Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down, and we follow the Messenger [‘Iesa (Jesus)]; so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth i.e. La ilaha ill-Allah – none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)”. And they (disbelievers) plotted [to kill ‘Iesa (Jesus)], and Allah planned too. And Allah is the Best of the planners. And (remember) when Allah said: “O ‘Iesa (Jesus)! I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Iesa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Iesa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Quran] till the Day of Resurrection. Then you will return to Me and I will judge between you in the matters in which you used to dispute.” [End of quote]

Therefore, it is abundantly evident that they took a different path after disbelieving in the Messiah, and that the Messiah did not take their path. However, a statement of truth must be established in this matter so that those Jews who rejected the Messiah are not rebuked beyond what they deserve.

Shaikh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

Allah [The Exalted] sent Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and they disbelieved in him, so their disbelief and misguidance occurred in two ways- substitution of the religion of the first Messenger (i.e. the Messiah) and they belied the second Messenger (i.e. Muhammad), just as the Jews substituted the rulings of the Torah before the Messiah was sent and then belied him. The Christians’ denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is a well-known belief of theirs to every Muslim, which is similar to the Jews’ disbelief in the Messiah. The Christians emphasise the disbelief of the Jews as greater than what the Jews deserve because the Jews claimed that the Messiah was a magician and a liar; rather they said that he is an illegitimate child, as Allah informed us about them:

[وَقَوۡلِهِمۡ عَلَىٰ مَرۡيَمَ بُہۡتَـٰنًا عَظِيمً۬ا – And their speech against Maryam (Mary)- a grave false charge (that she has committed illegal sexual intercourse]. [Surah An-Nisaa. Ayah 156]; but the Christians claimed that the Messiah is Allah, therefore the trial between them and the Jews regarding the Messiah involved a lot of contradictions, misguidance at similar levels, and confrontation, and this is why both nations rebuked one another with something more than what each of them deserved, just as Allah said:

وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ كَذَٲلِكَ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يَعۡلَمُونَ مِثۡلَ قَوۡلِهِمۡ‌ۚ فَٱللَّهُ يَحۡكُمُ بَيۡنَهُمۡ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ فِيمَا كَانُواْ فِيهِ يَخۡتَلِفُونَ

The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing, and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture. Like unto their word, said (the pagans) who know not. Allah will judge between them on the Day of Resurrection about that wherein they have been differing. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 113]

Muhammad Bin Abee Muhammad the protege of Zaid Bin Thaabit reported from Ikrimah or Saeed Bin Jubayr, who reported from Ibn Abbaas that when the Christian delegation of Najraan came to Allah’s Messenger, the Rabbis came and argued with them in the presence of the Messenger; so Rabee Bin Hurmilah said, “You are upon nothing” and thus he disbelieved in Isa and all the Injeel. Then a man from the people of Najraan said to the Jews, “You are upon nothing”, and thus he wilfully denied Musa’s [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] Prophethood and disbelieved in the Torah, so Allaah revealed: [وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ وَهُمۡ يَتۡلُونَ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ‌ۗ –
The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing, and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing; though they both recite the Scripture]. [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayah 113]

So, each of them recited the affirmation of what they rejected in their book- meaning, the Jews disbelieved in Isa whilst they had the Torah in which Allah established the evidence against them through Musa that they should believe in Isa and the Injeel, and Isa confirmed Musa’s Messengership and what he came with. So, each one disbelieved in what was in the possession of the other. [Ibn Abee Haatim. 1/339]

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – The Jews said that the Christians follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Aayah, “Certainly, the early Christians were upon something, but they innovated and split”.

[وَقَالَتِ ٱلنَّصَـٰرَىٰ لَيۡسَتِ ٱلۡيَهُودُ عَلَىٰ شَىۡءٍ۬ – and the Christians said that the Jews follow nothing]: Qataadah said regarding this Ayah, “Certainly, the early Jews were upon something, but they innovated and split”. The Jews belied the religion of the Christians and said that the Christians were upon nothing; and the Christians denied everything through which the Jews were distinguished from them, even the laws of the Torah which the Messiah did not abrogate; rather he commanded them to act upon it. As for the Jews, they denied many of things through which others were distinguished from them, until they denied the truth brought by Isa.

So, even though the Christians – due to that which they innovated of exaggeration and misguidance – went to extremes in excommunicating the Jews and showed them enmity beyond what is obligated, however, there is no doubt that the Jews disbelieved when they belied the Messiah, just as Allah [The Exalted] said to the Messiah [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]: [إِنِّى مُتَوَفِّيكَ وَرَافِعُكَ إِلَىَّ وَمُطَهِّرُكَ مِنَ ٱلَّذِينَ ڪَفَرُواْ وَجَاعِلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوكَ فَوۡقَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوٓاْ – I will take you and raise you to Myself and clear you [of the forged statement that ‘Isa (Jesus) is Allah’s son] of those who disbelieve, and I will make those who follow you (Monotheists, who worship none but Allah) superior to those who disbelieve [in the Oneness of Allah, or disbelieve in some of His Messengers, e.g. Muhammad, ‘Isa (Jesus), Musa (Moses), etc., or in His Holy Books, e.g. the Taurat (Torah), the Injeel (Gospel), the Qur’an] till the Day of Resurrection. [Surah Al-Imraan. Ayah 55]

Allah [The Exalted] says:
قَالَ عِيسَى ٱبۡنُ مَرۡيَمَ لِلۡحَوَارِيِّـۧنَ مَنۡ أَنصَارِىٓ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ قَالَ ٱلۡحَوَارِيُّونَ نَحۡنُ أَنصَارُ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ فَـَٔامَنَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنۢ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ وَكَفَرَت طَّآٮِٕفَةٌ۬‌ۖ فَأَيَّدۡنَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ عَلَىٰ عَدُوِّهِمۡ فَأَصۡبَحُواْ ظَـٰهِرِينَ

Isa the son of Maryam said to Al-Hawariun (the disciples): “Who are my helpers (in the Cause) of Allah?” Al-Hawarieen (the disciples) said: “We are Allah’s helpers” (i.e. we will strive in His Cause!). Then a group of the Children of Israel believed and a group disbelieved. So We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they became the uppermost. [Surah Al-Saff. Ayah 14]

The disbelief of the Christians due to their denial of Muhammad’s Messengership is greater than the disbelief of the Jews due to their denial of the Messiah’s Messengership because the Messiah only abrogated a little from the Torah and all the laws and acts of worship ordained for him could be traced back to the Torah; however the majority of the beliefs and practices of the Christians were innovated after the departure of the Messiah. That which is found in the Jews’ denial of the Messiah by opposing Allah’s Shariah is not the same as the Christians’ denial of Muhammad, who brought an independent book from Allah because nothing in the laws of the Qur’an was ordained based on the law of another Messenger. Allah [The Exalted] said: [أَوَلَمۡ يَكۡفِهِمۡ أَنَّآ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكَ ٱلۡڪِتَـٰبَ يُتۡلَىٰ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٲلِكَ لَرَحۡمَةً۬ وَذِڪۡرَىٰ لِقَوۡمٍ۬ يُؤۡمِنُونَ – Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe]. [Surah Al-Ankabut. Ayah 51]

The Qur’an is an independent book like the Torah of Musa, even though the Qur’an is greater than it. And this is why the Christian scholars made a connection between Musa and Muhammad, just as when An-Najaashee [may Allah have mercy upon him]- the Ethiopian king of the Christians- heard the Qur’an, he said, “Indeed, this and what Musa brought came from the same source”. Also, when Waqarah bin Nawfil [may Allah have mercy upon him] – who was one of the Christian Arab scholars- heard the statement of the Prophet, he said, “Indeed, the Naamoos [i.e. Jibreel] who came to you was sent to Musa. I wish that I were young till when your people expel you”. Allaah’s Messenger asked, “Will these people drive me out?” Waraqah said, “Yes, because nobody brought the like of what you have brought, but was treated with hostility. If I were to remain alive till your day (when you start calling to Islaam), then I would support you strongly”. [Bukhaari]

And this is why Allah mentioned the Torah and the Qur’an together in His statement:

فَلَمَّا جَآءَهُمُ ٱلۡحَقُّ مِنۡ عِندِنَا قَالُواْ لَوۡلَآ أُوتِىَ مِثۡلَ مَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰٓ‌ۚ أَوَلَمۡ يَڪۡفُرُواْ بِمَآ أُوتِىَ مُوسَىٰ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۖ قَالُواْ سِحۡرَانِ تَظَـٰهَرَا وَقَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِكُلٍّ۬ كَـٰفِرُونَ
قُلۡ فَأۡتُواْ بِكِتَـٰبٍ۬ مِّنۡ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ هُوَ أَهۡدَىٰ مِنۡہُمَآ أَتَّبِعۡهُ إِن ڪُنتُمۡ صَـٰدِقِينَ

But when the truth (i.e. Muhammad with his Message) has come to them from Us, they say: “Why is he not given the like of what was given to Musa (Moses)? Did they not disbelieve in that which was given to Musa (Moses) of old? They say: “Two kinds of magic [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an] each helping the other!” And they say: “Verily! In both we are disbelievers.” Say (to them, O Muhammad): “Then bring a Book from Allah, which is a better guide than these two [the Taurat (Torah) and the Qur’an], that I may follow it, if you are truthful.” [Surah Al-Qasas. Ayaat 48-49]

Allah did not revealed books that were a better guide than the Tawraat and the Qur’an. Then Allah says:

فَإِن لَّمۡ يَسۡتَجِيبُواْ لَكَ فَٱعۡلَمۡ أَنَّمَا يَتَّبِعُونَ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ وَمَنۡ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنِ ٱتَّبَعَ هَوَٮٰهُ بِغَيۡرِ هُدً۬ى مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

But if they answer you not (i.e. do not believe in your doctrine of Islamic Monotheism, nor follow you), then know that they only follow their own lusts. And who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah? Verily! Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (wrong-doers, disobedient to Allah, and polytheists). [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 50] [4]

Second, in terms of the Messiah’s lineage, we must distinguish between a Jew by lineage and a Jew by conversion, because some contemporary Jews propagate and disseminate the idea that they are a pure race and that they are the inheritors of the first Israelites who lived in Palestine. “This claim portrays them, in the eyes of Christians, as the children of Yaqub [peace be upon him] and his descendants, and 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 the 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 belies the Yahood in 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 Yahood 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 Yaqub [peace be upon him] (by lineage). “The children of Israel are the descendants of (Prophet) Ya’qub [peace be upon him]. Their first entry into Palestine was with Yu’sha Bin Noon [peace be upon him] after the death of Musa [peace be upon him] during his travels from one place to another, and after they initially refused to fight (after being commanded to do so). There were three tribes in Palestine before the children of Israel took control of it: they were the Phoenicians who inhabited it around the year 3000 BC, and they settled in the northern region of the Mediterranean Sea. And the Canaanites descended south of the Phoenicians and occupied the central region of Palestine in the year 2500 BC. These were Arab tribes migrating from the Arabian Peninsula, then groups came from the Island of Crete around the year 1200 BC. It was called [فلستين] and was situated between Jaffa and Gaza on the Mediterranean Sea. The Canaanites called these people [فلسطين] and the name prevailed over the entire region, so it became referred to as [فلسطين]. According to what the Jews mentioned in their books, and what was written in the history of the region is that these peoples continued (residing) in the region. Many wars between them and the Children of Israel and the Jews occurred, which continued throughout the presence of the Jews in that region. Therefore, from a historical perspective, it becomes clear to us that the Jews were not the first to inhabit Palestine, but rather they entered it or some of it and captured parts of it after it had been in the possession of these people”. [5]

Third, there is no doubt that noble Isa – the Messiah – [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] was a Jew by lineage. Shaikhul Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no doubt that Musa’s [peace be upon him] people are the Children of Israel, and in Torah was revealed in their language. Also, the Children of Israel are the people of the Messiah [peace be upon him], and he spoke in their language”. [6] “It is known, by Christian consensus, that the Messiah only spoke in Hebrew, like all the other prophets of the Children of Israel, and that he was circumcised after the seventh day of his birth, as the Children of Israel were circumcised”. [7] Imaam Ibn Katheer [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “There is no difference of opinion that Maryam [peace be upon her] was from the lineage of Dawud [peace be upon him], and her father Imran was a leader in prayer for the Children of Israel in his time”. [8] Ibn Al-Atheer [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated, “Imran Bin Maathaan [the grandfather of Isa (peace be upon him) and father of Maryam] was one of the descendants of Prophet Sulayman the son of Dawud [peace be upon both of them], and the Mathan family were the heads and rabbis of the Children of Israel”. [9]

Finally, it should be stated unequivocally based on the preceding that Palestine as a land was inhabited by people of various religions and lineages before the arrival of Bani Israel with Yusha Bin Noon [peace be upon him]. As a result, anyone who claims that Jesus was a Palestinian by lineage is attempting to affirm an outright lie; rather, he was a Jew by lineage (Bani Israel) who lived in ancient Palestine and was sent to Bani Israel. He affirmed the truth of the Torah and was given the Injeel as a new book, and he also abrogated some of the Torah, but they disbelieved him and took a different path. Similarly, it is categorically untrue to assert that Jews were colonised in Palestine, implying that they were the land’s original inhabitants; rather, Bani Israel arrived in the region with Prophet Yusha [peace be upon him] when existing inhabitants were already present. Thus, one of the biggest lies anyone can tell is that Jews have a special historical claim to the land of Palestine. Rather, the land is Allah’s, and He gives it as an inheritance to whomever He pleases. Allah says: [وَلَقَدۡ ڪَتَبۡنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلذِّكۡرِ أَنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ – And indeed We have written in Zabur and after (We have already written in the) Dhikr that My righteous servants shall inherit the land. [Surah Al-Anbiya. Ayah 105]

Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated: Based on this, for example, the land of the Arabs is not for the Arabs, the land of the Persians is not for the Persians, and the land of the Romans is not for the Romans (i.e. Allah can give it to others). The land belongs to Allah and He gives it as a heritage to whom He will, and they are the righteous servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Whoever disbelieves in Allah and is too proud to obey Him has no right to the land. Allah gives it as a heritage to whomever He wills of the righteous servants. Based on this, if the children of Israel say: The land of Shaam is ours because Musa [peace be upon him] said: [يَا قَوْمِ ادْخُلُوا الْأَرْضَ الْمُقَدَّسَةَ الَّتِي كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ – O my people! Enter the holy land (Palestine) which Allah has assigned to you]; we say: Indeed, Musa [peace be upon him] said this because at that time you were righteous people and the righteous servants of Allah, and the earth belongs to Allah Who gives it as a heritage to whomever He wishes from among His righteous servants. However, after the advent of Islam and you disbelieved in it, you became unworthy of (this inheritance), and the righteous and believers in Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]- those who follow him – became its inheritors.

Before the Muslims were expelled (from this inherited land), it was occupied by the Roman Christians (who inherited it from) the Jews because they were righteous after the Jews; then the Muslims occupied it after them because they were the righteous servants of Allah. So, the land of Shaam was written as an inheritance for the righteous (as Allah said): [وَلَقَدۡ ڪَتَبۡنَا فِى ٱلزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱلذِّكۡرِ أَنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِىَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ – And indeed We have written in Zabur and after (We have already written in) Dhikr that My righteous servants shall inherit the land].

Due to this, the Children of Israel (inherited the land from) those people in the sacred land who had great strength because they were upon the truth; then the Christians inherited it from the Jews because they were the people of truth, then the Muslims inherited it from the Christians because they are the people of truth. Based on this, the Yahood at present have no (specific) right to Palestine or any other part of Allah’s earth. Therefore, if the Muslims become righteous and return to their true religion, through which Allah will grant them the heritage of their land, they will regain the land.

وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ لَيَسْتَخْلِفَنَّهُمْ فِي الْأَرْضِ كَمَا اسْتَخْلَفَ الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ

Allah has promised those among you who believe, and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to (the present rulers) in the earth, as He granted it to those before them…[Surah An-Nur. Ayah 55] [10]

Therefore, the likes of Mr Naftali Zionist Bennett’s statement “colonialists expelled the Jews several times” is a statement of truth mingled with a repugnant and absurd assertion designed to cover their tracks, create an illusion, divert attention from the facts, portray themselves positively and others negatively, gain sympathy and benefit, distort how others see the circumstances and convey a misleading impression to others about themselves and people around them. That is because even though Bani Israel was expelled from the land several times, they were not indigenous to the land, rather, the indigenous to the land were those who inhabited it before Bani Israel’s arrival. In addition, Allah says: [وَقَضَيۡنَآ إِلَىٰ بَنِىٓ إِسۡرَٲٓءِيلَ فِى ٱلۡكِتَـٰبِ لَتُفۡسِدُنَّ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مَرَّتَيۡنِ وَلَتَعۡلُنَّ عُلُوًّ۬ا ڪَبِيرً۬ا – And We decreed for the Children of Israel in the Scripture, that indeed you would do mischief on the earth twice and you will become tyrants and extremely arrogant!] [Al-Israa. Ayah 4]– Meaning, We have declared, made a covenant with them and told them in their book that corruption will certainly occur from them on earth twice through committing sins, showing ingratitude to Allah for His Blessings, exalting themselves on earth and being arrogant therein; and that when one of these two (occasions) come to pass, Allah will give power to their enemies and take revenge on them, and this is an admonition and warning to them so that they may return to obedience and take heed. [a]

فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ أُولَٮٰهُمَا بَعَثۡنَا عَلَيۡڪُمۡ عِبَادً۬ا لَّنَآ أُوْلِى بَأۡسٍ۬ شَدِيدٍ۬ فَجَاسُواْ خِلَـٰلَ ٱلدِّيَارِ‌ۚ وَكَانَ وَعۡدً۬ا مَّفۡعُولاً۬

So, when the promise came for the first of the two, We sent against you slaves of Ours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise (completely) fulfilled. [Al-Israa. Ayah 5] – Meaning, the first of the two occasions during which they become corrupt; when such corruption occurred among them, We sent on you – by way of our all-encompassing divine will and decree- recompense (punishment) at the hands of those people with courage, large numbers, and armed, so, Allah gave them victory over you. They killed you, took your children away, plundered your wealth, invaded and destroyed your homes, entered the Sacred Masjid (Baytul Maqdis), and violated it. It was decreed to take place for a reason from themselves. The Qur’an commentators differed regarding the identity of those people who were sent to overpower them, but they agreed that they were unbelievers. Either they were from the people of Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, or elsewhere, whom Allah gave (the strength) to overpower the Children of Israel when their sins became rife, they abandoned much of their Shariah, and transgressed in the land. [b]

ثُمَّ رَدَدۡنَا لَكُمُ ٱلۡڪَرَّةَ عَلَيۡہِمۡ وَأَمۡدَدۡنَـٰكُم بِأَمۡوَٲلٍ۬ وَبَنِينَ وَجَعَلۡنَـٰكُمۡ أَڪۡثَرَ نَفِيرًا

Then We gave you once again, a return of victory over them. And We helped you with wealth and children and made you more numerous in manpower. [Al-Israa. Ayah 6] – Meaning, (gave you victory) against those who overpowered you, so you expelled them from your land; increased your sustenance and number, and gave you strength over them because of your righteous deeds and submission to Allah. [c]

إِنۡ أَحۡسَنتُمۡ أَحۡسَنتُمۡ لِأَنفُسِكُمۡ‌ۖ وَإِنۡ أَسَأۡتُمۡ فَلَهَا‌ۚ فَإِذَا جَآءَ وَعۡدُ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ لِيَسُـۥۤـُٔواْ وُجُوهَڪُمۡ وَلِيَدۡخُلُواْ ٱلۡمَسۡجِدَ ڪَمَا دَخَلُوهُ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَلِيُتَبِّرُواْ مَا عَلَوۡاْ تَتۡبِيرًا

(And We said): ‘If you do good, you do good for your ownselves, and if you do evil, then it is (to your ownselves).’ Then when the later promise came to pass (We enabled your enemies) to put sorrow on your faces (by conquering and enslaving you) and to enter the Mosque (of Jerusalem), as they had entered it the first time, and to destroy everything they came upon with utter destruction. [Al-Israa. Ayah 7] [d]

“If you do good, you do good for your ownselves” because the benefit will return to you, even in this world (before the hereafter) as you witnessed when Allah aided you against your enemies. “And if you do evil, then it is (to your ownselves)”- meaning, the harm will return upon yourselves, as Allah showed you by empowering the enemies. [e]

“Then when the later promise came to pass”– Meaning, the next time you spread corruption on earth, We made your enemies overpower you “to put sorrow on your faces (by conquering and enslaving you)”- Meaning, given victory over you, capture you, and enter the Sacred Masjid as they entered it the first time, and what is meant by the Masjid is Baytul Maqdis; “and to destroy everything they came upon with utter destruction”– Meaning, destroy your homes, Masjids and crops. [f]

عَسَىٰ رَبُّكُمۡ أَن يَرۡحَمَكُمۡ‌ۚ وَإِنۡ عُدتُّمۡ عُدۡنَا‌ۘ وَجَعَلۡنَا جَهَنَّمَ لِلۡكَـٰفِرِينَ حَصِيرًا

(Thereafter Allāh said): ‘Perhaps your Lord may show mercy to you (if you repent), but if you return (to your sinful ways), then We shall return (to punishment). And we have made Hell an enclosure for the disbelievers. [Al-Israa. Ayah 8] [g]

Within these verses (Al-Israa 7 and 8) is a warning to this Ummah against committing acts of disobedience lest what afflicted the Children of Israel afflict them as well. The sunnah (way) of Allāh is one, it does not change or become altered. Whoever looks (and reflects) upon the empowerment of the disbelievers and oppressors against the Muslims will come to know that this was due to their sins, as a punishment to them (to make them realise) that if they enact and establish the Book of Allāh and the Sunnah of His Messenger, He will grant them firm authority in the land and aid them against their enemies. [h] [End of quote]

Indeed, the Messiah [peace be upon him] is free from the claims of those who call him a Palestinian and try to utilise him for nationalist goals, as well as from Jordan and those who wilfully conceal the truth which is that the unbelievers among the Children of Israel chose a different path than the Messiah’s after they rejected him. And regarding anti-Semitism, we do not lend an ear -even in the twinkling of an eye- to Zionists’ exaggerations and propaganda, but rather we return to the truthful researchers instead of those who use it as a political tool to silence anyone who rebuts the Zionists and denounces their cruel and callous treatment of the Palestinian people over the past 75 years. Read below:

https://abuiyaad.com/w/antisemitism-ernest-renan
https://abuiyaad.com/a/muhammad-semitic-prophet

To be continued InShaaAllah

Read: Jesus, the son of Mary and the Messiah: Between Islam and Christianity. Here are ten points that every Christian really should know about Jesus (peace be upon him).
https://abukhadeejah.com/jesus-the-messiah-in-islam-in-christianity-and-in-reality/


[1] Badaa’i At-Tafseer Al-Jaami Limaa Fassarahu Al-Imaam Ibnul Qayyim. 1/124

[2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Jew-people

[3] See both Ibn Katheer and As-Sadi

[4] An Excerpt from Al-Jawaabus Saheeh Liman Baddala Deenul Maseeh. 1/26-30

[5] An Excerpt from “Diraaasaat Fil Ad’yaan Al-Yahoodiyyah Wan-Nasraaniyyah. pages 65-70. Publisher: Daar Adwaa As-Salaf. 6th Edition 1439AH (2018)

[6] Al-Jawaabus Saheeh 2/94

[7] Al-Jawaabus Saheeh 3/32

[8] Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 2/52

[9] Al-Kaamil Fee At-Taareekh 1/251

[10]An Excerpt from “Tafseer Surah An-Nur”. Ayah 55. Slightly paraphrased

[a, b, c & f]: Tafseer As-Sadi

[d, e, g & h]: Translator of verses Shaikh Abu Iyaad [may Allah preserve him] [Source of Tafseer: (Tafseer As-sadi)
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/17/7
https://www.thenoblequran.com/q/#/verse/17/8

[2] Some verses of the Qur’an to ponder upon as Some Zionists continue to cause manifest corruption in Palestine but insist that they are people of rectification

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

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَلَوِ ٱتَّبَعَ ٱلۡحَقُّ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ لَفَسَدَتِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ‌ۚ بَلۡ أَتَيۡنَـٰهُم بِذِڪۡرِهِمۡ فَهُمۡ عَن ذِكۡرِهِم مُّعۡرِضُونَ

And if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, verily, the heavens and the earth, and whosoever is therein would have been ruined! Nay, We have brought them their reminder, but they turn away from their reminder. [Surah Al-Muminoon. Ayah 71]

[وَلَوِ ٱتَّبَعَ ٱلۡحَقُّ أَهۡوَآءَهُمۡ لَفَسَدَتِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٲتُ وَٱلۡأَرۡضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ‌ۚ – And if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, verily, the heavens and the earth, and whosoever is therein would have been ruined!] – Meaning, based on the fact that their desires are attached to wrongdoing, disbelief, and corruption that emanates from (evil) manners and deeds; therefore, if the truth had been in accordance with their desires, the heavens, and the earth would have been ruined due to corrupt behaviour, management of its affairs based on wrongdoing and inequity because the heavens and the earth cannot be maintained in (upright) order except through truth and justice.

[بَلۡ أَتَيۡنَـٰهُم بِذِڪۡرِهِمۡ – Nay, We have brought them their reminder]- Meaning, this Qur’an that reminds them of every good thing, in which there is self-esteem and honour for them if they act upon it, and will become leaders of humankind by way of that. [1] [فَهُمۡ عَن ذِكۡرِهِم مُّعۡرِضُونَ – but they turn away from their reminder] – Meaning, they have turned away from that which will bring about nobility in this life and the next. [2]

Allah [The Exalted] said: [إِن يَتَّبِعُونَ إِلَّا ٱلظَّنَّ وَمَا تَهۡوَى ٱلۡأَنفُسُ‌ۖ – They follow but a guess and that which they themselves desire].  A tremendous benefit is derived from this Ayah because the one deprived of sound faith and the sound creed sent down as revelation by Allah- The Lord of the entire existence- his affair is one of two: corrupt knowledge or corrupt Intent. Corrupt knowledge occurs as a result of following conjecture and corrupt intent occurs as a result of following desires, or a person may combine both of them. Another benefit derived from this Ayah is that the rectification or well-being of a person cannot be attained except by way of two affairs: upright knowledge and upright Intent. This is why Imaam Ibnul Qayyim stated in Miftaah Daarus Sa’aadah that a person requires two things: sound knowledge by way of which he is (rightly) guided and lofty aspiration by way of which he is urged towards (good) because it may be that a person has beneficial knowledge but not upright intent and aspiration. Therefore, one cannot be upright except by way of upright knowledge and intent. Sound knowledge is corrupted by following conjecture and sound intent is corrupted by following the desires of one’s soul. [3]

Allah [The Exalted] said:
أَفَمَن زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ فَرَآهُ حَسَنًا ۖ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَاتٍ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ

Is he, then, to whom the evil of his deeds made fair-seeming so that he considers it as good? Verily, Allah sends astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So destroy not yourself (O Muhammad) in sorrow for them. Truly, Allah is the All-Knower of what they do! [Surah Al-Faatir. Ayah 8]

[أَفَمَن زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ – Is he, then, to whom the evil of his deeds made fair-seeming] -Meaning, his evil and repugnant deeds have been made fair-seeming to him by shaytan and beautified in his eyes; [ فَرَآهُ حَسَنًا- so that he considers it as good] -Meaning, considers his evil and repugnant deeds to be good like the one whom Allah has guided to the straight path and the upright religion, but are the two the same? The first one commits evil deeds and considers truth to be falsehood and falsehood to be truth, and the second person performs good deeds and considers truth to be truth and falsehood to be falsehood. However, guidance is in the hands of Allah:

[ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَاتٍ – Verily, Allah sends astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So destroy not yourself (O Muhammad) in sorrow for them]- Meaning, the misguided ones to whom their evil deeds are made fair-seeming and shaytan hinders them from the truth. Therefore, there is nothing obligated on you (O Muhammad) except to convey the message and there is nothing on you regarding their guidance, rather Allaah is the one who will recompense them for their deeds. [ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ- Truly, Allah is the All-Knower of what they do]. [4]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said, “Everyone with a modicum of intelligence knows that the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (evil) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives are not entrenched in a heart except that its destruction becomes inevitable nor in a nation except that its affairs become completely corrupted”. [5]

Since 1948, the Zionists have committed numerous crimes against Palestinians, and in recent times, they have targeted all areas of the Gaza Strip, such as residential areas, markets, hospitals, mosques, churches, and schools, killing thousands of children and women, as well as non-combatants and aid workers. They also try to silence any influential person in an educational system who speaks out against their crimes and commit all these crimes while claiming to be more humane than others, but their actions show the opposite, as plain as the afternoon sun. This proves that evil is beautified in their eyes under the guise of self-defence. Allah says:

أَفَمَن زُيِّنَ لَهُ سُوءُ عَمَلِهِ فَرَآهُ حَسَنًا ۖ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ يُضِلُّ مَن يَشَاءُ وَيَهْدِي مَن يَشَاءُ ۖ فَلَا تَذْهَبْ نَفْسُكَ عَلَيْهِمْ حَسَرَاتٍ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ بِمَا يَصْنَعُونَ

Is he, then, to whom the evil of his deeds made fair-seeming so that he considers it as good? Verily, Allah sends astray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So destroy not yourself (O Muhammad) in sorrow for them. Truly, Allah is the All-Knower of what they do! [Surah Al-Faatir. Ayah 8]


[1] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.
[2] An Excerpt from Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer. By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi
[3] An Excerpt from Sharh Kitaab At-Tawheed. Lesson 4
[4] An Excerpt from Tafseer As-Sadi.
[5] An Excerpt from Alaam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69

[1] Some verses of the Qur’an to ponder upon as Zionists continue to cause manifest corruption in Palestine but insist that they are people of rectification

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

 وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِۦ وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ
وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُ ٱتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ فَحَسۡبُهُ ۥ جَهَنَّمُ‌ۚ وَلَبِئۡسَ ٱلۡمِهَادُ

And of mankind, there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief. And when it is said to him, “Fear Allah”, he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest! [Surah Al-Baqarah. Ayaat 204-206]

[وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يُعۡجِبُكَ قَوۡلُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا  – And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you in this worldly life]- Meaning, the one who hears his speech is pleased when he speaks and thinks that he has uttered beneficial speech. He emphasises what he says: [وَيُشۡهِدُ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا فِى قَلۡبِهِ – and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart]- Meaning, he says that Allah knows that what is in his heart agrees with what he says, even though he is lying regarding what he says because his speech contradicts his deeds. His speech would have agreed with his deeds had he been truthful because this is the case regarding the believers- those who are not hypocrites. Due to this, Allah said: [وَهُوَ أَلَدُّ ٱلۡخِصَامِ – yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents]- Meaning, when you disagree with him, you’ll find him to be the most quarrelsome, bigoted and difficult person to deal with, as well as the ugly characteristics that result from this behaviour which are the opposite of the manners of the believers- those who make ease their way, submit to the truth and pardon people.

[وَإِذَا تَوَلَّىٰ سَعَىٰ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ لِيُفۡسِدَ فِيهَا وَيُهۡلِكَ ٱلۡحَرۡثَ وَٱلنَّسۡلَ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ – And when he turns away, his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief]- Meaning, when this person – the one whose speech amazes you – is not in your presence, he strives to commit sins that are tantamount to corruption in the earth, and thus cattle and crops are destroyed because of that corruption. The blessings in the vegetation, fruits, and livestock decrease and become little due to evil deeds.

[وَٱللَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلۡفَسَادَ – and Allah likes not mischief]- Meaning, when it is the case that Allah does not like corruption, He has an intense hatred for the person who sows corruption in the earth, even if such a person utters good speech merely on the tongue [i.e. says one thing and does something else].

This verse contains proof regarding the fact that the statements uttered by individuals are not proof of their truthfulness or falsehood, neither that they are righteous nor wicked until deeds ascertain them. And it is obligatory to examine the condition of those who bear witness, the one who is in the right and the falsifier amongst the people based on the righteousness of their deeds – examine the clear indications and their behaviour, and not to be deceived by how they portray themselves and the praise they give themselves.

Then Allah mentioned that when this person – the one who causes corruption in the earth through acts of disobedience to Allaah – is commanded to fear Allaah, he becomes arrogant and haughty, [ أَخَذَتۡهُ ٱلۡعِزَّةُ بِٱلۡإِثۡمِ‌ۚ -he is led by arrogance to (more) crime]. Therefore, he combines disobedience to Allah and arrogance towards the sincere advisers. [End of quote] [1]

This is what is happening in Palestine today. We see that the Zionists keep claiming that they are chosen people, that they are entitled to everything, and that they are the people of goodwill, but their actions show that they are the opposite of what they say they are. We don’t need to go into the details of their ongoing crimes but suffice it to say that our Lord informs us in these verses about a people whose extremely evil and oppressive behaviour against unarmed civilians and non-combatants is as clear as the afternoon sun for everyone to see, yet they deny it.


An Excerpt from Tafseer as-Sadi. Slightly paraphrased]

“Be on the right side of history”

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

When they say, “Be on the right side of history”, remind them that “The behavior of the majority and the elite in society has not been very impressive in most cases throughout history”

 

Is The Majority The Basis By Which What is Right is Distinguished From What is Wrong

Allah [The Most High] said:

وَلَقَدۡ ءَاتَيۡنَا دَاوُ ۥدَ مِنَّا فَضۡلاً۬ۖ يَـٰجِبَالُ أَوِّبِى مَعَهُ ۥ وَٱلطَّيۡرَۖ وَأَلَنَّا لَهُ ٱلۡحَدِيدَ
أَنِ ٱعۡمَلۡ سَـٰبِغَـٰتٍ۬ وَقَدِّرۡ فِى ٱلسَّرۡدِۖ وَٱعۡمَلُواْ صَـٰلِحًاۖ إِنِّى بِمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ۬
وَلِسُلَيۡمَـٰنَ ٱلرِّيحَ غُدُوُّهَا شَہۡرٌ۬ وَرَوَاحُهَا شَہۡرٌ۬ۖ وَأَسَلۡنَا لَهُ ۥ عَيۡنَ ٱلۡقِطۡرِۖ وَمِنَ ٱلۡجِنِّ مَن يَعۡمَلُ بَيۡنَ يَدَيۡهِ بِإِذۡنِ رَبِّهِۖۦ وَمَن يَزِغۡ مِنۡہُمۡ عَنۡ أَمۡرِنَا نُذِقۡهُ مِنۡ عَذَابِ ٱلسَّعِيرِ
يَعۡمَلُونَ لَهُ ۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍ۬ كَٱلۡجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍ۬ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍۚ ٱعۡمَلُوٓاْ ءَالَ دَاوُ ۥدَ شُكۡرً۬اۚ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ

And indeed We bestowed grace on David from Us (saying): “O you mountains. Glorify (Allah) with him! And you birds (also)! And We made the iron soft for him.’’ Saying: ‘’Make you perfect coats of mail, balancing well the rings of chain armour, and work you (men) righteousness. Truly, I am All-Seer of what you do.’’ And to Solomon (We subjected) the wind, its morning (stride from sunrise till midnoon) was a month’s (journey), and its afternoon (stride from the midday decline of the sun to sunset) was a month’s (journey i.e. in one day he could travel two months’ journey). And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him, by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places). “Work you, O family of Dawud (David), with thanks!” But few of My slaves are grateful. [Surah Sabah. Ayaat 10-13]

[ٱعۡمَلُوٓاْ ءَالَ دَاوُ ۥدَ شُكۡرً۬اۚ وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مِّنۡ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ – Work you, O family of Dawud (David), with thanks! But few of My slaves are grateful]– Meaning, the majority of humankind are not grateful to Allah for the blessings bestowed on them nor are they grateful due to the punishments that are averted. As for Shukr (gratefulness), it is the heart’s acknowledgment of Allah’s blessings and to utilise them in obedience to Allah and not in disobedience. [1]

Allah [The Most High] said:

أَوَلَمۡ يَهۡدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَهۡلِهَآ أَن لَّوۡ نَشَآءُ أَصَبۡنَـٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَنَطۡبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ
تِلۡكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَمَا ڪَانُواْ لِيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِمَا ڪَذَّبُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ
وَمَا وَجَدۡنَا لِأَڪۡثَرِهِم مِّنۡ عَهۡدٍ۬‌ۖ وَإِن وَجَدۡنَآ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَفَـٰسِقِينَ

Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not? Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance). And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [Surah Al-A’raaf. Ayaat 100-100-102]

أَوَلَمۡ يَهۡدِ لِلَّذِينَ يَرِثُونَ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ أَهۡلِهَآ أَن لَّوۡ نَشَآءُ أَصَبۡنَـٰهُم بِذُنُوبِهِمۡ‌ۚ وَنَطۡبَعُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِہِمۡ فَهُمۡ لَا يَسۡمَعُونَ

Is it not clear to those who inherit the earth in succession from its (previous) possessors, that had We willed, We would have punished them for their sins. And We seal up their hearts so that they hear not?]- Meaning, Allah [The Most High] informs those who inherit the earth -in succession- from those who preceded them that He destroyed their forefathers due to their sins, yet they commit the same sins that were committed by their forefathers! Do they not take heed that had Allah willed He would punish them due to their sins because this is how Allaah deals with mankind – both the previous nations and those who inherited the earth after them. Allah warned those who inherited the earth from the previous nations, but they did not take heed, sent them reminders but they did not reflect and showed them guidance through signs [i.e. revelations through the Prophets and Messengers, as well as miracles within universe and themselves] but they did not follow guidance, so Allah punished them by sealing their hearts – neither did truth enter their hearts nor did good reach their hearts; nor did they give an attentive ear (to the truth); rather they only heard that which established the proofs against them.

Then Allah [The Most High] says:
تِلۡكَ ٱلۡقُرَىٰ نَقُصُّ عَلَيۡكَ مِنۡ أَنۢبَآٮِٕهَا‌ۚ وَلَقَدۡ جَآءَتۡہُمۡ رُسُلُهُم بِٱلۡبَيِّنَـٰتِ فَمَا ڪَانُواْ لِيُؤۡمِنُواْ بِمَا ڪَذَّبُواْ مِن قَبۡلُ‌ۚ كَذَٲلِكَ يَطۡبَعُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبِ ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those were the towns whose story We relate unto you (O Muhammad). And there came indeed to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they were not such as to believe in that which they had rejected before. Thus Allah does seal up the hearts of the disbelievers (from each and every kind of religious guidance)]- Meaning, messengers came and called them to that which will lead to happiness (in the life and the next), and those messengers were given manifest signs and clear evidence to clarify the truth, but the people did not listen and were not benefited. And because they belied those manifest signs and clear proofs after being well aware of them, Allah [The Most High] prevented them from accepting the sound and infallible creed ordained by Him. This was punishment on them because they rejection the truth, just as Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Al-An’aam Ayah 110:

[وَنُقَلِّبُ أَفۡـِٔدَتَہُمۡ وَأَبۡصَـٰرَهُمۡ كَمَا لَمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ بِهِۦۤ أَوَّلَ مَرَّةٍ۬ وَنَذَرُهُمۡ فِى طُغۡيَـٰنِهِمۡ يَعۡمَهُونَ – And We shall turn their hearts and their eyes away (from guidance), as they refused to believe therein for the first time, and We shall leave them in their trespass to wander blindly].

Then Allah [The Most High] said: [وَمَا وَجَدۡنَا لِأَڪۡثَرِهِم مِّنۡ عَهۡدٍ۬‌ۖ وَإِن وَجَدۡنَآ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ لَفَـٰسِقِينَ – And most of them We found not (true) to their covenant, but most of them We found indeed Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah)]– Meaning, the majority of the nations to whom Allah sent Messengers were not true to their covenant; neither were they steadfast nor did they adhere to the commands of Allah, nor did they submit obediently to the commands of Allah which the Messengers ordered them to obey; rather they followed their desires, except a very few of them. The majority of them turned away from guidance out of arrogance, so Allah sent them various types of punishment. [2]

Allah [The Most High] said in Surah Saad Ayah 24:

[وَإِنَّ كَثِيرً۬ا مِّنَ ٱلۡخُلَطَآءِ لَيَبۡغِى بَعۡضُہُمۡ عَلَىٰ بَعۡضٍ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds] – Meaning, because oppression is one of those habits [i.e. evil habits] of the soul. [ إِلَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ – Except those who believe and do righteous good deeds]; because their Imaan and [eagerness to perform] righteous deeds prevents them from committing oppression. [وَقَلِيلٌ۬ مَّا هُمۡ – And they are few]. [3]

Imam Abdul Azeez Bin Baaz [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Let every Muslim be careful of being deceived by the great numbers (of people upon such and such ideas, views, beliefs, way of life, etc), whilst saying, “Indeed, the people have become such and such, and have become accustomed to such and such, so I am with them”. This is a great calamity because many people of the past were destroyed due to this [i.e. blindly following the majority]. Therefore, O sensible one! It is obligated to you to examine yourself, take account of yourself, and adhere to the truth, even if the people abandon it. Beware of what Allah has forbidden, even if the people do it, for indeed the truth is more worthy of being followed just as Allah [The Most High] said: [وَإِنْ تُطِعْ أَكْثَرَ مَنْ فِي الْأَرْضِ يُضِلُّوكَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّه ِ -And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah’s Path. [Surah Al An-aam Ayah 116]

Allah [The Most High] said: [ وَمَآ أَڪۡثَرُ ٱلنَّاسِ وَلَوۡ حَرَصۡتَ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ-And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly] [Surah Yusuf Ayah 103]. [4]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: When the hypocrites and those in whose hearts there is a disease saw that the party of Allaah [i.e. the believers] were small in number and the enemies of Allah were numerous, they thought that victory would be for those who were huge in number. Allah [The Most High] says that the hypocrites said: [غَرَّ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ دِينُهُمۡ – These people (Muslims) are deceived by their religion]. [Surah Anfaal Ayah 49].

So, Allah [Glorified be He and free is He from all Imperfections] informed (them) that victory is achieved by placing one’s trust and reliance upon Allah and not due to being huge in number because Allah cannot be defeated; rather Allah is All-Wise and He aids those who deserve help, even if they are weak. Allah is the All-Wise and All-Mighty, and this necessitates that He will aid the party that truly relies upon Him. [5]

Abu Shaamah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: When the command to adhere to the Jamaa’ah (the main body) is (mentioned), then the intent behind it is to adhere to the truth, even if those who follow it are few and those who oppose it are numerous. That is because the truth is that which the first Jamaa’ah was upon- the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him] and his companions[may Allah be pleased with them]- and one does not give consideration to the numerous people of falsehood. [6]

Al-Allaamah Muqbil Bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: If numbers are the scale by way of which you judge, then the majority are mostly blameworthy; and if persuasive speech and eloquence is the scale by way of which you judge, then indeed Allah described the Munaafiqoon that they have tongues that utter beautiful speech. Allah said: [وَإِن يَقُولُواْ تَسۡمَعۡ لِقَوۡلِهِمۡ – And when they speak, you listen to their words]. [Surah Al-Munaafiqoon. Aayah 4]

Therefore, what is given consideration is that one knows the people of truth by their characteristics – that they call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger [peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, and companions], and they neither desire reward from the people nor seeking to be thanked. [7]

Shaikh Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: Even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give a detailed explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities [in that dispute], and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritising necessities. Therefore, due to this Allah [The Most High] commanded [us] to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allah [The Most High] said:

كَانَ ٱلنَّاسُ أُمَّةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬ فَبَعَثَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ مُبَشِّرِينَ وَمُنذِرِينَ وَأَنزَلَ مَعَهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ بِٱلۡحَقِّ لِيَحۡكُمَ بَيۡنَ ٱلنَّاسِ فِيمَا ٱخۡتَلَفُواْ فِيهِ‌ۚ

Mankind was one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allaah’s Shari’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them, He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed]. [Surah Al-Baqarah’ Aayah 213] Therefore, Allaah [The Most High] designated the revealed Books [i.e. the Qur’aan being the final of them] as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ. [8]

 

Bad Behaviour of The Elite

Allah [The Exalted] said:

لَقَدۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا نُوحًا إِلَىٰ قَوۡمِهِۦ فَقَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ إِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ عَذَابَ يَوۡمٍ عَظِيمٍ۬
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّا لَنَرَٮٰكَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍ۬ مُّبِينٍ۬

Indeed, We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people and he said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!” قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦۤ – The Mala [the notables, leaders and chiefs] amongst his people said, “Verily, we see you in plain error”. [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 59-60]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِلَىٰ عَادٍ أَخَاهُمۡ هُودً۬ا‌ۗ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ‌ۚ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦۤ إِنَّا لَنَرَٮٰكَ فِى سَفَاهَةٍ۬ وَإِنَّا لَنَظُنُّكَ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ

And to ‘Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hud. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Will you not fear (Allah)?”

قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦۤ – The Mala [ notables, leaders and chiefs] who disbelieved among his people said: “Verily, we see you in foolishness, and verily, we think you are one of the liars.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 65-66]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِلَىٰ ثَمُودَ أَخَاهُمۡ صَـٰلِحً۬ا‌ۗ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡڪُم بَيِّنَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّكُمۡ‌ۖ هَـٰذِهِۦ نَاقَةُ ٱللَّهِ لَڪُمۡ ءَايَةً۬‌ۖ فَذَرُوهَا تَأۡڪُلۡ فِىٓ أَرۡضِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ وَلَا تَمَسُّوهَا بِسُوٓءٍ۬ فَيَأۡخُذَكُمۡ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ۬
وَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ إِذۡ جَعَلَكُمۡ خُلَفَآءَ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ عَادٍ۬ وَبَوَّأَڪُمۡ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ تَتَّخِذُونَ مِن سُهُولِهَا قُصُورً۬ا وَتَنۡحِتُونَ ٱلۡجِبَالَ بُيُوتً۬ا‌ۖ فَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ ءَالَآءَ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا تَعۡثَوۡاْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ مُفۡسِدِينَ
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَڪۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ لِلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتُضۡعِفُواْ لِمَنۡ ءَامَنَ مِنۡہُمۡ أَتَعۡلَمُونَ أَنَّ صَـٰلِحً۬ا مُّرۡسَلٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّهِۦ‌ۚ قَالُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرۡسِلَ بِهِۦ مُؤۡمِنُونَ
قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَڪۡبَرُوٓاْ إِنَّا بِٱلَّذِىٓ ءَامَنتُم بِهِۦ كَـٰفِرُونَ

And to Thamud (people, We sent) their brother Salih (Saleh). He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. (La ilaha ill-Allah: none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Indeed there has come to you a clear sign (the miracle of the coming out of a huge she-camel from the midst of a rock) from your Lord. This she-camel of Allah is a sign unto you; so you leave her to graze in Allah’s earth, and touch her not with harm, lest a painful torment should seize you. “And remember when He made you successors after ‘Ad (people) and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains, and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces (bestowed upon you) from Allah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth.” قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَڪۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ – The Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of those who were arrogant among his people said to those who were counted weak – to such of them as believed: “Know you that Salih (Saleh) is one sent from his Lord.” They said: “We indeed believe in that with which he has been sent.” Those who were arrogant said: “Verily, we disbelieve in that which you believe in.” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 73-78]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَإِلَىٰ مَدۡيَنَ أَخَاهُمۡ شُعَيۡبً۬ا‌ۗ قَالَ يَـٰقَوۡمِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥ‌ۖ قَدۡ جَآءَتۡڪُم بَيِّنَةٌ۬ مِّن رَّبِّڪُمۡ‌ۖ فَأَوۡفُواْ ٱلۡڪَيۡلَ وَٱلۡمِيزَانَ وَلَا تَبۡخَسُواْ ٱلنَّاسَ أَشۡيَآءَهُمۡ وَلَا تُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بَعۡدَ إِصۡلَـٰحِهَا‌ۚ ذَٲلِڪُمۡ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّكُمۡ إِن ڪُنتُم مُّؤۡمِنِينَ
وَلَا تَقۡعُدُواْ بِڪُلِّ صِرَٲطٍ۬ تُوعِدُونَ وَتَصُدُّونَ عَن سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ مَنۡ ءَامَنَ بِهِۦ وَتَبۡغُونَهَا عِوَجً۬ا‌ۚ وَٱذۡڪُرُوٓاْ إِذۡ ڪُنتُمۡ قَلِيلاً۬ فَكَثَّرَڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَٱنظُرُواْ كَيۡفَ كَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ
وَإِن كَانَ طَآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ مِّنڪُمۡ ءَامَنُواْ بِٱلَّذِىٓ أُرۡسِلۡتُ بِهِۦ وَطَآٮِٕفَةٌ۬ لَّمۡ يُؤۡمِنُواْ فَٱصۡبِرُواْ حَتَّىٰ يَحۡكُمَ ٱللَّهُ بَيۡنَنَا‌ۚ وَهُوَ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡحَـٰكِمِينَ
قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ لَنُخۡرِجَنَّكَ يَـٰشُعَيۡبُ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ مَعَكَ مِن قَرۡيَتِنَآ أَوۡ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِى مِلَّتِنَا‌ۚ قَالَ أَوَلَوۡ كُنَّا كَـٰرِهِينَ

And to (the people of) Madyan (Midian), (We sent) their brother Shu’aib. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. [La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)].” Verily, a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not mischief on the earth after it has been set in order, that will be better for you, if you are believers. “And sit not on every road, threatening, and hindering from the Path of Allah those who believe in Him. and seeking to make it crooked. And remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you. And see what was the end of the Mufsidun (mischief-makers, corrupts, liars). “And if there is a party of you who believes in that with which I have been sent and a party who do not believe, so be patient until Allah judges between us, and He is the Best of judges.” قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱسۡتَكۡبَرُواْ مِن قَوۡمِهِۦ – The Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of those who were arrogant among his people said: “We shall certainly drive you out, O Shu’aib, and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you (all) shall return to our religion.” He said: “Even though we hate it! [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verses 86-88]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَسَـٰحِرٌ عَلِيمٌ۬ –
يُرِيدُ أَن يُخۡرِجَكُم مِّنۡ أَرۡضِكُمۡ‌ۖ فَمَاذَا تَأۡمُرُونَ

قَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ – The Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “This (i.e. Prophet Musa) is indeed a well-versed sorcerer; he wants to get you out of your land, so what do you advise?” [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verse 109]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ أَتَذَرُ مُوسَىٰ وَقَوۡمَهُ ۥ لِيُفۡسِدُواْ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَيَذَرَكَ وَءَالِهَتَكَ‌ۚ قَالَ سَنُقَتِّلُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَنَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ وَإِنَّا فَوۡقَهُمۡ قَـٰهِرُونَ

[وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِ فِرۡعَوۡنَ – The Mala (leaders, notables and chiefs) of Fir’aun’s (Pharaoh) people said: “Will you leave Musa (Moses) and his people to spread mischief in the land, and to abandon you and your gods?” He said: “We will kill their sons, and let live their women, and we have indeed irresistible power over them.”] [Surah Al-A’raaf. Verse 127]

Allah [The Exalted] stated:

ثُمَّ أَنشَأۡنَا مِنۢ بَعۡدِهِمۡ قَرۡنًا ءَاخَرِينَ
فَأَرۡسَلۡنَا فِيہِمۡ رَسُولاً۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ أَنِ ٱعۡبُدُواْ ٱللَّهَ مَا لَكُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرُهُ ۥۤ‌ۖ أَفَلَا تَتَّقُونَ
وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ وَأَتۡرَفۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا مَا هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا بَشَرٌ۬ مِّثۡلُكُمۡ يَأۡكُلُ مِمَّا تَأۡكُلُونَ مِنۡهُ وَيَشۡرَبُ مِمَّا تَشۡرَبُونَ
وَلَٮِٕنۡ أَطَعۡتُم بَشَرً۬ا مِّثۡلَكُمۡ إِنَّكُمۡ إِذً۬ا لَّخَـٰسِرُونَ
أَيَعِدُكُمۡ أَنَّكُمۡ إِذَا مِتُّمۡ وَكُنتُمۡ تُرَابً۬ا وَعِظَـٰمًا أَنَّكُم مُّخۡرَجُونَ
هَيۡہَاتَ هَيۡہَاتَ لِمَا تُوعَدُونَ
إِنۡ هِىَ إِلَّا حَيَاتُنَا ٱلدُّنۡيَا نَمُوتُ وَنَحۡيَا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمَبۡعُوثِينَ
إِنۡ هُوَ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ ٱفۡتَرَىٰ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ڪَذِبً۬ا وَمَا نَحۡنُ لَهُ ۥ بِمُؤۡمِنِينَ
قَالَ رَبِّ ٱنصُرۡنِى بِمَا كَذَّبُونِ
قَالَ عَمَّا قَلِيلٍ۬ لَّيُصۡبِحُنَّ نَـٰدِمِينَ
فَأَخَذَتۡہُمُ ٱلصَّيۡحَةُ بِٱلۡحَقِّ فَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ غُثَآءً۬‌ۚ فَبُعۡدً۬ا لِّلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

Then, after them (i.e. the people of Prophet Nooh), We created another generation. 32. And We sent to them a Messenger from among themselves (saying): “Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Will you not then be afraid (of Him i.e. of His Punishment because of worshipping others besides Him)?”

وَقَالَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِن قَوۡمِهِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ وَكَذَّبُواْ بِلِقَآءِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ – And the Mala [leaders, notables and chiefs] of his people, who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the Hereafter, and to whom We had given the luxuries and comforts of this life, said: “He is no more than a human being like you, he eats of that which you eat, and drinks of what you drink. “If you were to obey a human being like yourselves, then verily! You indeed would be losers. “Does he promise you that when you have died and have become dust and bones, you shall come out alive (resurrected)? “Far, very far is that which you are promised. “There is nothing but our life of this world! We die and we live! And we are not going to be resurrected! “He is only a man who has invented a lie against Allah, but we are not going to believe in him.” He said: “O my Lord! Help me because they deny me.” (Allah) said: “In a little while, they are sure to be regretful.” So As-Saihah (torment – awful cry, etc.) overtook them with justice, and We made them as rubbish of dead plants. So away with the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, disobedient to His Messengers, etc.). [Surah Al-Muminoon. Verses 31-41]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَقَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَأُ مَا عَلِمۡتُ لَڪُم مِّنۡ إِلَـٰهٍ غَيۡرِى فَأَوۡقِدۡ لِى يَـٰهَـٰمَـٰنُ عَلَى ٱلطِّينِ فَٱجۡعَل لِّى صَرۡحً۬ا لَّعَلِّىٓ أَطَّلِعُ إِلَىٰٓ إِلَـٰهِ مُوسَىٰ وَإِنِّى لَأَظُنُّهُ ۥ مِنَ ٱلۡكَـٰذِبِينَ
وَٱسۡتَكۡبَرَ هُوَ وَجُنُودُهُ ۥ فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ بِغَيۡرِ ٱلۡحَقِّ وَظَنُّوٓاْ أَنَّهُمۡ إِلَيۡنَا لَا يُرۡجَعُونَ
فَأَخَذۡنَـٰهُ وَجُنُودَهُ ۥ فَنَبَذۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى ٱلۡيَمِّ‌ۖ فَٱنظُرۡ كَيۡفَ ڪَانَ عَـٰقِبَةُ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ
وَجَعَلۡنَـٰهُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَدۡعُونَ إِلَى ٱلنَّارِ‌ۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ لَا يُنصَرُونَ
وَأَتۡبَعۡنَـٰهُمۡ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنۡيَا لَعۡنَةً۬‌ۖ وَيَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ هُم مِّنَ ٱلۡمَقۡبُوحِينَ

[وَقَالَ فِرۡعَوۡنُ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلۡمَلَأُ – Fir’aun (Pharaoh) said: “O Mala (leaders, chiefs and notables)! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me, so kindle for me (a fire), O Haman, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarhan (a lofty tower, or palace, etc.) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilah (God) of Musa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Musa (Moses)] is one of the liars.” And he 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.). [Surah Al-Qasas. Verses 38-42]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَعَجِبُوٓاْ أَن جَآءَهُم مُّنذِرٌ۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ‌ۖ وَقَالَ ٱلۡكَـٰفِرُونَ هَـٰذَا سَـٰحِرٌ۬ كَذَّابٌ
أَجَعَلَ ٱلۡأَلِهَةَ إِلَـٰهً۬ا وَٲحِدًا‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ عُجَابٌ۬
وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِنۡہُمۡ أَنِ ٱمۡشُواْ وَٱصۡبِرُواْ عَلَىٰٓ ءَالِهَتِكُمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّ هَـٰذَا لَشَىۡءٌ۬ يُرَادُ
مَا سَمِعۡنَا بِہَـٰذَا فِى ٱلۡمِلَّةِ ٱلۡأَخِرَةِ إِنۡ هَـٰذَآ إِلَّا ٱخۡتِلَـٰقٌ

And they (Arab pagans) wonder that a warner (Prophet Muhammad ) has come to them from among themselves! And the disbelievers say: “This (Prophet Muhammad ) is a sorcerer, a liar. “Has he (Muhammad) made the aliha (gods) (all) into One Ilah (God – Allah). Verily, this is a curious thing!” [وَٱنطَلَقَ ٱلۡمَلَأُ مِنۡہُمۡ – and the Mala (leaders, notable and chiefs) among them went about (saying): “Go on, and remain constant to your aliha (gods)! Verily, This is a thing designed (against you)! We have not heard (the like) of this among the people of these later days. This is nothing but an invention!] [Surah Saad. Verses 4-7]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

وَمَآ أَرۡسَلۡنَا فِى قَرۡيَةٍ۬ مِّن نَّذِيرٍ إِلَّا قَالَ مُتۡرَفُوهَآ إِنَّا بِمَآ أُرۡسِلۡتُم بِهِۦ كَـٰفِرُونَ
وَقَالُواْ نَحۡنُ أَڪۡثَرُ أَمۡوَٲلاً۬ وَأَوۡلَـٰدً۬ا وَمَا نَحۡنُ بِمُعَذَّبِينَ

And We did not send a warner to a township, but those who were given the worldly wealth and luxuries among them said: “We believe not in the (Message) with which you have been sent.” And they say: “We are more in wealth and in children, and we are not going to be punished.” [Surah Saba. Verses 34-35]

 

Every Town Had Its Wicked Figureheads And Plotters Against The Messengers And Their True Followers!

Allah [The Most High] said:

[ وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرۡيَةٍ أَڪَـٰبِرَ مُجۡرِمِيهَا لِيَمۡڪُرُواْ فِيهَا‌ۖ وَمَا يَمۡڪُرُونَ إِلَّا بِأَنفُسِہِمۡ وَمَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – And thus We have set up in every town the greatest of its criminals to plot therein. But they plot not except against their ownselves, and they perceive (it) not]. [Soorah Al-An’aam. Verse 123]

[وَكَذَٲلِكَ جَعَلۡنَا فِى كُلِّ قَرۡيَةٍ أَڪَـٰبِرَ مُجۡرِمِيهَا – And thus We have set up in every town the greatest of its criminals] – Meaning: Those figureheads whose crimes were great and whose transgressions were severe. [لِيَمۡڪُرُواْ فِيهَا‌ۖ -to plot therein]- Meaning: Through deception, calling to the path of shaytaan and waging war – through speech and deeds- against the Messengers and their followers. However, their plots and machinations only backfired on them. That is because they plotted and Allah too was planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.

Likewise Allaah set up great ones amongst the leaders of guidance and the most virtuous of them, who opposed those criminals, refuted their statements and strove against them in the path of Allaah. They followed the paths leading to the path (of Allaah) and Allaah aided them. Allaah gave them an acute discernment and kept them steadfast. So the days of victory and defeat alternated between them and their enemies, until the affair came to its final end-victory and triumph (for the believers) and the good final end is for the Muttaqoon (i.e. the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. [9]

Allah [The Most High] said:

قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ
ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ وَيَقُولُ أَيۡنَ شُرَڪَآءِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ كُنتُمۡ تُشَـٰٓقُّونَ فِيہِمۡ‌ۚ قَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلۡعِلۡمَ إِنَّ ٱلۡخِزۡىَ ٱلۡيَوۡمَ وَٱلسُّوٓءَ عَلَى ٱلۡڪَـٰفِرِينَ

Those before them indeed plotted, but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them, and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them and will say: “Where are My (so called) ‘partners’ concerning whom you used to disagree and dispute (with the believers, by defying and disobeying Allah)?” Those who have been given the knowledge (about the Torment of Allah for the disbelievers) will say: “Verily! Disgrace this Day and misery are upon the disbelievers. [Surah An-Nahl. Verses 26-27]

[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: The Mufassiroon say that this refers to Namrood who built a tall tower in order to climb – as he claimed – the heavens and fight its inhabitants.

[فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building, and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them]: The Mufassiroon say: Allaah sent a wind which flung the top of the tower to the sea and the rest was destroyed. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, from where they thought they were safe.

[ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace]: Meaning, disgraced with punishment. [An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer Fee Ilmit Tafseer’ By Imaam Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullaah). Slightly paraphrased]

[قَدۡ مَڪَرَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبۡلِهِمۡ – Those before them indeed plotted]: Meaning plotted against their Messengers, employed various types of tricks in order to reject that which the messengers brought and established gigantic safeguards [by way of arguments, views etc] on their plots. [فَأَتَى ٱللَّهُ بُنۡيَـٰنَهُم مِّنَ ٱلۡقَوَاعِدِ – but Allah struck at the foundation of their building]– Meaning, an affair came to them from its basis and foundation [فَخَرَّ عَلَيۡہِمُ ٱلسَّقۡفُ مِن فَوۡقِهِمۡ – and then the roof fell down upon them, from above them] -Meaning, so what they built became a punishment for them. [وَأَتَٮٰهُمُ ٱلۡعَذَابُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَشۡعُرُونَ – and the torment overtook them from directions they did not perceive]: Meaning, that is because they thought that such a building will benefit and protect them from punishment, but their punishment occurred from that which they built and established.

This is one the best of parables regarding how Allah nullifies the plots of his enemies, for indeed they pondered and reflected on that which the Messengers brought when they belied them, made up principles and rules for it based on falsehood, referred back to them to reject that which the Messengers came with, employed tricks to bring discomfort to the Messengers and inflict harm on them and those who followed them, but their plot became a source of evil against them, so their plan became their destruction, because their plot was evil as Allah said: [ وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ – But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it]. [Surah Faatir: Ayah: 43]

This is in this worldly life and the punishment in the afterlife would be more disgraceful, and due to this Allaah said: [ثُمَّ يَوۡمَ ٱلۡقِيَـٰمَةِ يُخۡزِيهِمۡ – Then, on the Day of Resurrection, He will disgrace them]. [10]

Allah [The Exalted] said:

إِنَّ فِرۡعَوۡنَ عَلَا فِى ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا يَسۡتَضۡعِفُ طَآٮِٕفَةً۬ مِّنۡہُمۡ يُذَبِّحُ أَبۡنَآءَهُمۡ وَيَسۡتَحۡىِۦ نِسَآءَهُمۡ‌ۚ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ

Verily, Fir’aun (Pharaoh) exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon]. [Surah Al-Qasas. Aayah 4]

[وَجَعَلَ أَهۡلَهَا شِيَعً۬ا – and made its people sects]- Meaning: Different group that were organised and distinguished, and he utilised each group in that which he desired in his kingdom. [11]

He made them into sects and different groups to serve him and they went along with what he wanted and obeyed him. [12]

He made them into different distinct groups, dealt with them based on his evil desires and subjugated them as he wanted by means of his power and authority. [13]

He divided them into different sects and they went along with him in everything he desired of evil and corruption, or he used some as a means to get others to obey him; or he made them into different distinct groups under his service and used every group in some type of work, such as construction, tillage, earthwork [drilling etc] and other burdensome work, and whoever did not work was beaten, so they served him by doing so; or he made them into sects and incited hatred and enmity between them, so that they do not come to an agreement [or become united in their stance against him]. [14]

[ إِنَّهُ ۥ كَانَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدِينَ – Verily, he was of the Mufsidoon]- Meaning: Those whose intention is neither to rectify the religious nor worldly affairs, and this was from his corrupt behaviour in the earth; [15] committing unlawful killing and being disobedient to Allah. [16]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allaah have mercy upon him] said: The fact that a statement regarding something is lies and falsehood is sometimes known based on the statement in and of itself, its contradictions, perplexity and the manifestation of those clear indications which shows that it is lies. Lies may manifest due to what it is in reality, what is apparent and what is being concealed. It is sometimes known due to the situation of the utterer of the lie, for indeed the one who is known for lying, wickedness and deception, his statements do not show anything else except a state of conformity with his deeds. He does not utter a statement or perform an action similar to that of a pious and truthful person – the one innocent of every evil, deception, lie and wicked behaviour; rather the heart, intention, statements and deeds of the truthful one have the same image; and the heart, statements, deeds and intentions of the liar have the same image. [17]

The Difference Between Desire For Righteous Leadership and Pursuit of Leadership For Exaltedness In The Earth

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] said: The difference between the desire for righteous leadership as opposed to merely desiring leadership: It is the difference between exalting the command of Allah and being sincere to Allaah as opposed to love of exalting oneself and hastening towards the fulfilment of desires. Indeed the one who is sincere to Allaah and exalts Him, he loves that his Lord is obeyed and not disobeyed; [loves that] Allaah’s Word should be uppermost and that all affairs of the religion should be established sincerely for the sake of Allaah, and [that] the servants should obey Allaah’s commands and keep away from what Allaah has forbidden. He is sincere in his servitude to Allaah and sincere to Allaah’s creation in calling them to the path of Allaah. So he loves to be [an upright] leader in the religion; rather he asks his Lord to make him from the leaders of the righteous people who are followed, just as he is a follower of the righteous. Therefore, if this servant -[i.e. this person] who calls to Allaah- loves that he is considered dignified in the eyes [of the people], revered and beloved in their hearts and is one followed amongst them, so that he is trusted by them and they follow the example of the Messenger through him, then this [desire of his] does not harm him; rather he is praised for it. That is because the caller to Allaah loves that Allaah is obeyed and singled out in worship. He loves to be a means by way of which [people] are aided to [obey Allaah, single out Allaah in worship and follow the Messenger]. And due to this, [when] Allaah mentioned those chosen slaves of His- whom He praised in His revelation and will grant the best of reward on the day they meet Him- He mentioned them with the best of their deeds and characteristics, and then said:

[ وَٱلَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٲجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّـٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنٍ۬ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا – And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the pious]. [Surah Al-Furqaan. Verse 74]

So they ask Allah to grant them the comfort of the eye by making their wives and offspring obedient to Allah, and to grant them happiness in their hearts due to being followed by the righteous in obedience and servitude to Allah. That is because a trustworthy leader in the religion co-operates with [others] upon obedience [to Allah and His Messenger], and that is to call them to [sound] leadership in the religion, whose foundation is patience and certainty, as Allah [The Most High] said: [ وَجَعَلۡنَا مِنۡہُمۡ أَٮِٕمَّةً۬ يَہۡدُونَ بِأَمۡرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُواْ‌ۖ وَڪَانُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ – And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)]. [Surah as-Sajdah. Verse 24]

Therefore, in their supplication -[in Surah Al-Furqaan Ayah 74]- to Allah that He makes them leaders of the righteous people, is that Allah guides them, grants them success, bless them with beneficial knowledge and righteous actions–outwardly and inwardly–without which [sound] leadership in the religion cannot be achieved.

This is different from [merely] seeking leadership, for indeed its seekers hasten to obtain it in order to achieve their goals, [such as] exaltedness in the earth; enslavement of the hearts to them, attachment to them and aiding them in all their goals, whilst they are exalted and everyone subservient to them. This pursuit of leadership brings about corruption-which none can enumerate except Allah- such as rebellion, envy, transgression, enmity, oppression, trials, being ardent in defending oneself at the expense of violating the rights of Allah, exalting those despised by Allah and belittling those honoured by Allah. [18]


[1] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan. slightly paraphrased

[2] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’. Slightly paraphrased

[3] An Excerpt from ‘Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam al-Mannaan’ slightly paraphrased

[4] An Excerpt from ‘Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 12/ 412-416. slightly paraphrased

[5] Zaadul Ma’aad 3/181

[6] Al-Baa’ith Alaa Inkaaril Bid’ah Wal-Hawaadith’ page 22

[7]: قم المعاند – 2/547

[8] Dar Ta’aarud Al-Aql Wan-Naql: 9/17-18

[9] Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan. slightly paraphrased

[10] Excerpt from Tayseer Al-kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer kalaam Al-Mannaan. slightly paraphrased

[11] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’. Slightly paraphrased

[12] An Excerpt from ‘Fat-hul Qadeer 4/209’ slightly paraphrased]

[13] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’. Slightly paraphrased

[14] An Excerpt from ‘Roohul Ma’aanee’ 11/64-65. Slightly paraphrased

[15] An Excerpt from ‘Al-Misbaah Al-Muneer Fee Tahdheeb Tafseer Ibn Katheer’. Slightly paraphrased

[16] An Excerpt from ‘Zaadul Maseer’. Slightly paraphrased

[17] An Excerpt from As-Sawaa’iq Al-Mursalah 2/469-470. Slightly paraphrased

[18] An Excerpt from ‘Ar-Rooh’ pages 487-489’. slightly paraphrased