94) Question: There is much talk nowadays about the different Islamic groups that call to the way of Allah (swt) - groups such as Jama'at Al-Tabligh, the Ikhwan, and the Salafis. Which of these groups should we follow? And what should a Muslim's stance be with regard to the different groups that exist today?
Answer from the noble shaykh Muhammad Ibn Al-Uthaymeen, May Allah have mercy on him:
The stand I take on this issue is that I describe it to be painful and saddening, and I fear that, as a direct consequence of division among Muslims, the Islamic awakening we are witnessing today will weaken and fail. When people divide, their situation becomes as Allah (swt) describes it to be:
And do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength depart (8.46)
It is made clear in this verse that whenever people dispute with one another and become divided, they will fail and lose their strength, becoming insignificant.
All enemies of Islam, both those who display their enmity outwardly and those who hide their enmity within themselves, rejoice over our division, and if they can, they add flame to the fire. They will go to one person, whispering lies about another person in his ears, sowing dissension among Muslim brothers who call to the way of Allah (swt).
We must stand united and together defend ourselves from the plots of those who show enmity to Allah, to His Messenger, and to His religion. We must be one Nation in the truest sense, gathering together and benefitting from one another. In our unity, we must become as on caller. to accomplish these goals, the leaders of each country, those who have an influence over others, must get together, study the situation, and unite upon a plan that can accommodate everyone, even if they still differ in the way they perform da'wah to the way of Allah. What is important is that we be brothers, mutually loving one another and uniting together upon the truth.
The questioner asked, "Which group is the best one?" Were I to say that such and such group is the best one, I would, in effect, have acknowledged and endorsed the division, and I do neither; rather, I believe that we should become like one hand. we must look at our situation truthfully and sincerely- sincerely to Allah (swt), to his Book, to His Messenger, to the Imaams of the Muslims, and the common Muslims. The truth- Alhamdulillah, all praise if for Allah - is clear, remaining hidden to only one of two men: a man who turns away or a man who is haughty. As for the one who turns towards the truth, sincerely wanting to submit to it, then without a doubt, he will be guided to it.
There should only be One Group
95) Question: In recent times there has a appeared a number of Islamic groups in Muslim countries; groups such as the Ikhwan Al-Muslimeen, the Salifiyyin, the Jama'at At-Tabligh, and other. Each group criticizes and finds fault with the other groups, and some members of one group might even proclaim that those of another group are disbelievers. Please explain to us your view regarding the different groups.
Answer given by the Noble Shaykh (Rahimahullah):
It is very sad to see Muslims becoming divided, with each person or group headed in a different direction. The Muslim Nation must truly be one Nation, for Allah (swt) said [translation of the meaning]:
And verily! This religion (of Islamic Monotheism) is one religion. (25.52)
And Allah (swt) said to his Prophet (Peace and Blessings be upon Him) [translation of the meaning]:
Verily, those who divide their religion and break up into sects (all kind of religious sects), you (O Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon Him) have no concern in them in the least. Their affair is only with Allah (Swt), Who then will tell them what they used to do. (6.159)
And Allah (Swt) said [translation of the meaning]:
He (Allah (swt)) has ordained for you the same religion which he ordained for Nuh, and that which we have inspired in you (O Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)) and that which we ordained for Ibraaheem, Musaa and Isaa, saying you should establish religion and make no divisions in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion). (42.13)
Therefore the Islamic principle in this issue is that the Muslim Nation must unite upon Allah's Religion. Division which leads to some proclaiming other are evildoers, innovators, disbelievers, is Haram (forbidden).
Every person is prone to error:
"Everyone from the children of Adam errs frequently, and the best of those who err frequently are those who repent" (Tirmidhi 2499 ruled Hasan by Shaykh Al-Albaani)
One who is complete helps the one who is lacking, and the latter should thank the former for pointing out his shortcomings to him.
It is clearly against the teachings of Islam for Muslims to curse one another or accuse one another of being evildoers; in fact, Islam declares war on every matter that causes division. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings upon Him) said:
"Do not hate one another; do not plot against one another or show enmity towards one another; do not Tanaajashu (raise prices of a product in order to decieve others); and do not enter into the buying transactions of ther (i.e., if person A is inclined to sell a product to person B, being satisfied with the price offered, do not then thrust yourself between them, offering a higher price). Be Allah’s slaves, as brothers unto one another. The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim....' (Muslim 2564)
The different Muslim groups must get together and point each other's mistakes, openly discussing the issues that divide them. Through such a process perhaps we can only truly become one Nation, loving one another, showing mercy to one another, and helping to rectify one another's shortcomings. And it is Allah (swt) who grants success."
End Quote from
"The Islamic Awakening, Important Guidelines"
(c) 2006 published by Al-Hidaayah Publishing & Distribution
(http://www.al-hidaayah.co.uk/)
We must unite upon the way of the Companions.
And Allah the Most High Knows Best.
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