Showing posts with label Dawah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dawah. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Using the Bible in Daw'ah Work
Shaykh 'Abdur-Rahmaan Al-'Ajlaan
Shaykh 'Abdur-Rahmaan Al-'Ajlaan
Question: What is the ruling on using the material of those authors who quote from the Bible to establish hujjah (evidence)?
Answer: It is not permissible for a Muslim to read the books of the People of Book; like their books (the Old and New Testament) which report about the Torah or the Injeel because it is feared that he may be harmed or mislead by doing so, if his intention is merely to read and find out what is within them. However, if a student studies the book of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم and he is firm upon that, and he wants to read the books of the People of the Book then it is permitted for him to do. The Salaf did this ; they read the books of the People of the Book in order to refute them.
Answered by: Shaykh 'Abdur-Rahmaan Al-'Ajlaan حفظه الله
Title of Lecture: Questions and Answers Session
Date of the Lecture: December 14th, 2006
Warnings to the Daa'ee
By: Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Abdullah Ibn Baaz
From "Words Of Advice Regarding Da'wah"
1. Beware of being extreme
It is correct to name this awakening, which pleases and excites every believer, an Islamic movement, an Islamic revival and an Islamic movement. It is necessary to encourage and guide this awakening towards adhering and clinging to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) as well as warning leaders and individuals within this awakening from exceeding the limits, exaggerating and being extreme in their actions. In accordance with what Allah says in the Qur'aan,
"O people of the scripture, do not exceed the limits in your religion." [An-Nisaa 171]
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have said: "O you people, beware of being extreme and exceeding the limits in the religion, for that which destroyed the people before you was none other than extremism in the religion." He (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) also said:"The extremists are destroyed, the extremists are destroyed, the extremists are destroyed."
2. Speaking about Allah without knowledge
Beware of speaking about Allah, the Most High, without knowledge. It is not permissible for one who believes in Allah, the Most High, and the Last Day to say: 'This is halaal and this is haraam' or 'This is permissible and this is prohibited', except with a proof and completely depending upon that. It should be sufficient for him to do what the people of knowledge did before him, and that is to restrain oneself from rushing into saying that which he does not know but rather to say: "Allah knows best" or "I do not know".
"How excellent is the speech of the angels when they said to their Lord, Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except that which You taught us."[Al-Baqarah 32]
When the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) were asked about something that they did not know, they would say: "Allah and His Messenger know best." This is only because of the completeness of their knowledge and their faith and their glorification of Allah, and being far removed from embarking on matters beyond them.
3. Beware of accusing someone of disbelief or being sinful without proof
Indeed it is a most dangerous matter for one to dare to accuse some one of disbelief or of being sinful without proof and authorization from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam). There is no doubt that this is insolence towards Allah and His religion and it is also speaking about Him without knowledge. This is also in contradiction to the behavior of the people of knowledge and faith from among the pious predecessors, radiallaahu 'anhum. May Allah make us from amongst their followers in righteousness.
It has been authentically reported that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever says to his brother, 'O kaafir!' It returns to one of them." He also said:"Anyone who called his brother 'O kaafir!' Or 'O enemy of Allah!' And it was not correct, it would return back to him." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari] i.e., whatever he said falls back on him. This is a strong threat, warning the people of accusing others of disbelieving and being sinful, except when they have sure knowledge and understanding. This and other evidences are also a warning that one should be careful to guard his tongue, and only say that which is good.
4. Beware of being hasty.
How many calamities, difficulties and problems have afflicted those who are hasty! The days and nights are going and leaving behind the traces and consequences of hastiness! How much corruption and destruction and un-praiseworthy consequences have occurred because of partisanship and the following of desires? We ask Allah to keep us safe from that.
5. Beware of partisanship to a group. It is not permissible for one to blindly follow this person or that person, or the opinion of such and such a person. Nor should he follow blindly the methodology, or group of any individual. Differing, It's Effects and Cure: There is no doubt that differing is one of the greatest trials and calamities to befall the Muslim Ummah. It is one of the reasons why efforts are being wasted and truth is lost. Differing among Islamic groups and Islamic centers, harms the Islamic da'wah. The only way that they can succeed is to have a unification of goals and is that they all exert their efforts and work together towards the goal which will secure the power and glory of Islam and the safety of the Muslims. It is necessary for every group, institution and community who want success in the Hereafter to help each other enjoin al-Birr (righteousness) and taqwa (piety). They should be sincere in their actions towards Allah and their primary concern should be the victory of Allah's deen, so that everyone can join together upon the truth and work upon what Allah has said in His Book,
"Help you one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwa." [Al-Maaidah 2]
My advice for the daa'ees is that they should make sure that the actions should be done sincerely and purely for the sake of Allah, the Most High, alone. They should help one another in al-Birr and Taqwa and agree to rule by the Qur'aan and Sunnah whenever a disagreement breaks out amongst them, in accordance to what Allah says in the Qur'aan,
"And if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [An-Nisaa 59]
By this the goal will be one and the same and the efforts to search for success and warn away from following desires will be unified. Allah, the Most High, says,
"But if they answer you not, they know that they only follow their own lusts, and who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah?" [Al-Qasas 50]
Allah says in the Qur'aan addressing His Prophet and His Messenger Daawood, 'alaihis-salaam,
"O Dawood! Verily We have placed you as a successor on earth, so judge you between men in truth and follow not your desire, for it will mislead you from the Path of Allah." [ Saad 26]
Beware of Blind Support or Opposition Because Their Opinion Agrees or Conflicts With Yours: The deen of Allah must be the authority that judges everything. Beware of following your brother just because he agrees with you over an opinion and oppose another because he disagrees with you over an opinion or an issue. This is not being just or fair. We know that the sahaabah differed in issues, but this did not effect the good faith, support and love between them, radiallaahu 'anhum. So the believer acts by Allah's laws and he accepts and submits to the truth and he makes it precede everything else.
The believer should not oppress his brother, or act unjustly towards him if he differs with him over an opinion from the issues of Ijtihaad, in which the proofs may not be clear or issues in which there may be differing interpretations of the text. He may have an excuse, so you must advise him and love the khair (goodness) for him and do not allow the differing to induce and prompt aggression and discord between you. Do not enable the enemy to take advantage of you and your brother. And there is no movement or power except with Allah the Most High.
By: Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn 'Abdullah Ibn Baaz
From "Words Of Advice Regarding Da'wah"
1. Beware of being extreme
It is correct to name this awakening, which pleases and excites every believer, an Islamic movement, an Islamic revival and an Islamic movement. It is necessary to encourage and guide this awakening towards adhering and clinging to the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) as well as warning leaders and individuals within this awakening from exceeding the limits, exaggerating and being extreme in their actions. In accordance with what Allah says in the Qur'aan,
"O people of the scripture, do not exceed the limits in your religion." [An-Nisaa 171]
The Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) is reported to have said: "O you people, beware of being extreme and exceeding the limits in the religion, for that which destroyed the people before you was none other than extremism in the religion." He (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) also said:"The extremists are destroyed, the extremists are destroyed, the extremists are destroyed."
2. Speaking about Allah without knowledge
Beware of speaking about Allah, the Most High, without knowledge. It is not permissible for one who believes in Allah, the Most High, and the Last Day to say: 'This is halaal and this is haraam' or 'This is permissible and this is prohibited', except with a proof and completely depending upon that. It should be sufficient for him to do what the people of knowledge did before him, and that is to restrain oneself from rushing into saying that which he does not know but rather to say: "Allah knows best" or "I do not know".
"How excellent is the speech of the angels when they said to their Lord, Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except that which You taught us."[Al-Baqarah 32]
When the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) were asked about something that they did not know, they would say: "Allah and His Messenger know best." This is only because of the completeness of their knowledge and their faith and their glorification of Allah, and being far removed from embarking on matters beyond them.
3. Beware of accusing someone of disbelief or being sinful without proof
Indeed it is a most dangerous matter for one to dare to accuse some one of disbelief or of being sinful without proof and authorization from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam). There is no doubt that this is insolence towards Allah and His religion and it is also speaking about Him without knowledge. This is also in contradiction to the behavior of the people of knowledge and faith from among the pious predecessors, radiallaahu 'anhum. May Allah make us from amongst their followers in righteousness.
It has been authentically reported that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever says to his brother, 'O kaafir!' It returns to one of them." He also said:"Anyone who called his brother 'O kaafir!' Or 'O enemy of Allah!' And it was not correct, it would return back to him." [Saheeh al-Bukhaari] i.e., whatever he said falls back on him. This is a strong threat, warning the people of accusing others of disbelieving and being sinful, except when they have sure knowledge and understanding. This and other evidences are also a warning that one should be careful to guard his tongue, and only say that which is good.
4. Beware of being hasty.
How many calamities, difficulties and problems have afflicted those who are hasty! The days and nights are going and leaving behind the traces and consequences of hastiness! How much corruption and destruction and un-praiseworthy consequences have occurred because of partisanship and the following of desires? We ask Allah to keep us safe from that.
5. Beware of partisanship to a group. It is not permissible for one to blindly follow this person or that person, or the opinion of such and such a person. Nor should he follow blindly the methodology, or group of any individual. Differing, It's Effects and Cure: There is no doubt that differing is one of the greatest trials and calamities to befall the Muslim Ummah. It is one of the reasons why efforts are being wasted and truth is lost. Differing among Islamic groups and Islamic centers, harms the Islamic da'wah. The only way that they can succeed is to have a unification of goals and is that they all exert their efforts and work together towards the goal which will secure the power and glory of Islam and the safety of the Muslims. It is necessary for every group, institution and community who want success in the Hereafter to help each other enjoin al-Birr (righteousness) and taqwa (piety). They should be sincere in their actions towards Allah and their primary concern should be the victory of Allah's deen, so that everyone can join together upon the truth and work upon what Allah has said in His Book,
"Help you one another in al-Birr and at-Taqwa." [Al-Maaidah 2]
My advice for the daa'ees is that they should make sure that the actions should be done sincerely and purely for the sake of Allah, the Most High, alone. They should help one another in al-Birr and Taqwa and agree to rule by the Qur'aan and Sunnah whenever a disagreement breaks out amongst them, in accordance to what Allah says in the Qur'aan,
"And if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allah and His Messenger if you believe in Allah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination." [An-Nisaa 59]
By this the goal will be one and the same and the efforts to search for success and warn away from following desires will be unified. Allah, the Most High, says,
"But if they answer you not, they know that they only follow their own lusts, and who is more astray than one who follows his own lusts, without guidance from Allah?" [Al-Qasas 50]
Allah says in the Qur'aan addressing His Prophet and His Messenger Daawood, 'alaihis-salaam,
"O Dawood! Verily We have placed you as a successor on earth, so judge you between men in truth and follow not your desire, for it will mislead you from the Path of Allah." [ Saad 26]
Beware of Blind Support or Opposition Because Their Opinion Agrees or Conflicts With Yours: The deen of Allah must be the authority that judges everything. Beware of following your brother just because he agrees with you over an opinion and oppose another because he disagrees with you over an opinion or an issue. This is not being just or fair. We know that the sahaabah differed in issues, but this did not effect the good faith, support and love between them, radiallaahu 'anhum. So the believer acts by Allah's laws and he accepts and submits to the truth and he makes it precede everything else.
The believer should not oppress his brother, or act unjustly towards him if he differs with him over an opinion from the issues of Ijtihaad, in which the proofs may not be clear or issues in which there may be differing interpretations of the text. He may have an excuse, so you must advise him and love the khair (goodness) for him and do not allow the differing to induce and prompt aggression and discord between you. Do not enable the enemy to take advantage of you and your brother. And there is no movement or power except with Allah the Most High.
The Obligation of the Call and the Duty of the Caller
The Obligation of the Call and the Duty of the Caller
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen
[Q.1]: Is da'wah (calling) to Allaah obligatory upon every Muslim man or woman, or is it to be left for the Scholars and the students of knowledge only? Is it permissible for the lay person to call to Allaah?
[A.2]: When a person has knowledge and insight into that which he is calling to, then there is no difference between the one who has a great amount of knowledge, or a student of knowledge who has recently started in pursuit of knowledge, or a lay person – as long as he has certain knowledge of the issue at hand. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Convey from me, even if it is one aayah.” [1] So it is not a condition upon the daa'ee (caller) to attain a great amount of knowledge, but the condition is that one must have knowledge of what one is calling to. If this calling is established upon ignorance and passion, then it is not permissible.
Thus, we see that some of the brothers who call to Allaah, they do not have except a little knowledge. We see them, due to their strong emotions, prohibiting that which Allaah has not prohibited, whilst making obligatory that which Allaah has not made obligatory upon his worshippers. This is a very dangerous matter, since permitting what Allaah has made haraam (unlawful) is like prohibiting what Allaah has made halaal (lawful). So when they begin prohibiting people from making a certain matter halaal, then others will rebuke them for making it haraam. Allaah the Most High says:
“And do not say, concerning that which your tongues falsely put forward, ‘This is lawful and this is prohibited,' so as to invent lies against Allaah. Indeed those who invent lies against Allaah will never prosper.” [Sooratun-Nahl 16:116-117]
As for the lay person, then he must not call to Allaah if he does not have knowledge. Rather, it is essential to have knowledge, in accordance to the statement of Allaah the Most High:
“Say: This is my path, I call unto Allaah upon sure knowledge.” [Soorah Yoosuf 12:108]
So it is a must to call to Allaah upon knowledge. However, if a matter is clearly known to be evil or good, then one can command it – if it is good, or prohibit it – if it is evil.
So the callers to Allaah must start with knowledge. Whosoever calls to Allaah without knowledge, then such a person will cause greater harm than good – as is evident. So it is obligatory upon a person to first acquire knowledge, then to give da'wah. As for the clear evils, and that which is clearly good, then the good is enjoined and the evil prohibited. [2] [Q.2]: What is the difference between a Scholar and a daa'ee?
[A.2]: The difference between the Scholar and the daa'ee is clear. The daa'ee is the one who strives to convey the message of the Sharee'ah to the servants of Allaah. He calls them, sometimes by means of targheeb and tarheeb (persuation and deterring).
The Scholar is the one to whom Allaah has given knowledge and who may, or may not be a daa'ee. However, if the Scholar is not a daa'ee, then he is extremely deficient in his knowledge, and not a complete inheritor of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). This is because the Prophets ('alayhimus-salaatu was-salaam) did not bequeath the dirham nor the deenaar as inheritance, but they bequeathed knowledge, as the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed the Scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, and indeed the Prophets do not leave behind them the deenaar nor the dirham as inheritance. They leave behind only knowledge as inheritance. So whosoever acquires it aqcuires a huge fortune.” [3] Consequently, whoever acquires knowledge and calls to Allaah, then such a person has truly inherited from the inheritance of the Prophets – in proportion to what he establishes and implements from their prescribed laws.
As for the saying of some of the people that is is permissible to become du'aat (callers) without knowledge, then if they mean a daa'ee without a huge amount of knowledge, able to give fataawaa (religious verdicts), explain and deduce issues from their proofs – then it is possible to accept this saying. However, if they mean a daa'ee not having knowledge what to give da'wah to, nor having knowledge what to give da'wah with, then there is no doubt that this cannot be. And I warn people from calling to the truth in this manner, since the harm caused is greater than the goodness achieved, as can be seen! [4]
Footnotes:
[1] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 3461) from 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr (radiyallaahu 'anhu). [2] Taken from as-Sahwatul-Islaamiyyah (p. 75-76) of Shaykh Ibnul-'Uthaymeen, as compiled by 'Alee Aboo Lawz. [3] Hasan: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 3461) and Ibn Maajah (no. 223) from Abud-Dardaa‘ (radiyallaahu 'anhu). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in his checking upon Sharhus-Sunnah (1/276). [4] Taken from as-Sahwatul-Islaamiyyah (p. 76-77)
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen
[Q.1]: Is da'wah (calling) to Allaah obligatory upon every Muslim man or woman, or is it to be left for the Scholars and the students of knowledge only? Is it permissible for the lay person to call to Allaah?
[A.2]: When a person has knowledge and insight into that which he is calling to, then there is no difference between the one who has a great amount of knowledge, or a student of knowledge who has recently started in pursuit of knowledge, or a lay person – as long as he has certain knowledge of the issue at hand. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Convey from me, even if it is one aayah.” [1] So it is not a condition upon the daa'ee (caller) to attain a great amount of knowledge, but the condition is that one must have knowledge of what one is calling to. If this calling is established upon ignorance and passion, then it is not permissible.
Thus, we see that some of the brothers who call to Allaah, they do not have except a little knowledge. We see them, due to their strong emotions, prohibiting that which Allaah has not prohibited, whilst making obligatory that which Allaah has not made obligatory upon his worshippers. This is a very dangerous matter, since permitting what Allaah has made haraam (unlawful) is like prohibiting what Allaah has made halaal (lawful). So when they begin prohibiting people from making a certain matter halaal, then others will rebuke them for making it haraam. Allaah the Most High says:
“And do not say, concerning that which your tongues falsely put forward, ‘This is lawful and this is prohibited,' so as to invent lies against Allaah. Indeed those who invent lies against Allaah will never prosper.” [Sooratun-Nahl 16:116-117]
As for the lay person, then he must not call to Allaah if he does not have knowledge. Rather, it is essential to have knowledge, in accordance to the statement of Allaah the Most High:
“Say: This is my path, I call unto Allaah upon sure knowledge.” [Soorah Yoosuf 12:108]
So it is a must to call to Allaah upon knowledge. However, if a matter is clearly known to be evil or good, then one can command it – if it is good, or prohibit it – if it is evil.
So the callers to Allaah must start with knowledge. Whosoever calls to Allaah without knowledge, then such a person will cause greater harm than good – as is evident. So it is obligatory upon a person to first acquire knowledge, then to give da'wah. As for the clear evils, and that which is clearly good, then the good is enjoined and the evil prohibited. [2] [Q.2]: What is the difference between a Scholar and a daa'ee?
[A.2]: The difference between the Scholar and the daa'ee is clear. The daa'ee is the one who strives to convey the message of the Sharee'ah to the servants of Allaah. He calls them, sometimes by means of targheeb and tarheeb (persuation and deterring).
The Scholar is the one to whom Allaah has given knowledge and who may, or may not be a daa'ee. However, if the Scholar is not a daa'ee, then he is extremely deficient in his knowledge, and not a complete inheritor of the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam). This is because the Prophets ('alayhimus-salaatu was-salaam) did not bequeath the dirham nor the deenaar as inheritance, but they bequeathed knowledge, as the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed the Scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets, and indeed the Prophets do not leave behind them the deenaar nor the dirham as inheritance. They leave behind only knowledge as inheritance. So whosoever acquires it aqcuires a huge fortune.” [3] Consequently, whoever acquires knowledge and calls to Allaah, then such a person has truly inherited from the inheritance of the Prophets – in proportion to what he establishes and implements from their prescribed laws.
As for the saying of some of the people that is is permissible to become du'aat (callers) without knowledge, then if they mean a daa'ee without a huge amount of knowledge, able to give fataawaa (religious verdicts), explain and deduce issues from their proofs – then it is possible to accept this saying. However, if they mean a daa'ee not having knowledge what to give da'wah to, nor having knowledge what to give da'wah with, then there is no doubt that this cannot be. And I warn people from calling to the truth in this manner, since the harm caused is greater than the goodness achieved, as can be seen! [4]
Footnotes:
[1] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 3461) from 'Abdullaah Ibn 'Amr (radiyallaahu 'anhu). [2] Taken from as-Sahwatul-Islaamiyyah (p. 75-76) of Shaykh Ibnul-'Uthaymeen, as compiled by 'Alee Aboo Lawz. [3] Hasan: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 3461) and Ibn Maajah (no. 223) from Abud-Dardaa‘ (radiyallaahu 'anhu). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in his checking upon Sharhus-Sunnah (1/276). [4] Taken from as-Sahwatul-Islaamiyyah (p. 76-77)
The Mediums for Dawah
| The mediums For Da'wah |
| Question: Are the means of Da'wah set, meaning that is it not allowed to utilize new mediums, such as that of the media? Does that mean we can only use those means that were used during the life of the Messenger of Allaah Salallaahu alayhi wasallam? |
| Answer: We must first learn the principle that means are in accordance with their objectives. The scholars, who stipulate that those means in no way consist of anything unlawful, recognise this principle. This is because there is no good in what is unlawful. On the contrary, if the means are lawful and they lead to the realization of the Shari'ah objective, then there is nothing wrong with those means. However, this does not mean that we should turn away from the Qur'aan and Sunnah and from what they contain in terms of profound wisdom. There are means of Da'wah that some deem to be beneficial to use while others do not; in this case, it is perhaps better to use those means that are accepted by all, to avoid discord. There is a difference, however, between amicability and Da'wah. Sometimes, it is best to unite the youth with lawful activities after we have already invited them to the Qur'aan and Sunnah, activities that are not harmful to the religion or to the Da'wah, activities that give them a break from constant seriousness. |
| Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen |
| Fatawa Islamiyah vol.8, p.78, DARUSSALAM |
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