10 Matters That Destroy the Structure of Islam

بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِیْمِ . اعلم ان نواقض الاسلام عشرة نواقض

Translation:
◈ (I begin in the name of Allah, know that the nullifiers of Islam are ten)
Explanation:
The author of the book has started his composition following the method of the Holy Quran and the letters and correspondences of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ. Following the example of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, every Muslim should write “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” in their letters and correspondences. This is recommended; even the Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to recite it before eating, drinking, and intercourse. In short, every pure deed was begun with ‘بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ‘.
The author, may Allah have mercy on him, said: Know this. Be aware that the matters that nullify Islam are approximately ten. This warning is given so that we attentively listen to and understand the commands, so that through this knowledge we can emerge from the darkness of polytheism into the lights of Islam.
The Arabic name of the book is “Nawaqid al-Islam” (Nullifiers of Islam). Nawaqid is the plural of Naqid. Naqid means to break (to corrupt, to annul), and Nawaqid al-Islam means those matters which break and annul Islam, i.e., by committing these matters a person exits the fold of Islam. And if he dies in that state, he will go to Hell forever. This book explains these matters. Therefore, it is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman to thoroughly know the matters that annul Islam. It should not happen that a Muslim commits these kufr (disbelief) matters and is unaware that they are disbelief. As these matters can be seen even among many who claim Islam.
Sheikh al-Islam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, mentioned ten issues in this book. Although the matters that nullify Islam are more than these, Sheikh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, chose these ten because there is consensus among all Muslims that these matters nullify Islam. Or it can be said that many nullifiers, which only the Sheikh mentioned in the chapter of apostasy, refer back to these ten nullifiers.
The details of these ten nullifiers of Islam are as follows.

The First Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, says:

(( الشرك في عبادة الله ))

Associating Partners in the Worship of Allah

Allah the Exalted said:

((اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یَغْفِرُ اَنْ یُّشْرَكَ بِهٖ وَ یَغْفِرُ مَا دُوْنَ ذٰلِكَ لِمَنْ یَّشَآءُۚ))

(Its proof)
❀ It is the Divine command.
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”

إِنَّهُ مَنْ يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدْ حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَا وَاهُ النَّارُ، وَمَا لِلظَّلِمِينَ مِنْ أَنْصَارِ

“Believe that whoever associates others with Allah, Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are no helpers for the wrongdoers.”

(( ومنه الذبح لغير الله كمن يذبح للجن أو للقبر))

“Among these matters is sacrificing animals for other than Allah, such as for jinn or graves.”
Explanation:
Among the nullifiers of Islam, the first mentioned is associating partners with Allah (Shirk) because it is the greatest sin and disobedience. Shirk causes a defect in Allah’s Lordship and Divinity. Shirk means “every act that is exclusively for Allah alone, in which someone else is associated.” How can this not be the greatest sin? The polytheist associates others in the worship of Allah, while Allah created man from non-existence and blesses him with His favors.
There are three types of Shirk:
➊ Major Shirk (Shirk Akbar)
➋ Minor Shirk (Shirk Asghar)
➌ Hidden Shirk (Shirk Khafi)
❀ Ibn Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, described two types of Shirk:
➊ Major Shirk
➋ Minor Shirk
Major Shirk:
Allah Almighty will never forgive Major Shirk without repentance.
If a polytheist dies without repentance, he will remain in Hell forever.
❀ The Divine command is:

إِنَّ اللهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَنْ يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ يُشَاء

“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills.”
In another place, He said:

وَمَنْ يُشْرِكْ بِاللَّهِ فَكَأَنَّمَا خَرَّ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَتَخْطَفَهُ الطَّيْرُ اَوْ تَهْوِى بِهِ الرِّيحُ فِي مَكَانٍ سَعِيقٍ

“Say! Whoever associates others with Allah is like one who has fallen from the sky; the birds will snatch him or the wind will blow him to a distant place.”
That is why the idolaters of graves and the like, the polytheists, would say to their deities:

تاللهِ إِنْ كُنَّا لَفِي ضَللٍ مُّبِينِ إِذْ نُسَوّيْكُمْ بِرَبِّ الْعَلَمِينَ

“By Allah, indeed we were in manifest error when we equated you with Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”
The polytheists did not consider anyone equal to Allah in being the Creator, Provider, or Giver of life and death. But in reverence, devotion, and love, they associated partners with Allah, which are the greatest acts of worship and means of closeness to Allah. Therefore, Allah condemned those who do not truly honor Him.
Allah Almighty said:

مَالَكُمْ لَا تَرْجُونَ لِلَّهِ وَقَارًا

“What is wrong with you that you do not believe in the greatness of Allah?”
(Meaning: Why do you not fear Him as He deserves? Why do you not acknowledge Him alone and obey Him?)
Therefore, we say that all kinds of evil are present in Shirk.
Major Shirk has many types, which are based on four main categories.

We will present these types briefly with concise explanations, although more detailed explanations are better, but for fear of length, we will suffice with appropriate and beneficial clarification.

Types of Major Shirk

(Type One)

Associating partners in supplication:

Its proof is the statement of Allah Almighty.

فَإِذَا رَكِبُوا فِي الْفُلْكِ دَعَوُا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الذِيْنَ فَلَمَّا نَجْهُمُ إِلَى الْبَرِّ إِذَا هُمْ يُشْرِكُونَ

“And when they board the ships, they call upon Allah, sincere to Him alone. Then when He delivers them to the land, behold, they associate others with Him.”
Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, writes in his book ((Al-Qawaid Al-Arba’a)):
“The polytheists of our time are worse than the polytheists of the early days of Islam because those polytheists used to commit shirk only in times of prosperity and would refrain from shirk in times of hardship and distress (meaning they would abandon their false gods and call upon Allah alone). In contrast, the polytheists of this era commit shirk at all times, whether in hardship or prosperity. (Meaning they call upon others besides Allah, such as the Messenger of Allah, or Ali, or Ghaus al-Azam, or so-and-so, etc. And supplication is an act of worship. In the hadith, supplication is called the essence of worship. Committing shirk in it means committing shirk in worship.) And in the preface of his mentioned book, he states that if shirk enters into worship, the worship becomes void, just as if impurity enters into purification, it becomes invalid. When you have understood this reality well—that when shirk enters worship, it nullifies the worship and ruins the deeds, and its perpetrator becomes deserving of Hell forever—then surely you will understand how necessary it is to recognize this shirk. If you are sincere, Allah will surely protect you from this snare of shirk with Allah.
(Second oath)

Associating partners in intention and resolve:

Its proof is the statement of Allah Almighty.

مَنْ كَانَ يُرِيدُ الْحَيَوَةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِيْنَتَهَا نُوَقِ إِلَيْهِمْ أَعْمَالَهُمْ فِيهَا وَهُمْ فِيْهَالَا يُبْخَسُونَ أُولَئِكَ الَّذِيْنَ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا النَّارُ وَحَبِطَ مَا صَنَعُوا فِيهَا وَ بَطِلَّ مَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

“Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments, We fully repay them for their deeds in this world, and they will have no loss therein. Those are the ones for whom there is nothing but the Fire in the Hereafter. And what they used to do therein is of no avail, and their deeds will be lost.”

Allama Ibn Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, writes: The shirk in intention and purpose is like an ocean without a shore. That is, those who enter this ocean, very few among them are saved from it. Because whoever performs his deeds for the pleasure of anyone other than Allah, and intends to gain closeness to others besides Allah and seeks reward for his deeds from others besides Allah, then this act is called shirk in intention.

Shirk in intention is included in “Shirk Akbar” because in this act all deeds are done for others besides Allah. The matter of showing off (riya) is separate from this shirk. Showing off is called Shirk Asghar. Further explanation about it will come on the following pages.

ان شاء اللہ ۔

(Third category)

Associating partners in obedience:

Disobedience to Allah Almighty by obeying one’s monks and scholars (priests) is called shirk in obedience.
The proof of this is the command of Allah Almighty:

اتَّخَذُوا أَحْبَارَهُمْ وَرُهْبَانَهُمْ أَرْبَابًا مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ وَالْمَسِيحَ ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا إِلَهَا وَاحِدًا لَا إِلَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ سُبُحْنَهُ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ (التوبه: ۳۱)

“Those people have taken their scholars and monks as lords besides Allah, and also the son of Mary, Jesus (peace be upon him), while they were commanded to worship only one Allah alone, besides whom there is no true deity. Glory be to Him from all those partners they ascribe to Allah.”
For the explanation of this verse, the following hadith is recorded in Tirmidhi and others:
“Sayyid Na’adi bin Hatim (may Allah be pleased with him) heard this verse from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and asked:

((انا لسنا نعبدهم، قال أليس يـحـرمـون مـا أحل الله فتـحـرمـونـه ، ويحلون ما حرم الله فتحلونه ـ قلت بلى قال فتلك عبادتهم))(رواه الترمذي)

‘O Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): We did not worship our priests and monks.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘Did you not accept their rulings on what is lawful and unlawful and did not obey their commands against what Allah had made lawful and unlawful?’ I said, ‘Yes, that was the case.’ Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ‘That is exactly what their worship was.'”
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) says: Those people who made their scholars and priests their lords meant that they abandoned Allah’s commands regarding what is lawful and unlawful and obeyed those scholars. This obedience was of two types:
◈ They knew that these priests had altered the religion of Allah, yet they continued to obey their priests and scholars. In their obedience to their priests and leaders, they believed that what Allah had made lawful was unlawful and what He had made unlawful was lawful, while they knew that what they were doing was in opposition to Allah’s religion and His messengers. This is disbelief (kufr). Allah and His Messenger have declared it shirk (polytheism in obedience), even though they did not perform prayers or prostrations to them. So remember! Whoever obeys anyone other than Allah in matters opposed to Him, knowing that this is against the religion, and holds beliefs other than those taught by Allah and His Messenger, will be called a polytheist like those mentioned.
◈ The second point is that they believed in the lawfulness of what Allah made lawful and the unlawfulness of what He made unlawful, but (due to heedlessness and disobedience) they obeyed those (scholars and priests) in disobedience to Allah. Like a Muslim who commits a sin but still knows it is a sin. Such people are considered sinners.

(Type Four)

Associating partners in love:

Its proof is the statement of Allah Almighty.

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ يَتَّخِذُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ أَنْدَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُب الله

“Some people take others besides Allah as equals and love them as they should love Allah.”
The polytheist, due to ignorance and unawareness of the greatness and worth of his Lord, loves his idols and deities as much as or even more than Allah Almighty. He becomes so severely angry at any disrespect shown to these deities that he is not as angry at any disrespect shown to the Lord of the Worlds, and he is not as happy for Allah as he is for his false deities.
❀ As the Divine command states:

وَإِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ اشْمَارَتْ قُلُوبُ الَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالآخِرَةِ وَإِذَ ذُكِرَ الَّذِينَ مِنْ دُونِةٍ إِذَا هُمْ يَسْتَبْشِرُونَ

“When Allah alone is mentioned, the hearts of those who do not believe in the Hereafter become averse, but when those besides Him are mentioned, they are pleased.”
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, states:
At this point, four types of love arise. One who does not distinguish between these four types may fall into misguidance. Therefore, it is essential to understand and differentiate between these four types:

To Love Allah Almighty:

It is not enough to only love Allah without obedience and worship, expecting success or deliverance from divine punishment solely through love, because polytheists, cross worshippers, and Jews also love Allah Almighty.

To Love Everything That Allah Loves:

And this is the love that brings a person into the religion of Islam and removes them from disbelief, and the most beloved people to Allah are those who are foremost, most abundant, and strongest in this love.

To Love Someone for the Sake of Allah Almighty:

The demand of loving Allah is that love for others should also be for the sake of Allah alone.

The Fourth Type is “Al-Mahabba Ma’a Allah”:

That is, loving others alongside Allah—this love is shirk. That is, every love which is not for Allah, not because of Allah, not based on the religion of Islam, and which is for any partner besides Allah, this is the love called “الشرک فی المحبة“. And this love is the love of the polytheists.

Whoever commits the above four types of major shirk (shirk in supplication, shirk in intention and words, shirk in obedience, and shirk in love) leaves Islam. Because all these four acts are considered acts of worship. Worship of anyone other than Allah is called shirk.

❀ As the Divine command is:

وَمَنْ يَّدْعُ مَعَ اللَّهِ إِلَهَا أَخَرَ لَا بُرْهَانَ لَهُ بِهِ فَإِنَّمَا حِسَابُهُ عِندَ رَبِّهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْكَفِرُونَ

“And whoever calls upon besides Allah another deity for which he has no proof—then his account is only with his Lord. Indeed, the disbelievers will not succeed.”

In this verse, Allah Almighty has called those who call upon others besides Allah disbelievers.

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, says:

((ومن الشرك الأكبر ايضا الذبح لغير الله))

“Major shirk also includes slaughtering for others besides Allah.”

Explanation:
Because slaughtering is one of the very important means of attaining nearness to Allah. Through it, closeness to Allah is achieved.

As the Divine command is:

‏ فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ

“Pray to your Lord and sacrifice.”

At another place, it is said:

قُلْ إِنَّ صَلاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ

“Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my living and my dying are for Allah, Lord of the worlds.”

Therefore, whoever slaughters for saints, idols, or jinn, has committed an act of disbelief. As nowadays many people in various parts of the world commit this act out of ignorance at shrines, etc. Slaughtering, making vows and offerings—all these are acts of worship because through them nearness to Allah is attained. And acts of worship are exclusively for Allah. So whoever does these things for anyone other than Allah has left Islam and entered disbelief and misguidance.

As Allah Almighty has said:

يُوفُونَ بِالنَّذْرِ

“(Those who fulfill vows) for Allah.”

وَ مَاۤ اَنْفَقْتُمْ مِّنْ نَّفَقَةٍ اَوْ نَذَرْتُمْ مِّنْ نَّذْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَعْلَمُهٗؕ

“Whatever you spend (in charity) or vow to give, Allah knows it well.”

From these verses, it is understood that making vows is an act of worship. Therefore, whoever asks for vows for saints, etc., to offer meat as sacrifice has done something that breaks Islam because vows are only permissible for Allah. Doing this for others besides Allah is against the religion of Muhammad. Nowadays, grave worshippers and caretakers ask for vows from others besides Allah with the intention that these others can bring them benefit or harm. This is major shirk that expels one from Islam. Those who call this act minor shirk are greatly mistaken. They have no proof for this. Only Allah can help to avoid shirk. Major shirk also includes seeking help and refuge from others besides Allah.

Minor Shirk

If a person commits minor shirk and dies without repenting, then he is subject to the will of Allah Almighty, meaning if Allah wills, He may punish, and if He wills, He may forgive. However, the one who commits minor shirk will not remain in Hell forever; his ultimate fate will be Paradise. In any case, one should avoid minor shirk. Among the types of minor shirk is swearing by something other than Allah, provided that the person by whom the oath is sworn is not intended to be honored. But if the intention is to honor or revere that person, then this is not minor shirk; rather, it is major shirk, an act that expels one from Islam.
❀ The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

((من حلف بغير الله فقد كفر أو اشرك))، فسئل عنه ؟ فقال : ((الرياء))(رواه احمد ابوداؤد، ترمذی حاکم)

“Whoever swears by other than Allah has committed disbelief or shirk.”
This is one type of minor shirk.

Showing off (Riya)!

Minor shirk includes showing off (riya). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

((أخوف ما أخاف عليكم الشرك الأصغر)) (احمد وسنده حسن)

“I fear for you the minor shirk the most.”
It was asked, what is minor shirk? He (peace be upon him) replied, “Showing off (riya).”
Just think, when the companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them), who lived with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and witnessed the time of revelation, are feared to fall into minor shirk, then others who are less knowledgeable and less faithful than the companions should be even more careful to avoid minor shirk. The only way to avoid minor shirk is to establish a sincere relationship with Allah and obey the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him), while mentioning the shirk of the worshippers of the sun, moon, and fire, writes that minor shirk (showing off) in worship is easier than major shirk and people consider it trivial and light. Because minor shirk arises from someone who لَآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہُ believes in Allah and holds the belief that no one besides Allah has the power to give benefit or harm; everything is in Allah’s control. There is no true deity or lord besides Him. But such a person does not adopt sincerity in worship and dealings; rather, he performs his deeds seeking worldly gain, fame, and honor. His actions include desires of the self besides Allah’s pleasure. His purpose is that both the Merciful (Allah) be pleased and Satan also be happy. This is called showing off and minor shirk. And today, the majority of people are afflicted with this disease. This is the very shirk about which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said that in this Ummah, minor shirk will be more hidden and concealed than the faintest sound of an ant. The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how can we avoid this shirk?”
He (peace be upon him) said:
Recite this prayer:

(( اللهم إني أعوذ بك أن أشرك بك شيئًا وأنا أعلم، وأستغفرك لما لا أعلم))

“O Allah, I seek refuge from every shirk that I know and ask forgiveness for that which I do not know.”
And he said, “Remember:
Showing off is shirk.”
❀ Allah Almighty says:

قُلْ اِنَّمَاۤ اَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ یُوْحٰۤى اِلَیَّ اَنَّمَاۤ اِلٰهُكُمْ اِلٰهٌ وَّاحِدٌۚ-فَمَنْ كَانَ یَرْجُوْا لِقَآءَ رَبِّهٖ فَلْیَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَّ لَا یُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهٖۤ اَحَدًا

“(O Prophet, peace be upon him) Say: I am but a human like you, to whom it is revealed that your god is only one God. So whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.”
The meaning of this verse is that just as Allah is One and there is no deity besides Him, similarly worship must be for the One Lord alone. Just as the Lord is One, the object of worship must also be One. And righteous deeds are those free from showing off (done solely for Allah) and according to the Sunnah.
❀ Sayyid Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say:

((اللهم اجعل عملي كله صالحًا ، واجعله لوجهك خالصًا، ولا تجعل لاحد فيه شيئًا)) (رواه احمد)

“O Allah, make every one of my deeds righteous and make my deeds purely for You alone, so that no one else has any share in my deeds except You.”
And if minor shirk enters worship, it destroys the reward and merit of that worship. If there is showing off in obligatory acts, there is a severe warning of punishment. One who shows off in worship is like one who has done no deed at all, and thus will also be punished for abandoning the deed. Because Allah has commanded worship with sincerity.
❀ As the Divine command states:

وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ

“They were commanded nothing but to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.”
Therefore, whoever does not make worship purely for Allah, it is as if he has not done the deed he was commanded to do, rather he has done what he was not commanded to do. So his deed is neither correct nor acceptable.
While Allah Almighty said, in a Hadith Qudsi recorded in Sahih Muslim:

((أنا اغنى الشركاء عن الشرك فمن عمل عملاً أشرك معى فيه غيرى فهو للذى أشرك وأنا منه بری)) (رواه مسلم‘ و ابن ماجه)

“Allah says: I am free from the shirk of the polytheists. Whoever associates others with Me in his deeds, those deeds belong to the partners. I disown those deeds.” This is minor shirk, which Allah may forgive whoever He wills and punish whoever He wills.

Acting for other than Allah is of three types

◈ The action that is done solely for showing off, where the doer’s intention is only to gain worldly benefits or to show off to people, is like those hypocrites about whom Allah said:

وَإِذَا قَامُوا إِلَى الصَّلَوةِ قَامُوا كُسَالَى يُرَاءُ وُنَ النَّاسَ وَلَا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلا

“When the hypocrites stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing off to the people and hardly remembering Allah.”
A Muslim who performs such an action wastes all his deeds and becomes deserving of Allah’s severe displeasure.
◈ The second type of action is when a person performs an act for Allah, but includes showing off (riya) in it as well. This action has two conditions. One is that if showing off forms the basis of the action, then this action will not be accepted.
The proof of this is the hadith in Sahih Muslim:
Syedna Abu Huraira (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: Allah says, “I am free from the polytheists’ shirk. Whoever does any deed in which he associates others with Me, I will abandon him and his deed.”
The second condition is that if the action is done for Allah, but during the action the element of showing off appears later, then according to some scholars the entire action is wasted, while others say that the doer will receive the reward for the action but will also be sinful for the showing off. And if by effort and struggle the showing off is removed, then the reward and blessings will be greater.
❀ Because Allah’s command is:

وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ وَنَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوى O فَإِنَّ الْجَنَّةَ هِيَ الْمَأوى

“But indeed, he who feared standing before his Lord and restrained himself from desires, his abode will be Paradise.”

Understand this issue with this example:

A mujahid who fights in the way of Allah and also has the intention of acquiring spoils of war. Scholars have differed regarding his status.
Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, mentioned this issue in I‘lam al-Muwaqqi‘in (2/163). He writes:
The example of such a mujahid is like someone who prays for a wage. Even if he does not receive the wage, he still prays, but his intention includes both the wage and the pleasure of Allah. Or like someone who performs Hajj so that the obligation of Hajj is fulfilled and people call him a pilgrim. Similarly, a person who gives zakat so that the zakat is paid but also does it for showing off. Such a person’s deeds will not be accepted.
Regarding the same issue, Allama Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy on him, writes that having the intention of spoils of war will reduce the reward of jihad, but the jihad will not be completely wasted. The ahadith indicate that if a person fights jihad solely for worldly gain, then the ahadith about showing off will apply to him, and his jihad will be invalid.

In any case, from the above explanation it becomes clear that there is a clear difference between one who fights jihad for reward along with fame and showing off, and one who fights jihad for spoils of war. For the one who fights jihad for fame and showing off, the following hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, applies:
“A man asked, O Messenger of Allah, if a person fights jihad with the intention that he will receive reward and also gain fame, will he get the reward?” The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “That person will not receive any reward for jihad.” He asked three times, and each time the Prophet said the same, until the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

((ان الله لا يقبل من العمل الا ما كان خالصا وابتغي به وجهه ))

“Allah only accepts that deed which is purely for Him and whose sole purpose is to seek the pleasure of Allah.”

The second act that demolishes the structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

((من جعل بينه وبين الله وسائط، يدعوهم، ويسألهم الشفاعة ، ويتوكل عليهم كفر اجماعا))

“Whoever makes an intermediary between himself and Allah and calls upon that intermediary, seeks intercession through him, and relies upon him, that person will be a disbeliever according to the consensus of the Muslims.”

Explanation:
The most common and most dangerous act opposing and nullifying Islam in the present era is this. Because many so-called Muslims who are unaware of the true reality of Islam have created many intermediaries and means between themselves and their Lord. They call upon these intermediaries for relief from difficulties and protection from hardships. Such people are disbelievers by the consensus of the Muslims. This is because Allah Almighty sent His books and messengers so that people worship only Allah, the One without partner. But the worshippers of graves deny this. They have created many intermediaries whom they call upon to avoid harm and gain benefits. This calling has been turned into worship as if it is a command from Allah (may Allah protect us). And those who dislike this shirk and express disapproval and oppose it are accused of disrespecting the saints and righteous. Due to their corrupt thoughts and beliefs, these people do not call directly upon Allah Almighty but say that it is necessary to create some intermediary or means to reach Allah, just as one cannot directly ask a king in this world. Allah is greater than these kings; how can He be called directly? In doing so, they are disrespecting Allah’s majesty because, God forbid, they have likened Allah Almighty to His weak and powerless creation. This is strictly against Islam. (Is Allah like the kings of this world?) There are countless evidences from the Book and Sunnah that invalidate their beliefs. Whoever seeks guidance and accepts the truth and reflects on the Qur’an will understand this issue correctly. It will also become clear how isolated the religion of Islam has become in the present era because most people are ignorant of the religion of the Lord of the worlds.

Regarding this subject, the Divine command is:

قُلِ ادْعُوا الَّذِيْنَ زَعَمْتُمْ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ فِي السَّمَوَاتِ وَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَمَا لَهُمْ فِيهِمَا مِنْ شِرَفٍ وَّمَا لَهُ مِنْهُمْ مِنْ ظَهِيْرٍ O وَلَا تَنْفَعُ الشَّفَاعَةُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا لِمَنْ أَذِنَ لَهُ.

“Say, ‘Call upon those whom you claim besides Allah; they do not possess [power to remove] a speck from the heavens or the earth, nor do they have therein any partnership, nor is there for Him any helper.'”

Further He said:

قُلِ ادْعُوا الَّذِينَ زَعَمْتُمْ مِنْ دُونِهِ فَلَا يَمْلِكُونَ كَشَفَ الضُّرِّ عَنكُمْ وَلَا تَحْوِيلًا أولئِكَ الَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ يَبْتَغُونَ إِلَى رَبِّهِمُ الوَسِيلَةَ أَيُّهُمُ أَقْرَبُ وَيَرْجُونَ رَحْمَتَهُ وَيَخَافُونَ عَذَابَهُ.

“Call upon those whom you claim besides Allah, but they do not remove adversity from you nor do they change it. Those whom they call upon are themselves seeking the nearness of their Lord, desiring to be nearer to Him. They hope for His mercy and fear His punishment.”

At another place He said:

وَلَا تَدْعُ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ مَا لَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَلَا يَضُرُّكَ فَإِنْ فَعَلْتَ فَإِنَّكَ إِذَا مِنَ الظَّلِمِينَ O وَإِنْ يَمْسَسْكَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍ فَلَا كَاشِفَ لَهُ الَّا هُوَ وَإِنْ يُرِدْكَ بِخَيْرٍ فَلَا رَادَّ لِفَضْلِهِ يُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ وَهُوَ الغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

“Do not call upon besides Allah that which neither benefits you nor harms you, and if you do, then you will surely be among the wrongdoers. And if Allah should touch you with harm, there is no remover of it except Him; and if He intends any good for you, there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”

❀ The command of Allah Almighty is:

قُلْ أَفَرَءَ يُتُم مَّا تَدْعُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ إِنْ أَرَادَنِيَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍ هَلْ هُنَّ كَشِفْتُ ضُرّةٍ أَوْ أَرَادَنِي بِرَحْمَةٍ هَلْ هُنَّ مُمْسِكَتْ رَحْمَتِهِ قُلْ حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ يَتَوَكَّلُ الْمُتَوَكَّلُوْنَ

“(O Prophet, peace be upon him) Say to them: ‘Tell me, those whom you call upon besides Allah, if Allah intends to harm me, can they remove His harm? Or if He intends mercy for me, can they withhold His mercy?’ Say, ‘Sufficient for me is Allah; in Him those who rely should put their trust.'”

Most verses of the Qur’an indicate that worship should be purely for Allah alone and no one should be made an intermediary or means between Allah and His creation because

❀ The command of Allah is:

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِى فَإِنِّي قَرِيْبُ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُو لِى وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ

“And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided.”

Therefore, when it was said in front of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), “Whatever you wish and Allah wishes,” upon hearing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

((اجعلتنى الله عدلاً ؟ ما شاء الله وحده))

“Have you equated me with Allah? You should say, ‘Whatever Allah, the One without partner, wishes.'”

Because from the statement of the one who said this, it becomes clear that he equated Allah and His Messenger, while Allah Almighty alone is the only deity and none of Allah’s creation should be equated with Him. Only Allah is the Owner of benefit and harm.

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both):

(( احفظ الله يحفظك، احفظ الله تجده تجاهك ، وإذا سألت فاسأل الله ، واذا استعنت فاستعن بالله ، واعلم أن الامة لو اجتمعت على أن ينفعوك بشئ لم ينفعوك إلا بشيء قد كتبه الله لك ، وان اجتمعوا على ان يضروك بشيء لم يضروك إلا بشي قد كتبه الله عليك رفعت الأقلام وجفت الصحف)) (الترمذي)

“O Ibn Abbas! Protect the religion of Allah and Allah will protect you. Protect the religion of Allah and you will find Allah in front of you. If you ask, ask only from Allah; if you seek help, seek help only from Allah. Know that if the whole world gathers to benefit you, it will not benefit you except with what Allah has written for you. And if they gather to harm you, they will not harm you except with what Allah has written for you, because Allah has lifted the pens that write destiny and dried the Preserved Tablet.”

Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:
A believer should know that Allah Almighty is the Lord and Owner of everything. Likewise, Allah has created causes and means, such as making rain the cause for plants to grow.

❀ As the Divine command is:

أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مِنْ مَاءٍ فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الْأَرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِنْ كُلَّ دَابَّةٍ

“[It is] Allah who sends down water from the sky and revives the earth after its death and disperses therein every [kind of] moving creature.”

Similarly, Allah created the sun and moon in the creation of causes and means. The benefits obtained from intercession and supplication are attributed to intercession and supplication. For a Muslim deceased, the cause of Allah’s mercy is the funeral prayer; those who pray the funeral prayer along with the deceased also receive reward.

But regarding these causes and effects, the following three points must be known:

◈ The first important point in the discussion of causes is that causes are not permanently intended or desired. Rather, it is necessary that other causes also exist. There are some obstacles and barriers along with these causes. If due to some obstacle Allah does not complete the cause, the purpose is not achieved. Whatever Allah, Glorified and Exalted, wills happens even if people do not will it. Likewise, whatever people will cannot happen without Allah’s will. (Meaning, for example, the funeral prayer is a cause of mercy for the deceased. If due to some obstacle the deceased does not receive mercy, it is not necessary that the presence of the cause guarantees the result. Translator’s note.)

◈ Without knowledge, one should not believe that something is a cause. Whoever makes something a cause contrary to Shariah, his act will be wrong. For example, thinking that making vows can avert calamities and hardships or bring happiness is not correct. Because making vows is not a cause. According to the hadith of Bukhari and Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) forbade making vows.

❀ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

((انه لايأتي بخير ، وانما يستخرج به من البخيل))

“Making vows has no benefit; rather, it extracts wealth from a stingy person.”

◈ Without the command of Shariah, it is not permissible to make anything among religious acts a cause. Because all acts of worship are Taqweemiyyah (i.e., all acts of worship are prescribed by Shariah and cannot be altered). Therefore, it is not permissible for anyone to associate partners with Allah and call upon others besides Allah, even if they think it is beneficial for some purposes. Likewise, worship should not be performed through innovative or un-Islamic methods. Even if those who perform such wrong worship believe it brings benefit, due to shirk, sometimes Satan helps a person. Similarly, some works are fulfilled through disbelief, sin, and immorality. Obviously, these causes are wrong because the harm caused by these causes is far greater than the benefit. The purpose of the Shariah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is to complete good deeds and benefits and to eliminate all acts that cause corruption and harm. Therefore, whatever Allah has commanded to do is only beneficial, and whatever He has forbidden is clearly harmful and damaging.

Whether ancient or modern polytheists, by associating with intercessions, have fallen into major shirk, while Allah Almighty has negated any such intercession on the Day of Judgment in many places in the Qur’an, which these polytheists believe and imagine.

❀ The command of Allah is:

يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْفِقُوا مِمَّا رَزَقْنكُمْ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ يَوْمٌ لَّا بَيْعٌ فِيهِ وَلَا حُلَّةٌ وَّ لَا شَفَاعَةٌ وَالْكَفِرُونَ هُمُ الظَّلِمُونَ

“O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers – they are the wrongdoers.”

❀ The command of Allah is:

وَانْذِرُ بِهِ الَّذِيْنَ يَخَافُونَ أَنْ يُحْشَرُ وا إِلَى رَبِّهِمْ لَيْسَ لَهُمْ مَنْ دُونِهِ وَلِيٌّ وَلَا شَفِيعٌ لَّعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ

“And warn by the Qur’an those who fear that they will be gathered before their Lord – for them besides Him will be no protector and no intercessor – that they might become righteous.”

From these verses, it is understood that intercession sought from besides Allah is negated. Besides this, intercession sought from Allah Almighty will be accepted.

❀ As the command of Allah Almighty is:

مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ

“Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?”

❀ At another place He said:

وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ارْتَضَى وَهُمْ مِنْ خَشْيَتِهِ مُشْفِقُونَ

“Those (angels) do not intercede except for those whom He approves. And they fear His punishment and do not act arrogantly.”

❀ The command of Allah is:

قُلْ لِلْهَا لشَّفَاعَةُ جَمِيعًا لَهُ مُتَلكَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالاَرضِ ثُمَّ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ

“Say, ‘To Allah belongs [the right to allow] all intercession. To Him belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. Then to Him you will be returned.'”

❀ The Divine command is:

وَكَمْ مِنْ مَلَكِ فِي السَّمَوَاتِ لَا تُغْنِى شَفَاعَتُهُمْ شَيْئًا إِلَّا مِنْ بَعْدِ أَنْ يَّأْذَنَ اللَّهُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيَرْضَى

“There are many angels in the heavens whose intercession will not avail at all except after Allah permits and approves of whom He wills.”

From the above verses, it is understood that there are two types of intercession: one is negative intercession sought from besides Allah, and the other is positive intercession sought from Allah Almighty, which will be only for the people of monotheism and sincerity.

Two points are very important to consider in the chapter of intercession:

◈ The intercessor can intercede only after the permission of Allah Almighty.

❀ As the command of Allah is:

مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِندَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ

“Who is it that can intercede with Him except by His permission?”

◈ Allah will grant permission for intercession only to those whom He is pleased with and approves.

❀ As the command of Allah Almighty is:

وَلَا يَشْفَعُونَ إِلَّا لِمَنِ ارْتَضَى

“Those (angels) do not intercede except for those whom Allah approves.”

Whereas the deeds of polytheists will be wasted like rubbish, they will have no intercession, and contrary to their desires, no intercessor will be available to them. Because whoever seeks intercession without practicing monotheism beforehand, what else can be his end except deprivation?

The Third Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

( من لم يكفر المشركين أو شك في كفرهم أو صحح مذهبهم ))

“Whoever does not call the polytheists disbelievers, or doubts their disbelief, or considers their religion correct.”

Explanation:
This act is contrary and opposed to Islam because Allah Almighty has declared polytheists as disbelievers in many places in His Book. Allah Almighty has commanded enmity towards them due to their slander and fabrication of lies. For example, the polytheists falsely claimed that Allah has offspring and associated partners with Allah. However, Allah is far above their vile claims and reprehensible deeds. Allah has made it obligatory upon Muslims to harbor hatred and enmity towards polytheists. No one can be a Muslim without declaring polytheists as disbelievers. Whoever doubts the disbelief of polytheists despite clear evidence of shirk is like them.

Similarly, the person who considers the polytheists’ polytheistic religion correct or regards their disbelief and rebellion as good will be a disbeliever according to the consensus of Muslims.

Because the true definition of Islam is:

(( الاستسلام الله با التوحيد ، والانقياد له باالطاعة ، والبراءة من الشرك وأهله))

“To act upon Tawheed, to become obedient to Allah Almighty, to obey Him, and to dissociate from shirk and polytheists.”

Likewise, it is narrated in Sahih Muslim that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((من قال لا اله الا الله ، وكفر بما يعبد من دون الله ، حرم ماله ودمه ، وحسابه على الله)) (صحيح مسلم)

“Whoever recites the declaration of faith and denies other deities besides Allah, his wealth and life are sacred, and his reckoning is with Allah.”

This hadith declares the blood of Muslims as sacred and does not merely say that he recites لا الہٰ الا اللہ, but it is obligatory upon him to deny other deities besides Allah. If he does not deny them, then his blood and wealth will not be sacred, and fighting against him will continue because such a person has destroyed the fundamental principles of the Abrahamic faith. Since Muslims are commanded to follow the Abrahamic faith, we should not become weak in front of the enemies of Allah by following our desires.

❀ Allah Almighty says:

قَدْ كَانَتْ لَكُمْ أَسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ فِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَالَّذِيْنَ مَعَهُ إِذْ قَالُوا لِقَوْمِهِمْ إِنَّا بُرَةً وُا مِنْكُمْ وَمِمَّا تَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ O كَفَرْنَا بِكُمْ وَبَدَا بَيْنَنَا وَبَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةُ وَالْبَغْضَاءُ اَبَدًا حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ وَحْدَهُ

“O Muslims! For you, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his companions are the best example. When they openly declared to their people that they disassociate from you and from those whom you worship besides Allah. We disbelieve in your beliefs until you believe in the oneness of Allah. There has been enmity and hatred between us and you forever.”

This verse clearly shows the principles of the Abrahamic religion. According to Allah’s command, whoever dislikes the Abrahamic faith will be foolish.

فَمَنْ يَكْفُرُ بِالطَّاغُوتِ وَيُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ فَقَدِ اسْتَمْسَكَ بِالْعُرْوَةِ الْوُلْقَى

“Whoever denies Taghut and believes in Allah has grasped the most trustworthy handhold.”

Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, commenting on the characteristics of denying Taghut, writes:

((أن تعتقد بطلان عبادة غير الله ، وتتركها ، وتبغضها ، وتكفر أهلها ، وتعاديهم))

“Denying Taghut can be done by considering the worship of anything other than Allah as false, harboring hatred and enmity towards it, denying the polytheists, and considering them your enemies!”

Dear respected ones! From the above explanation, you must have understood the condition of many rulers and common people who claim Islam. These people love and befriend polytheists; they have established brotherhood with polytheists, while they are enemies of the religious people who are imprisoned and punished. Is there still any vitality left in Islam???

❀ Although the Divine command is:

يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا الْيَهُودَ وَالنَّصْرَى أَوْلِيَاءُ مـ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ وَمَنْ يَتَوَلَّهُمْ مِنْكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى الْقَوْمَ الظَّلِمِينَ

“O believers! Do not take Jews and Christians as allies. They are allies of each other. Whoever among you takes them as allies is indeed one of them. Allah does not guide the wrongdoers.”

❀ Elsewhere, Allah says:

لَا يَتَّخِذِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْكَفِرِينَ أَوْلِيَاءَ مِنْ دُونِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَمَنْ يُفْعَلُ ذَلِكَ فَلَيْسَ مِنَ اللَّهِ فِي شَيْءٍ

“Believers should not take disbelievers as allies instead of believers, and whoever does so will have no support from Allah.”

It is clear that whoever claims Islam must declare polytheists as disbelievers, harbor enmity towards them, and whoever loves them, defends them, or visits their countries without a legitimate Islamic excuse—an excuse not accepted by Allah and His Messenger—should also be hated. Similarly, Muslims should return to their religion because honor comes from religion, divine support is attained through religion, and the division of countries is based on religion. The criterion of religion distinguishes the friends of the Merciful (those who help His religion) from the friends of Satan (those who support Satan). The friends of Satan continue to earn their livelihood but do not care about religion.

Allah Almighty has made it obligatory upon Muslims to follow the excellent example of the leader Ibrahim, Khalilullah (friend of Allah), peace be upon him.

❀ As Allah says:

وَإِذْ قَالَ إِبْرَاهِيمُ لَا بِيْهِ وَقَوْمِةٍ إِنَّنِي بَرَاءٌ مِّمَّا تَعْبُدُون O إِلَّا الَّذِي فَطَرَنِي فَإِنَّهُ سَيَهْدِينِ

“When Ibrahim said to his father and his people, ‘You worship what I do not worship. I disassociate myself from what you worship except the One who created me and guided me to the straight path.'”

Similarly, it is obligatory upon us to follow Allah’s command regarding disbelievers.

❀ As Allah Almighty says:

يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قَاتَلُوا الَّذِينَ يَلُوْنَكُمُ مِّنَ الْكُفَّارِ وَلْيَجِدُوا فِيكُمْ غِلْظَةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الْمُتَّقِينَ

“O believers! Fight those disbelievers who are near to you, and let there be harshness in you towards them. And know that Allah is with the righteous.”

❀ Allah Almighty commands:

فَاقْتُلُوا المُشْرِكِينَ حَيْثُ وَجَدْتُمُوهُمْ وَخُذُوهُمْ وَاحْصُرُوهُمْ وَاقْعُدُوا لَهُمْ كُلَّ مَرْصَدٍ فَإِنْ تَابُوا وَاقَامُوا الصَّلَوَةَ وَاتَوُا الزَّكَوةَ فَعَلُوا سَبِيْلَهُمْ

“Kill the polytheists wherever you find them, capture them, besiege them, and lie in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakat, then leave their way free.”

Dear respected ones! Whenever people turned away from the Book and Sunnah, Allah Almighty imposed their enemies upon them. Similarly, whenever the rulers abandoned the laws revealed by Allah and implemented their own cursed laws, Allah scattered the Muslims. Muslims were divided into small countries, and enemies gained dominance over them because the rulers of these small countries only cared about their own positions and thrones.

They did not care whether religion prevailed or not, even though the honor and grandeur of these Muslims were due to religion. If they had supported religion, they would have gained dominance over the world. Therefore, Allah Almighty has made it obligatory upon every leader, emir, and ruler to enforce Allah’s laws. But they have no awareness because friendship with disbelievers and bad company have blinded them. Alongside this, scholars and preachers have also been negligent and careless in informing the kings and rulers about the rulings related to this belief (friendship and enmity with disbelievers) and in teaching and advising them about the doctrine of loyalty and disavowal (love for Allah alone and hatred for His enemies). اللہ اکبر Allah alone is the One from whom help is sought.

Every Muslim should know that disbelievers make every possible effort to keep Muslims away from religion. Their desire is that Muslims become like them. If a zealous Muslim does not awaken from this slumber of heedlessness, time will slip away from them, and then crying tears of regret and remorse will be of no benefit. The disbelievers will gain dominance, and Muslims will remain defeated because this is the law of the world.

(( مَنْ لَمْ يَغْرُ عُرِى ))

“Whoever does not initiate fighting, the enemy will attack him.”

Therefore, it is necessary to preach this methodology, i.e., to inform about the bad consequences and results of friendship with disbelievers. Every scholar, every preacher, and every imam of the mosque must, in the light of the evidence from the Book and Sunnah, warn the general public about the dangers of mingling with disbelievers and visiting their countries without cause. Allah Almighty has abolished all heartfelt love and friendship relations between Muslims and disbelievers, even if they are close relatives.

❀ Allah Almighty says:

يَا يُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا آبَاءَ كُمْ وَإِخْوَانَكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ إِن اسْتَحَبُّوا الْكُفْرَ عَلَى الْإِيْمَانِ وَمَنْ يَتَوَلَّهُمْ مِنْكُمْ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الظَّلِمُونَ

“O believers! Do not take your fathers and brothers as allies if they prefer disbelief over faith. Whoever among you loves them is indeed unjust.”

❀ Allah says:

لَا تَجِدُ قَوْمًا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ يُوَادُّونَ مَنْ حَادَّ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَوْ كَانُوا آبَاءَ هُمْ أَوْ أَبْنَاءَ هُمْ أَوْ إِخْوَانَهُمْ أَوْ عَشِيْرَتَهُمْ أَوْلَئِكَ كَتَبَ فِي قُلُوبِهِمُ الْإِيْمَانَ وَأَيَّدَهُمْ بِرُوحٍ مِنْهُ

“You will never find those who believe in Allah and the Last Day loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even if they were their fathers or their sons or their brothers or their kindred. Those are the ones whose hearts Allah has sealed, and He has placed a seal upon their hearing and their sight.”

Furthermore, He said:

يَأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا عَدُوّى وَعَدُوَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاءَ تُلْقُونَ إِلَيْهِمْ بِالْمَوَدَّةِ وَقَدْ كَفَرُوا بِمَا جَاءَ كُم مِّنَ الْحَقِّ جَ يُخْرِجُونَ الرَّسُولَ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنْ تُؤْمِنُوا بِاللهِ رَبِّكُمُ إِن كُنتُمْ خَرَجْتُم جِهَادًا فِي سَبِيلِى وَابْتِغَاءَ مَرْضَانِى تُسَرُّونَ إِلَيْهِمُ بِالْمَوَدَّةِ وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ بِمَا أَخْفَيْتُمْ وَمَا أعْلَتُهُمْ وَمَنْ يُفْعَلهُ مِنكُمْ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَاءَ السَّبِيلِ

“O believers! Do not take My enemies and your own enemies as allies. You send them messages of love, but they disbelieve in the truth that has come to you (i.e., the Quran, the Messenger of Allah, Islam). They exile the Prophet and you only because you believe in your Lord. If you strive in My cause and seek My pleasure, do not befriend them. You secretly send them messages of love, but I know what you conceal and what you reveal. Whoever does this among you has certainly gone astray from the right path.”

Regarding this topic, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((لا يرث المسلم الكافر ولا الكافر المسلم)) (بخاری ومسلم)

“No Muslim can be the heir of a disbeliever, and likewise, no disbeliever can be the heir of a Muslim.”

And in another hadith, he said:

((لا يقتل مسلم بكافر))

“No Muslim should be killed in exchange for a disbeliever.”

All these verses and hadiths indicate the insult to disbelievers because, according to Allah’s command, ((انما المشركون نجس))

polytheists are impure and filthy.”

All Muslims should be warned that Jews and Christians will never be pleased or satisfied with Muslims unless Muslims follow the disbelievers and walk in their footsteps.

❀ The Divine command is:

وَلَنْ تَرْضَى عَنكَ الْيَهُودَ وَلَا النَّصْرَى حَتَّى تَتَّبِعَ مِلَّتَهُمْ قُل إِنَّ هَدَى اللهِ هُوَ الهُدَى وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَ هُمْ بَعْدَ الَّذِي جَاءَ كَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ مَا لَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ مِنْ وَلِي وَلَا نَصِيرٍ

“(O Prophet!) The Jews and Christians will never be pleased with you unless you follow their religion. Say, ‘Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the true guidance.’ And if you were to follow their desires after knowledge has come to you, then you would have against Allah no protector or helper.”

This verse contains a severe warning for those who follow the religion of disbelievers. Similarly, the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, also commanded to keep away from polytheists so that Muslims do not become like them by befriending them.

❀ The Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

((أنا برئ من كل مسلم يقيم بين اظهر المشركين)) (ابوداؤد ،ترمذی)

“I disassociate myself from those Muslims who choose to live among polytheists.”

The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, asked:
“O Messenger of Allah! How far should Muslims be from disbelievers?” He replied: “So far that neither of them can see the fire of the other.”

Seeing the fire means not to stay close to each other.

In another hadith, he said:

((لا يقبل الله من مشرك بعد ما أسلم عملاً او يفارق المشركين الى المسلمين)) (نسائی)

“Allah does not accept any deed of a polytheist after embracing Islam until he distances himself from the polytheists and joins the Muslims.”

In these circumstances, which we are experiencing, we complain to Allah alone about the poverty of this religion and the changing conditions of Muslims. We all listen to these clear verses and hadiths, yet we mingle with disbelievers and become their companions and share their food and drink.

❀ The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

(( من جامع المشرك ، وسكن معه قانه مثله )) (ابوداؤد)

“Whoever mingles with polytheists and chooses to live among them is like them.”

Where is the Abrahamic religion!! Where is the love for Allah and hatred for His enemies!! The methodology of the Abrahamic nation has been abandoned. Now this methodology is rarely found in the world, and its signs have disappeared from the world. The religion of Islam is based on hatred of disbelievers, love for Muslims, and blessing and deliverance from the rebellious and tyrannical. There are no ones who firmly hold the religion of the Prophet of Wadi Batha, the Hashemite, peace be upon him. We pray to Allah to forgive our sins and cleanse the rust of sins from our hearts.

O people! Look at our condition! Are our bodies not scented with the fragrance of polytheists? (i.e., we do not mingle with polytheists) Do we not praise and admire them? Do we not rush to honor and respect them? While the Noble Prophet, peace be upon him, has disassociated himself from every Muslim who lives among polytheists, yet our economic and business wisdom says to establish complete friendship with every disobedient and rebellious person.

The author, may Allah have mercy on him, wrote among the acts contrary to Islam that “whoever considers the religion of disbelievers and polytheists correct is also among them.” Included in this list are the communists, atheists, and proponents of materialism of this era. All these sects are misguided disbelievers, even though their names sound like Muslims. Names do not change realities. In this era of alienation, we turn to Allah Almighty because a strange time has come upon Islam. The standard of the world has changed. People look at names, not at the named; they trust claims, not realities. The enemies of Allah, who fight openly and secretly against religion day and night, have become firm true believers in the eyes of ignorant and heedless people merely because they recite the declaration of faith. Their claim to Islam will not benefit them because their lives and wealth are always used against religion due to their participation in Satan’s army.

The Fourth Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

(( من اعتقدان غير هدى النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أكمل من هديه أو أن حكم غيره احسن من حكمه كالذي يفضل حكم الطواغيت على حكمه ))

Whoever holds the belief or opinion that guidance other than that of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is more perfect, or that the command of someone else is better than the command of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, then this opinion is against Islam. For example, if a person prefers the command of the tyrant over the command of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.

Explanation:
Several issues are mentioned in this brief discourse, which we will discuss in order.

(First Issue)
Whoever establishes the belief that guidance other than that of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is more perfect and better, such a person cannot be a Muslim. This belief will lead him to Hell because it contradicts the Book, the Sunnah, and sound intellect.

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to say in his sermons:

((أما بعد فان خيرا الحديث كتاب الله ، وخير الهدي هدى محمد))

“The best speech is the Divine Book, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad.”

There is no doubt that the Muhammadan guidance is the most perfect because the methodology of the Prophet, peace be upon him, is based on Divine revelation.

❀ Allah Almighty says:

وَمَا يَنْطِقُ عَنِ الهَوَى إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا وَحْيٌ يُوحَى

“(The Prophet) does not speak from his own desire. What he says is only revelation.”

Based on this verse, the scholars have unanimously agreed that the Sunnah is the second source of Islamic law after the Qur’an. The Sunnah is an independent foundation for legislation. In Islamic rulings, after the Qur’an, reference is made to the Sunnah. In declaring something lawful or unlawful, the Sunnah is like the Qur’an. Therefore, when the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, saw the book of the People of the Book in the hand of Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, he said:

((أمتهوكون فيها يا ابن الخطاب؟ والذي نفسي بيده ، لقد جئتكم بها بيضاء نقية.)) (مسند احمد)

“O Umar ibn Al-Khattab! Are you still occupied with these books? By Allah, I have brought to you a clear and manifest religion.”

From this hadith, it is understood that the Muhammadan Shariah abrogates all previous Shariahs and is lighter and easier compared to all previous Shariahs.

Because the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((أحب الاديان الى الله الحنيفية السمحة))

“Allah Almighty likes the straight and one-sided religion (Islam) among all religions.”

Reflect on these hadiths and tell me, can there be any guidance better than the Muhammadan guidance, peace be upon him? Consider another saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:

((والذي نفسي بيده ، لو كان موسى بين اظهركم ، ثم اتبعتموه وتركتموني لضللتم بعيداً))؟!

“By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if Moses, peace be upon him, were to come to you today and you were to leave me and follow him, you would be misguided.”

Allah Almighty has bestowed a favor upon the Ummah of Muhammad by perfecting the religion and showering His blessings upon you through Muhammad, peace be upon him.

❀ As it is stated:

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا

“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.”

Allah Almighty is pleased with the religion He has chosen for us, and we are pleased with it because He has chosen it and sent the Chief of Messengers, Muhammad Al-Arabi, peace be upon him, with this religion.

❀ The Divine command is:

إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللَّهِ الْإِسْلَامُ

“Indeed, the religion with Allah is Islam.”

❀ At another place, it is said:

وَمَنْ يُبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الْإِسْلَامِ دِيْنًا فَلَنْ يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَسِرِينَ

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islam, it will never be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter, he will be among the losers.”

According to this verse, whoever seeks a religion other than Islam is a disbeliever.

(Second Issue)
The author, may Allah have mercy on him, states the second issue: Whoever holds the belief that a command other than that of the Messenger of Allah, for example, the command of a tyrant, is better and superior, then this belief is against Islam. According to the consensus of the scholars of the Ummah, such a person is a disbeliever. They are disbelievers because they consider the laws of people inferior to the laws of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, or their self-made laws superior to the laws of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Allah Almighty sent His Messenger precisely to bring people out of the darkness of polytheism into the light of monotheism. So how can any other opinion or law be better now?

❀ Allah Almighty says:

الرَكِتُبُ أَنْزَلْنَهُ إِلَيْكَ لِتُخْرِجَ النَّاسَ مِنَ الظُّلمتِ إِلَى النُّورِ باذن رَبِّهِمُ إلى صِرَاطِ الْعَزِيزِ الْحَمِيدِ

“This glorious Book We have sent down to you so that you may bring mankind out of darkness into light by the command of their Lord, to the path of the Almighty, the Praiseworthy.”

It is necessary for every Muslim man and woman to be aware that the command of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, is superior and precedes all other commands. If any issue arises among people, it should be resolved by referring only to Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him. Whoever leaves the command of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, and decides according to another command will be a disbeliever.

❀ Read the verses of Surah An-Nisa in which Allah says:

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِيْنَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّهُمْ ءَامَنُوا بِمَا أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ يُرِيدُونَ أَن يَتَحَاكَمُوا إِلَى الطَّاغُوتِ وَقَدْ أُمِرُوا أَن يَكْفُرُوا بِهِ وَيُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَنُ أَن يُضِلُّهُمْ ضَلامٍ بَعِيدًا)

“Have you not seen those who claim to believe in what has been revealed to you and what was revealed before you, yet they wish to refer judgment to Taghut (false deities)? But they were commanded to reject Taghut. Satan wishes to lead them far astray.”

❀ The command of Allah Almighty is:

فَلَا وَرَبِّكَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ حَتَّى يُحَكِّمُوكَ فِيْمَا شَجَرَ بَيْنَهُمْ ثُمَّ لَا يَجِدُوا فِي أَنفُسِهِمْ حَرَجًا مِّمَّا قَضَيْتَ وَيُسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا

“By your Lord, they cannot be believers until they make you (O Prophet) judge in all their disputes and find no resistance in their hearts against your decisions but accept them with full submission.”

In this verse, Allah Almighty swears that no one can be a believer until he fulfills three conditions:
1. Considers the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, as the judge in all matters.
2. Does not feel any displeasure in his heart regarding the decisions of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.
3. Accepts every decision with obedience.

Dear respected ones! How can a person with sound intellect accept that the intellect of people or the thoughts of an individual can be superior to the commands of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him? The laws of creation are based on oppression and tyranny, whereas the laws of Allah are based on justice and fairness. Look! When people removed themselves from the command of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, what was their end? Oppression, cruelty, immorality, and corruption became their destiny. There, no evil is considered evil; people live with absolute freedom and brutality. In this life, children, youth, and the elderly perish, and even their nature changes. Every person who removes himself from the commands of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, meets this fate.

❀ Allah Almighty says:

وَمَن لَّمْ يَحْكُم بِمَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ فَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمُ الْكَفِرُونَ

“Whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed, they are disbelievers.”

The declaration of faith لا الہ الا الہ demands that decisions be made according to the Shariah of Allah and that the belief be held that the knowledge of the Messenger, peace be upon him, is superior to the command of any non-Messenger. Whoever holds the opposite belief does not truly know the declaration of faith because obedience to the Messenger, peace be upon him, is a fundamental condition of this great declaration. It is because of this declaration لا الہ الا اللہ that the heavens and the earth exist, and Allah Almighty sent prophets, messengers, and revealed books, commanded jihad, and the interpretation of good and evil is based on this declaration. Whoever knows the pillars of this declaration stays away from the commands of others besides Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him.

In the present age of trials, conditions have changed greatly. (It is as if the time has come when the Shariahs of the prophets have been distorted.) People have abandoned the commands of Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him, due to the opinions and thoughts of Jews and Christians, who neither love any believer nor keep any covenant regarding any believer. Despite this, people are pleased with human-made laws.

❀ The great scholar Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said beautifully:
“By Allah! I am not as afraid of my sins because this forgiving Being can forgive sins, but I fear leaving the governance of Divine revelation and the Qur’an from my heart and being occupied with the opinions of people. If these actions are committed, what will become of the favor Allah bestowed upon us through the mission of the Prophet of Allah, peace be upon him?”

So Allah alone is the One to whom complaints can be made! He is the Hearer of supplications and the One trusted.

Included in the list of disbelief and misguidance are those who say that in the present age, it is not appropriate to apply the Qur’anic punishments for adultery and theft because this age is not like the age of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Whoever says this believes that the laws of the present age are better than the commands of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Therefore, in this age, laws other than those of Allah should be enforced.

Included in the list of disbelief and misguidance are those who say that in this era, it is permissible to decide against the laws revealed by Allah. If this is not disbelief, then what is it? Because they have declared lawful something that no one disputes is unlawful.

The Fifth Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

((من ابغض شيئًا مما جاء به الرسول ولو عمل به کفر))

“Whoever dislikes or hates anything that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, has brought in Islam, he will be a disbeliever even if he himself acts upon it.”

Explanation:
Anyone who dislikes or harbors hatred towards Islam is unanimously considered outside the fold of Islam by the scholars. As mentioned by Sahib al-Iqna’ and others, harboring hatred towards the actions and commands of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a sign of hypocritical disbelief, and according to the Qur’an, the abode of the hypocrite is Hellfire. Whoever hates the commands and prohibitions of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is in great danger.

The irreligious authors who are enamored with the infidel civilization of Jews and Christians and are sycophants of the British, who tear away Islamic laws from their necks, have truly left Islam. They make baseless claims regarding polygamy and deny the Qur’anic injunctions. They express hatred towards polygamy and use all means against it, unaware that they are waging war against Allah and His Messenger, peace be upon him. Those who reject Allah’s command and hate the religion of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, ask why the blood money (diyat) for a woman is half that of a man? These people do not accept the testimony of two women as equal to that of one man. Moreover, they hate many of the sayings of the Prophet, peace be upon him. For example, the Prophet, peace be upon him, said:

“I have not seen anyone more deficient in intellect and religion than women; cautious, and if you trust them, they betray you; if you are harsh with them, they show disobedience. The woman’s mind also takes away the mind of the wise man.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Those who dislike this hadith show disrespect towards it. They either distort its apparent meaning or declare it weak because, in their view, this hadith is against reason. Even if such people act upon arguments, they still do not fulfill the conditions of لا الہ الا اللہ because the most important condition of the kalima is to love the commands of the Qur’an and Hadith and accept them willingly, whereas these people show hatred and narrow-mindedness. This behavior is like that of hypocrites who outwardly act but inwardly dislike.

❀ The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((من قال لا اله الا الله خالصا من قلبه دخل الجنة )) (احمد ابن حبان)

“Whoever recites لا الہ الا اللہ with sincerity of heart will enter Paradise.”

This hadith sets the condition of sincerity of heart; therefore, how can someone who dislikes the Qur’an and Hadith accept it sincerely?

Regarding the same subject, Allah’s command is:

وَالَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوا فَتَعْسًا لَّهُمْ وَأَضَلَّ أَعْمَالَهُمُ ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَرِهُوا مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ فَاحْبَطَ أَعْمَالَهُمُ

“And those who disbelieve – destruction is for them, and He will waste their deeds because they disliked what Allah revealed, so He wasted their deeds.”

Allah has made the deeds of those who dislike the religion worthless and destroyed them because Allah has given glad tidings of success to those who act upon the Qur’an and its commands and prohibitions. Conversely, He has commanded the destruction of the deeds of those who dislike it. Every person who dislikes the laws revealed by Allah, even if he acts upon them, his deeds are ruined.

As stated in this verse:

ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمُ اتَّبَعُوا مَا أَسْخَطَ اللَّهَ وَكَرِهُوا رِضْوَانَهُ فَأَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالَهُمْ

“That is because those people followed a path that angered Allah, and they disliked His pleasure, so He wasted their deeds.”

Every Muslim should fear becoming someone who dislikes Islam. This dislike remains hidden in the heart and after a long time a person realizes that Satan has done his work. Therefore, this prayer should be recited often:

((يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبي على دينك ))

“O Turner of hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.”

Because all hearts are in the fingers of Allah. Allah turns hearts as He wills.

At this point, a warning should be given to those who often get opportunities where people invite them to Islam, but they do not accept the invitation. This refusal does not mean that they hate Islam or deny the truth. Rather, it is that the manner and method of the inviters are wrong. If someone else conveys the same message in a good way and clearly explains the evil, people will accept the truth. Sometimes the relationship between the inviters and the people is not good; this should not be considered hatred towards Islam. At this point, the accusation against sinners should be denied. Some people call those who shave their beards, wear trousers below the ankles, or drink alcohol “haters of Islam” or “opponents of religion,” but this is a false accusation against sinners. Some companions, may Allah be pleased with them, also committed sins, but no one accused them of this. Rather, when a drinker was brought to the Prophet, peace be upon him, he forbade the companions from cursing him and said: Do not say that; he is a sinner who loves Allah and His Messenger.
(Bukhari)

If this accusation were true, then all those who commit major sins would be outside Islam, which is incorrect. According to the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah, those who commit major sins do not leave Islam. Such people are subject to Allah’s will; He may forgive them or punish them. But the end of those who commit major sins is ان شاء اللہ Paradise.

The Sixth Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

((من استهزأ بشئ من دين الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم ، أو ثوابه ، أو عقابه كفر))

“Whoever mocks any aspect of the religion of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, whether it concerns reward or punishment, that person is a disbeliever.”

Explanation:
Why is mocking the religion of Islam considered disbelief? The evidence is this verse:

قُلْ أَبِاللَّهِ وَاللهِ وَرَسُولِهِ كُنتُمْ تَسْتَهْزِهُ وَنَ O لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا قَدْ كَفَرْتُمْ بَعْدَ إِيْمَانِكُمْ

“(O Prophet) Say, ‘Allah, His verses, and His Messenger are only made a mockery of by you.’ Do not excuse yourselves; you have disbelieved after having believed.”

Mocking any matter of Islam, ridiculing it, is disbelief according to the consensus of the Ummah, even if someone mocks it unseriously. Ibn Jarir, Ibn Abi Hatim, and other scholars have narrated that Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said that during the Battle of Tabuk, a man sitting in a gathering said, “I have never seen anyone like my reciters; they are great gluttons, liars with their tongues, and cowards in battle.” Upon hearing this, another person said, “You are a hypocrite; we will surely inform the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.” This reached the Prophet, peace be upon him, and the above-mentioned verse was revealed. Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with both of them, said, “I saw that the man who spoke was hanging from the Prophet’s she-camel, saying, ‘I was only joking,’ but the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, ‘Allah, His Messenger, and His verses are only made a mockery of.'”

“We were joking” means that they were not speaking the truth but were joking merely to relieve the fatigue of travel and to amuse themselves. Despite this, Allah declared such people disbelievers. Some have said that these hypocrites were already disbelievers in their hearts and later expressed disbelief with their tongues. However, Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, refuted this. He wrote that disbelief in the heart and professing Islam with the tongue is still disbelief and cannot be called Islam.

Otherwise, it would not be said:

قَدْ كَفَرْتُمْ بَعْدَ إِيمَانِكُمُ

“You have disbelieved after having believed.”

This indicates that these people were believers initially and then became disbelievers.

Similarly, whoever mocks any ruling brought by Muhammad, peace be upon him, such as mocking Islamic knowledge, students or teachers of Islamic knowledge, or those who act upon it; mocking anyone related to Islamic knowledge; mocking any reward or punishment appointed by Allah; mocking those who command good and forbid evil because of their blessed actions; mocking any voluntary or obligatory prayer or those who pray; mocking a person who keeps a beard because of this Islamic symbol; mocking those who abandon the cursed practice of usury because of abandoning it, etc., all such mocking is disbelief. The one who mocks and ridicules is a disbeliever in the sight of Allah (because all these matters relate to Allah’s Shariah, and mocking them is mocking Allah’s Shariah). Likewise, mocking any part of the Shariah brought by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is among the traits of hypocrites and is not befitting for any Muslim to commit such a kufr act.

❀ As Allah says:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا كَانُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَضْحَكُونَ ٥ وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِهِمْ يَتَعَامَرُونَ . وَإِذَا الْقَلَبُوا إِلَى أَهْلِهِمُ القَلَبُوا فَكِهِيْنَ وَإِذَا رَأَوْهُمْ قَالُوا إِنَّ هَؤُلَاءِ لَضَالُّونَ وَمَا أَرْسِلُوا عَلَيْهِمْ خَفِظِينَ فَالْيَوْمَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنَ الْكُفَّارِ يَضْحَكُونَ عَلَى الْأَرَائِكِ يَنظُرُونَ هَلْ ثُوبَ الْكُفَّارُ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

“The sinful people used to mock the believers, exchanging glances as they passed by them, and when they returned to their people, they would jest. And when they saw them, they said, ‘Indeed, these are truly misguided.’ Yet they were not sent as guardians over them. So today the believers will laugh at the disbelievers, sitting on thrones, observing that those who did evil have received their due recompense.”

Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, in Hukm al-Murtad page (105), Sheikh Hamad bin Atiq in Majmu’at al-Tawhid, and many scholars have mentioned two types of people who mock any part of the Shariah brought by the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him:

(First)
Openly mocking, such as saying, “These Quran reciters are great gluttons, cowards, and liars.” The verse of prohibition was revealed regarding such people.

(Second)
Mocking in an unclear or indirect manner, such as through eye gestures, allusions, sticking out the tongue while reciting the Quran, mocking the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, or mocking those who command good and forbid evil.

In short, opposing those who mock the Quran and Hadith and abandoning their gatherings is obligatory upon every Muslim. It should not happen that a Muslim becomes part of them.

❀ As Allah commands:

وَقَدْ نَزَّلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الْكِتَبِ أَنْ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمُ ايَتِ اللهِ يُكْفَرُ بِهَا وَيُسْتَهْزَاً بِهَا فَلَا تَقْعُدُوا مَعَهُمُ حَتَّى يَخُوضُوا فِي حَدِيثٍ غَيْرِهِ إِنَّكُمْ إِذَا مِثْلُهُمْ إِنَّ اللهَ جَامِعُ الْمُنفِقِينَ وَالْكَفِرِينَ فِي جَهَنَّمَ جَمِيعًا.

“And Allah has already revealed to you in the Book that when you hear the verses of Allah being denied and mocked in a gathering, do not sit with them until they enter into another conversation. Otherwise, you would be like them. Indeed, Allah will gather the hypocrites and disbelievers in Hell.”

Whoever hears that Allah’s verses are being denied or mocked in a gathering and remains pleased and content sitting there, he is like those who mock in that disbelief.

❀ As Allah says:

أحْشُرُوا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا وَأَزْوَاجَهُمْ وَمَا كَانُوا يَعْبُدُونَ مِنْ دُونِ اللَّهِ فَاهَدُوهُمْ إِلَى صِرَاطِ الجَحِيمِ.

“(O angels!) Gather the wrongdoers and their associates and cast them into Hell.”

Meaning those who commit injustice and those like them.

The Seventh Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

والدليل قول الله:

((السحر، ومنه الصرف والعطف، فمن فعله أو رضى به ؛ كفر))

“Magic, whether done to create separation and hatred or to create love, whoever does it or agrees to do it, that person is a disbeliever.”

وَمَا يُعَلِّمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرُ

❀ The proof of this is the verse:
“(Harut and Marut) did not teach anyone (magic) until they said, ‘We are a trial, so do not disbelieve.'”

Explanation:
The literal meaning of “Sihr” (magic) is the subtle and hidden origin of something. The Arabs used to say this about something that is very hidden. اخفى من السحر For example, the poetry of Muslim bin Waleed:
“You have made your glances signs of love; these signals of the eyes are more harmful than magic. If softness appears in those eyes, it is a sign of union, and if the eyes become angry, it is a sign of separation.”

What is the Shariah definition of magic?

Any rosary or amulet from which a magician, with the help of a devil, harms the bewitched person. Imam Shinqiti, may Allah have mercy on him, writes: “There is no comprehensive and definitive definition of magic because there are many types of magic that differ from one another. There is no common factor among them that can be used to create a comprehensive and definitive definition. Therefore, the scholars have written various definitions of magic.
Magic is of two types.

Simple Magic:

When a person, through magic, changes someone’s love into hatred to fulfill his desires. For example, turning a wife’s love into hatred.

Magic of Affection:

This, like the first type, is a magical act, but in this, contrary to a person’s desires, satanic and unlawful methods are used to try to create love in a person.
Magic, which is different from mere enchantment, is forbidden in the laws of all the Prophets. Many issues related to magic are mentioned in the Shariah. Since witchcraft has become very widespread nowadays, we are mentioning the scholars’ opinions about it in detail.

(First Issue) Is magic real?

Allah Almighty has mentioned the reality of magic in the Holy Quran and has also commanded seeking refuge from it. As it is stated:

وَ مِنْ شَرِّ النَّفّٰثٰتِ فِی الْعُقَدِ

“And from the evil of the blowers in knots (those who practice witchcraft).”
This verse is evidence that magic is a reality; otherwise, Allah Almighty would not have commanded seeking refuge from it.
❀ At another place, it is stated:

وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِ

“Then people learned magic from the two (Harut and Marut), which caused separation between a man and his wife.”
This verse is evidence that magic is a reality, as it causes separation between husband and wife.
The following hadith also indicates the reality of magic. Sayyida Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was affected by magic to the extent that he thought he had done something which in reality he had not done. This condition lasted for some days. One day, the Prophet ﷺ said that two angels came to me, one sat by my feet and the other by my head. One angel asked, ‘What has happened to this man?’ The other angel replied, ‘He has been affected by magic.’ It was asked, ‘Who performed the magic?’ The angel said, ‘Labid ibn al-A’sam, a Jew, performed magic using a comb and hair, which is in a dry well called Zoran.'”
(Narrated by Bukhari, Muslim, and Ahmad)
(This hadith is brief; in the complete hadith, it is mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ then had the magic comb brought from the well and recited Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas over it, which removed the effect of the magic.)
This is the belief of Ahl al-Sunnah and the majority of Muslims that magic is a reality. However, the Mu’tazila sect, who distance themselves from the Book and Sunnah, claim that magic has no reality. They have used this verse as evidence:

يُخَيَّلُ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ سِحْرِهِمْ أَنَّهَا تَسْعَى

“Because of their magic, Moses thought that they were running.”
Because of their magic, Moses (peace be upon him) thought that they were running. (Their argument from this is that) Allah Almighty did not say that they were actually running. These people write that magic is an illusion and a delusion based on imagination; it has no real existence and is also called sleight of hand. Refuting this, Allama Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) writes: “This view is against the sayings and beliefs of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) and our predecessors. There has been consensus among jurists, hadith scholars, commentators, and Sufi masters on the reality of magic. The common people also believe in the effectiveness of magic in matters of love, hatred, and marriage.”

After mentioning the Mu’tazila’s view, Imam Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) writes: “It is not correct to consider magic as mere illusion; rationally, magic is considered a reality. The evidences from the Quran and Hadith also indicate this.”
❀ As Allah Almighty mentioned magic, He said:

يُعْلَمُونَ النَّاسَ السِّحْرَ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ عَلَى الْمَلَكَيْنِ بِبَابِلَ هَارُوتَ وَمَارُوتَ وَمَا يُعْلَمَانِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِتْنَةٌ فَلَا تَكْفُرُ وَيَتَعَلَّمُونَ مِنْهُمَا مَا يُفَرِّقُونَ بِهِ بَيْنَ الْمَرْءِ وَزَوْجِهِ

“(Satan) taught people magic, and in Babylon, Harut and Marut, two angels sent down, did not teach anyone until they said, ‘We are a trial, so do not disbelieve.’ Then people learned from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife.”
From this verse, it is understood that magic is a reality because knowledge is imparted about something real, not about mere illusion or conjecture. Allah Almighty mentioned Pharaoh, saying:

وَجَاء وَ بِسِحْرٍ عَظِيمٍ

“He brought forth a great magic.”
All commentators agree that Surah Al-Falaq was revealed concerning magic.
When Labid ibn al-A’sam, the Jew, performed magic on the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, and the Prophet ﷺ recited Surah Al-Falaq, the effect of the magic was removed. Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: (ان الله شفانی) “Allah has granted me healing.” Healing is granted when a disease or ailment is removed. From this hadith, it is also understood that magic is a reality. These evidences come from divine verses, hadiths, and the consensus of the Ummah. Therefore, if the Mu’tazila deny this, it makes no difference.

(Second Issue) What is the ruling regarding a magician?

Scholars have differed regarding whether a sorcerer is a disbeliever or not. The author, Imam Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, has declared the sorcerer a disbeliever because Allah Almighty has declared magic as disbelief in

. This is also the belief of Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Imam Malik, Abu Hanifa, and the majority of scholars. Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him, says that one should ask the person who learns magic to describe the attributes of his magic; if any attribute of disbelief is included, then it will be disbelief. For example, the people of Babylon used to practice magic to gain proximity to the stars and were ready for every act of disbelief. If the sorcerer considers magic permissible, then he will be a disbeliever because he has considered something forbidden by Allah as lawful. Imam Shinqiti, may Allah have mercy on him, has given a detailed explanation. He states: If in magic there is glorification of anything other than Allah, such as glorifying stars, jinn, etc., then this magic will undoubtedly be called disbelief. The magic mentioned in Surah Al-Baqarah related to Harut and Marut was of this kind. There is no difference of opinion regarding its disbelief.

❀ The command of Allah Almighty is:

وَمَا كَفَرَ سُلَيْمَنُ وَلَكِنَّ الشَّيطِينَ كَفَرُ والعَلَمُونَ النَّا صَالِحَرَ

“Sulaiman (peace be upon him) did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic.”

Similarly, it is said:

وَمَا يُعَلَّمَن مِنْ أَحَدٍ حَتَّى يَقُولَا إِنَّمَا نَحْنُ فِسَةٌ فَلا تَكْفُرُ

“They (Harut and Marut) did not teach anyone until they warned, ‘We are a trial, so do not disbelieve (by learning this magic).'”

Similarly, it is said:

وَلَقَدْ عَلِمُوا لَمَنِ اشْتَرَهُ مَا لَهُ فِي الآخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلاقٍ

“And they will have no share in the Hereafter, and wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.”

Similarly, it is said:

وَلَا يُفْلِحُ الشجرُ حَيْثُ أَنى.

“A magician does not succeed from wherever he comes.”

And if there is no element of disbelief in magic, but magic is done through some things like oil, etc., although this is also extremely forbidden, it does not amount to disbelief.

According to the correct opinion, whatever kind of magic the sorcerer practices, he should be killed in every case because the sorcerer spreads corruption on earth, causes separation between husband and wife, and the survival of the sorcerer is a great danger. It can lead to killing, bloodshed, sedition, and corruption in society. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, also had no difference of opinion regarding killing the sorcerer.

(Third Issue) The Ruling on Killing a Sorcerer and Sorceress

The scholars have differed regarding the ruling on killing a sorcerer. The well-known opinions are of two types.
➊ The sorcerer should be killed. This is the opinion of Imam Malik and Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on them, and it is also the view of the majority of the scholars.
➋ The sorcerer should not be killed unless he reaches the level of disbelief. This is the opinion of Imam Shafi’i, may Allah have mercy on him.

The arguments of those who prefer the first opinion are as follows.

❀ The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said.

((حَدُّ السَّاحِر ضَرَبه با السَّيْف)) ( ترمذی حاکم دارقطنی ابن عدی و غیرهم)

“The punishment for a sorcerer is to be killed by the sword.”
Imam Tirmidhi, may Allah have mercy on him, says: The mentioned hadith is not marfu’ (directly attributed to the Prophet) because its chain includes Ismail bin Muslim Al-Makki, who is a weak narrator. However, this statement is correctly reported as mauquf (attributed to a companion) from Jundub, may Allah be pleased with him. The commentator of the book states that besides this, Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy on him, also declared it as munkar al-hadith (rejected narration). And Yahya bin Ma’in, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “لیس ہشئی” Imam Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy on him, agreed on its weakness.
◈ Sayyiduna Bijala, may Allah be pleased with him, says: We received a letter from Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him; this letter arrived one year before his martyrdom. He ordered that ((اقتلوا کل ساحر وفرقوا بين كل ذي محرم من المجوس‘ والهوهم عن الزمزمه )) “the sorcerer should be killed. If fire-worshipping Magians have married forbidden relatives among themselves, they should be separated, and those Magians should be kept away from Zamzam water.” Bijala, may Allah be pleased with him, says: Upon receiving the order, we killed three sorcerers.

(الحديث مخرج في ’’البخارى‘‘ ولكن في بعض النسخ ليس فيه :”اقتلوا كل ساحر“ ابوداؤد)

◈ The slave girl who cast magic on Sayyida Hafsa, may Allah be pleased with her, was ordered to be killed by her.

(وهذا الاثر رواه مالك في‘ ((السمو طا)) وسنده منقطع ، ورواه عبدالله بن الامام احمد في ((المسائل)) والبهيقي عنها بسند صحيح ، وصحح شيخ الاسلام محمد بن الوهاب في ((كتاب التوحيد))

No companion opposed the order to kill the sorcerer given by Sayyiduna Amr, Jundub, and Sayyida Hafsa, may Allah be pleased with them all. Along with this, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((اقتدو باللذين من بعدى ابى بكر و عمر)) (احمد ، ترمذی)

“After me, follow Abu Bakr and Umar (may Allah be pleased with them).”
Another saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is:

((ان الله جعل الحق على لسان عمر وقلبه )) (ترمذی)

“Allah has established the truth upon the heart and tongue of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).”

Those who prefer the second narration have taken this hadith as evidence.

❀ That the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((لا يحل دم امرئ مسلم الا باحدى ثلاث ، الثيب الزاني ، والنفس با النفس والتارك لدينه المفارق للجماعة)) (بخاري ومسلم)

“It is not permissible to kill a Muslim except for three reasons: a married adulterer, a life for a life (retribution), and one who leaves the Muslim community and becomes an apostate can be killed.”
The reasoning from the mentioned hadith is questionable for many reasons.
Some people have said that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, did not kill the magician Labid ibn al-A’sam, the Jew. The answer to this is that killing this Jew at that time could have caused the fitnah of war. While some scholars say it is specific to a dhimmi, but in any case, whether a dhimmi disbeliever or a Muslim, both should be killed due to being magicians.

(Fourth Issue) The method of ending magic

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, writes: “A bewitched person, meaning one who has been subjected to magic, can have the magic removed in two ways.
◈ To counter magic by performing magic in response:
This is a satanic act. And on this, the statement of Hasan al-Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, will be implied: Magic is only undone by a magician. In this practice, the exorcist gains closeness to the devil by doing what the devil likes. This is how the magic is removed.
◈ The one who removes magic should do so through permissible prayers, supplications for protection (these are the supplications and remembrances in which refuge is sought from Allah against the devils), and medicines. This method is permissible.
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, has narrated in his Sahih, on the authority of Saeed bin Musayyib, may Allah have mercy on him, a Tabi’i’s statement:
Qatadah, may Allah have mercy on him, narrated that he asked Saeed bin Musayyib, may Allah have mercy on him: If a person or his wife is bewitched, can one perform ruqyah (exorcism) to remove it? He said: It is permissible to perform ruqyah for the purpose of correction; beneficial things are not forbidden. The ruqyah permitted in this hadith does not mean polytheistic ruqyah.
Because when the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was asked about satanic ruqyah, he said: “This is a satanic act.”

(رواہ احمد، ابوداؤد وسنده حسن)

Besides this, for one who removes magic, going to magicians, sorcerers, astrologers, or soothsayers is a major sin. Because of this act, prayers are not accepted for forty days.
❀ The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((من اتٰى عرافا فسأله عن شئ لم تقبل له صلوة اربعين ليلة))

“Whoever goes to a fortune-teller and asks about something, his prayer will not be accepted for forty days.”
And if one confirms the statements of these magicians, soothsayers, or sorcerers by going to them, then he will be considered one who denies Islam.

((عن ابي هريرة قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : من الى عرافا أو كاهنا فصدقه فيما يقول فقد كفر بما انزل على محمد))

“Whoever goes to a soothsayer or magician and confirms what he says, then indeed he has committed disbelief in what was revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon him.”
A similar narration is also reported mursal from Ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him.

The Eighth Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

((مظاهرة المشركين ومعاونتهم على المسلمين ))

“The one who overpowers the Muslims and helps the polytheists is a disbeliever.”
The proof of this is Allah Almighty’s command:

وَمَنْ يَتَوَلَّهُمْ مِنْكُمْ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْهُمُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِى الْقَوْمَ الظَّلِمِينَ

“Whoever among you takes them (the polytheists) as allies is indeed one of them. Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.”
Explanation:
Cooperating with the polytheists and helping them against the Muslims is a great trial. It is a trial that blinds people’s intellects, meaning it leaves them incapable of any action. Every heart that loves the polytheists is drawn towards them. Especially in the present era, this trial has become very common. Since in this era of tribulation there is a lack of knowledge and abundance of ignorance, trials are scattered everywhere. The hadiths and prophetic knowledge are being removed from the hearts of the masses. Desires are prevailing and becoming established. Therefore, it is extremely necessary to have knowledge about such trials at this time.
In my view, the main reason for these trials is alienation from the religious sciences (Sharia sciences) and turning towards Greek, Mu’tazili philosophical sciences. Due to the spread and propagation of irreligious sciences, evil has become good and good is considered evil. The new generation is being raised under the shadow of irreligious sciences. The truth is not being conveyed in this era. A person who is truly righteous and fully adherent to the Sunnah and Sharia has become a stranger among people. Even among his own, if he speaks about religion and Sharia, he is looked at with strange eyes. If we try to find such a servant of Allah in this era of tribulation, it will be very difficult. Islam, which was a stranger in its beginning, has become just as much a stranger in this era. Therefore, there is glad tidings and the promise of Paradise for those true, steadfast Muslims who are very few. These people are the reformers of the corruption among the masses. For this reason, Islam has especially forbidden its followers from befriending and helping the polytheists. Because doing so amounts to apostasy from Islam.
Once, Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Latif (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about the difference between friendship and assistance/cooperation. He replied that assistance means supporting the polytheists with life, wealth, and other means. This act is disbelief. Merely having friendship is a different act. If all Muslims unite and eliminate those who help the polytheists and establish an atmosphere of cooperation and agreement among themselves, then ان شاء اللہ Muslims can still prevail today, and the disbelievers can be defeated and subdued. Just as in the time of the Prophet and the era of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), the disbelievers used to pay jizya to the Muslims, they will start paying it again in this era. And remember that aiding the disbelievers includes everything they seek assistance with and through which they adopt various means and methods to gain dominance over the Muslims.

A New Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

((من اعتقد أن بعض الناس يسعه الخروج عن شريعة محمد صلى الله عليه وسلم كما وسع الخضر الخروج عن شريعة موسى عليه السلام فهو كافر))

“Whoever holds the belief that some people can become Muslims by abandoning the Shariah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and turning away from it—like Khidr, peace be upon him, who was not bound by the Shariah of Musa, peace be upon him—such a person holding this belief is a disbeliever.”

Explanation:
This ruling is based on the following verse.
Allah Almighty said:

وَأَنَّ هَذَا صِرَاطِي مُسْتَقِيمًا فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرقَ بِكُمْ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ.

“And this religion of mine is the right path, so follow it. And do not follow other paths, for they will separate you away from His way.”

Besides this, the evidence for this ruling is also found in the following hadith.
Abdullah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, drew a line and then said, “This is the path of Allah.” Then he drew several lines around it and said:

(( هَذِهِ سُبُلٌ مُتَفَرِّقَةٌ عَلى كُلِّ سَبِيلٍ مِنْهَا شَيْطَانٍ يَدْعُو إِلَيْهِ))

“These lines on the sides are the paths of Satan. Satan invites to these paths.” After this, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, recited the above-mentioned verse.

(احمد‘ ابوداؤد الطیالسی‘ دارمی)

From this verse and hadith, it is understood that whoever turns away from the Muhammadan Shariah or considers himself independent of the Shariah, he is in fact not a Muslim. Imam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, wrote in his book “Fasl al-Islam” that there is no doubt that the Qur’an commands us to obey the Messenger, peace be upon him, and forbids us from leaving this obedience. Indeed, according to the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, denial of the Shariah of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is a major cause of entering Hell.

❀ Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:
“My entire nation will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” It was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who will refuse to enter Paradise?” He said:

((مَنْ أَطَاعَنِي دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَنْ عَصَانِي فَقَدْ أَنِي))

“Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is like the one who refuses to enter Paradise.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

What need is there to leave the Muhammadan Shariah and go to other religions or sects?

❀ Allah Almighty says:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَبَ تِبْيَانًا لِكُلِّ شَيْ.

“We have explained in this Book, which We have sent down to you, everything in detail.”

Once, the Prophet, peace be upon him, saw some pages in the hand of Sayyiduna Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, and said, “O Umar! Are you still seeking these things?” Then he said:

((لقد حلتكم بها نقية بيضاء ، ولو كان مومنى حيا ، والبعتموه ، وتركتموني لضللتم )) (نسائی)

“O Umar! I have brought to you a clear and transparent religion. If Musa (peace be upon him) were alive and you obeyed him and left me, you would be misguided.”

In another hadith, the words are:
If Musa (peace be upon him) were alive, he would also be bound to follow me. Upon hearing these words, Umar bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

((رضيت بالله رباً ، وبالاسلام دينا وبمحمد نبيا))

“I am pleased to accept Allah as my Lord, Islam as my religion, and Muhammad (peace be upon him) as my Prophet.”

Besides this hadith, there are many other evidences which show that one cannot turn away from the Shariah of Islam and remain a Muslim. The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, were the most knowledgeable and faithful among all people regarding Allah. All the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, honored, respected, and followed only the religion of Islam. They did not even approach any other religion. That is why Allah Almighty chose the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, for the company of His Prophet. Abdullah bin Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with him, says:
Allah Almighty looked at the hearts of all His servants and found the best heart to be that of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Allah chose him for His religion and prophethood. Then He looked at the hearts of all servants and found the hearts of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, to be the best among all. Allah chose them to assist and accompany His beloved Prophet, peace be upon him. These Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, fought for the sake of Allah’s religion. Whatever a Muslim considers good is good in the sight of Allah, and whatever he considers bad is bad in the sight of Allah.
(Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Bazzar with Hasan chain)

Allah Almighty has made obedience to the Prophet, peace be upon him, obligatory upon His servants. There are two types of people: those who accept this obligation and those who deny it.

The Beloved Ummah:

Meaning those people who obeyed the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and followed the light of the Quran.

The Arrogant Ummah:

That is, those people who disobeyed the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, and refused obedience. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, says: “Some people think that adhering to the Shariah and following it is obligatory only on those who do not possess knowledge and spiritual insight. Therefore, for those who have knowledge and insight, it is not necessary to strictly follow the Prophetic Shariah. Rather, they should proceed according to cosmic and metaphysical realities or act according to their intuition, taste, and unveiling. It is not obligatory for them to cling to the Book and Sunnah. Among them, some abandon action and thus become practically deprived and incapacitated. And some have abandoned obedience to the Messenger, peace be upon him, and have accepted being openly sinful. Some have abandoned faith in Allah and have become apostates, hypocrites, or openly disbelievers. There are many such people who take their arguments from the stories of Musa, peace be upon him, and Khidr.”

Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, further writes on this subject: “People take two kinds of arguments from the incident of Musa, peace be upon him, and Khidr.”

◈That Khidr knew Allah Almighty’s will and intention, this will and reality is called “Nihyah.” Therefore, obedience to the command and prohibition of Musa (peace be upon him) was not obligatory for him. Saying this is a great ignorance, indeed it is the height of disbelief and misguidance. Assuming this and saying that a person who believes in Allah as Lord and believes in predestination is not bound to obey the commands and prohibitions of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him), this necessarily leads to denial of all the messengers of Allah and their scriptures, which is disbelief.

◈Some ignorant people think that it is permissible for them to leave the Shariah of Muhammad. Just as Khidr was not bound by the Shariah of Musa (peace be upon him), they say that some friends of Allah acquire knowledge through spiritual unveiling, due to which they become completely or partially independent of following the Shariah. Therefore, many people, according to some reasons, even give superiority to a wali over a prophet (may Allah protect us). And their proof is this very story of Khidr.

◈All the aforementioned corrupt thoughts and ideas are based on great ignorance and misguidance, and are filled with disbelief and hypocrisy. The fundamental belief of Islam is that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, came as a messenger for the entire universe. He came as a messenger for Arabs and non-Arabs, kings and common people, scholars and ascetics, in short, for every person until the Day of Judgment. None among jinn and humans has the right to disobey or deviate from the obedience and following of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, nor to disregard the commands of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. In fact, if the previous prophets were to come back to life, they would also follow the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. It is proven from authentic hadiths that when Jesus, peace be upon him, descends from the heavens to the earth near the Day of Judgment, he will be a follower of the Shariah of Muhammad, peace be upon him.

If following the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is obligatory even upon the previous prophets and Jesus, peace be upon him, then why is it not obligatory upon common people? Moreover, an essential requirement of Islam is that after the sending of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, following the Mosaic and Christian Shariah is no longer permissible. So how can it be said that it is permissible for those people to leave the Shariah?

Sheikh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, writes: To refute the corrupt belief of those people, it is sufficient to inform them that Musa (Moses), peace be upon him, was not sent as a messenger to Khidr, nor was it obligatory upon Khidr to follow Musa, peace be upon him. Rather, according to the narration in Bukhari and Muslim, Khidr said to Musa, peace be upon him: “Allah has given me knowledge which you have not been given, and the knowledge and prophethood you have been given, I have not been given.” Musa, peace be upon him, was specifically sent as a prophet only to the Children of Israel. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

((كان النبي يبعث الى قومه خاصة ، وبعثت إلى الناس عامة))

“All the prophets were sent especially to their own people, and I have been sent to all people.”

The invitation of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, includes all individuals. No person is excused from the Shariah by citing the story of Khidr. Whoever considers himself or others exempt from the Shariah will undoubtedly be a disbeliever. In fact, Khidr did not leave the Mosaic Shariah either. Rather, when the reasons for the incident were explained by Khidr to Musa, peace be upon him, Musa agreed with them, showing there was no disagreement between them. If Khidr had been opposed to the Mosaic Shariah, Musa would not have agreed with him. After clarifying this issue, it is not permissible to claim, as some extremist Sufis do, that they are not bound by the Muhammadan Shariah. These people wrongly interpret such verses of the Qur’an in which Allah says:

وَاعْبُدْ رَبَّكَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَكَ الْيَقِينُ .

“Worship your Lord until certainty (yaqin) comes.”

These Sufis interpret certainty to mean knowledge and gnosis, and say that since they have attained knowledge through unveiling and gnosis, adherence to the Shariah is no longer necessary. Saying such a thing is disbelief and hypocrisy. According to all commentators, certainty here means the end of life, i.e., death. The meaning of the verse is to continue worship until death comes, not what the Sufis claim. (Translator)

❀ The great scholar Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said beautifully:

“Is it not disbelief to reject the statement of the Messenger, peace be upon him, out of stubbornness because of a person’s own opinion? Look at your own sayings and actions. Do not be among those who suffer loss and damage.”

Dear readers! If rejecting the statement of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, is called rebellion and disbelief, then what will leaving the Shariah altogether be called???

The Tenth Act That Destroys the Structure of Islam

❀ The author, may Allah have mercy on him, writes:

((الاعراض عن دين الله تعالى لا يتعلمه ، ولا يعمل به ))

“Whoever is indifferent to the religion of Allah, neither learning it nor acting upon it, then that person is a disbeliever.”
Explanation:
The evidence for this ruling is this verse:

وَ مَنْ اَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ ذُكِّرَ بِاٰیٰتِ رَبِّهٖ ثُمَّ اَعْرَضَ عَنْهَاؕ-اِنَّا مِنَ الْمُجْرِمِیْنَ مُنْتَقِمُوْنَ

“Who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of Allah but turns away from them? Indeed, We will take retribution from the criminals.”
The aforementioned turning away and neglecting the religion of Islam means remaining ignorant even of the fundamental and doctrinal teachings of Islam, the basic beliefs through which a person becomes a Muslim. This does not mean detailed knowledge, as detailed knowledge is only attained by scholars and students of religion.
When Allama Abdul Latif bin Abdul Rahman, may Allah have mercy on him, was asked about this issue, he said: “When the fundamental basis of faith is present, there can be variations and differences in the degrees of faith among people. But when the foundation of faith itself is absent, that is, the means through which a person enters Islam is missing, and along with that, the person completely turns away from the religion of Islam (neither understands, studies, nor gives it importance, but remains entirely heedless of the foundation of Islam), then this is called disbelief.”
❀ Allah’s command is:

وَ لَقَدْ ذَرَاْنَا لِجَهَنَّمَ كَثِیْرًا مِّنَ الْجِنِّ وَ الْاِنْسِ

“And indeed, We have created many jinn and mankind for Hell.”
❀ Allah’s command is:

وَ مَنْ اَعْرَضَ عَنْ ذِكْرِیْ فَاِنَّ لَهٗ مَعِیْشَةً ضَنْكًا وَّ نَحْشُرُهٗ یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَةِ اَعْمٰى

“And whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life, and We will gather him on the Day of Resurrection blind.”
Regarding this statement, Allama Suleiman, may Allah have mercy on him, says: From Sheikh Abdul Latif’s words, it becomes clear that turning away does not mean abandoning obligatory and recommended acts, but rather neglecting the fundamental beliefs and teachings of Islam, the beliefs through which one enters Islam.
Allama Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, writes: Disbelief and turning away mean the disbelief in which a person turns away from the sayings of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ with his heart and ears. He neither confirms nor denies the Messenger ﷺ. He neither befriends nor opposes the Messenger ﷺ. And he does not incline towards the Book and Sunnah brought by the Messenger ﷺ.

(مدارج السالکین)

After clarifying the meaning of turning away, the ruling regarding the grave worshippers of our time and previous times becomes clear to you. You will see many people who have never pondered over the fundamental beliefs of Islam. They have neither learned nor understood faith in Allah and the belief in Tawheed. Those who recite the Kalima are unfamiliar with its true meaning because they neither understand nor try to understand the requirements of the Kalima. Rather, their hearts and minds always appear to turn away from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. These people neither heed any admonition nor care for any advice.
❀ Allah’s command is:

وَ الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا عَمَّاۤ اُنْذِرُوْا مُعْرِضُوْنَ۔

“And when the disbelievers are warned, they turn away.”
It is not correct to say about those who turn away from Allah and His Messenger ﷺ that they are ignorant and therefore not disbelievers. When an ignorant person is told of his mistake, he accepts the truth and repents from his error. But these are stubborn in idol worship and worship of others besides Allah. They do not listen to the words of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Moreover, whoever criticizes their falsehood, they harm him. It is not correct to present ignorance as an excuse for people.
❀ The command of Allah is:

وَ مَنْ اَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ ذُكِّرَ بِاٰیٰتِ رَبِّهٖ ثُمَّ اَعْرَضَ عَنْهَاؕ-اِنَّا مِنَ الْمُجْرِمِیْنَ مُنْتَقِمُوْنَ

“Who is more unjust than one who is reminded of the verses of Allah repeatedly but turns away? Indeed, We will take retribution from the sinners.”
After mentioning the ten nullifiers of Islam, the author, may Allah have mercy on him, states that whoever commits any of these ten acts against Islam, whether seriously, jokingly, or out of fear, there is no difference among these three states. If a person is compelled, then he is excused. The evidence for excusing those who act against Islam out of compulsion is this verse:

مَنْ كَفَرَ بِاللّٰهِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ اِیْمَانِهٖۤ اِلَّا مَنْ اُكْرِهَ وَ قَلْبُهٗ مُطْمَىٕنٌّۢ بِالْاِیْمَانِ وَ لٰـكِنْ مَّنْ شَرَحَ بِالْكُفْرِ صَدْرًا فَعَلَیْهِمْ غَضَبٌ مِّنَ اللّٰهِۚ-وَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِیْمٌ

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief—except for one who is forced while his heart is secure in faith—but those who open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment.”
Compulsion can be expressed by both words and actions. This verse permits that.
At the end, Sheikh al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, says:

كلها من اعظم ما يكون خطراً واكثر ما يكون وقوعًا .

“That is, all the aforementioned ten nullifiers of Islam are extremely destructive and are found in many people.”
We conclude this explanation with the words of Sheikh al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, may Allah have mercy on him, which remove all doubts and objections. He wrote in his book “Kashf al-Shubuhat”:
There is no disagreement that the affirmation of Tawheed must be from the heart, tongue, and actions. Denial of any one of these three means a person cannot be a Muslim. For example, if a person knows the knowledge of Tawheed but his actions are not based on Tawheed, then he will be a rebellious disbeliever, like Iblis and Pharaoh. Many people err here, saying: “Yes, this is the truth, we accept it, but we cannot act upon it because in our city or country it is not considered good.” They do not realize that most leaders of disbelief know the truth but have similar excuses to abandon the truth.
❀ As Allah’s command is:

اشْتَرَوُا بِايَتِ اللَّهِ ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا

“They have sold the verses of Allah for a small price.”
“Thus, a person may outwardly perform acts of Tawheed but not have belief in Tawheed from the heart. Such a person will be a hypocrite, worse than the disbelievers.”
❀ Allah’s command is:

إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ فِي الدَّرْكِ الْأَسْفَلِ مِنَ النَّارِ.

“Indeed, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depths of the Fire.”
This issue becomes clear when you reflect on people’s tongues. You will see that people accept the truth but do not act upon it. They fear worldly loss, worldly status, and criticism from people. Many who perform outward acts are hypocrites at heart. (Nowadays, people have gone even further: they themselves do not act upon Tawheed but remain friendly with the monotheists, complain to the polytheist rulers about them so that these monotheists do not obstruct their worldly interests. Yet they claim faith and express regret over the monotheists’ actions, saying these people harbor enmity towards the enemies of Allah’s religion and seek closeness to Allah. Those who object to the monotheistic religion or complain about it commit hypocrisy and are extremely negligent in Tawheed.) Dear respected ones! You should reflect on two verses of the Qur’an. The first verse is:

◈لَا تَعْتَذِرُوا قَدْ كَفَرْتُمْ بَعْدَ إِيْمَانِكُمْ.

“Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after your belief.”
When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fought against the Romans, some hypocrites mockingly uttered the word of disbelief. This verse was revealed about them. See, even jokingly disbelieving is disbelief. So how severe and harmful is disbelief due to worldly greed, desire, and ambition for wealth and status?
The second verse is Allah’s command:

مَنْ كَفَرَ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ إِيْمَانِةٍ إِلَّا مَنْ أُكْرِهَ وَقَلْبُهُ مُطْمَئِنَّ بِالْإِيْمَانِ وَلَكِنْ مَّنْ شَرَحَ بِالْكُفْرِ صَدْرًا فَعَلَيْهِمْ غَضَبٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَلَهُمْ عَذَابٌ عَظِيمٌ O ذَلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمُ اسْتَحَبُّوا الحيوةَ الدُّنْيَا عَلَى الْآخِرَةِ

“Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief—except for one who is forced while his heart is secure in faith—but those who open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment. That is because they preferred the worldly life over the Hereafter.”
In this verse, Allah does not accept any excuse for those who prefer the world. Whether disbelief is due to worldly greed and desire for wealth or due to love for one’s family, home, and homeland, it is equal in Allah’s sight. Whether disbelief is done seriously or jokingly, there is no difference. Allah has forgiven those who disbelieve out of compulsion. There are two types of compulsion:
First:
In this verse, Allah has pardoned compulsion. When a person is compelled in words or actions, no one controls the matters of the heart. Therefore, the heart should remain firm in faith.
Second:
This verse also shows that the reason for disbelief is not hatred or enmity towards Islam or love for disbelief, but rather all these tricks and actions are done to enjoy the worldly life. The world is preferred over religion.

(واللہ اعلم)