Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ Without doubt, Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu is a rightly guided caliph, and like the rest of the Companions, love for him is a part of faith. The statements of the Rawafid regarding him—that he was the immediate successor (khalifa bila fasl), that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam told him certain things specifically, etc.—are baseless. This very objection was raised to Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu during his own lifetime, and not only did he refute it, but according to the narration of Sahih Muslim, he expressed severe anger, stating that there was nothing which the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam had told him secretly. (Sahih Muslim, H: 1978)

➋ “His statement that it is only a written document,” does not mean that it is something exclusive to us; rather, it is general. Then he took out that document and read it aloud, which is a strong refutation of those who hold the view that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam told Sayyiduna Ali radi Allahu anhu special things regarding the matters of caliphate and leadership. The matters mentioned are as follows, which relate to the lives of all Muslims.

➌ The first matter in this document was that whoever sacrifices (an animal) for other than Allah is cursed. This means that just as animals are sacrificed for the pleasure of Allah, such as during sacrifice (udhiyah) or Hajj, likewise, sacrificing an animal in the name of anyone other than Allah, or at a grave, etc., to please someone other than Allah, is a cause of curse and is major shirk (shirk akbar). Some people dedicate animals in the name of others, saying, “This is for such-and-such pir (spiritual leader),” or “This is for the offering (niyaz) of such-and-such wali (saint).” Even if the name of Allah is pronounced at the time of slaughter, if the intention is to please the pir or wali and not Allah, then this too falls under the category of curse. An animal slaughtered in the name of other than Allah is unlawful (haram), even if the one slaughtering is a Muslim.

➍ In the narration of Sahih Muslim, instead of the word “sarq” (theft), the word “ghayyara” (changed) is used, which means to alter. “Manar” refers to the markers placed for the demarcation of land, etc. To steal or alter the land markers means to remove or change the stones or other objects that mark the boundaries of land, so as to usurp someone else’s land. This act is also a cause of curse, because the person not only usurps someone’s right but also causes corruption in society, as the removal of these markers will affect many others. Those who, by bribing officials such as the patwari (land record officer), unlawfully seize someone’s land and even have the maps altered, also fall under this curse. In fact, one who unlawfully seizes someone’s land deserves an even greater punishment. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever unlawfully seizes even a handspan of someone’s land, he will be made to wear a collar of seven earths on the Day of Resurrection.” May Allah protect us from this. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith: 2452)

➎ Cursing one’s parents is a cause of Allah’s curse and wrath, because where even saying “uff” (a mild expression of annoyance) is not allowed, then using abusive language is a far more serious matter. Cursing one’s parents means either explicitly cursing them or becoming a cause for them to be cursed. If a person does not directly abuse his parents but causes others to abuse them, he too falls under this category. The Companions asked the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, “Can a person abuse his own parents?” He replied: “He abuses the parents of others, and they in turn abuse his parents.” (Sahih Muslim, al-Iman, H: 90) In the present era, many people do not observe the respect due to parents and commit this grave sin. Details have already been discussed in previous chapters.

➏ Muhdith: This is the active participle (ism fa’il) from “ihdath,” meaning one who introduces a new thing into Islam; such a person is called an innovator (mubtadi‘) as well. Every innovation (bid‘ah) is misguidance, whether in belief or practice, and it is considered rejected. Helping or protecting an innovator is, in reality, supporting a conspiracy against Islam, which is actually aimed at abolishing the Sunnah. In al-Nihayah, the meaning of “muhdith” is given as “criminal” and “one who causes corruption in the land.” In reality, both these evils are found in the innovator. Not criticizing innovation and innovators, or expressing approval of them, is also tantamount to giving them protection.