Ibn al-Khaṭīb and His Book "Al-Furqān": A Critical Overview
Answered by: Shaykh Ḥāfiẓ Khidr Ḥayāt (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Author Introduction
- The author of the book "Al-Furqān" is Muḥammad Muḥammad ʿAbd al-Laṭīf, commonly known as Ibn al-Khaṭīb.
- He was an Egyptian writer, born in 1900, and passed away in September 1981.
- He is known for his liberal, modernist views, and is believed to be a denier of Ḥadīth (munkir al-ḥadīth).
The Author’s Life and Ideology
- A comprehensive understanding of his ideology requires studying all his writings, but surface-level information indicates he opposed core Islamic teachings.
- Unveiled photographs of him with his wife were published in newspapers of the time and were later shared by his granddaughter Yasmin al-Khaṭīb on her social media, reflecting a secular and liberal lifestyle.
Common Confusion
- Some people confuse him with Lisān al-Dīn Ibn al-Khaṭīb (713–776 AH / 1313–1374 CE), the renowned Andalusian historian and literary figure.
- In reality, Muḥammad Ibn al-Khaṭīb is a modern writer whose notable works include:
- Al-Furqān
- Ḥaqāʾiq Thābitah fī al-Islām
Subject and Content of Al-Furqān
- The book discusses the Qur’ān, including its orthography (rasm), preservation, and translation.
- However, the author:
- Opposed the rasm ʿUthmānī (standardized Qur'ānic script).
- Rejected the qirāʾāt (Qur’ānic recitations).
- Attempted to validate his stance by quoting isolated and weak historical reports.
- This contradicts the consensus of Muslim scholars, who affirm the authenticity of the qirāʾāt and the binding nature of the rasm ʿUthmānī.
Ban on the Book
- Al-Furqān was initially published in Egypt.
- Due to its deviation and dangerous claims, Shaykh al-Azhar officially banned the book.
- Existing copies were removed from libraries and bookstores.
Scholarly Evaluation
- Dr. ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Shahrī, a renowned Arab researcher, stated:
- The book does not meet academic standards.
- It relies heavily on false views and rejected statements.
- Its objections to qirāʾāt and rasm ʿUthmānī are baseless and misleading.
- In 1369 AH, a detailed refutational report was issued by scholars of Al-Azhar, documenting the book’s academic and Sharʿī flaws.
Scholarly Refutations
Numerous scholars authored works to refute the claims of Al-Furqān and its author, including:
- Kitābāt Aʿdāʾ al-Islām wa Munāqashatuhā by ʿImād al-Sayyid Muḥammad al-Sharbinī
- Mukhtaṣar al-Tibyān lihijāʾ al-Tanzīl by Sulaymān ibn Najāḥ
- ʿAlā Māʾidat al-Qurʾān by Sayyid Muḥammad Aḥmad Jamāl
Final Remarks
- The book Al-Furqān and the ideas of its author lack scholarly merit.
- Those who deny ḥadīth and follow modernist ideologies often target the Qur’ān itself, which is a path of misguidance.
- May Allah ﷻ protect the Ummah and grant guidance to all.
