[Some people, including the Masoodiya sect and the Kharijites, keep claiming that our name should only be Muslim or Muslims, and that using any other names (whether descriptive names or titles) is either impermissible or not preferable. In this research article, there is a strong refutation of these people’s arguments and understanding in the light of the understanding of the pious predecessors. والحمدللہ]
A newly emerged sect in Karachi has been actively involved for quite some time in declaring takfir and tabdee’ (excommunication and declaring innovation) against Ahl al-Hadith and Athar, and in slandering and defaming them. Since there is a concern that some ignorant individuals might be influenced by this sect’s deceptive tactics, this article has been written in detail with evidence, so that the false claims and accusations of the Masoodiya sect can be answered decisively. We pray to Allah Almighty to keep us steadfast on the religion of Islam and to protect us from the deceptions of the satanic claimants who follow the paths of سبل الضلالۃ (misguidance). (Ameen)
Ahl al-Hadith:
The group of Muhaddithin (Hadith scholars) is called Ahl al-Hadith, just as the group of Mufassireen (Quran commentators) is called Ahl al-Tafsir and the group of historians is called Ahl al-Tarikh.
Evidence (1):
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, the author of Sahih Bukhari, said on page 13 of
Reference: “Juz’ al-Qira’ah Khalf al-Imam”
: [ولا يحتج أهل الحديث بمثله] meaning that Ahl al-Hadith do not take proof from someone like him.
Reference: (Nasr al-Bari fi Tahqiq Juz’ al-Qira’ah lil-Bukhari: p. 88, Hadith 38)
Rather, Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, has described Ahl al-Hadith as the group of Mansurah (the truthful and rightful group).
Reference: (Mas'alah al-Ihtijaj bil-Shafi'i: p. 47 with authentic chain, Tahqiqi Maqalat Vol. 1 p. 161)
Evidence (2):
The author of Jami' al-Tirmidhi, Imam Tirmidhi, may Allah have mercy on him, said in his
Reference: Kitab al-Jami': Vol. 1 p. 16
: [و ابن لهيعة ضعيف عند أهل الحديث]Meaning Ibn Lahi'ah is weak according to Ahl al-Hadith (the people of hadith).
Reference: (Hadith 10)
Note: Since Abdullah ibn Lahi'ah was weak due to mixing and was also a mudallis (one who practices tadlis), the narration he reported is Hasan Lidhatihi (good in itself) with two conditions:
[1] The narration should be from before the mixing.
Reference: (See my book: Al-Fath al-Mubeen: pp. 77-78)
[2] The narration should explicitly mention hearing (sama').
Reference: (Also p. 77 note 5/140)
Evidence (3):
Until now, no Muslim scholar has denied that 'Ahl al-Hadith' refers to the group of Muhaddithin (hadith scholars), therefore there is consensus on the correctness of this descriptive name and lineage.
For fifty references on the correctness of the title and descriptive name Ahl al-Hadith, see
Reference: my book: Tahqiqi, Islah'i wa Ilmi Maqalat (Vol. 1 pp. 161-174)
Evidence (4):
Imam Muslim also called the Muhaddithin Ahl al-Hadith.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim with Nawawi: Vol. 1 p. 55, second edition Vol. 1 pp. 5, 26)
Imam Muslim, may Allah have mercy on him, was himself from Ahl al-Hadith, as Hafiz Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, stated:
[و نحن لا نعني بأهل الحديث المقتصرين على سماعه، أو كتابته أو روايته بل نعني بهم: كل من كان أحق بحفظه و معرفته و فهمه ظاهراً و باطناً و اتباعه باطناً و ظاهراً، و كذلك أهل القرآن]
By Ahl al-Hadith, we do not mean those who merely listen to, write down, and narrate hadith, but by this name, we mean every person who memorizes hadith, has greater recognition of it, understands it more outwardly and inwardly, and follows it more outwardly and inwardly.
The same applies to Ahl al-Qur'an.
Reference: (Majmoo' al-Fatawa: Vol. 4, p. 95)
According to Hafiz Ibn Taymiyyah, Imam Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Ibn Khuzaymah, Abu Ya'la, and others, may Allah have mercy on them, were all on the creed of Ahl al-Hadith and were not followers of any scholar.
Reference: (See Majmoo' al-Fatawa: Vol. 20, p. 40; Tahqeeqi Maqalat: Vol. 1, p. 168)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [لا تزال طائفة من أمتي ظاهرين حتى يأتيهم أمر الله وهم ظاهرون] meaning a group of my Ummah will always remain dominant until the command of Allah comes to them and they are victorious.
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari: 7311, from Al-Mughira ibn Shu'bah, may Allah be pleased with him)
It is narrated from Sayyiduna Thawban رضي الله عنه that a group from my Ummah will always remain dominant on the truth.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim:1920, Darussalam:495)
It should be noted that this superiority will also be with evidence.
(1) The famous trustworthy scholar Ahmad bin Sinan رحمه الله (d. 259 AH) explained this hadith as: [هم أهل العلم و أصحاب الآثار]
Reference: (Sharaf Ashab al-Hadith by Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi: p27 no.49 and its chain is authentic)
Meaning, these are the people of knowledge and the companions of traditions.
(2) Another trustworthy Imam Ali bin Al-Madini رحمه الله (d. 234 AH) said: [هم أصحاب الحديث] meaning this group refers to the companions of hadith.
Reference: (Jami' At-Tirmidhi: 2/43 hadith 2192 and its chain is authentic)
And in another narration, he said: [هم أهل الحديث]
Reference: (Jami' At-Tirmidhi: vol.4 p505, Sunan At-Tirmidhi with Al-Aridha Al-Ahwazi: vol.9 p74)
It is established that the companions of hadith and Ahl al-Hadith are two names for the same group.
(3) Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal رحمه الله (d. 241 AH) said about the meaning of this hadith: [إن لم تكن هذه الطائفة المنصورة أصحاب الحديث فلا أدري من هم]
If this victorious group does not mean the companions of hadith (muhaddithin), then I do not know who else it could be?
Reference: (Ma'rifat 'Ulum al-Hadith by Al-Hakim: p2 and its chain is authentic and authenticated by Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Bari: 13/250)
Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal رحمه الله said: [صاحب الحديث عندنا من يستعمل الحديث]
According to us, the Sahib al-Hadith is the person who acts upon the Hadith.
Reference: (Al-Jami' lil-Khatib:1/219 H186, and its chain is authentic, second edition 1/144 H183, Manaqib al-Imam Ahmad by Ibn al-Jawzi: pp. 207-208)
Note: In the mentioned statement, Sahib al-Hadith refers to Ahl al-Hadith.
(4) Hafs ibn Ghiyath, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 194 AH), said about the companions of Hadith: [هم خير أهل الدنيا]
Meaning, the companions of Hadith are the best in the entire world.
Reference: (Ma'rifat 'Ulum al-Hadith: p.3 and its chain is authentic)
(5) Hakim, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 405 AH), also confirmed Hafs ibn Ghiyath’s statement and said: [إن أصحاب الحديث خير الناس]
Indeed, the companions of Hadith (Muhaddithin) are the best among people.
Reference: (Ulum al-Hadith: p.3)
From the statements of these Imams of the Muslims, it is understood that the group mentioned in the Hadith of Ta'ifah Mansurah refers to the companions of Hadith: the people of knowledge, the people of Hadith (i.e., the Muhaddithin), and there is consensus on this.
Reference: For further details, see my book: Tahqiqi Maqalat (Vol.1 pp.161-174)
The enemies of Ahl al-Hadith (Muhaddithin) accuse them of various false allegations.
Regarding such people, Imam Ahmad ibn Sinan al-Wasiti, may Allah have mercy on him, said:
[ليس في الدنيا مبتدع إلا وهو يبغض أهل الحديث و إذا ابتدع الرجل نزع حلاوة الحديث من قلبه]
There is no innovator in the world who does not harbor enmity towards Ahl al-Hadith. When a person becomes an innovator, the sweetness of Hadith leaves his heart.
Reference: (Ma'rifat 'Uloom al-Hadith by Al-Hakim: p. 4 no. 6 and its authentic chain)
Since Ahl al-Hadith hold the highest status among Muslims and they are truly __ARABIC_14.
Regarding the status of the Awliya Allah, Allah Almighty says: ARABIC_15__
Whoever shows enmity to any of My Awliya, I declare war against him.
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari: Vol. 8 p. 131 Hadith 6502)
Consider carefully! What a severe warning this is.
Now, whoever declares takfir on these Awliya Allah, what will be his outcome?
The Takfir of Hafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him):
The author of beneficial books such as Taqreeb al-Tahdheeb, Tahdheeb al-Tahdheeb, Al-Isabah, Lisan al-Meezan, Ta'jil al-Munfa'ah, Al-Dirayah, and Al-Talkhees al-Habeer, the trustworthy, the seal of the Hafizeen, Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (may Allah have mercy on him), is unanimously agreed upon by the Muhadditheen for his integrity and majestic status, and benefit from his books continues uninterrupted.
A few years ago in Karachi, a sect called the Masoodiya sect was established, founded by Masood Ahmed B.Sc. This sect registered its name as ’’جماعت المسلمین‘‘ with a non-Islamic and tyrannical government (i.e., allotted). Masood Sahib wrote a booklet titled "The Five Religions (i.e., Ahl al-Hadith, Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) and the Religion of Islam." This booklet contains six sections:
① Ahl al-Hadith
② Hanafi
③ Shafi'i
④ Maliki
⑤ Hanbali
⑥ The Religion of Islam
This means that according to Masood Sahib, Ahl al-Hadith, etc., are outside the religion of Islam. Masood Sahib included Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, in the Ahl al-Hadith section along with his Fath al-Bari.
Reference: (See p. 29)
It is clear that according to Masood Sahib, Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, is outside the religion of Islam. (استغفر اللہ)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [أيما رجل مسلم أكفر رجلاً مسلماً فإن كان كافراً وإلا كان هو الكافر]
Whoever calls a Muslim a disbeliever (declares his disbelief), if he is indeed a disbeliever, then it is correct; otherwise, the one who says this becomes a disbeliever himself.
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 4687, and the wording and chain are authentic, also found in Sahih Muslim: 60, Darussalam: 215)
Masood Sahib has emphasized that we have only one name, which is Muslim; this name is given by Allah, not a sectarian name.
Reference: (The Reality of the Ahl al-Hadith Religion: p.1)
Warning: To the best of our knowledge, before Masood Sahib, no scholar in the Muslim Ummah (whether in the era of the best generations, the era of Hadith compilation, or the era of Hadith commentaries) ever claimed that our name is only Muslim.
If anyone has clear evidence of Masood Sahib’s mentioned claim from any scholar, please provide a reference.
Masood Sahib presents the "proof" of his self-made claim that [ہُوَ سَمّٰىکُمُ الۡمُسۡلِمِیۡنَ] Allah has named you Muslims.
Reference: (Al-Hajj: 78, cited from the magazine "Al-Muslim" No.4 p.46)
Respected Abu Jaber Abdullah Damanvi, may Allah preserve him, states: From this verse, it is understood that Allah Almighty has named us Muslims. However, this verse does not mention anywhere that Allah Almighty has named us only Muslims. In other words, it is not forbidden to have names other than Muslim. No one can deny that our personal name is indeed Muslim, and today we are known by this name in the world. For fourteen hundred years, the world has been familiar with us by this name, and until the Day of Judgment, we will be recognized by this name. But Allah Almighty has given us many other names besides this, which cannot be denied.
To confirm the claim of Respected Damanvi, may Allah preserve him, we present some other names and titles from the Quran and Sunnah:
(1) Al-Mu’min or Al-Mu’minun:
Allah Almighty said: [وَ لَا تَقُوۡلُوۡا لِمَنۡ اَلۡقٰۤی اِلَیۡکُمُ السَّلٰمَ لَسۡتَ مُؤۡمِنًا ۚ تَبۡتَغُوۡنَ عَرَضَ الۡحَیٰوۃِ الدُّنۡیَا] (O you who believe!) Do not say to one who gives you the greeting of peace, "You are not a believer," seeking the goods of worldly life.
Reference: (An-Nisa: 94)
And He said: [اِنَّمَا الۡمُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ اِخۡوَۃٌ] Indeed, the believers are brothers to one another.
Reference: (Al-Hujurat: 10)
And He said: [قَدۡ اَفۡلَحَ الۡمُؤۡمِنُوۡنَ] Certainly, the believers have succeeded.
Reference: (Al-Mu’minun: 1)
(2) Hizbullah (Party of Allah):
Allah Almighty said: [اَلَاۤ اِنَّ حِزۡبَ اللّٰہِ ہُمُ الۡمُفۡلِحُوۡنَ] Know that indeed, Hizbullah are the ones who will be successful.
Reference: (Al-Mujadila: 22)
Warning: Opposed to Hizbullah is Hizbush-Shaytan (Party of Satan), and those of Hizbush-Shaytan are truly at a loss.
Reference: (For example, see: Surah Al-Mujadila: 19)
(3) Awliya Allah (Friends of Allah):
Allah Almighty says: [اَلَاۤ اِنَّ اَوۡلِیَآءَ اللّٰہِ لَا خَوۡفٌ عَلَیۡہِمۡ وَ لَا ہُمۡ یَحۡزَنُوۡنَ] Know that the Awliya Allah will have no fear, nor will they grieve.
Reference: (Yunus: 62)
Opposed to Awliya Allah are Awliya Ash-Shaytan (Friends of Satan).
Besides these, the following names are also established from the Holy Quran:
① Al-Muhajirin (The Emigrants)
② Al-Ansar (The Helpers)
③ As-Sabiqun Al-Awwalun (The Foremost)
④ Ar-Rabbaniyyin (The Devout)
⑤ Al-Fuqara (The Poor)
⑥ As-Salihin (The Righteous)
⑦ Ash-Shuhada (The Martyrs)
⑧ As-Siddiqin and others
In authentic hadiths, many names of Muslims are also mentioned, for example::
① Ummah Muhammad (ﷺ)
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari: 5221, 6631; Sahih Muslim: 901; Darussalam: 2089)
② Al-Ghuraba (The Strangers)
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 145; Darussalam: 372)
③ The Ta'ifa
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari: 7311, Sahih Muslim: 156, Darussalam: 395 etc.)
④ The Disciples
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 50, Darussalam: 179)
⑤ The Companions
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 50, Darussalam: 179)
⑥ The Caliph
Reference: (Musnad Ahmad Vol. 5 p. 131, and its chain is Hasan)
⑦ The People of the Quran
Reference: (Al-Mustadrak 1/556 Hadith 2046 and its chain is Hasan, Musnad Abi Dawood Al-Tayalisi: 2124 included)
⑧ The People of Allah
Reference: (See previous reference: 7)
From these evidences, it is understood that Muslims have many other (descriptive) names which Allah and His Messenger ﷺ have given. Therefore, the claim of the founder of the Masoodiya sect that Allah Almighty has given us only one name "Muslim" is false and a lie. If he says these are descriptive names, then it is stated that descriptive names are also names.
Evidence (1):
Allah Almighty's personal name is 'Allah' and He has many descriptive names. For example:
① Lord
Reference: (Surah Al-Fatiha)
② __ARABIC_25
Reference: (Surah Al-Fatiha)
③ ARABIC_26__
④__ARABIC_27
Reference: (An-Nas)
⑤ ARABIC_28__
⑥ القدیر
⑦ الملک
⑧ القدوس etc.
Allah Almighty said: [وَ لِلّٰہِ الۡاَسۡمَآءُ الۡحُسۡنٰی فَادۡعُوۡہُ بِہَا] Allah has the best names, call upon Him by these names.
Reference: (Al-A'raf: 180)
And He said: [قُلِ ادۡعُوا اللّٰہَ اَوِ ادۡعُوا الرَّحۡمٰنَ ؕ اَیًّامَّا تَدۡعُوۡا فَلَہُ الۡاَسۡمَآءُ الۡحُسۡنٰی] Say, call upon Allah or call upon the Most Merciful; whichever name you call, to Him belong the best names.
Reference: (Al-Isra: 110)
These descriptive names of Allah Almighty are also called 'names'.
Evidence (2):
The personal name of Muhammad ﷺ is Muhammad (ﷺ), and your personal name is also Ahmad.
[وَاسْمُهُ أَحْمَدُ] His name is Ahmad.
Reference: (As-Saff: 6)
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [أنا محمد و أحمد و المقفى و الحاشر و نبي التوبة و نبي الرحمة]
I am Muhammad, I am Ahmad, I am Al-Mahi, I am Al-Hashir, I am the Prophet of Repentance and the Prophet of Mercy.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 2355, Darussalam: 6108)
In Sharh as-Sunnah by Al-Baghawi it is mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ said:
[إن لي أسماء : أنا أحمد و أنا محمد و أنا الماحي الذي يمحو الله به الكفر و أنا الحاشر يحشر الناس على قدمي و أنا العاقب]
I have many names: I am Ahmad, Muhammad, Al-Mahi by whom Allah erases disbelief, Al-Hashir by whom people will be gathered at my feet, and I am the last (final) Prophet. و قال البغوي: ’’هذا حديث متفق على صحته،
Reference: Narrated by Muslim (13/212, Hadith 3630)
From these Ahadith it is understood that Sayyiduna Muhammad ﷺ has many other 'Asma' (names), for example: احمد، الماحی، الحاشر، العاقب، المقفیٰ، نبی التوبہ اور نبی الرحمہ etc.
From these evidences of the Quran and Hadith, it is understood that descriptive names are also names.
[1] A person called the Muslims 'المصلون' in front of Sayyiduna Hudhaifa رضي الله عنه. Sayyiduna Hudhaifa رضي الله عنه did not deny it but gave a much better advice.
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: Vol 15, p. 17, Hadith 38289, Al-Mustadrak: Vol 4, pp. 444 - 445, and Al-Hakim said: "This is a Sahih hadith according to the conditions of the two Shaykhs and they did not record it." The narration of Al-Sufyan Al-Thawri from Mansur is strong and the rest of the chain is authentic)
[2] Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه said: [یا معشر قریش]
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: Vol 14, p. 482 and its chain is authentic, Al-Hakam bin Minah is trustworthy)
[3] Sayyiduna Umar رضي الله عنه said [یا معشر الأنصار].
Reference: (Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah: Vol 14, p. 567, Hadith 38199 and its chain is Hasan)
[4] Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه and other Caliphs used to call the Sahabah '’امیر المؤمنین‘'.
This is a mutawatir (mass-transmitted) fact.
Besides this, many other names have also been proven for the Sahabah. May Allah be pleased with them all.
Ahl al-Sunnah:
Muslims, Muhaddithin, and believers have also been called ’’اہل السنۃ‘‘ (meaning those who follow the Sunnah).
Evidence (1):
Muhammad bin Sirin, a Tabi'i, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 110 AH), said:
[فينظر إلى أهل السنة فيؤخذ حديثهم] People looked towards Ahl al-Sunnah, so their hadith was taken.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim with Nawawi's commentary: Vol 1, p. 84)
Summary is that: Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy on him, used the name "اہل السنۃ" for the Muslims.
Warning: This name is considered unproven, an innovation, and a fabrication of Shariah according to the Masoodiya sect, therefore, according to them, Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy on him, whose justice is unanimously accepted by the Muslim Ummah, would be outside the religion and a member of the Ahl al-Sunnah sect?! (نعوذ باللہ)
Now see! When does the ruling apply to Ibn Sirin, the Tabi'i, may Allah have mercy on him (who was a student of many companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and a central narrator of the Sahihain)?
The term Ahl al-Sunnah or this concept has also been used by the following Imams of the Muslims:
[1] Ayub al-Sakhtiyani, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 131 AH)
Reference: (Al-Kamil by Ibn Adi, vol. 1, p. 75 and its chains are authentic, Hilyat al-Awliya 3/9, the second part of the hadith of Yahya ibn Ma'in: 102)
[2] Zaidah ibn Qudamah
Reference: (Al-Jami' by Al-Khatib: 755)
[3] Ahmad ibn Hanbal
Reference: (Al-Muntakhab min 'Ilal al-Khilal: 185)
[4] Bukhari
Reference: (Juz' Raf' al-Yadain: 15)
[5] Yahya ibn Ma'in
Reference: (Tarikh Ibn Ma'in, narration by Al-Duri: 2955, biography of Abi al-Mu'tamir Yazid ibn Tahman)
[6] Abu Ubaid al-Qasim ibn Salam
Reference: (Al-Amwal: 1218, La Taj'al Zakatak, beginning of Kitab al-Iman)
[7] Muhammad ibn Nasr al-Marwazi
Reference: (Kitab al-Salah: 588)
[8] Hakim Nishapuri
Reference: (Al-Mustadrak 1/201, Hadith 397)
[9] Ahmad bin Al-Husayn Al-Bayhaqi (d. 458 AH)
Reference: (See Kitab Al-I'tiqad wal-Hidayah ila Sabeel Ar-Rashad 'ala Mazhab As-Salaf wa Ashab Al-Hadith, etc., one of Al-Bayhaqi's books)
[10] Abu Hatim Ar-Razi (d. 277 AH)
Imam Abu Hatim, may Allah have mercy on him, indicated this sign of the Jahmiyyah that they call Ahl As-Sunnah Mushabbihah (those who liken Allah to His creation).
Reference: (Usool ad-Deen: 38, Tahqeeqi Maqalat Vol. 2 p. 23)
[11] Imam Abu Ja'far Muhammad bin Jarir At-Tabari, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 310 AH)
Reference: (Sarih As-Sunnah by At-Tabari p. 20)
[12] Fudayl bin 'Iyad, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 187 AH)
Reference: (Hilyat Al-Awliya 8/103-104, and its chain is authentic, Tahdheeb Al-Athar by At-Tabari 7/44 Hadith 1975 included, and its chain is authentic)
[13] Shaykh Al-Islam Abu Uthman Isma'il As-Sabuni, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 449 AH)
Reference: See his book "Aqeedat As-Salaf Ashab Al-Hadith wal-Risalah fi I'tiqad Ahl As-Sunnah wa Ashab Al-Hadith wal-A'immah".
[14] Ibn Abd Al-Barr Al-Andalusi (d. 463 AH)
Reference: (At-Tahmeed 1/8, 2/209, etc.)
[15] Khatib Baghdadi (Sharaf Ashab Al-Hadith)
[16] Abu Ishaq Ibrahim bin Musa Al-Qurtubi (d. 791 AH)
Reference: Al-I'tisam by Ash-Shatibi (Vol. 1 p. 61)
[17] Hafiz Al-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 748 AH) see
Reference: Siyar A'lam An-Nubala (Vol. 5 p. 374)
[18] Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, may Allah have mercy on him (d. 852 AH) Five Schools of Thought by Musadd Ahmad
Reference: (p. 39 citing Fath Al-Bari Vol. 1 p. 281)
Name of Sunni (1):
Hafiz Zahbi, may Allah have mercy on him, said about a person:
Reference: [الرازي السني الفقيه أحد أئمة السنة]
(
Reference: Seer A'lam An-Nubala 10/446)
Zaidah bin Qudamah, may Allah have mercy on him, was described by several Imams as "__ARABIC_48" and "ARABIC_49__," for example see
Reference: Tahdheeb at-Tahdheeb (3/264)
(2) Hafiz Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, said in
Reference: Taqreeb at-Tahdheeb
about Abdul Malik bin Qareeb Al-Asma'i Al-Basri: صدوق سني (4208)Muhammadi Madhhab:
Muhammad bin Umar Ad-Dawoodi, may Allah have mercy on him, narrates about Imam Al-Hafiz Al-Mufid Al-Muhaddith Al-Iraq Ibn Shaheen, may Allah have mercy on him: [وكان إذا ذكر له مذهب أحد، يقول: أنا محمدي المذهب] Whenever the sect of someone was mentioned, he used to say that I am of the Muhammadi Madhhab.
Reference: (Tarikh Baghdad by Al-Khatib 11/267 and its chain is authentic, translation by Umar bin Ahmad bin Uthman known as Ibn Shaheen)
Summary: From the Quran, Hadith, and the unanimous statements of the Muslim Imams, it is evident that Muslims have other descriptive names by which they have been called, such as Ahl as-Sunnah, Ahl al-Hadith, Sunni, Muhammadi Madhhab, and Hizbullah, etc. Therefore, Masood Sahib's claim that Allah Almighty has only named us "Muslim" is completely false and baseless.
According to Masood Sahib, all names other than "Muslim" (for example, Ahl al-Sunnah, Ahl al-Hadith, Hizbullah, etc.) are incorrect and sectarian, and according to him, sectarianism is polytheism, punishment, and curse.
Reference: (For example, see the sticker of Jamaat al-Muslimeen, i.e., the Masoodiya sect)
Therefore, the Imams of the Muslims, such as Ibn Sirin, a Tabi'i, may Allah have mercy on him, etc., are considered by them to be outside the religion of Islam and polytheists. (معاذ اللہ)
The Fitnah of Takfir:
The Masoodiya sect members are declaring the hadith scholars as disbelievers with extreme audacity.
Practically, they neither greet any Muslim with Salam nor pray behind them. According to them, only the one who has joined their Masoodiya sect (Jamaat al-Muslimeen registered) and has pledged allegiance to Masood Sahib is a "Muslim." Another person may call himself a Muslim a thousand times, but he is just
three leaves of a drum.
Our Master Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [من صلّى صلاتنا و استقبل قبلتنا و أكل ذبيحتنا فذلك المسلم الذي له ذمة الله و ذمة رسوله]
Whoever prays like us, faces our Qiblah, and eats our slaughtered animal, then he is a "Muslim" for whom Allah and His Messenger are responsible.
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari: 391)
Final Decision of the Discussion:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [فادعوا بدعوى الله الذي سماكم المسلمين المؤمنين عباد الله]
So call upon Allah with the call of the One who named you مسلمین، مومنین، عباد اللہ.
(Musnad Abi Ya'la Al-Mawsili Vol. 3, p. 142; Sahih Ibn Hibban 8/43)
This chain of narration has also been declared authentic by Ibn Khuzaymah, Al-Hakim, and Al-Dhahabi, may Allah have mercy on them.
Reference: (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah: 1930, Al-Mustadrak: 1/421, 117, 236)
Imam Tirmidhi said: [هذا حديث حسن صحيح غريب]
Reference: (Hadith 2863)
Yahya ibn Abi Kathir has also specified hearing (sama') in the chains of Abu Ya'la and others.
The term sect applies to both the people of truth and the people of falsehood, but Mas'ud Sahib categorically says: Sectarianism is shirk (polytheism).
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [يكون في أمتي فرقتان فيخرج من بينهما مارقة يلي قتلهم أولاهم بالحق]
There will be two sects in my Ummah, then one of them will become a deviated sect (the misguided sect, the group of Kharijites) which will fight against the one that is closer to the truth.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 1065, Darussalam: 2459)
And in another narration, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [تفتّرق أمتي فرقتين فتمرق بينهما مارقة يقتلها أولى الطائفتين بالحق]
My Ummah will split into two sects, and among them will emerge a Khariji group (i.e., the deviated sect). This Khariji group will be killed by whichever of the two sects is closer to the truth.
Reference: (Musnad Abi Ya'la al-Mawsili vol. 2 p. 499 hadith 1345, its chains are authentic, and it was extracted by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih 8/259, and Ahmad 3/79 hadith 11326)
These two sects were the groups of Sayyidina Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyidina Muawiya (may Allah be pleased with him), and from between them emerged the group of the Kharijites. This "group" was killed by Sayyidina Ali (may Allah be pleased with him).
It is understood that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ called both groups of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) sects, therefore it is understood that the Muslim community is also called a "sect." That is, the saved sect, and both of these sects were on the truth.
تلزم جماعت المسلمین و امامہم
The founder of the Masoodiya sect, Masood Sahib, is claiming this hadith to apply to himself, meaning ’’جماعت المسلمین‘‘ refers to his newborn group and "Imam" refers to himself personally, then he has registered this group more than once with the government of the Taghut.
Honorable Sheikh Dr. Abu Jaber Abdullah Damanwi, may Allah preserve him, has broken Masood Sahib's spell in his book "
Reference: Firqah Jadeedah
" and has proven with conclusive evidence that "Jamaat al-Muslimeen" refers to the government and leadership of the Muslims, and "Imam" refers to the Caliph or Sultan. It is clear that Masood Sahib's group neither consists of government and leadership nor of a Caliph or Sultan, therefore it is not the subject of this Hadith.In brief, the scholars have consensus (Ijma) that the "Jamaat" mentioned here does not mean Masood Sahib's group. Rather, it either means the political group with leadership and government or the group of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, and the people of truth (i.e., Ahl al-Hadith).
Imam Bayhaqi, may Allah have mercy on him, has narrated this Hadith in "قتالِ اہل البغی".
Reference: (Al-Sunan al-Kubra Vol. 8, p. 156)
From this, it is understood that according to Baihaqi, this hadith also relates to political matters; otherwise, what is the meaning of the absence of a Jamaat (group). Whereas a group of the Ummah (i.e., the group of the people of truth) will always remain without interruption until the Day of Judgment. Hafiz Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, may Allah have mercy on him, also interpreted this as referring to the 'Amir,' meaning the ruler of the government.
[تلزم جماعة المسلمين و إمامهم] "Hold firmly to the Jamaat of the Muslims and their Imam," is explained as follows: the Jamaat of the Muslims refers to the Caliphate of the Muslims, and their Imam refers to their Khalifah (i.e., the Caliph). There are two evidences for this explanation:
(1) (Subai' bin Khalid) Al-Yashkuri, may Allah have mercy on him:
It is narrated with a trustworthy Tabi'i chain that Sayyiduna Hudhayfah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: [فإن لم تجد يومئذ خليفةً فاهرب حتى تموت] "Then if you do not find any Khalifah in those days, then flee even until you die."
Reference: (Sunan Abi Dawood: 4247, and its chain is Hasan, Musnad Abi Awana 4/420, Hadith 7168 included)
A brief authentication of the narrators of this hadith is as follows:
① Subai' bin Khalid Al-Yashkuri, may Allah have mercy on him:
They have been declared trustworthy and authentic narrators by Ibn Hibban, Imam Ajli, Hakim, Abu Awana, and Dhahabi, and after this strong authentication, it is wrong to call them unknown or concealed.
Warning: There is no significant criticism against Sabi’ bin Khalid, may Allah have mercy on him, in comparison to this authentication.
Reference: (For details, see Research Articles Vol. 3 pp. 345-350)
② Sakhr bin Badr Al-Ajli, may Allah have mercy on him:
He was declared trustworthy and authentic by Ibn Hibban and Abu Awana, and after this authentication, it is wrong for Sheikh Albani to call him unknown.
③ Abu Al-Tayyah Yazid bin Humaid, may Allah have mercy on him:
He was a narrator of Sahihain and the four Sunan and was trustworthy and reliable.
④ Abdul Warith bin Saeed, may Allah have mercy on him:
He was a narrator of Sahihain and the four Sunan and was trustworthy and reliable.
⑤ Musaddad bin Musarhad, may Allah have mercy on him:
He was a narrator of Sahih al-Bukhari and others and was a trustworthy Hafiz.
It is established that this chain is Hasan Lidhatihi (good in itself), and Qatadah (a trustworthy mudallis) is a witness to the narration of Sabi’ bin Khalid through An Nasr bin Asim through Sabi’ bin Khalid, which according to Masood Ahmad B.Sc’s "Usul al-Hadith" is authentic up to Sabi’ bin Khalid, may Allah have mercy on him.
Reference: (See Sunan Abi Dawood: 4244 and Sahih al-Hakim: 4/432-433 and Al-Wafiqah al-Dhahabi)
From this authentic narration, it is established that in the narration of Sayyiduna Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Imam mentioned refers to the Caliph, and it should be noted that a narration explains another narration. This narration conclusively settles the issue of the "Muslim community" and their Imam, that is, the Caliph.
Benefit: Imam Ajli was trustworthy, an Imam, and moderate; it is wrong to consider him negligent.
Reference: (See Taqreeqi Maqalat Vol. 3 pp. 351 - 353)
(2) Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani said in the explanation of "__ARABIC_64": ARABIC_65__
(Qadi) Baydawi (died 685 AH) said: Its meaning is that if there is no Caliph on the earth, then you become separated and endure the hardships of the time. The indication of gnawing the root of the tree refers to enduring calamities.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari 13/36 citing Maktabah Shamilah)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar narrated from Muhammad ibn Jarir ibn Yazid al-Tabari (may Allah have mercy on him) (died 310 AH) that: [والصواب أن المراد من الخبر لزوم الجماعة الذين في طاعة من اجتمعوا على تأميره فمن نكث بيعته خرج عن الجماعة ، قال : و في الحديث أنه متى لم يكن للناس إمام فافترق الناس أحزاباً فلا يتبع أحداً في الفرقة و يعتزل الجميع إن استطاع ذلك]
And the correct understanding is that this hadith means it is obligatory to hold onto the group that gathers under the leadership of this (Imam), so whoever breaks his allegiance is considered outside the group. It is stated: and the hadith also mentions that if the people do not have an Imam (a unanimously accepted leader) and the people have formed parties, then during times of disagreement one should not follow any one party, and if possible, stay separate from all (parties).
Reference: (Fath al-Bari:13/36 Shamilah)
The commentator of Sahih al-Bukhari, Allama Ali bin Khalaf bin Abdul Malik Ibn Battal al-Qurtubi (d. 449 AH) said: [و فيه حجة لجماعة الفقهاء في وجوب لزوم جماعة المسلمين و ترك القيام على أئمة الجور]
And in this (hadith) is the proof of the group of jurists that it is obligatory to hold onto the Muslim group and not to rebel against unjust rulers.
Reference: (Sharh Sahih Bukhari Ibn Battal 10/33 Shamilah)
Hafiz Ibn Hajar, in explaining a part of this hadith, said: [وهو كناية عن لزوم جماعة المسلمين و طاعة سلاطينهم ولو عصوا]
And this is an indication that it is obligatory to hold onto the Muslim group and to obey the Muslim rulers, even if they commit disobedience.
Reference: (Fath al-Bari 13/36 Shamilah)
From the explanations of the Hadith commentators (Ibn Jarir Tabari, Qadi Baydawi, Ibn Battal, and Hafiz Ibn Hajar), it is established that the mentioned Hadith (تلزم جماعة المسلمين و إمامهم) does not refer to the prevailing groups and parties (such as Masood Ahmad BSC's Jamaat al-Muslimeen Registered) but rather refers to the unanimous caliphate of the Muslims (Muslims) and the collective caliph.
In one Hadith it is stated: [من مات و ليس له إمام مات ميتة جاهلية]
Whoever dies without having an Imam (Caliph) dies the death of Jahiliyyah (ignorance).
Reference: (Sahih Ibn Hibban 10/434 Hadith 4573 and it is a Hasan Hadith)
In explaining this Hadith, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, said to one of his students: Do you know who is called Imam in this Hadith? (Imam is called) the one upon whom all Muslims reach consensus and everyone says that he is the Imam (Caliph).
So this is the meaning of this Hadith.
Reference: (Questions of Ibn Hani: 2011, Research Articles 1/403)
This explanation also proves that ’’و إمامهم‘‘ refers to that Imam (Caliph) whose caliphate has the consensus of all Muslims, and if there is already a dispute over someone, then that person is not meant in this hadith. Therefore, it is wrong, false, and a great fraud for the Masoodiya sect ("Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen Registered") to derive their self-created and nascent sectarian meaning from this hadith.
Ask these people whether any trustworthy and truthful Imam, Muhaddith, commentator, or scholar during the era of the best generations, the era of hadith compilation, and the era of hadith commentators (from the first to the ninth century Hijri) has ever used this hadith to argue that the caliphate does not mean Jamaat-ul-Muslimeen and that امامہم does not mean the Caliph, but rather a paper-registered Jamaat and its paper powerless Amir is meant? If there is any proof of this, present it; otherwise, do not mislead the general Muslim public.
Reference: For more details, see the book of respected Abu Jaber Abdullah Damanwi, may Allah preserve him: Al-Firqah Al-Jadeedah
(Contact address: Dr. Abu Jaber Damanwi, may Allah preserve him, Block 38, House 647, Keamari, Karachi, Postal Code 75620)
Reference: In the booklet named Mazahib Khamsa, on page 32
, Masood Sahib has claimed that in prayer: [اللهم إني أعوذ بك من عذاب جهنم] must be recited. And from an excerpt of Hakim Muhammad Sadiq Sialkoti, may Allah have mercy on him, in
Reference: Salat al-Rasool page 278
, he has drawn the conclusion that reciting the mentioned supplication is not necessary, making a reprehensible attempt to criticize Ahl al-Sunnah (Ahl al-Hadith).Answer (1):
Not every statement of respected Hakim Muhammad Sadiq Sialkoti, may Allah have mercy on him, is a proof for Ahl al-Hadith, nor does any Ahl al-Hadith consider every statement of his as proof. Therefore, the objection is dismissed outright.
Answer (2):
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: [ثم ليتخير من الدعاء أعجبه إليه فيدعوا] meaning that then a person may choose any supplication for himself and ask for that.
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari: 835, Sahih Muslim: 402)
It is clear that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ gave the worshiper the choice, but Masood Sahib is depriving him of this choice.
Answer (3):
Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, dedicated a chapter to this hadith: [باب ما يتخير من الدعاء بعد التشهد و ليس بواجب]
After Tashahhud, one may recite any supplication he prefers, and reciting a supplication is not obligatory.
Reference: (Sahih Bukhari before hadith 835)
If Masood Sahib Balqaba issues a fatwa, then Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, also comes under the scope of his fatwa. (We seek Allah's protection from declaring Muslims as disbelievers)
Answer (4):
Suppose Hakim Muhammad Sadiq and Imam Bukhari, may Allah have mercy on him, made a mistake, then it is their ijtihadi (juridical) error. According to Ahl al-Hadith, the standards of truth and proof are three:
① The Holy Quran
② Authentic Hadiths
③ Consensus of the Ummah
Note: From the Holy Quran and authentic hadiths, it is understood that the consensus of the Ummah is also a Shariah proof and evidence, and the permissibility of ijtihad is also established, and reasoning from the practices of the pious predecessors is the best form of ijtihad.
Similarly, Masood Sahib and his party have been defaming the Ahl al-Hadith and Athar (i.e., the Muhaddithin and their companions) in the infamous contemporary magazine "Al-Muslim" (contrary to its name, it is a forum of the Zindiqs) by accusing them using the book "Dastoor al-Muttaqi."
Although according to Ahl al-Hadith, Dastoor al-Muttaqi is neither the Quran nor a collection of authentic hadiths, therefore every reference in this book is not a proof against Ahl al-Hadith. The Quranic verses and authentic hadiths contained in it are proofs. The personal opinions of its author are not considered proof by any Ahl al-Hadith, so why is Ahl al-Hadith being criticized?
Who will benefit from Masood Sahib's childish actions? Are they not strengthening the hands of the enemies of the Muhaddithin?
For example: According to them, the name Ahl al-Hadith is an innovation, therefore according to their principle, Imam Bukhari and others are innovators because they used this name. معاذ اللہ
Where does this accusation of innovation break down?!
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said one day during a sermon: My Lord has commanded me to teach you what you are unaware of (He says
I have created all my servants as Hanif (plural of Hanif). But the devils come to them and mislead them, and they declare forbidden what I have made lawful for them.
Reference: (Sahih Muslim: 2865, Darussalam: 7207)
We pray to Allah to protect us from these misleading devils. And to grant the Ahl al-Hadith (i.e., the Muhaddithin) political dominance in this world and establish their group of Muslims and their Imam, that is, the Caliph. Ameen.
Note: This article was first published at the beginning of "
Reference: Al-Firqah Al-Jadidah
" and is now being republished with corrections, revisions, and additional benefits.والحمد للہ
(6 October 2011)
