Distinction Between Truth and Falsehood in Light of the Saying of Imam Ahmad رحمه الله
Question:
Can the statement of Imam Ahmad رحمه الله — "قولوا لأهلِ البدعِ: بيننا وبينكم يومُ الجنائزِ" (“Say to the people of innovation: between us and you will be [the difference seen] on the day of funerals”) — still be applied in today’s era to distinguish between truth and falsehood, or was it specific to his time only?
Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
Imam Ahmad رحمه الله’s statement is not restricted to his era alone; it can still be applied in the present time provided that a person’s creed and methodology are well-known and his condition prior to death is known. This principle is clarified through the following points:
◈ Just as it has been said regarding the Prophet ﷺ:
"نُصِرْتُ بالرُّعْبِ مسيرةَ شهرٍ"
(“I was granted victory through awe from a distance of one month’s journey”) — while this was a unique distinction for the Prophet ﷺ, the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ also shares in the blessings and effects of this quality to an extent.
◈ Likewise, Imam Ahmad’s statement can be applied today to those whose beliefs and methodology are clearly established and known to the people.
◈ We hold a good opinion regarding our righteous scholars, and the acceptance of their funerals in the eyes of the masses serves as a clear indication of their truthfulness and acceptance with Allah.
◈ Even today, the funerals of people of truth become a sign of their standing and sincerity, distinguishing them from people of falsehood.
◈ Those who understand matters with wisdom and insight are still able to distinguish between truth and falsehood by observing such signs.
◈ By the grace of Allah, people of truth are always recognized by those who sincerely seek it and observe the signs with clarity.
The statement of Imam Ahmad رحمه الله is not time-bound, and its application remains valid even today. A person whose ‘aqīdah (belief), manhaj (methodology), and character are well-known can be judged based on the state of his funeral, which may reflect his acceptance or rejection in the sight of Allah, thereby distinguishing between truth and deviation.
Question:
Can the statement of Imam Ahmad رحمه الله — "قولوا لأهلِ البدعِ: بيننا وبينكم يومُ الجنائزِ" (“Say to the people of innovation: between us and you will be [the difference seen] on the day of funerals”) — still be applied in today’s era to distinguish between truth and falsehood, or was it specific to his time only?
Answer by: Shaykh Abdul Wakeel Nasir ḥafiẓahullāh
Imam Ahmad رحمه الله’s statement is not restricted to his era alone; it can still be applied in the present time provided that a person’s creed and methodology are well-known and his condition prior to death is known. This principle is clarified through the following points:
Universality of the Principle and Benefit for the Ummah
◈ Just as it has been said regarding the Prophet ﷺ:
"نُصِرْتُ بالرُّعْبِ مسيرةَ شهرٍ"
(“I was granted victory through awe from a distance of one month’s journey”) — while this was a unique distinction for the Prophet ﷺ, the Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ also shares in the blessings and effects of this quality to an extent.
◈ Likewise, Imam Ahmad’s statement can be applied today to those whose beliefs and methodology are clearly established and known to the people.
Having Good Opinion of the Righteous Scholars
◈ We hold a good opinion regarding our righteous scholars, and the acceptance of their funerals in the eyes of the masses serves as a clear indication of their truthfulness and acceptance with Allah.
◈ Even today, the funerals of people of truth become a sign of their standing and sincerity, distinguishing them from people of falsehood.
Reality of Judgement
◈ Those who understand matters with wisdom and insight are still able to distinguish between truth and falsehood by observing such signs.
◈ By the grace of Allah, people of truth are always recognized by those who sincerely seek it and observe the signs with clarity.
Conclusion
The statement of Imam Ahmad رحمه الله is not time-bound, and its application remains valid even today. A person whose ‘aqīdah (belief), manhaj (methodology), and character are well-known can be judged based on the state of his funeral, which may reflect his acceptance or rejection in the sight of Allah, thereby distinguishing between truth and deviation.
