Wednesday, 20 May 2015
Podcast: Common Heritage of Islam & Judaism
Podcast: Common Heritage of Islam & Judaism
Friday, 16 May 2014
Whither scholars like Imam Malik who would not impose his Fatwa on unknown lands?
وكان عبد الرحمن بن مهدي يقول: [كنا عند مالك بن أنس فجاءه رجل فقال: يا أبا عبد الله جئتك من مسيرة ستة أشهر حملني أهل بلدي مسألة أسألك عنها قال: فسل فسأله الرجل عن مسألة قال: لا أحسنها قال فبهت الرجل كأنه قد جاء إلى من يعلم كل شيء قال فقال: فأي شيء أقول لأهل بلدتي إذا رجعت لهم؟ قال: تقول لهم قال مالك: لا أحسن].
الحافظ ابن عبد البر في كتابه جامع بيان العلم وفضله
‘Abduraḥmān bin Mahdī narrated:
We were in the gathering of [al-Imām] Mālik bin Anas [Allāh’s mercy be upon him] when a man arrived and said to him, “O Father of ‘Abdullāh! I have come to you after a journey of six months. The people of my land have deputed me to ask you a question.”
[Mālik] said, “Ask.”
The man asked the question and [Mālik] replied, “I am not well versed in that.”
The man was stunned. [His expression being] as if he was in the presence of one who was supposed to know everything. He exclaimed, “Then what shall I say to the people of my land when I return to them?”
[Mālik] replied, “Say to them that Mālik says, ‘I am not well versed in that.’”
[Ibn ‘Abdil Barr – Jāmi‘ Bayānil ‘Ilm wa Faḍlihi]
Whilst the above incident is usually quoted as a straight forward issue of a pious and humble scholar not venturing a reply in a matter he does not know, it has been commented that the Imām did not explicitly say, “I do not know.” It is highly probable that the Imām would now the general ruling, but refrained from commenting on the specific circumstances of a foreign land he had little understanding of. That the community sent a delegate that far, indicates that there was some special situation they needed resolution on. The Imām first allowed the question on the possibility of it being something general he could assist with. On hearing the specifics, he felt it wise not to comment.
In the light of the above, it was with great disappointment that I read a “decree,” in the guise of advice, from a scholar 7200 km away, that South African Muslims must vote for the ruling party in the May 2014 elections.
I hope I do not have the same patronising attitude
Pride is a great disease that may accompany learning. It may be that I too have unintentionally adopted the attitude that I know what is best for every person whom Allāh has created. I believe I address general issues on known facts in the light of Islāmic teaching. Thus for example I may not have visited Crimea, but I have commented on matters which do not require me to have an intimate knowledge or physical presence in Crimea. If I have failed in this, it would be good of readers to point out my failing in a kind, well-wishing manner.
For the record, I shall quote from correspondence in which I hope I am following the example of al-Imām Mālik – Allāh’s mercy be upon him:
Correspondent:
I was hoping that someone of your capabilities would be able to write an article on the importance of having a Shaikh. In Leicester UK we have a lot of mashaaikh, but unfortunately the mureeds seem to become extremist followers, and at times they become like our barelvi brothers. The way they do peer mooridi.
My reply:
May Allah make your good thoughts about me a reality. I however feel that I cannot write on a specific situation on a country that I have never visited.
Afrikaans – speaking without knowing the people
I had attended a talk by the same scholar who had decreed an ANC vote. What follows is not to harp on the faults of a particular individual, but to demonstrate the fallacy of feeling qualified to decree under any circumstance.
The speaker advised that South Africans should learn the 9 native languages of the land. I agree. Who can dispute the wisdom thereof? He then made a statement which I cannot believe to be wise or considered. He said, “And forget about Afrikaans. It is a dead language.”
Muslims and Afrikaans
Islām in South Africa originated in the Western Cape. To this day the overwhelming majority of South African Muslims reside in that province. Most of them speak Afrikaans as a first language, which they have in common with neighbours to the north and east. You may even research the debate that the first Afrikaans books were written by Muslims in Arabic script, not Calvinists in Latin script. If the majority of Muslims are not Afrikaans speaking, then at the very least, they form a massive percentage of the total. Hundreds of thousands have first been taught about Allāh via Afrikaans. Their mothers taught them of His Beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلمin Afrikaans. The talks they heard in the Masjid are in Afrikaans.
The demographic reality is that in general, the Afrikaans-speaking Muslim forms a less affluent sector and many live in dire poverty. Whilst certainly not a complete picture, this certainly adds to the net result that foreign Muslim dignitaries will be meeting an English / Urdu speaking host. Yet how can the dignitary arrogate the right to decree what language Muslims should speak simply based on the limited circle he is acquainted with?
White Afrikaners
Yes, it is our duty to let our neighbours know of the blessings of Islām. Practically, four-fifths are African and the pragmatic focus would be there. Yet what excuse is there in utterly ignoring the Afrikaners who compose 5% of the population? That they are the former oppressors? Well, wasn’t Mūsā عليه السلام [Moses] deputed to Pharaoh? Are they not entitled to hear the message of Islām?
Experience shows that an Afrikaner becomes more accepting of a Muslim when addressed in Afrikaans. For some years to come, English Muslims will still have some command of Afrikaans. Even if there were no Afrikaans Muslims, why should a foreigner dictate that this potential tool of transmitting Islām to millions more must be buried? It all boils down several diseases gripping us at large…
Spiritual diseases
The Muslim body is sick. May Allāh save us from:
- · Lack of respect for different opinions.
- · Arrogant desire to impose my opinion on others.
- · Lack of respect for other cultures.
- · Speaking without investigating all the facts.
- · Passing decrees without knowledge.
سليمان الكندي
Whither scholars like Imam Malik who would not impose his Fatwa on unknown lands?
‘Abduraḥmān bin Mahdī narrated:We were in the gathering of [al-Imām] Mālik bin Anas [Allāh’s mercy be upon him] when a man arrived and said to him, “O Father of ‘Abdullāh! I have come to you after a journey of six months. The people of my land have deputed me to ask you a question.”[Mālik] said, “Ask.”The man asked the question and [Mālik] replied, “I am not well versed in that.”The man was stunned. [His expression being] as if he was in the presence of one who was supposed to know everything. He exclaimed, “Then what shall I say to the people of my land when I return to them?”[Mālik] replied, “Say to them that Mālik says, ‘I am not well versed in that.’”[Ibn ‘Abdil Barr – Jāmi‘ Bayānil ‘Ilm wa Faḍlihi]
I hope I do not have the same patronising attitude
Correspondent: “I was hoping that someone of your capabilities would be able to write an article on the importance of having a Shaikh. In Leicester UK we have a lot of mashaaikh, but unfortunately the mureeds seem to become extremist followers, and at times they become like our barelvi brothers. The way they do peer mooridi.”My reply: “May Allah make your good thoughts about me a reality. I however feel that I cannot write on a specific situation on a country that I have never visited.”
Afrikaans – speaking without knowing the people
Muslims and Afrikaans
White Afrikaners
Spiritual diseases
- · Lack of respect for different opinions.
- · Arrogant desire to impose my opinion on others.
- · Lack of respect for other cultures.
- · Speaking without investigating all the facts.
- · Passing decrees without knowledge.
سليمان الكندي
Thursday, 30 January 2014
What will survive when the Trumpet is blown?
Comment:
Anonymous21 January 2014 10:39
As Salaam Respected Sheikh. I have a question which I was hoping the honorable Sheikh could assist with. "I have heard that there are 7 or 8 things that wont be destroyed when the trumpet is blown. Is this true? Apparently the pen is one. If so, what are the others?
JazakAllah.
http://kindi-blog.blogspot.com/2014/01/to-name-haramayn-like-family-business.html#comment-form
My Reply:
Firstly, allow me to tender my apology, for noticing your comment, I normally receive an email alert which I do not see in this case.
As I have stated before, those who make claims, especially in matters of religion, are obliged to offer their proof. We are not obliged to research every claim without reference. However, it is in accordance with our belief that not everything will be destroyed when the Ṣūr [Trumpet] is blown. The details of this might not however accord with what you have heard.
ونفخ في الصور فصعق من في السماوات ومن في الأرض إلا من شاء الله
The Trumpet will be blown into. All those in the heavens and on earth will lose their senses [die] except for those whom, Allah wills. [az-Zumar: 68]
The grammar of the verse indicates that the excepted ones are beings “من – who” as opposed to inanimate or non-beings “ما – what”. From this it would seem that al-Qalam [the Pen which wrote destiny] is a creation which will be destroyed and is not excepted.
The archangels
The complete and definite list of who is excepted is in the knowledge of Allah, but we know the archangels to be definitely excepted as narrated in several books of Tafsīr [commentary of the Qurān]:
وروي من حديث أنس أن النبي - صلى الله عليه وسلم - تلا : ونفخ في الصور فصعق من في السماوات ومن في الأرض إلا من شاء الله فقالوا : يا نبي الله ، من هم الذين استثنى الله تعالى ؟ قال : هم جبريل وميكائيل وإسرافيل وملك الموت
Anas narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم recited, “The Trumpet will be blown into. All those in the heavens and on earth will lose their senses [die] except for those whom, Allah wills.” So they asked, O Prophet of Allāh! Who are those whom Allāh Most High will make an exception for?” He replied, “Jibrīl, [Gabriel], Mīkāīl [Michael], Isrāfīl and the Angel of Death.”
Mūsā – Moses peace be upon him
لا تخيروني على موسى فإن الناس يصعقون فأكون أول من يفيق فإذا موسى باطش بجانب العرش فلا أدري أكان فيمن صعق فأفاق قبلي أو كان ممن استثنى الله
Do not express superiority of me over Mūsā. Mankind will lose their senses and I shall be the first to gain consciousness. Mūsā will be grabbing the side of the Throne. I do not know if he will be amongst those who lose consciousness and regained it before me, or will he be amongst those whom Allāh will make an exception for. [al-Bukhārī]
Other Suggestions
There are other possibilities which the scholars have deduced and might not be explicitly mentioned by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم . Yet all are animate:
- The Angels who Bear the Throne.
- Ridwaan, the angel in charge of the gates of Paradise.
- Mālik, the angel in charge of the gates of Hell.
- The Ḥūr – damsels of Paradise.
- The martys.
- The angels of Hell.
- The punishing creatures of Hell.
None of the famous commentaries mention the Pen. If it is amongst the exceptions the claimant should provide proof.
What will survive when the Trumpet is blown?
Anonymous21 January 2014 10:39As Salaam Respected Sheikh. I have a question which I was hoping the honorable Sheikh could assist with. "I have heard that there are 7 or 8 things that wont be destroyed when the trumpet is blown. Is this true? Apparently the pen is one. If so, what are the others?
JazakAllah.
The archangels
Mūsā – Moses peace be upon him
لا تخيروني على موسى فإن الناس يصعقون فأكون أول من يفيق فإذا موسى باطش بجانب العرش فلا أدري أكان فيمن صعق فأفاق قبلي أو كان ممن استثنى الله
Other Suggestions
سليمان الكندي
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Surah Saad - Sad state of the separated Ummah
“We waged battle at the side of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم when 16 days of Ramdaan had passed. Some of us fasted and some did not. Neither did those who fasted find fault with those who did not fast; nor did those who did not fast find fault with those who fasted.” [Muslim]
The above incident of respect for difference of opinions at the Battle of Badr might not be a primary objective of the month, yet the fact is that occurred during Ramadaan as well, in the sacred presence of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. No aspect of his sacred life is insignificant. As such, Ramadaan should also be a time when the Ummah renews their commitment to respecting each others' opinions, as long as the view expressed is not clearly opposed to the principles of Shari'ah.
Sadly, we all know that this is not the case. Every Muslim country, school of thought, organisation, tribe, family and individual is an authority unto themselves, in effect ignoring the ultimate sovereignty of Allah. If I declare myself to be correct and perfect in all matters, "my way or the highway" have I not claimed partnership with Allah al-Haqq as-Subbuh?
An incident this Ramadaan demonstrated to me how incurably petty the Ummah still is. As a practitioner of Shafi'i Fiqh, I do not prostrate at the recitation of Surah Saad. Herewith link to the juristic discussion with a brief translation.
I have practised according the school I observe and never imposed this issue on others. This Ramadaan a Hanafi Imaam of a Masjid discussed the issue with me, mentioning a ruling he had received. He declared that he would announce this ruling in order to educate the Shafi'i members of the community.
I reflected that if a Hanafi is willing to educate others, my silence in the face of theological chauvinism was not justified. I mentioned the matter to the Hanafi Imaam at the Masjid I was observing Taraaweeh and asked would he felt about him making a similar announcement. He said that I should make the announcement and I did so.
He later informed me that some Hanafi "Ulama" had approached him. They were upset and insisted that they had never heard of something like this before.
Whether one prostrates or not during Saad is a juristic discussion, which might or might not hold significance to some. What should however concern all of us are the facts this incident brought to light:
- This Ummah has some scholars who have such fossilised mentalities that they can paraphrase the idolatrous Egyptian response to Musa 'alayhis salaam as a proof, "We have never heard of this from our forebears of old!" [al-Qasas: 36]
- They regard such an attitude as a virtue!
- They are not content with stifling opinion in their own school, but consider it the greatest act of worship to impose their will and views on other schools as well.
- Scholars are apparently exempt from seeking proof for rulings and can substitute query with gossip.
- Tolerance was for the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum. Our opinions are apparently so elevated that all must toe the line.
- Ramdaan is all about the individual. Nobody has the foresight to ponder how detrimental the effects of our intolerance are upon the already fragmented Ummah.
سليمان الكندي
Surah Saad - Sad state of the separated Ummah
“We waged battle at the side of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم when 16 days of Ramdaan had passed. Some of us fasted and some did not. Neither did those who fasted find fault with those who did not fast; nor did those who did not fast find fault with those who fasted.” [Muslim]
The above incident of respect for difference of opinions at the Battle of Badr might not be a primary objective of the month, yet the fact is that occurred during Ramadaan as well, in the sacred presence of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم. No aspect of his sacred life is insignificant. As such, Ramadaan should also be a time when the Ummah renews their commitment to respecting each others' opinions, as long as the view expressed is not clearly opposed to the principles of Shari'ah.
Sadly, we all know that this is not the case. Every Muslim country, school of thought, organisation, tribe, family and individual is an authority unto themselves, in effect ignoring the ultimate sovereignty of Allah. If I declare myself to be correct and perfect in all matters, "my way or the highway" have I not claimed partnership with Allah al-Haqq as-Subbuh?
An incident this Ramadaan demonstrated to me how incurably petty the Ummah still is. As a practitioner of Shafi'i Fiqh, I do not prostrate at the recitation of Surah Saad. Herewith link to the juristic discussion with a brief translation.
I have practised according the school I observe and never imposed this issue on others. This Ramadaan a Hanafi Imaam of a Masjid discussed the issue with me, mentioning a ruling he had received. He declared that he would announce this ruling in order to educate the Shafi'i members of the community.
I reflected that if a Hanafi is willing to educate others, my silence in the face of theological chauvinism was not justified. I mentioned the matter to the Hanafi Imaam at the Masjid I was observing Taraaweeh and asked would he felt about him making a similar announcement. He said that I should make the announcement and I did so.
He later informed me that some Hanafi "Ulama" had approached him. They were upset and insisted that they had never heard of something like this before.
Whether one prostrates or not during Saad is a juristic discussion, which might or might not hold significance to some. What should however concern all of us are the facts this incident brought to light:
- This Ummah has some scholars who have such fossilised mentalities that they can paraphrase the idolatrous Egyptian response to Musa 'alayhis salaam as a proof, "We have never heard of this from our forebears of old!" [al-Qasas: 36]
- They regard such an attitude as a virtue!
- They are not content with stifling opinion in their own school, but consider it the greatest act of worship to impose their will and views on other schools as well.
- Scholars are apparently exempt from seeking proof for rulings and can substitute query with gossip.
- Tolerance was for the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum. Our opinions are apparently so elevated that all must toe the line.
- Ramdaan is all about the individual. Nobody has the foresight to ponder how detrimental the effects of our intolerance are upon the already fragmented Ummah.
سليمان الكندي