Hadith Of Tribes Worshiping Idols And Issues Which Support Allegations Of Muslims Committing Shirk.

[MuhammedAli]

Salam alaiqum,

My dear brother, […] I have personel knowledge that Muslims do commit major Shirk. In India a Hindu organisation known as Arya Samaj have converted many ignorant Muslims[1] to their religion by enticing them with money. My understanding of the hadith discussed in your numerous articles is; this hadith predicts Muslims committing Shirk before blowing of wind, the hadith states: "The Hour shall not be established until tribes of my Ummah unite with the idolaters, and until they worship idols. And indeed there shall be thirty imposters in my Ummah, … " [Ref: Tirmadhi, B7, H2219] My question to you is. What if one was to hold to the position that the ahadith are not about the Kafir Arab Ummah as you postulated? Instead only refers to few tribes from amongst Arabian Muslim Ummah who would revert to idol worship before the blowing of wind?

Also can you briefly comment on the history of ‘Wahhabi’ movement to educate me about them and why would they employ the quoted hadith to argue Muslims committ major Shirk? I am finding it difficult to comprehend why a Muslim would accuse another Muslim of something so serious and hideous. […] My personel belief has always been in line with what you call ‘Wahhabi’ belief. What I see the Sufi Barelwi’s engaged in at the graves of saints; bowing to graves, kissing graves, resting head on the walls of majaraat, lighting of mini oil lamps, hoisting of flags, covering of graves with ghilaf, sacrificing in the name of Awliyah[2], in my accessment these actions are pure Shirk. I have seen seeking help from the occupants of graves, this is Shirk. People dance around trees and graves wearing ghungroo. This is akin to worship of idols because Hindu female dancers worship their idol Shiva with dance (i.e. Tandava) by wearing these Ghungroo and then performing the dance. In addition to this the Barelwi’s of India make a vows which they call ‘Nazr’ of a saint which is also Shirk in my understanding because Hindu’s also make vows in the names of their idols. […] The right to legislate religion is of God and anyone who takes His right is guilty of Shirk. All Barelwi’s innovate and making anything they please as part of religion of Islam and follow each others innovations. Barelwi’s behave as if they are gods because they legislate religion [making themselves partners of Allah], this is proof of Shirk.

Saeed Imtiaz

Introduction:

The above was part of a private email discussion. This discussion I discontinued due brother constantly presenting his arguments by association (i.e. so and so scholar said this) and Khadam did not possess the quoted sources nor I could trust the Wahhabi publishers or translations. Due to documented fact that Wahhabiyyah distort books of classical scholars to substantiate their claims. A good example of this distortion is Darussallam published Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir Ibn Kathir. Original was written in Urdu/Hindi. A lot of material has been omitted e.g. Zakir Naik related issues. I decided to write comprehensive response to brother Sa’id Imtiaz in the hope that with him other brothers will find this material useful.

Part One A - General Information About Wahhabi Sects Founder:

Khariji sect popularly known as Wahhabi originated in central ancient province of Najd. It is due East from cities of Makkah, Madinah and Saudi Kingdoms capital Riyadh is situated in the heart of Najd. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was born in Uyainah in 1115 Hijri which corresponds with1703 A.C and died 1792 A.C. He belonged to the tribe of Bani Tamim. During his life time he forged alliance with Amir Muhammad bin Saud. After forging this alliance with the Ibn Saud, Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was able to utilize the millitary man power to further his own mission of converting Arabs to Islam. This alliance exists between modern Saudi family and decendants of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. Most of his decendants have added title; Aale Al Shaykh (i.e. family of the Shaykh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab). These bare essential biographical notes were gleamed from Kitab at-Tawheed, translated into English by Darussalam. If you require a detailed biography please refer to a biography published by his supporters. To balance the excessive praise which would be heaped on this imbecile I would recommend reading a book on history of Najd. The information presented is important because it will help readers to understand the prophecies of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) about region of Najd and the two horns of Shaytaan that have emerged from Najd. All the information can be verified by refering to internet wikipedia or biography written in the beginning of English translation Kitab at-Tawheed, published by Darussalam.

Part One B - Khariji Extremism And Takfir Of Muslims By Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab:

 

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was reviver of Kharijite sect. He believed that Muslims of his era were steeped in major Shirk, therefore they were not Muslims but disbelievers. In one of his Rasala he wrote: “And I inform you about myself – I swear by Allah whom there is none worthy to worship except Him – I have sought knowledge and those who knew me believed that I had knowledge while I did not know the meaning of La Ilaha Illa Allah[3] at that time and did not know the religion of Islam before this grace that Allah favored. As well as my shaikhs (teachers) no one among them knew that. And if someone from the scholars of al-Arid (the lands of Najd and surrounding areas) claims that he knew the meaning of La Ilaha Illa Allah or knew the meaning of Islam before this time, or claims on behalf of his teachers that someone from them knew that, then he has lied and said falsehood and deceived people and praised himself with something he does not possess.“ [Ref: Ar-Rasa`il ash-Shakhsiyyah] He claims that no one from amongst the Ulamah of Arabian Peninsula knew the meaning of; “La ilaha illa Allah …” nor did anyone knew religion of Islam until he was granted with understanding. This is a manumental claim and implications of what he wrote above are very serious. This claim of his demonstrates how far Shaytaan had misguided his spawn and how it effected his perception of reality of world around him.

Before refuting Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, the misguided Shaytaan, it is important that some facts are made clear because they will help readers to truly appreciate the significane of refutation ahead. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was born in the region of Najd at place called Uyainah. Region of Najd which is East of cities of Makkah, Madinah and Uyainah being exact East two holy cities. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab charged the people of West (i.e. Makkah, Madinah or Hijaz) as well as the vast majority of Muslims of Arabian Peninsula of committing major Shirk. Not only he made takfir of Muslims by labelling them as Mushrikeen, he went further then this and refered to members of Ahle Sunnat, as worst Mushrikeen then Mushrikeen of Makkah: “That the Mushrikeen of our time are worse in their shirk than the Mushrikeen who came before. This is because … However, the shirk of the Mushrikeen of our time is continuous, …” [Ref: Qawaid Al Arba, by Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab, Principle 4] His book Kitab at-Tawheed was written to establish and spread the notion amongst his followers that those who call themselves Muslims are in reality Mushrikeen. This can be attested by the fact that he claimed no one before him knew aqeedah of Tawheed or knew what Islam was until dessert bandits turned muwahidoon raised the call of Tawheed with him.

In contrast to claim of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab that the scholars and commoners did not know Islam or Tawheed, Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) foretold the state of Muslim Ummah: “A group of people from my Ummah will continue to be triumphant over the people until the Command of Allah overtakes them while they are still triumphant.” [Ref: Muslim, B20, N4716] The hadith means that there will always be, in every era, in every century a group of Muslims who will be victorious over the opponents and will continue to oppose the heretics until day of judgement is established. An other hadith particularly points to Western a region of Arabian peninsula: “The people of the West will continue to triumphantly follow the truth until the Hour is established.”  [Ref: Muslim, B20, H4722] “The callousness of heart and sternness is in the East and faith is among the people of the Hijaz.” [Ref: Muslim, B1, H95] It implies that people of Western  region of Arabian Peninsula namely Hijaz will remain upon correct understanding of Islam until the day of judgement is established. Therefore if anyone affirms the creed of Tawheed believed by people of Hijaz then even if they do not live in Hijaz their belief is correct. The matter of fact is; before Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab all those who lived in Arabian Peninsula affirmed the understanding of Tawheed, Shirk, believed and taught by scholars of Ahle Sunnat. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab rose from Najd; accused the Muslims of Najd of committing major Shirk, of being Mushrikeen and when the scholars of West (i.e. Hijaz , Makkah, Madinah and region surrounding the two cities.) refused the heretical teachings they were branded as Mushrikeen. His charges are against the teaching of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) who guaranteed protection of Muslim Ummah from major Shirk in Arabian Peninsula as well as those who lived Western region of Arabian Peninsula, namely Hijaz. The creed of people of Hijaz was/is criteria on which we determine the correct creed of Tawheed, Shirk and to validate the Islam of Muslims belonging to Ahle Sunnat all over the world. Even at present the great majority of Muslims residing in and around cities of Makkah and Madinah (i.e. region of Hijaz) belong to Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat. To verify see image in link below.[4]

Part One C - Abdur Rahman bin Hasan On The FootSteps Of His Great Grand Father:

Great grandson of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab,  Abdur Rahman Bin Hasan went on to present position of Wahhabi sect: “…specially if it is known that today the majority of scholars from different (muslim) countries do not know from tawhid except what mushriks (of Makkah) approved and they did not know the meaning of “al-ilahiyya” that “kalimatul-ikhlas” denied its attribution to anything other than Allah.”[5] [Ref: Fath Al Majeed, Chapter (4) Fear Of Shirk, Page 76, ArabicV] Shaikhun Najd’s following expounding on the teaching of his great grand father, accused the majority of scholars of earth only knowing Tawheed which the Mushriks of Makkah knew and approved. In other words majority is no better then the disbelievers of Makkah in creed of Tawheed. This naturally implies; by knowing Tawheed of Mushrikeen of Makkah [and believing it] the majority is made up of Mushrikeen. This is supported by a long excerpt from Fath Al Majid where the mini-minion of Shaytaan goes on declare Muslims of Egypt are disbelievers for worshiping Ahmad Al Badawi (rahimullahu alayhi ta’ala). Iraqi’s and those surrounding the region as well as Oman are disbelievers because they worship Shaikh Abdul Qadir Al Jilani  (rahimullahu alayhi ta’ala). People of Sham (i.e. Syria) are disbelievers for worhshiping Shaikh Muhi ud-Din Ibn Arabi  (rahimullahu alayhi ta’ala). People of Najd and Yemen were disbelievers before the emergence of Najdi propogation.[6]

 

It should be noted that the group of people whom Abdur Rahman bin Hasan accuses of worshiping Awliyah-Allah are Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat. Ahle Sunnat were/are the majority in Arabian peninsula and creed of Ahle Sunnat was/is dominant creed in Indian subcontinent (i.e. Aghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal). Based on the methodology which he and his great grand father used to charg the Muslims of Arabian Peninsula of worshiping Awliyah-Allah. We can say that Ahle Sunnat of Indian subcontinent, Africa, and else where were/are guilty of worshiping Awliyah-Allah of their regions. Therefore according to Kharijism of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab Ahle Sunnat of entire world are Mushrikeen/Kafir. This takfir of Muslim Ummah the great majority is refuted by Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) because he said the majority will not be upon error: “My nation will not unite on misguidance, so if you see them differing, follow the great majority.” [Ref: Ibn Majah, B36, H3950] In another hadith Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) explained: “Two are better than one, and three better than two;…” Please note in the first part of hadith Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said; two are better then one. If we ratio this, we get overall three, 1/3 is minority and 2/3 is majority. Similarly 2/5 is minority and 3/5 is majority. After establishing the majority idea Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) stated:”… so stick to the Jama’ah for verily Allah, Most Great and Glorious, will only unite my nation on guidance.” [Ref: Musnad.I.Ahmad] Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) commanded us to follow the Jammah and he would only command us to follow what is better over worse. Therefore command to follow the Jammah can only mean, the Jammah is the majority. The creed of Ahle Sunnat dominated the earth centuries before reincarnation of Kharijism as Wahhabi, dominated in the life of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, his great grandson, and continues to dominate the earth at present.

Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) about this dominant Jammah said followers of falsehood will not prevail over truth and Muslims will not agree upon misguidance: “Allah has protected you from three things…  that those who follow what is false should not prevail over those who follow the truth, and that you should not all agree in an error.” [Ref: Abu Dawood, H35, H4240] And another hadith mentions protection of Jammah from deviation but also adds, one who deviates from this Jammah will enter into fire: “… ‘Indeed Allah will not gather my Ummah.’ - or he said: "[Muhammad's]Ummah upon deviation, and Allah's Hand is over the Jama'ah, and whoever deviates, he deviates to the Fire." [Ref: Tirmadhi, B7, H2167] Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab, his great grandson and their Khariji group severed their link from the Jammah and instead formed a new Khariji sect.[7] And Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said about the people of Najd which is East Madinah: “The callousness of heart and sternness is in the East …” In another hadith Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) is reported to have said group of kufr is in East: “The main source of disbelief is in the east.” [Ref: Bukhari, B54, H520]  Region West of Najd is Hijaz, about these people Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said: “… while modesty and gentleness are the characteristics of the owners of sheep." [Ref: Bukhari, B54, H520] “… and faith is among the people of the Hijaz.” [Ref: Muslim, B1, H95] About the people of West Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) also said; they will continue to follow truth until judgment day is established: “The people of the West will continue to triumphantly follow the truth until the Hour is established.”  [Ref: Muslim, B20, H4722] One who follows the group of Shaytaan which emerged from East of Najd is misguided like them and their fate will with them. One who adheres to creed of Hijaz, such a person is upon the truth like them and will be judged with them.

Part One D - Group Of Satan Will Emerge From Najd:

Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) was making dua: "O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Sham! O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Yemen." Someone from: “The People said, "And also on our Najd." To which Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) ignored the request and repeated the dua: "O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Sham! O Allah! Bestow Your blessings on our Yemen." Again someone from: “The people said, "O Allah's Apostle! And also on our Najd." Narrator states that he thinks it was third time when Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) replied to the request of dua with words: "There (in Najd) is the place of earthquakes and afflictions and from there comes out the side of the group of Satan." [Ref: Bukhari, B88, N214] In another hadith Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) stood up to deliver a sermon: “The Prophet stood up and delivered a sermon, and pointing to 'Aisha's house, he said thrice, "Affliction (will appear from) here," and, "from the side, where Satan's group will come out." [Ref: Bukhari, B53, H336] Another hadith explicitly reveals that Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) pointed toward East: “I heard Allah's Apostle while he was facing the East, saying, "Verily! Afflictions are there, from the side where head of Satan will come out." [Ref: Bukhari, B88, H213] The reason why Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) pointed toward the direction of Hadhrat Aysha (radiallah ta’ala anha) house was because her house was due East.

Part One E - Characteristics Of Group Of Satan:

Apart from the place, direction of origin Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) described the characteristics of a sect which Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) refered as group of Shaytaan. He describing them said: "Among the off-spring of this man (i.e. Dhil Khawaisira at-Tamimi an-Najdi) will be some who will recite the Qur'an but the Qur'an will not reach beyond their throats ...” Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) continued: “… and they will renegade from the religion as an arrow goes through the game's body.” Even though no reason has been given for renegading from Islam I believe one of the reasons is killing of Muslims. Killing a Muslim is Kufr in deen of Islam and Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) specificly stated they will engage in killing of Muslims: “They will kill the Muslims but will not disturb the idolaters.” [Ref: Bukhari, B55, H558] Another hadith mentions that Dhil Khawaisira at-Tamimi had tucked up his waist sheet to expose his ankles: “There got up a man with sunken eyes, raised cheek bones, raised forehead, a thick beard, a shaven head and waist sheet that was tucked up and he said, "O Allah's Apostle! Be afraid of Allah." The Prophet said...” [Ref: Bukhari, B59, H638] Note, what Dhil Khawaisira said to Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam). Evidence lack of respect and delusion of knowing better then Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam).  Also Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said: "There will appear some people among you whose prayer will make you look down upon yours, and whose fasting will make you look down upon yours, but they will recite the Qur'an which will not exceed their throats (they will not act on it) and …” [Ref: Bukhari, B61, H578] Another hadith tells they would shave their heads bold: “Their sign is that they will shave their heads. They will continue to come forth until the last of them will come forth on the the side of the Dajjal.” and continues to add more detail: “In the end of times a people will emerge who will recite the Qur’an …”  and also states: “If you meet them, then know they are the worst of people and the worst of creatures.” [Ref: Mishkaat, B16,  H3380] Ibn Umar (radiallah ta’ala anhu) states about methodology of worst of creatures: “... And Ibn Umar used to consider them (the Khawarij and the Mulhidun) the worst of Allah's creatures and said: "These people took some verses that had been revealed concerning the disbelievers and interpreted them as describing the believers.” [Ref: Bukhari, Chapter 6: Killing The Khawarij]

Part One F - Wahhabism In Light Of Hadith:

The relationship between all these facts is that Uyainah the birth town of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab is due East and it is located in Najd.[8] He was from banu Tamim and a decendant of Dhil al Khuwaisira at-Tamimi. As foretold by Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) that the group of Shaytaan will recite Quran but it will not go below their throat. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab as well as his followers recite the Quran but it does not reach the heart, which is the ogran of understanding Quran. Evidence of this is Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab mutilated the verses of Quran. He applied the verses which were revealed regarding disbelievers of old and interpreted as describing the beleivers. With this evil and heretical practice he justified takfir, murder of Muslims and as a proof evaluate Kitab at-Tawheed. All one needs is to see how the classical scholars interpreted the verses quoted by Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab in Kitab at-Tawheed. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab excessively shaved his hair and so did his followers. And like the Khawarij Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab and his followers fold the waist sheet even if the pants are above the ankle height. You will hardly see a modern Khariji who has not folded the pants at waist. He encouraged his followers to fight and kill Muslims. His followers allied with the British Christian polytheists and legalized killing of Muslims. At present Saudi Khariji state has signed a treaty of protection with polytheistic Christian America and supports this enemy of Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta’ala) religion to kill Muslims. Putting it offensively, Saudi Khariji state is a whore state and its pimp is America.

Part One G - Kharijism In Hisotry And In Modern Era:

Historically two groups emerged from Najd as foretold by Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam): “… but sternness and mercilessness are the qualities of those who are busy with their camels and pay no attention to the Religion where the two sides of the group of satan will appear. Such qualities belong to the tribe of Rabi'a and Mudar." [Ref: Bukhari, B54, H521] The first group of Khawarij emerged from Najd and established a Khariji learning centre at Al Harruria in Iraq. Eventually they committed actrocities due to lack of mercy in their hearts and harshness: “… but sternness and mercilessness are the qualities of those who are busy with their camels and …” Forcing Hadhrat Ali (radiallah ta’ala anhu) to take action against them. The second major Khariji rebellion emerging from Najd and this group was lead by Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab. The second group also engaged in whole sale slaughter of Muslims: “They will kill the Muslims but will not disturb the idolaters.” [Ref: Bukhari, B55, H558] They made halal upon themselves the wives of Muslims and raped thousands of Sunni women. Fundamentally the first and second Khariji sects are same in principle methodology. Both used Quranic verses revealed about Mushrikeen to describe the believers and both legalized the killing of Muslims on account of Muslims being declared as Mushrikeen by them. In addition both factions considered it permissible to rebel against authority of ruler.The modern version Kharijism is involved in rebellion in lands of Muslims. Starting from Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Pakistan and now reports are that Wahhabi group has emerged in Bangladesh vowing to fight the state. All suicide bombers, youtube beheaders of Muslims and non-Muslim civilians, inciters of rebellion, belong to this one sect. Theoratically every professing Wahhabi is a terrorist[9] and in the right conditions each of them will strive to kill Muslims.

Part Two A - Best Methodology Of Interpreting Hadith:

The best methodology of understanding ahadith is to understand them as a whole and not isolate them from available information narrated in many other ahadith. As part of sound methodology, we should only derive invidual understandings from ahadith if these findings do not contradict the established and the clear evidence. The hadith in discussion should be understood in the context of available evidence. Prophet (sallallahu alyahi was’sallam) left enough information for us to understand matters which he knew bi-iznillah will be cause of strife in his Ummah. Ignoring this essential information provided by RasoolAllah (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) caused much strife in the past and will continue to fuel fire of Khariji takfir of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab.

Part Two B - Hadith Of Hadhrat Aysha (radiallah ta’ala anha):

To understand the following statement of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam): “… and the Last Hour will not come before the tribes of my Ummah attach themselves to the polytheists and tribes of my Ummah worship idols." [Ref: Abu Dawood, B30, H4239] We will have to refer to the hadith of Hadhrat Aysha (radiallah ta’ala anha). Please read the entire hadith which Hadhrat Aysha (radiallah ta’ala anha) narrated.[10] In the beginning she quoted the words of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) “The (system) of night and day would not end until the people have taken to the worship of Lat and 'Uzza.” [Ref: Muslim, B41, H6945] She procedes to present her case quoting the verse of the Quran and Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) tells her that the dominance of Islam will be as Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) intends. He then informs her what will happen after the domnance of Islam: “Then Allah would send the sweet fragrant air by which everyone who has even a mustard grain of faith in Him would die and those only would survive who would have no goodness in them.” [Ref: Muslim, B41, H6945] Another hadith reveals that this wind will take the life of every Muslim,: “… and at that time Allah would send a pleasant wind which would soothe (people) even under their armpits, and would take the life of every Muslim and only the wicked would survive who would commit adultery like asses and the Last Hour would come to them.” [Ref: Muslim, B041, H7015] Therefore the survivors will be Kafir and these disbelievers will revert to the religion of their forefathers: “Then Allah would send the sweet fragrant air by which everyone who has even a mustard grain of faith in Him would die and those only would survive who would have no goodness in them. And they would revert to the religion of their forefathers." [Ref: Muslim, B41, H6945] Putting all this information into perspective; tribes of Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) Ummah mean [Arab] tribes, the idols that will be worshipped are al-Lat and al-Uzza. The religion of the forefather of Arabs was Polytheism, part of which was worship of idols (i.e.al-Lat, al-Uzza). Finally the people who will revert to religion of forefathers. Or alternatively you can say the samething in different words as Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said, last hour will not come before the tribes of my worship idols or day night system would not end until worship of al-Lat and al-Uzza is taken up again [by Arabs]. We have already established that those who would revert to religion of forefathers are Arab Kafir and not Muslims.
In the light of the above explaination

Part Two C - Can Tribes Of Ummah Fall Into Major Shirk Before Blowing Of Wind:

You wrote: “My understanding of the hadith discussed in your numerous articles is; this hadith predicts Muslims committing Shirk before blowing of wind, … What if one was to hold to the position that the ahadith are not about the Kafir Arab Ummah as you postulated? Instead only refers to few tribes from amongst Arabian Muslim Ummah who would revert to idol worship before the blowing of wind?” These positions would have been very plausible if Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) had not explained in the hadith that a wind will blow which will take the life of every believer and the hadith of Hadhrat Aysha (radiallah ta’ala anha) adds new detail that it will be after the blowing of wind that some tribes of Arabs would revert to religion of forefathers. We can deduce that the remaining people of earth would be Kafir. Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said that [the remaining disbelieving people would then] revert to the religion of their fore-fathers. In other ahadith it is recored that Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said, the [Kafir] people would revert to worship of al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Dhi al Khalasa.

Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) warned that innovations are the worst and best guidance is Sunnah: “The best speech is Allah's Book and the best way is the way of Muhammad, and the Worst matters are the heresies; and …" [Ref: Bukhari, B92, H382] As such Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) instructed the Muslims to: “ Avoid novelties, for every novelty is an innovation, and every innovation is an misguidance." [Ref: Dawood, B40, H4590] And told the Muslims; “If anyone introduces an innovation, he will be responsible for it. If anyone introduces an innovation or gives shelter to a man who introduces an innovation (in religion), he is cursed by Allah, by His angels, and by all the people.” [Ref: Abu Dawood, B40, H4515] As result of this; “Allah refuses to accept the good deeds of one who follows innovation until he gives up that innovation.” [Ref: Ibn Majah, B1, H50] I believe there is more then suffient evidence available on this subject to conclude soundly; Muslim Ummah as whole, the great majority of Muslims, did not fall into major Shirk in the time of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab nor before him. Muslims in general and Arab Muslims in specific will not to revert religion of polytheistic ancestors of pre-Islamic era before the blowing of the wind. On the basis of available evidence it can be said that Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab and those who employ hadith of; tribes of Ummah worshiping idols, to establish that great majority of Ummah are upon major Shirk. Or to argue that great majority of Ummah can be upon major Shirk, in reality are innovators. They are cursed and their deeds will not be rewarded in hereafter if they die upon their misguidance.

Part Three A - Developing Methodology – The Wrong Way:

Standardard precedure is to innovate methodology based on; certain, defintive and clear, explicit texts of Quran. The Khariji of Najd concluded about the state of Muslims; Muslims are Arabian Peninsula have fallen into major Shirk. Then based on this arrived conclsion Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab innovated principle methodology of determining Shirk. One may argue; if Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab innovated the principle methodology of determining Shirk then how was it possible for him to come to conclusion that Muslims of Arabian Peninsula were guilty of major Shirk, without a methodology? A very good and very logical question. Answer is, Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab adopted and used the practice of Khawarij; interpreting the verses revealed regarding Mushrikeen in a such fashion that they describe the believers. The undeniable, the irrefutable evidence of this practice is, in his most famour book, Kitab at-Tawheed. Once he formulated his understanding using this methodology of Khawarij then he derived the principle methodology of determining major Shirk from this faulty base. With success of millitary effort as well as good strategy of propogation his ideas spread far and wide.

Part Three B - Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab’s Methodology Of Determining Shirk:

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab’s methodology of determining major Shirk was of similarity and likeness of actions and creed. In other words, if a action/belief of a Muslim ressembles the creed/action of polytheists then major Shirk is warranted. Or if the Zahir (i.e. apparent) of the action or a aspect of belief either resembled the deeds/believes of Mushrikeen. Or if a action was legislated for Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) in Quran/Hadith but the Muslim performed that action for a creation. In both these situtation the charge of major Shirk will be levelled. No concession is made even if the Muslim did affirm with tongue and heart the essential creed of Tawheed. Charge of major Shirk will be levelled even if it is clear that Muslim did not take creation to be god partner of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).

Part Three C - Applying Ibnul Wahhab’s Methodology Of Similarity & Likeness To Prostration:

Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab’s philosophy of Shirk regarding sajdah would be good example to illustrate the previous paragraph. In his philosophy; 1) sajdah is worship, 2) worship is only for Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), 3) sajdah is performed to worship Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala), 4) and giving the right of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) to a creation [sajdah/worship] is Shirk. Now applying this philosophy; man is at a tomb of saint, he performed sajdah facing the grave, sajdah is worship, man was worshiping saint, man gave the right of Allah [worship/sajdah] to saint, man committed major Shirk., man is Mushrik (i.e. Kafir who associates partners with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala). Note how the sajdah of worship peformed for Allah (subhanahu wa ta’aa) was connected via principle of similarity and likeness to action of man. Based on the similarity of the action it was judged that man has worshiped the grave.

Sajdah according to customs of many nations is sign of showing respect and it is only worship when the intention of worship[11] is combined with creed. Lets suppose, a person believes all aspect of Tawheed of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) but when he stands to worship Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) he does not intend to worship Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Question is will his action of sajdah be considered worship of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) or not? Answer is, no his actions including sajdah will not be counted as worship of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Another scenario, this time a person intends to worship Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) but does not believe Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the God. He believes Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is a human being and believing Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is human being he intends to worship Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). A believer would agree that due to absence of correct creed of Tawheed his action of sajdah will not make him worshipper of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) until the essential requirements of Tawheed is met. These two points reveal sajdah by its nature is not worship it only becomes worship if its coupled with right intention and creed. Therefore the pronouncing judgement of major Shirk upon a Muslism or in other words declaring a Muslim as Mushrik is Kufr which requires repentance. 

Part Three D - Ahle Sunnat’s Methodology Applied To Prostration:

Sajdah according to Ahle Sunnat is of two types; 1) sajdah of worship and 2) sajdah of respect. Sajdah of worship has already been explained and sajdah of respect requires explanation. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) instructed the angles to perform sajdah of respect to prophet Adam (alayhis salam): “And (remember) when We said to the angels: "Prostrate yourselves to Adam." They prostrated themselves except Iblis he refused.” [Ref: 20:116] Else where in Quran while mentioning the reunion of prophet Yusuf (alayhis salam) with his mother and father prophet Yaqoob (alayhis salam), Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) mentions his parents prostrated before him: “And he raised his parents to the throne and they fell down before him prostrate.” [Ref: 12:100] There prostrating infront of Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salam) was fullfilment of dream which he saw: “(Remember) when Yusuf said to his father: "O my father! Verily, I saw (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon - I saw them prostrating themselves to me." [Ref: 12:4] The Ulamah have explained that the prostration of angles to Prophet Adam (alayhis salam) and prostration of parents of Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salam) was for respect. This establishes that sajdah performed to a creation out of respect is not Shirk.[12]

In response to our evidence the Khawarij argue; sajdah of respect was part of Sharia of Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salam) and Prophet Yaqoob (alayhis salam) therefore in our Sharia it cannot be used to defend the Tawheed of those who prostrate to graves. Ahle Sunnat’s response is; indeed sajdah of respect was permitted in Sharia of mentioned Prophets. But to base argument on this point that we cannot defend the Tawheed of ignorant folk, demonstrates lack Quranic knowledge of individual who employs this argument. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) states in Quranic stories of past nations there are lessons for men of understanding: “Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding.” [Ref: 12:111] What lesson do we learn from story of angles prostrating to Prophet Adam (alayhis salam) and Prophet Yaqoob (alayhis salam) prostrating to Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salam)? We learn that to prostrate with intention of respect was permissible in past and prostrating with intention of respect is not major Shirk. Granted sajdah of respect in Sharia of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) has been prohibited[13] but there is no evidence that Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) declared; prostration of respect is Shirk in my Sharia. Even though prostration is explicitly prohibited for creation if a foolish individual out of respect prostrates to a grave of saint, Kabah, to a individual, he committs a haram act for which he is guilty of major sin but not guilty of Shirk.[14]

Part Three E - Applying Ibnul Wahhab’s Methodology Of Similarity & Likeness To Seeking Help:

Amongst Khawarij there are two principles connected with seeking help; 1) ma fawq al asbab i.e. which is not within means, 2) ma taht al asbab i.e. which is within means. According to Khawarij the first, seeking assistance or object from a creation which that creation is not in power of granting. The second refers to seeking of help or object from a creation which that creation is able to grant. Example of ma fawq al asbab will be asking a Seikh to grant enterance to paradise and example of ma taht al asbab will be asking your son to pass you the copy of Quran. In the first instance, Seikh cannot grant entrance to paradise because it does not belong to him but belong to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) nor does the Seikh has any right on paradise which he can invoke to grant entrance to paradise. With regards to son passing he copy of Quran; son has ability to walk, strenth to hold, lift and then hand it over to his father. So the aid the father got from the son, the object which the father asked from the son was in power of son.

At present these two principles may not translate to extremism but the monstrosity these two principles support will be demonstrated in coming paragraphs. Once these two principles have been learnt and adopted as valid by unsuspecting Muslims then nothing can prevent them from agreeing with Khawarij. These two principles are fundamental criterias which the Khawarij employ to demonstrate that Muslims are guilty of major Shirk and justify takfir of Muslims. Khariji’s believe ma taht al asbab help is in power of creation of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’al) therefore all that is in category of ma taht al asbab can be sought from creation. They also believe all ma fawq al asbab is in power of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) therefore all ma fawq al asbab should be sought from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). If anyone seeks any help which is in power of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) from a creation living/dead such a person has made that creation partner of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Thus has committed major Shirk which nullfies his beliefe of Islam.

Part Three F - Refuting Methodology Of Similarity Of Actions In Light Of Seeking:

What if someone claims to possess abilities which are in the category of ma fawq al asbab and claims to utilize them to do wonderous miracles?  Will this claim warrant major Shirk? The first question, claim of possessing ma fawq al asbab qualities, if one says it is Shirk. Then note Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) said: “… I design for you out of clay, a figure like that of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's Leave; …” he also said: “…I heal him who was born blind, and the leper …” and he said: “… and I bring the dead to life by Allah's Leave.” [Ref: 3:49] He not only possessed the abilities but the verses of Quran prove that he utilized these abilities to perform wonderous miracles. Khariji will say but he said bi iznillah (i.e. with permission of Allah) therefore these powers were not his. I say; Ok! Readers please move your arm up and then down and all around (i.e. in circular motion). Now question is; did you move the arm or Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala)? Yes, you did. Did you move it bi iznillah (i.e. with permission of Allah) or bighayr iznillah (i.e. without permision of Allah)? Yes you moved your arm with permission of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). So in the context of discussion; Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) performed the wonderous miracles himself as you moved the arm yourself but the permission to do so for both actions came from Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). In light of this evidence the claim of possessing ma fawq al asbab abilities is not major Shirk. If possessing ma fawq al asbab abilities is not major Shirk then how can seeking from creation[15] that is in the category of ma fawq al asbab Shirk![16]

What if one seeks help or cure or material from inanimate object, like cloak, hair, stone, nails, idol and shirt? Will one be Mushrik because of seeking help or aid or cure from or via these inanimate objects?[17] Now if he says; it is major Shirk to seek cure from any of the mentioned. Then we ask; did you judge it to be major Shirk based on creed or action? If he says; action.[18] Then we refer him to evidence of Quran and hadith to establish that this was the actions of Prophets and companion of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam). And we reason; if the action was major Shirk neither the Prophets or companions of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) have done it. On other hand if Khariji answers; seeking cure from objects like, cloak, hair, stone, nail, is not major Shirk. Then we ask; did you make this judgment based on creed or action? If he says; action. We ask; based on whose action? If he states; based on the actions of Prophet Muhammad’s (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) and his companions[19]. We ask;  if one who sought cure from these while having polytheistic creed. Is it then possible that that these actions translate to major Shirk? He will answer the question in affirmative; yes it will be major Shirk. We ask; so did you judge major Shirk based on creed or action? Intelligent individual will realize the sole difference between the action of companions of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) and the polytheist was of creed. Therefore in reality the factor which changed the verdict to major Shirk was creed. Hence the major Shirk determining factor is not the action but creed and to be precise polytheistic creed.

Part Three G - Ahle Sunnat Methodology Of Seeking Help:

According to Ahle Sunnat methodology similarity or even exact actions cannot be legitimately interpreted to warrant major Shirk but the fundamental factor which determines major Shirk is creed which one professes with his tonge and affirms in his heart. When the creed is poltheistic then major Shirk will be warranted. Seeking anything that is in the category of ma fawq al asbab and ma taht al asbab from creation is not Shirk. Major Shirk is not warranted by seeking of help or material, from living or dead, who possess ability or do not possess ability, instead major Shirk is connected with creed. If one seeks anything from anyone with the belief that the one being asked is a creation of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). As such will grant via means granted to him and out of which is granted to him by Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) then major Shirk is not warranted. On other hand, if anyone believes, that a creation possess ma taht al asbab (i.e.which is within means) and ma fawq al asbab (i.e. which is without of means) as a god. Or affirms a quality which is only of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) for a creation, then major Shirk as occurred. Or if someone believes a living or dead, idol or man, Kafir or Muslim, Kabah or grave, existing or imaginary, is worthy of worship other then Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) such a person is Mushrik.

In Ahle Sunnat methodology if one was to ask a creation for a shoe lace or pencil or anything smaller or greater. While affirming creed of god-hood or attributes a unique quality of Allah[20] (subhanahu wa ta’ala) to the creation from whom he seeks help. Such a request of help or material demand will be considered as an act of dua in Shar’i sense and every suc dua is worship. As such the person would be guilty of major Shirk in creed and guilty of worshiping a creation of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). I would also like to point out that in Ahle Sunnats principle it does not matter if help is sought from creation or if creation is worshiped because Shirk is determined on creed. When the creed accords Shirk then takfir will be made even if the act has not taken place. The bottom line is, major Shirk is warranted on basis of creed, not on basis of seeking help ma taht al asbab or help ma fawq al asbab.

Part Four A - Purpose Of Islam:

Purpose of Islam is to guide to the straight path. Islam does this by process of elimination and correction. What cannot be harmonized with teaching of Islam, Islam eliminates. The first brick in the building of Islam is; there is no deity except Allah. And belief in any god other then Allah cannot be reconciled with Islam therefore Islam teaches destruction of false deities. Worship in Islam is for God alone therefore false deities cannot be worshiped nor can the worship of idols be made compatible with the teaching of Islam. Therefore Islam strives to physically elimnate the signs of idols and ideologically  strives to eliminate the believes which teach otherwise. There is another aspect of Islam which is to straighten the crooked paths of people and make their practices compatibale with Islam. The Mushrikeen of Arabia made naked Tawaf of Kabah[21] but Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) corrected this crooked practice and ordered that Tawaf be made with Ihram. The Mushrikeen during Tawaf of Kabah recited the Talbiyah which indicated their polytheistic belief[22] but Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) reformed/corrected the Talbiyah to affirm Tawheed and praise Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala).[23] In summary Islamic method of guiding to the straight path is in two ways to eliminate and to correct.

Part Four B - Haram Halal And The Permissible:

Scholars are obligated to encourage good  and forbid evil. They are not permitted to make something halal which is haram nor make haram which is halal. Nor they are permitted to make haram what Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and RasoolAllah (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) have granted leave: “The lawful is what Allah made lawful in His Book, the unlawful is what Allah made unlawful in his Book, and what He was silent about; then it is among that for which He has pardoned."[24] [Ref: Tirmadhi, B22, H1726] This hadith is explained by another: “What Allah has made lawful in His Book is halal and what He has forbidden is haram, and that concerning which He is silent is allowed as His favor. So accept from Allah His favor, for Allah is not forgetful of anything. He then recited, "And thy Lord is not forgetful." [Ref: Musnad Al Bazzar] As Muslims our responsibility is to act in accordance with teaching of Islam and ensure our actions do not violate the sanctions of Islam. Wherever there is doubt we must seek clarification from the learned Ulamah. The Ulamah are obliged to judge innovative practices according to teachings of Islam and then issue verdict according to spirit of Islam. If a innovated practice contradicts the spirit of Islam (i.e. worship, charity etc) and incorporates a haram as part of it then the practice will be haram irrespective of what name it has been given. On other hand if a practice incorporates, recitation of Quran, performing of nawafil, feeding of poor, encouraging good [according to Islamic teaching] and forbidding evil [according to Islamic teaching] then such practices will be permitted. In other words, if a innovative practice is not sanctioned explicitly [as whole or by name] but parts are from Quran/Sunnah and acting on these bits/parts is rewardworthy then practice will be permitted. Permitted for two reasons; one, the name of practice or practice as whole may not be Sunnah of RasoolAllah (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) but the bits/parts are Sunnah, and two; because Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) has informed; “… and what He was silent about; then it is among that for which He has pardoned.” Which means; ”…  and that concerning which He is silent is allowed as His favor.”

Part Four C - Questionable Practices Of People Of Subcontinent:

In the Maslak of Sayyidi Ala Hadhrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (rahimullah alayhi ta’ala) if all the conditions of Sajdah are met then Sajdah to graves of Awliyah-Allah, Kabah or anything else out of respect is Haram and out of intention of worship it is major Shirk. Kissing graves of Awliyah-Allah is disputed issue amongst the Ulamah of Ahle Sunnat. Sayyidi Ala Hadhrat postulated that it is disliked where as others opined permissibility. Bottom line on this issue is that it is not major Shirk to kiss a grave. If kissing a grave of Wali is Shirk then kissing Hajr al Aswad is also Shirk. If kissing a grave makes it a idol then Hajr al Aswad and the Kabah are greatest idols. Tawheed is not nullfied by actions (i.e. Sajdah to creation or kissing Hajr al Aswad, graves of Awliyah-Allah) but by affirming polytheistic creed. Lighting of lamps for sake of light due to darkness is permissible but during day time its waste of wealth therefore sinful act. Hoisting of flags serves no purpose and is waste of wealth. Covering of graves with Ghilaf to distinguish the grave of a Wali is permissible. Sacrifising a animal to gift the reward of sacrifise to a Wali or family member is permissible. If before slaughtering name of a human/idol is mentioned instead of; ‘Bismillah, Allahu Akbar!’ then meat of sacrifise is haram. I have no knowledge of prohibition or permission of dance in general. Dancing around graves, trees, with or without Ghungroo cannot be good but it definitely is not major Shirk. At best it would be permissible and at worst a forbidden act which leads to major sin. Please refer to Ulamah of Ahle Sunnat for a Fatwah on this issue. Nazr/Nadr is a vow[25], a promise to do something for sake of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and as long as the vow does not lead to major Shirk or Kufr or a Haram it has to be fullfilled even if the vow is useless type because Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) has stated: "There is no vow to commit disobedience, and the expiation (for such a vow) is the expiation for breaking an oath." [Ref: Ibn Majah, B11, H2125] "Whoever vowed to be obedient to Allah, must be obedient to Him; and whoever vowed to be disobedient to Allah, should not be disobedient to Him." [Ref: Bukhari, B78, H691] Kufr/Shirk is greater disobedience then a minor or major sin therefore any vow which leads to Shirk/Kufr it is also prohibited.

Part Four D - Methodology Of Establishing Permissibility:

Practices such as celebration of birth of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) or dua after Janaza, reciting Salawat after or before Adhaan, taking part in Khatm’s (i.e. teeja, chaliswan, geeyarween, etc) are mustahab meaning reward worthy because they are in essences bits and pieaces of various Sunnahs of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam). If you do not partake in any of these activities you are not sinful because you are under no obligation to act on anything which is not explicitly stated in Quran or Hadith. But to brand these practices as [reprehensible] innovations is unjust and transgression against teaching of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam). Your methodology of requiring explicit evidence for validity of any practice is faulty. If we claim the manner we celebrate birthday of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) is Sunnah you have the right to demand explicit evidence from us which establishes our claim. Fact is we do not claim it is Sunnah and we know our method of celebration of birthday of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) is not Sunnah. We believe our method is combinations of Sunnah, acts of worship and we can establish this.

Concerning your methodology of demanding explicit proof for celebrating birthday of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam). In earlier email I wrote your methodology of seeking explicit proof for validity of a practice not sanctioned with name in deen is faulty because permissibility of a act is not based on explicit evidence but on implicit, indirect evidence. Camel meat is halal and Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) cooked it and ate it. But if I want to eat the camel meat do I have to use exact same recipie and cooking method which Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) used for it to be permissible for me to eat? Can I not add some tomatoes, onions, turnips, garm masala, salt, pepper, green chilli’s and coriender and make dish of my choice? Ofcourse I can there is no prohibition of this because as long as all ingredients are halal we can make any dish and enjoy it. But if you or a Wahhabi claims it is Sunnah to cook it in a particular fashion we have the right to demand evidence which proves its Sunnah. What I was trying to point with this example was that celebration of birthday of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) is collection of Sunnahs. Therefore even though the particular method may not be a Sunnah but it is comprimised of various Sunnahs as such it is permissible.

The guiding principle for you in the  regards to fiqhi issues is that if a practice, custom has its roots in Quran or Hadith and it is comprimised of Sunnahs then it is permissible and rewardworthy even though there may not be clear, explicit injunction legitimising it. As long as something does not contradict the teaching of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) found in Quran or Hadith then it is permissible. If  a sinful act is combined such as drinking alcahol then anyone who drinks alcahol is sinful and he alone is responsible for his actions. Sinful actions of a individual or group of people cannot be valid excuse to prohibit something praiseworthy. Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) has told of reward for one who innovates something praiseworthy in Islam and reward for those who fallow the praiseworthy innovation: “He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect.” [Ref: Muslim, B34, H6466] And celebration of birthday of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam), various subcontinental practices such as Khatms all are comprimised of acts of worship sanctioned in deen of Islam (i.e. Dua, Quran recitation) and Sunnahs (i.e. feeding the poor, family members, community in general), therefore they are permissible.

Part Four E – Legislating Religion & Being Allah:

You have accused the Ahle Sunnat of creating religion and behaving as if we are gods: “All Barelwi’s innovate and making anything they please as part of religion of Islam and follow each others innovations. Barelwi’s behave as if they are gods because they legislate religion [making themselves partners of Allah,] this is proof of Shirk.” Your statement that Barelwi’s behave as if they are gods is connected with the statement: “The right to legislate religion is of God and anyone who takes His right is guilty of Shirk.” Therefore you implied that members Ahle Sunnat make themselves partners with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). First of all religion lets correct your understanding. It is well known that there will be seventy-three sects out of which seventy-two are destined to hell. These seventy-two sects will enter to hell on account of their their heretical believes. They would go to hell because they do not have foundation of their belief in Quran or Hadith. This means, that their believes will be invented, not sanctioned in Quran or Sunnah. In your methodology they would be legislating religion and making their heretical beliefs as part of Islam. You charged that innovating practice/creed is akin to taking right of God. In light of this all seventy-two sects should be Mushrikeen destined to remain in hell for eternity. Now if your criteria of judgement was correct then not a single member of seventy-two sects will come out of hell. Yet there is Ijmah that innovators and their followers will come out of hell after receiving their due punishment.

Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said that one who introduces a praiseworthy innovation in Islam for him there is reward and punishment for one who introduces blameworthy innovation: “He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who introduced some evil practice in Islam which had been followed subsequently (by others), he would be required to bear the burden like that of one who followed this (evil practice) without their's being diminished in any respect.” [Ref: Muslim, B34, H6466] This hadith is attested in many of the books of hadith but I will quote only one more reference: "The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever introduces a good practice that is followed, he will receive its reward and a reward equivalent to that of those who follow it, without that detracting from their reward in their slightest. And whoever introduces a bad practice that is followed, he will receive its sin and a burden of sin equivalent to that of those who follow it, without that detracting from their burden in the slightest.'" [Ref: Ibn Majah, B1, H203] The criteria for rejecting innovations into Islam was given by Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam): "If somebody innovates something which is not in harmony with the principles of our religion, that thing is rejected." [Ref: Bukhari B49, H861] This establishes that praiseworty innovations in Islam are permissible and are worthy of reward and blameworthy innovations are sinful and punishable. To argue that in Islam a practice cannnot be introduced  completely is heretical and ths belief it self is a reprehensible innovation.

Coming to the important issue, Ahle Sunnat do not legislate religion of Islam nor do the Ahle Sunnat innovate practices and call them Sunnahs of Allah’s Messenger nor do we claim revelation and argue our positions are commands of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). The scholars of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat work in the frame work provided, already explained in section four, by Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and by His Messenger (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam). Ulamah of Ahle Sunnat judge new issues in light of Quran and Ahadith and inform the questioner of its permissibility or impermissibility. All innovated issues which accord with the teaching of Islam are praiseworthy innovations therefore in Ijtihadi sense are part of Islam[26] and all issues which go against the teaching of Islam are reprehensible innovations into Islam. Any practice which has its asal, foundation, from Quran and Ahadith it is permissible. As it was explained that as long as bits and parts of practice are established instructions of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and Sunnahs of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) then these practices are permissible. Making addition to this, such practices can be considered part of Islam because the material with which they are formulated is part of Islam either as Sunnah or instruction of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Therefore the charge that members of Ahle Sunnat usurp the right of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and legislate religion at will as if they are gods is basless, senseless allegation.

Part Five A - Why Takfir Of Muslims:

There are many reasons why a Muslim may denounce other Muslims of commiting major Shirk. A person not having correct understanding of Tawheed and not being thoroughly grounded in the knowledge of Shirk. This lack of knowledge combined with incorrect understading of definition of Shirk and incorrect principle methodology of determining major Shirk. Would be the fundamental cause of why a Muslim would pronouncing judgement of major Shirk upon another Muslim. It would correct to state that Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab was responsible for spreading amongst Muslims this incorrect knowledge of Tawheed, Shirk, and incorrect principle methodology of determining major Shirk.Which is being employed with imputiny to denounce the Muslims as Mushrikeen.  Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab’s principle methodology of determining major Shirk is primed to declare any Muslim who disagrees with his understanding of Tawheed and Shirk as a Mushrik. And according to his methodology only those who agree with his theology of Tahweed and Shirk are Muslims. Everyone else is a Mushrik/Kafir for one or the other reason.The less important reasons; why a Zahid may declare another Muslim as a Mushrik. It could be that a Zahid himself does not have in-depth knowledge about Tawheed and Shirk apart from rudimentary knowledge of these essential elements of creed. Therefore due to lack of personal knowledge, trusts another individual who is familiar with Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab’s methodology. Hence this trusted source would be passing verdict of; Muslims are committing major Shirk because of this and this. The bond of trust will cause Zahid to accept the information without doubting the information and without critically examining. I believe your problem is knowledge acquired via trusted sources and of methodology. Even though you wrote; “I am finding it difficult to comprehend why a Muslim would accuse another Muslim of something so serious and hideous.” You still managed to prounce the judgment of major Shirk upon Muslims; “What I see the Sufi Barelwi’s engaged in at the graves of saints, in my accessment is pure Shirk.” In adition to this, you have equated the dancing of Muslims to Hindu religious ritiual dance; “This is akin to worship of idols because Hindu female dancers worship their idol Shiva with dance (i.e. Tandava) by wearing these Ghungroo and then performing the dance.”, and this indicates that you have some knowledge of Khariji methodology, which you employed to arrive at the undertanding. The bottom line is that corner stone of any judgment is the principles and evidences used to arrive at the judgment. When these corner stones are on incorret and geared toward declaring Muslims as Mushrikeen then it would be impossible refraining from prouncing judgment of major Shirk, like you have done. As such it is essential that a Muslim must learn the correct interpretation of Quran/Ahadith as well correct methodology. Due to incorrect methodology many readers of the Quran will be and are lead astray.

Part Five B - You’re The Methodology You Follow:

There are many who  call themselves Sunni and prostrate to the graves of Awliyah, perform Tawaf around the graves of Awliyah, light candles around the Mazaraat, smoke hashish around Mazaraat, wear ghunngroo and dance. All these practices are innovations which go against the soul of Islam. But these practices are not serious enough to charge Muslims of committing major Shirk and declaring them as Mushrikeen. Some of these practices are haram and others makruh therefore sinful deeds but nothing more. Therefore if you issue judgment of takfir (i.e. Mushrik, grave worshiper) and it is uncalled for remember the hadith of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam): "If a man says to his brother, O Kafir (disbeliever)!' Then surely one of them is such (i.e., a Kifir). "[27] [Ref: Bukhari, B73, H125] Then this takfir will return upon you invalidating your own Islam. As such it is better for you to disagree in silence then get involved in issues which you do not understand and make takfir.

You adhere to the methodology of Khawarij because you nullify the aqeedah of Tawheed of Muslims based on their ghair-Shara’i actions. And this should not be surprising because you have admitted: “My personel belief has always been in line with what you call ‘Wahhabi’ belief.” Creed of Muslim cannot be determined by his actions. If you see a Muslim drinking alcahol you do not assume that he believes that Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has declared it halal. Instead you will correctly deduce from his actions that he is aware that alcahol is declared haram and believes it to be haram but due to being in grip of Shaytaan drinks alcahol, therefore he is a sinful Muslim. Everyone knows Salah is compulsory but if you do not see a Muslim performing Salah do you assume he does not believe Salah is part of Islam? You would correctly assume that he believes Salah is part of Islam and that it is compulsory fives times a day, but chooses not to perform it hence he is sinful Muslim. You will not assume; he believes Worship is not for Allah, Salah is not part of Islam, therefore he is atheist Kafir. Point is; actions do not determine creed of a Muslim so do not nullify Tawheed based on questionable actions. Also major Shirk is determined by creed and if a Muslim affirms a creed which is in contradiction with teaching of Tawheed then major Shirk is warranted upon him.

Wama alayna ilal balaghul mubeen
Muhammed Ali Razavi

Footnotes:

- [1] I am not aware of Muslims converting to Hinduism. It is entirely possible for Muslims to become polytheists. There have been number of cases in UK and US where born Muslims and converts to Islam have converted to Christianity. I think you failed to understand that I was writing about Ummah as whole, the vast majority of Muslims being protected from falling into major Shirk. I do not contend the conversion of some/few, numbering in hundereds, converting to Christianity, Hinduism or becoming atheists. I will briefly comment on the real issue of contention between Ahle Sunnat and Kharijites. Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab and his Khariji followers charge the whole Ummah of committing major Shirk.

- [2] Common misconception amongst Khariji’s is that Ahle Sunnat sacrifise animals pronouncing the name of Awliyah-Allah while slaughtering the animals. In actuality, animals are sacrifised with; bismillah, Allahu Akbar.  It is slaughtered for sake of pleasure of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and the reward for doing a pious deed is gifted to Awliyah-Allah.

- [3] Part One: While listing important lessons of the chapter Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab states his position on meaning of Shahadah; “The meaning of singling out Allah alone in worship and being sincere in His Oneness is the meaning of the Shahadah; La ilaha illa-Allah.” [Ref: Kitab at-Tawheed, Chapter 5, Page 37] Therefore in light of his this position the Shahadah in the hadith is translated as: “… let your first act be to call them to testify that -“There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah.” [Ref: Kitab at-Tawheed, Chapter 5, Page 34] This interpretation is even based on evidence is valid but to translate the confession of creeds in such way is out right heretical. The Wahhabi i.e. Khariji websites are spear heading the distortion of the Quranic phrase; “La ilaha illa Allah …” Where ever this phrase is used in Quran or Hadith these Khariji’s have translated it to mean; “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.” The origin of this heresy is reviver of Khariji apostacy Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab and it has been propelled into mainstream by his followers. Anyone with Arabic knowledge will note that; “La ilaha illa Allah …”, means; “There is no deity except Allah …” Part Two: The confession of creed refutes fundamentally the validity of belief in any deity other then Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) because it literally negates existance of any other god except Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala); “There is no god except Allah …”. In a verse of Quran Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) confirms this: “Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge - [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” [Ref: 3:18] The effect of afirming and denial; “There is no god except Allah …” is serious. I will illustrate the effect of this denial with a example which will make it easier for you to access the point. Suppose a man is accused of choking a woman unconcious with his own hands, then stabbing her to death, draging her bodys placing it on wood,  pouring petrol over it, setting fire to it, then walked into her house, taking all the money, setting the house on fire, which resulted in damage to properties of nebours. When he is brought into court with all these charges his lawyer stands up and point to the accused. Says; your honor the accused was born without arms and legs therefore he could not have possibly committed all these crimes. Notice how he has pulled the ground from all the accusations. With his simple point he has refuted all the charges against legless and armless man. In the similar fashion the statement; “There is no god except Allah …” denies god-hood of all idols associated with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) as god-partners. Therefore fundamentally when there is no god except Allah then performing of deeds for these gods is baseless. Just like the charges when the foundation of not having hands and legs was refuted it automatically implied innocence. Similarly when the foundation of all polytheistic practices is the belief that their idol are god partners of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is refuted/denied then automatically implies every act (i.e.ritual worship, sacrifice, invocation) performed for these gods and every belief (i.e. idol-gods all Hearing, all Seeing, all Knowing, possess means to aid) about these gods is without base. So far the implication of; “There is no god …” in context of confession of Tawheed has been explained. In context implies that all deeds, believes for the idols were baseless because there is no such thing as a idol-gods. But in reality there is only One God that is Allah (subhanahu wa ta’al); “… except Allah.” Therefore all acts of ritual worship, sacrifice, invocations, should be devoted to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) alone is; all Knowing, all Seeing, all Hearing, and provider of help via/without means. Part Three: It is important the Shahadah is explained in detail. The following will be another perspective of key point established in part two. In Islam true and real worship is for Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). In polytheistic religions worship was for a God as well as idol-gods which they have ascribed as partners to Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Hypothetically speaking if there was another god with Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) then that god would be worshipped: “Say, [O Muhammad], "If the Most Merciful had a son, then I would be the first of [his] worshippers." [Ref: 43:81] He would be worshipped because of being son of a God. Naturally son of donkey is donkey, son of human is human, son of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) therefore will be Allah and as such worthy of worship. Islam teaches that worship is only for God and this is why Prophet Nuh (alayhis salam) stated to his Ummah: “Indeed, We sent Nuh to his people and he said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other God but Him. Certainly, I fear for you the torment of a Great Day!" [Ref: 7:59] In another verse Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) states: “Indeed, I am Allah. There is no deity except Me, so worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”  [Ref: 20:14] This verse hints, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) alone is God and therefore alone He should be worshipped. Therefore denial of all gods except Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) in confession of Tawheed automatically implies none has the right to be worshipped except the God, the One God, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala): “And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." [Ref: 21:25]

- [4] Spread of religions and sects of Middle East; http://thesinosaudiblog.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/mid-east-religion.jpg

- [5] Original Arabic quote:قوله: "إن أخوف ما أخاف عليكم الشرك الأصغر" هذا من شفقته صلي الله عليه وسلم بأمته ورحمته ورأفته بهم، فلا خير إلا دلهم عليه وأمرهم به، ولا شر إلا بينه لهم وأخبرهم به ونهاهم عنه; كما قال صلي الله عليه وسلم فيما صح عنه: " ما بعث الله من نبي إلا كان حقا عليه أن يدل أمته على خير ما يعلمه لهم - الحديث1". فإذا كان الشرك الأصغر مخوفا على أصحاب رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم مع كمال علمهم وقوة إيمانهم، فكيف لا يخافه وما فوقه من هو دونهم في العلم والإيمان بمراتب؟ خصوصا إذا عرف أن أكثر علماء الأمصار اليوم لا يعرفون من التوحيد إلا ما أقر به المشركون، وما عرفوا معنى الإلهية التي نفتها كلمة الإخلاص عن كل ما سوى الله2 [Ref: Fath Al Majeed, Chapter (4) Fear Of Shirk, Page 76, Arabic Version] The Arabic quote has been taken from the following website: http://shamela.ws/browse.php/book-2386/. Readers should note that English translation of Fath Al Majeed by Ali as-Sayed Al-Halawani, Page 66, has expunged the repugnant part and rephrased it to remove the offense.

- [6] ”في قرة العيون: فصارت هذه الأصنام بهذا التصوير على صور الصالحين سلما إلى عبادتها. وكل ما عبد من دون الله, من قبر أو مشهد, أو صنم, أو طاغوت، فالأصل في عبادته هو الغلو. كما لا يخفى على ذوي البصائر. كما جرى لأهل مصر وغيرهم؛ فإن أعظم آلهتهم أحمد البدوي، وهو لا يعرف له أصل ولا فضل ولا علم ولا عبادة. ومع هذا فصار أعظم آلهتهم مع أنه لا يعرف إلا أنه دخل المسجد يوم الجمعة فبال فيه ثم خرج ولم يصل. ذكره السخاوي عن أبي حيان. فزين لهم الشيطان عبادته فاعتقدوا أنه يتصرف في الكون، ويطفئ الحريق وينجي الغريق, وصرفوا له الإلهية والربوبية وعلم الغيب, وكانوا يعتقدون أنه يسمعهم ويستجيب لهم من الديار البعيدة. وفيهم من يسجد على عتبة حضرته. وكان أهل العراق ومن حولهم كأهل عمان يعتقدون في عبد القادر الجيلاني; كما يعتقد أهل مصر في البدوي. وعبد القادر من متأخري الحنابلة وله كتاب الغنية, وغيره ممن قبله وبعده من الحنابلة أفضل منه في العلم والزهد, لكن فيه زهد وعبادة, وفتنوا به أعظم فتنة. كما جرى من الرافضة مع أهل البيت. وسبب ذلك الغلو دعوى أن له كرامات، وقد جرت الكرامات لمن هو خير منه وأفضل كبعض الصحابة والتابعين, وهكذا حال أهل الشرك مع من فتنوا به. وأعظم من هذا عبادة أهل الشام لابن عربي، وهو إمام أهل الوحدة الذين هم أكفر أهل الأرض وأكثر من يعتقد فيه هؤلاء لا فضل له ولا دين كأناس بمصر وغيره, وجرى في نجد قبل هذه الدعوة مثل هذا. وفي الحجاز واليمن وغيرها من عبادة الطواغيت والأشجار والأحجار والقبور ما عمت به البلوى, كعبادتهم للجن وطلبهم للشفاعة منهم. والأصل في ذلك الغلو تزيين الشيطان. وذكر أهل السير أن التلبية من عهد إبراهيم – عليه السلام -: “لبيك اللهم لبيك لا شريك لك لبيك”، حتى كان عمرو بن لحي الخزاعي فبينما هو يلبي تمثل له الشيطان في صورة شيخ يلبي معه فقال: “لبيك لا شريك لك”، فقال الشيخ: “إلا شريكا هو لك”. فأنكر ذلك عمرو وقال ما هذا؟ فقال الشيخ: “تملكه وما ملك”. فإنه لا بأس بهذا. فقالها عمرو. فدانت بها العرب.” [Ref: Fath Al Majeed, Chapter (4) Fear Of Shirk, Page 220, Footnote 1, ArabicV] Website link from where the quote was taken: http://shamela.ws/browse.php/book-2386/page-227

- [7] He admitted being member of Ahle Sunnat but claimed that he did not know Islam or Tawheed as a member of Ahle Sunnat. Also mentions that after leaving it he came to know Tawheed and Islam. He also wrote none of his teachers, none in the land of Najd, none in surrounding regions of Najd knew Tawheed accept him and those who followed him. He is also on record for saying that three hundered years prior to his birth all Muslims of Arabian Peninsula were Mushrik/Kafir and in reality of his methodology he had made takfir of Muslims of entire earth going back to three hunderend years. Someone may not understand the relevance of his statements. He claimed that he did not know meaning of; there is no god except Allah, while being part of Ahle Sunnat. This implies he himself admits being Kafir and indirectly/sneakily denounced the entire Muslim Ummah as such. Anyone who does not know the meaning of confession of negation of false dieties and affirmation of Allah as the One and the Only God is not a Muslim. Then he explicitly stated his teachers didn’t know Tawheed nor did the people of Najd or Hejaz and he stated Muslims born three hundered before him were upon major Shirk like his contempories. All this begs the question; from whom did he learn the ‘correct’ knowledge of Tawheed and Islam from? There are three possible sources, the Ahle Sunnat, Shia, and Khawarij. We know from his own admission that he rejected the teaching of Ahle Sunnat and Rawafiz. This leaves Khawarij and we know from his methodology that all his controversial knowledge came from the Khawarij of his time and those preceeded him. Like the Khawarij he denounced the Muslims as Mushrik,  made it permissible to kill a Muslim, take his property, rebel against state authority even though it is expressedly prohibited, enslave a married Muslim woman and engage in sexual acts with her. Also like the Khawarij interpreted the verses of Quran revealed regarding the disbelievers to equate the believes of Muslims to disbelievers.

- [8] Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) said regarding the the tribulation that was to emerge from East of Madinah (i.e. Najd): "There will emerge people who will recite the Qur'an but it will not go any deeper than their collarbones. Whenever a group of them appears, they should be cut off (i.e. killed)." … - (he said it) more than twenty times- 'until Dajjal emerges among them.'" [Ref: Ibn Majah, B1, H174] In another hadith it is stated that the last of the Khawarij will emerge and join forces with Dajjal. I believe this last sect is Khariji sect of Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab because alliance of Wahhabi Arabia is with supporters of Dajjal. It is possible that a minor sect Khariji sect may arise on the metholology of Muhammad bin AbdulWahhab. Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) stated: “A section of my community will continue to fight for the right and overcome their opponents till the last of them fights with the Dajjal.” [Ref: Abu Dawood, B14, N2478] This section of the community which will fight Dajjal and his supporters are: :“The people of the West who will continue to triumphantly follow the truth until the Hour is established.”  [Ref: Muslim, B20, H4722]

- [9] Theoratically every PROFESSING Wahhabi is a terrorist willing to kill any Muslim whom his creed declares as a Mushrik. If a Wahhabi claims that he does not believe in killing Muslim. It could be for two reasons, he/she doesn’t consider the Sunnis as Muslims but believes they are Mushrikeen (i.e. polytheistic disbelievers). Therefore killing a Sunni means he is killing a Kafir. Or other likely reason could be that he will say; when one is warned about his major Shirk and still refuses to repent then killing of such individual by state is permissible. There could be many reasons why a Wahhabi would not state why killing a Muslim is not permissible. The best way to actually force a Wahhabi to come out with his belief is if one was to present a hypothetical scenario. Suppose you have pure Wahhabi state which impliments Wahhabi ‘Islamic’ law and this state declares ‘Jihad’ against Sunnis for practices of ‘grave-worshiping’ . Would you go and take part in such ‘Jihad’? If not why, and will you morally, financially support such ‘Jihad’? I have never had a Wahhabi escape without showing the desire to kill Muslims and those who consider themselves to be Allah’s (subhanahu wa ta’ala) gift to Tawheed will eagerly affirm the desire to kill Muslims.

- [10] “'A'isha reported: I heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The (system) of night and day would not end until the people have taken to the worship of Lat and 'Uzza. I said: Allah's Messenger, I think when Allah has revealed this verse: "He it is Who has sent His Messenger with right guidance, and true religion, so that He may cause it to prevail upon all religions, though the polytheists are averse (to it)", it implies that is going to be fulfilled. Thereupon he (Allah's Apostle) said: It would happen as Allah would like. Then Allah would send the sweet fragrant air by which everyone who has even a mustard grain of faith in Him would die and those only would survive who would have no goodness in them. And they would revert to the religion of their forefathers." [Ref: Muslim, B41, H6945]

- [11] "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."  [Ref: Bukhari, B1, H1]

- [12] Note the angles did not harbour intention of worship and nor did they believe that Prophet Adam (alayhis salam) was a god therefore their sajdah was not of worship. Similarly Prophet Yaqoob (alayhis salam) with his wife prostrated to their King son Prophet Yusuf (alayhis salam) without these two essential aspects. Hypothetically, if either of the two believes or both were affirmed then major Shirk would be comitted by them.

- [13] Sajdah of respect for any creation in Sharia of Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) has been prohibited. It is narrated in hadith: “If I were to order anyone to prostrate to anyone, then I would order the wife to prostrate to her husband.” [Ref: Tirmadhi, B7, H1159] A longer version of the hadith has a companion prostrating to Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam): “When Muadh bin Jabal came from Sham, he prostrated to the Prophet who said: 'What is this, O Muadh?' He said: 'I went to Sham and saw them prostrating their bishops and patricians and I wanted to do that for you.' The messenger of Allah said: 'Do not do that. If I were to command anyone to prostrate to anyone other than Allah, I would have commanded women to prostrate to their husbands.“ [Ref: Ibn Majah, B9, H1853] A similar hadith  above, records another companion wanting to prostrate to Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam): “Narrated Qays ibn Sa'd: I went to al-Hirah and saw them (the people) prostrating themselves before a satrap (i.e. governor) of theirs, … When I came to the Prophet, I said: I went to al-Hirah and saw them prostrating themselves before a satrap of theirs, but you have most right, Messenger of Allah, to have (people) prostrating themselves before you. He said: Tell me , if you were to pass my grave, would you prostrate yourself before it? I said: No. He then said: Do not do so. If I were to command anyone to make prostration before another I would command women to prostrate themselves before their husbands, because of the special right over them given to husbands by Allah.” [Ref: Dawood, B12, H95]

- [14] One who prostrates to anyone or anything other then Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) he should be politely explained that his action is against law of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and he has become guilty of major sin. From which he/she needs to repent and refrain from such actions. Effort should be made to explain him that in Islam Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the One who should be honored with prostration.

- [15] There are numerous ahadith which establish that Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) possessed the abilities in the categories of ma fawq al asbab. Wali of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) about whom it is believed that Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has granted him ability perform deeds which are in the category of ma fawq al asbab. I become hand with which he gives, eyes with which he sees, etc … quote hadith.

- [16] “Narrated abu huraira: I said to Allah's Apostle "I hear many narrations (Hadiths) from you but I forget them." Allah's Apostle said, "Spread your rida' (garment)." I did accordingly and then he moved his hands as if filling them with something (and emptied them in my rida') and then said, "Take and wrap this sheet over your body." I did it and after that I never forgot any thing.”  [Ref: Bukhari, B3, H119] “Narrated Ibrahim bin Al-Mundhir: Ibn Abi Fudaik narrated the same as above (i.e. H119) but added that the Prophet had moved his hands as if filling them with something and then he emptied them in the rida' of abu huraira.” [Ref: Bukhari, B3, H120]

- [17] There are eighteen different variables in this one question alone and if the two variable factors are added (i.e. from/via) then total thirty-six variables. I have only dealth with one variable of the question from the perspective of ‘from’. A complete study of this single question will challenge the intellect of any Khariji and defeat it. These questions, the answers, and the criticism will guide anyone with intellect toward the principles of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat (i.e. major Shirk is determined by creed not actions).

- [18] Major Shirk because of action, cause he sees similarity & likeness in the actions of Mushrikeen. Even if he said creed he would have drawn parallel between the belief of Mushrikeen.

- [19] “Narrated Anas bin Malik: When the cup of Allah's Apostle got broken, he fixed it with a silver wire at the crack. (The sub-narrator, 'Asim said, "I saw the cup and drank (water) in it.")”  [Ref: Bukhari, B53, H341] “I heard Umar b. Khatab say that he had heard from Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him): He who wears silk garment has no share for him (in the Hereafter), and I am afraid it may not be that striped garment; and so far as the red saddle clotb is concerned that is the saddle cloth of Abdullah and it is red. I went back to Asma' and informed her. whereupon she said: Here is the cloak of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). and she brought out to me that cloak made of Persian cloth with a hem of brocade, and its sleeves bordered with brocade and said: This wall Allah's Messenger's cloak with 'A'isha until she died, and when she died. I got possession of it. The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to wear that, and we washed it for the sick and sought cure thereby.” [Ref: Muslim, B24, H5149] “Narrated IsraiI: Uthman bin 'Abdullah bin Mauhab said, "My people sent me with a bowl of water to Um Salama." Isra'il approximated three fingers ('indicating the small size of the container in which there was some hair of the Prophet. 'Uthman added, "If any person suffered from evil eye or some other disease, he would send a vessel (containing water) to Um Salama. I looked into the container (that held the hair of the Prophet) and saw a few red hairs in it,"  [Ref: Bukhari, B72, H784]

- [20] Zaati (i.e. personnel), Qadeemi (i.e. eternal), Ghair izni (i.e. requiring no permission), Qulli (i.e. absolute), La mahdood (i.e. unlimited), Ghair-makhlooq (i.e. uncreated), Haqiqi (i.e. intrinsic).

[21] “Ibn Abbas reported: During the pre-Islamic days women circumambulated the Ka'ba nakedly, and said: Who would provide cloth to cover the one who is circumambulating the Ka'ba so that she would cover her private parts? And then she would say: Today will be exposed the whole or the part and what is exposed I shall not make it lawful. It was in this connection that the verse was revealed:" Adorn yourself at every place of worship" (vii. 31). [Ref: Muslim, B403, H7179] “No pagan is allowed to perform Hajj after this year, and no naked person is allowed to perform tawaf of the Kaba.” [Ref: Bukhari, B26, H689]
 
- [22] “Ibn 'Abbas (Allah be pleased with them) reported that the polytheists also pronounced (Talbiya) as: Here I am at Thy service, there is no associate with Thee. The Messenger of Allah said: Woe be upon them, as they also said: But one associate with Thee, you possess mastery over him, but he does not possess mastery (over you). They used to say this and circumambulate the Ka'ba.” [Ref: Muslim, B7, H2671]

- [23] “[…] O Allah, here I am at Thy service, here I am at Thy service. There is no associate with Thee; here I am at Thy service. Verily all praise and grace is due to Thee, and the sovereignty (too). There is no associate with Thee. […] Here I am at Thy service; here I am at Thy service; ready to obey Thee, and good is in Thy Hand; here I am at Thy service; unto Thee is the petition, and deed (is also for Thee).” [Ref: Muslim, B7, H2667]

- [24] “The Messenger of Allah was asked about ghee, cheese and wild donkeys. He said: ‘What is lawful is that which Allah has permitted, in His Book and what is unlawful is that which Allah has forbidden in His Book. What He remained silent about is what is pardoned.’” [Ref: Ibn Majah, B29, H3367]

- [25] The foolish people attend the graves of friends of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) and make vows pre-conditioning if their need is fulfilled they will either light a candle etc. A example of such vowing; O Allah if my this need is fulfilled I will plant a flag at court of this saint or light candles or oil lamps or cover the grave of friend of Allah with a specially designed cloth. And when the merciful Rabb of Alameen fulfills their need they use their wealth fulfilling such irreligious vows and fulfilling of such vows is prohibited because Prophet (sallalahu alayhi was’sallam) stated: “He is pleased with you that you worship Him and associate nor anything with Him, that you hold fast the rope of Allah, and be not scattered; and He disapproves for you irrelevant talk, persistent questioning ane the wasting of wealth.”  [Ref: Muslim, B18, H4255] Implanting of  dozens flags to point out the area as a land mark or for ease of recognition, lighting of candles or oil lamps during the day time or even lighting too much lighting at night is all wasting of wealth. Simply where one can do the job fifty or ten is waste of money. Instead if vows are made they should be constructive; O Allah if my need is fullfilled I will feed ten poor people, or I will cloth one poor child, or I will pay the school fees of a poor child for six months, or I will work one week earning halal money and with it I will support a charity. A vow should not contradict the established principles of Quran and Sunnah rather it should be made keeping in mind the laws of Sharia.

- [26] Bukhari, Imam Muslim, both strived and collected ahadith and presented to Ummah their research. It can be said that Sahih, Bukhari and Muslim are part of deen of Islam. Everyone will understand that they are not part of Islam as a Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) Sunnah and they are not part of Islam as instruction of Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam) did not read these books of hadith, nor taught from these books, nor Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam), Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) instructed us to utilize these two books in study of deen of Islam. Yet they are part of Islam in loose Ijtihadi sense yet not exactly part of Islam in true sense because we are not instructed to utilize them by Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) or by Prophet (sallallahu alayhi was’sallam).

- [27] To label a Muslim as Mushrik is worse then calling him Kafir because kufr is lesser and Shirk is greatest sin of all.

Edited 25 نومبر 2013 by MuhammedAli