Chapter 3
Hard Realities of Current Groupism in
Ummat
Islam is a
natural religion and the only way of salvation for whole mankind till the day
of qiyamat. Islam is very clear and easy to understandable religion. Rather
Allah ahs kept it easy so that each and every person could follow it without
any difficulty. Allah has given clear command against groupism.
Academic Discussion or Sectarian war?
Current Discussion
and Controversies among general Muslims affiliated to different groups offline
on street and Online on Face book/you Tube videos/Islamic Forums on internet on
subject of Taqleed (Following a Mazhab) /Details of prayer like Ameen loud or silent,
Position of hand etc. has crossed the limit of any academic pursuit and has
become a sectarian war (Mostly verbal sometimes Physical).
The Righteous Scholar (Ulma e Haq) Vs Internet Speakers?
Great Ulemas are not on the scene in
this group fighting anywhere especially on internet. You will never see
head/Amir/president of.....group is discussing arguing with head of ........group.
Rather they have mostly harmonious relation and respect each other. They
sit together and praise each other in conferences and in their personal
letters.
There is another set of People on
Internet/Facebook/ You tube videos
Those who are fighting are actually
Non Scholar /general Muslim flag bearers and some of the speaker on You
tube/(Internet Sheikhs).We call them internet sheikhs because most of this
group polemicist otherwise has no ranking in terms of knowledge of Quran and
Hadith even in their group but on internet they are presenting as Great Scholar
/Fazilatus Sheikh/Allama /Great Mufti.
There are some people on facebook even
their real Identity is unknown and the manner they put Postings and comments,
at times what to talk about Muslims even a gentle non muslim will not do in
such bad manner and words.
Ulma e Haq (Righteous Scholars) are isolated?
Ulema e Haq (The Virtuous Scholars) of Ummat are very good
people and are not involved in any hate campaign against any group. We talked
many of them from different schools and they are in much pain, they want to end
this trend of groupism but they feel themselves helpless and not able to
withstand the firebrand speakers/ writers who are active online and offline.
The Ulmae Haq feels isolated and restricts themselves under the wall of
Madarsas and Islamic Institution.
All Muslim Groups are suffering?
Although all Muslims are in pain and deep anguish because of
this problem but it is also a fact that their pain is not reflecting in any
effort to rectify it. Believe me all groups are suffering because of it and a
good amount of resources is being engaged in defense. They are victim at one
point of time and offender on other point it is only matter of time. All are in
pain. E.g. If you search You tube the same speaker will offend other in one
video and will become victim of others criticism in next video.
Is there organized effort to tackle the menace?
Do you know any ?
There is hardly any organized effort to end this offline and
online group fighting. There is nothing going on ground. Internet is an easy
medium to propagate anything. There are many campaign going on internet and
that is visible and obviously having an impact. But hardly any online effort is
going on to rectify the problem of groupism. If you are in doubt just Google it
with different key words. You will be disgusted to know that apart from some
discrete blogs and some comments there is nothing on internet to solve this
issue of groupism among general public.
Only 2-5% Muslims involved in groupism but group flag
bearers are active & Organized to spread the menace. While 95% good Muslims
are silent.
On the other hand those who are increasing groupism and
hatred are very active on Internet and Social Media and it is their main tool
of hate campaign. With nearly 850 million active user on internet is very
important tool for any good or bad.
The good Muslims who don’t want group fighting are
overwhelming majority (nearly 95%) but they are silent. They are feeling pain
from groupism but not expressing it. The golden rule is Don’t Ragg and don’t be
a silent listener of it.
Disconnect between Ulama e Haq & General Muslims?
When these controversial issues is brought (e.g Questions
like Where to place hand in prayer, Ameen loud or silent etc) the general
Public does not consult the Ulama e Haqq.
It is also a fact that general public has no access to them
directly. Public is not ready to take pain and visit Ulmae Haqq. And on the other
Hand Ulmae Haqq also does not spare much free time to entertain general Public.
There are some means to get in touch with Ulema if the public is active seeker,
but there is no option for passive seeker. It is the main deficit that has
given free hand to nuisance speaker.
What the most people Do in controversy/ group flag bearer
bring a contentious issue?
When encountered with, Most of the Muslims do anyone of
three actions.
1. They remain silent and just ignore it. (They should instead
consult ULMA E HAQ)
2. They accept the biased and concealed version of a fire
brand speaker of one group, and become part of problem and fire brand in
making.
3. They consult another firebrand of opposite group and take
and spread their version. And this
attack and counterattack keeps on going unabated.
?
Campaign to Revive Islamic Ethics of
Disagreement (CRIED) &
Campaign Against Groupism (CAG)
These 2 campaign has been started by some weak slaves of
Allah to do something to stop this menace of groupism between general Muslims. Your
co-operation is needed for spreading this message. Allah is all doer and he can
do anything. We should be optimistic from Allah.
What will you get with this campaign?
Certain things are very clear.
1. A great Reward from Allah is certain innamal Aamalu
binniyat. Allah does not judge on the basis of the result rather on the basis
of intention and sincere result.
2. So even if one person does not leave the groupism there
could be 100% reward for those who will do effort to decrease this menace with
correct intention.
3. The talk against Groupism will come into online domain.
Once it will come in domain many competent Muslims will start doing effort at
different level.
4. The first 2 chapters of the book are Quran Ayats and
Ahadith against groupism and detail about Muslim rights and relation with other
Muslims. At least those who will read this booklet and understand these will no
do groupism.
Is Many of my friend and well wisher are of the view that
1. There is no solution as the cancer of groupism has
progressed too much.
Our view: We should hav faith on Allah who can make possible
from Impossible.
2. The big leaders of groups are not involved in this
campaign so there is no use.
Our view:
1. The big leaders are agreed that menace of groupism should
end.
2. We are dealing with groupism in general Muslims. The most
of the differences of mainstream muslim groups leaders are of acceptable
difference of opinion.
so big leaders are
not directly involved.
3. As being realistic we are also expecting an overnight
turnout and groupism will vanish
Chapter
No 2
The
most common Muslim’s debate Groups
(In
Indian Subcontinent)
For understanding the problem lets learn the groups. Based
on attribute There are 4 Debate Groups among Muslims. We will describe them one
by one.
The 1st Group
1. Scholars and Followers of any one
of the four Imams in matter of Jurisprudence.
(i.e Hanfi, Shafaee, Maliki, Hanbali).
Followers of Four great Imams /Mazhab (i.e Hanfi, Shafaee,
Maliki, Hanbali). They understand the basis of difference between Imams and has
a principle of mutual respect. There are differences between Four Schools but their
interrelation is harmonious and their discussion is restricted to academic in
nature within wall of Madarsa / Islamic institute.
E.g . It is a hard reality that on many issues the
difference between Hanafi and Shafaee School is more compared to Ahle Hadith
and Shafaee School.
But the interrelation………..
Between Shafaee Muslim and Ahle Hadith Muslim at some places
is very bitter (e.g in Indian state of kerala) and interrelation
between Hanafi and Shafaee is very good. In Kerala where
Muslims (80-90%) are mainly Shafaee Mazhab. Madarsaas are run by Shafaee. There
are student from North India, for them these shafaee brothers arrange Hanafi
teachers for jurisprudence class. They don’t impose Shafaee Fiqh on them. In
Madarsa Hanafi& Shafaee students reside under same roof. The Shafaee also
call Imam Abu Haneefa as Imam Azam.
Among Hanafis of North India there are also two subgroups 1.
Barelvis 2. Deobandis. Similarly among Shafaee of Kerala there are two groups
1.EK Sunni 2. AP Sunni. These groups also differ and fight. But any sensible
Muslims will understand that their difference is not on issues rather mainly
personality based. The communication gap and perceived mistrust and lack of
effort to reconcile have increased their gap. So any educated and rational
Muslim will understand and not indulge in their differences at first sight
itself. Through this article we want to save the sensible Muslims so we are not
touching their differences.
There opponent claim:
That these Hanafi Shafaee Maliki Hanabali are blind follower of Imam. They have
stopped all the research. They are giving unnecessary importance to Imams.
The 2nd Group
Those who don’t follow any one of
the four Imams in jurisprudence. Called as Salafi /Ahle Hadith.
Rather they tell to do own research to all muslims. As all
of these people are not mujtahid and many are not even having good knowledge of
Quran and sunnah so practically they also rely on the research of some other scholar.
They mainly give importance to the research of Imam Ibne
Taimmiya Rahimullah and Imam Ibne Qayyim Rahimullah, Nasiruddin Albani
Rahimullah & Abdullah Ibn Baaz Rahimulla. They call themselves as
Salafi/Ahle Hadith.
Till this point it is OK. Imam Ibne Taimmiya was a great
scholars and others also scholars of good repute so Accepting their position in
matter of difference of opinion can be justified.
There opponent claim:
Salafi /Ahle Hadith consider the opinion of the above scholars as last word for
all practical purposes and practically these people are considering these
scholas as free from any error. And they are blind follower of these scholars.
Although on many issue these scholars have also differed. An
example
Position of hand after Ruku in standing (Qiyam)
Nasiruddin Albani R.A. view is: Hand should be free by the
side after Ruku, and no hadith entails to tie hand after Ruku. And he has
prohibited tying it.
Abdullah Ibn Baaz R.A. view is : The hand should be tied
after Ruku in the same manner as it was before Ruku.
Concluding
Remark on these two groups (1st & 2nd )
There could be discussion on pros and cons of these two ideologies
but one thing is clear that both have acceptable argument for their position in
the matter of difference of opinion.
Their top leadership will not argue and fight with each
other. You will not find that an Scholar of Darul Uloom Deobnad (A hanafi
Madarsa) is arguing with a Scholar from Jamea Slafia Banaras (A Ahle Hadith
madarsa). Rather an Ahle Hadith Madrsa from Bihar in its convocation called a
Scholar from Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulema (A hanafi Madarsa) as chief guest.
So as far as the groupism and unwanted verbal and physical
conflict is concerned these two are not involved and they are having cordial
relationship in general.
Another two groups 3rd
and 4th groups are those who actually claim to be among the above
two.
The 3rd Group
This group claim to be from the second Group
(Claiming themselves as Ahle Hadith/Salafi).Most of this
group Muslims are non Scholar (Not formally gone to Islamic Madarsa/ Islamic
University). It also includes some public speakers of you tube/Islamic
channels/TV. Some of them have their own website/Blogs. There are common man at
ground bearing flag of their group.
Most of them are a combination of less knowledge and harsh
attitude. Their main attribute is to condemn and criticize the scholary opinion
of four Imams in matter of jurisprudence.
They are very active on internet and they present the issue
of Fiqh difference as Halal Vs Haram and Sometimes Kufr Vs Iman. Reports coming
from different cities are certifying that they are creating nuisance in
different cities on the name of true Islam.
It is not Rare to hear/read … sentences from these people
…….
You are offering Hanafi/Shafaee Salat and I am offering
Muhammadi (SAW) Salat ………..
Following an Imam is akin to Shirk………..
What was Muhammad (SAW) Either Hanafi/ Shafaee/ Maliki/
Hanbali? (They forget to mention about their group in option).
They claim Imam Abu Haneefah knew only 3 Hadith/ some show generosity
and tell 17 Hadith.
They call Taqleed as Blind following.
They claim Fiqh as something parallel or opposite to Quran
& Hadith.
They equate the followers of Imam as those who follow their
forefathers instead of Quran Hadith
The 4th Group
They claim to be following any one of the four Imam (Hanafi shafae Maliki Hnabali). There is 4th
group who has actually come up as a reaction of 3rd group.
These Flag bearers also uses almost same language on you
tube /internet /face book accusing the opponent following Tit for Tat rule............
They call Ahle Hadith/ Salafi as Ghair Muqallid (who are not
doing Taqleed) or La Mazhab (La means no i.e without Mazhab.) They alleges
following for Ahle Hadith/ Salafi.
They are presenting the writings of the scholars of Salafi
School out of context and deriving many interpretation and wrong claims.
The Ghair Muqallids are the creation of British Rule in
India.
They have been created by Britishers to divide Muslims.
They are doing Taqleed of their Nafs.
The Imam of Ghair Muqallids are
This two groups (3rd & 4th )
complicating it .....and finally reaches for OPEN ABUSE sometimes in words that
even a gentle Non Muslim will also not used.
Concluding Remaks on the 3rd and 4th
groups
1.These are not only unfortunate cheating and mislead but
also one of the greatest fitnah of our
tme.
2. It is also setting a very dangerous trend of attack and
counterattack in ummah as in the era of free internet/ you tube/face
book/Islamic Forums you cannot conceal the truth/tell a lie for long
3.…Imams have based their views on Ahadith and Ahadith on
some of these issues are more than one but Brothers/Groups who are involved in
bashing/criticisng others position actually donot put all the Ahadith ,rather
they present Hadith supporting their view and conceal Hadith supporting other
views and ………………
4.(Knowingly or Unknowingly) it is not only murder of truth
but dangerous also as it leads to loss of trust from Salafus Salehin Imams and
Scholars ……Some times to support a particular position they reach upto denying
of Hadith.......as the criticizer do not present a complete picture to general
public...
6. If one group will present one firebrand with filthy
tongue other group is presenting his firebrand with same tongue following rule
of tit for tat………
7.This is not only wastage of resources of Muslims but also
giving a very wrong signal to general Muslim mass at ground and even to Non
Muslims as you cannot stop them on seeing your Polemics video/debate on you
tube /internet.
Chapter
No 3
Why and How this 3rd and 4th Group
Emerged?
In
this background we tried to know the reasons of emergence of 3rd and
4th Group. This is actually the result of free space created by
disconnect between true scholars and general public.It is their
misunderstanding and lack of knowledge that’s why they are making jurisprudence
difference as issue in this manner and the consequent fighting.
This
will also give the answer that why in spite of having difference of opinion the
Ulemas of 1st and 2nd Group (True Scholars) are friends.
And even the hadith teachers of madarsa never fight on these issues. You have
never seen that the muhaddith of daarul uloom deoband (A hanfi madarsa) is
debating with muhaddith of jamia salafia banaras (Ahle hadith/salafi madarsa)
This
is because they know these facts and because of deep knowledge they cannot be
misled.
Isn’t
it a surprising situation that actual scholars are not fighting but the general
public / video orators are doing heated argumentation and fighting .
(In
the next chapter Insha Allah we will do an academic reasoning on the basis of
differences among scholars of 1st & 2nd Group, and
will search evidence for their argument.That will an academic discussion Insha
Allah)
Chapter
No 4
Reasons
& Misunderstanding leading to creation of 3rd and 4th
Group.
After
doing research on actual problem and doing direct talk with hundreds of people
from all four groups following five reasons have been identified. In this book
we will describe these five reasons. Out of five the first is one set of
misunderstanding and four reasons based on their design.
If
you know this five set of reasons you will never fight on jurisprudence issue.
If you intend to do a discussion on this issue first please know these five
points before any discussion
This
has been described with the intention to save Muslims from this wasteful
engagement of group fight and to save their time and resources and to bring
them to do something positive for their life after death and for Humanity. They
are damaging Islam under the cover of true Islam.
REASON
NO 1 OF GROUPISM AMONG GENERAL MUSLIMS
Set
of Misunderstandings.
Some
Wrong Myths and wrong concept around the Issue among general public and
internet debaters are there. That’s why they make it an issue of Islam Vs Kufr
Right Vs Wrong. These misunderstanding are very prevalent. We asked the
questions related with jurisprudence and Taqleed and found that a good number
of Muslims even educated ones have some misunderstandings. Unless these
misunderstandings are cleared it is very difficult to convey the true message.
Misunderstanding No I
Many
people think that controversy / multiple interpretations is in whole deen and
in every aspect of Islam. And Taqleed /following Imam is in every aspect of
Islam. (When I asked this question they answered ranging from 30-70% based on
understanding and observation)
Truth
:
It is wrong. There is no controversy in 90% of deen. As ruling with regard to
these matter are clear and whosoever has knowledge of language can understand
it. And only one ruling and interpretation is possible. And there is no Taqleed
/following of any other interpretation in these issue.
Only
a minor fraction (at max 10% of Total Rulings) has a chance of more than one
interpretation Taqleed is done only in those aspect where more than one
interpretation is possible from Ahadeeth.
Famous
Jurist Shaykh Khatib Al-Baghdadi writes:
"As
far as the Islamic rules are concerned, there are of two types. The first are those
which are known by necessity to be part of the Deen of the Prophet sallalahu
alaihi wa sallam like the five prayers, Zakaat, fasting in Ramadhan, Hajj; the
prohibition of adultery, wine and so on. Taqleed is not allowed in these issues
since they are such that everyone should know and understand. The second type
are those rules which need to be understood and extrapolated such as the
details of the rituals of worship, transactions and weddings, for example,
Taqleed is allowed in these issues
Since
Allah says:
"So
ask the people of remembrance if you know not." (Surah Al-Nahl: 43)
Al-Faqih wal Mutafaqqihah - page
67, vol.2 printed by Darul Iftaa, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 1389
The
famous Islamic jurist, Shaykh Abdul Ghani Al-Nablusi states:
The
issues which are agreed upon - without any doubt and by necessity - do not
require any Taqleed of any of the four Imams like the obligation of Salaat.
Fasting, Zakaat and Hajj, etc. and like the prohibition of adultery and
fornication, drinking wine, murder, stealing and usurping. The issues which are
debated are the issues where Taqleed becomes necessary."
Khulasataul Tahqeeq fi Hukm
at-Taqleed wa at-Talfeeq - page - 4 printed by Al-Yasheeq, Istanbul
2 live Example
1.Nearly
20 years back in Kerala (India) a Person rejected all the Ahadith and
interpreted fro Quran that daily prayers are not five rather three. And some
people even started following him (Nauzubillah)
What
is stand of Islam about this interpretation?
No
interpretation whatsoever will be accepted in this case as these are
established principles and ample clear from the words and action of prophet
that prayers are five. It does not need any interpretation there is no
contradiction and no following or Taqleed of any scholar will be made in these
type of cases.
Second
example.
If
a person claims that after Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam there is a
prophet / prophet can come. And a person from Punjab India claimed these nearly
100 years back presenting interpretation from Quran. So this interpretation
will not be accepted as the finality of prophet at Muhammad sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam is ample clear in words. It does not need any interpretation there is
no contradiction and no following or Taqleed of any scholar will be made in
these type of cases.
Misunderstanding
II
A
Myth
Muslims
has become divided because of Imams into four groups. And it is creating
problems.
The Truth
Among
the Sunni muslims (means all muslims, other than Shias, We don’t know anything
about shias) nearly 96% of sunni muslims follow either of the four mazhab/Great
Imams, (eg HANAFI’s 47%, SHAFAI 16%, MALIKI 28%, HANBALI 4%.
Salafi/
Ahle Hadith brothers who don’t follow any of the four Imam are nearly 4% of muslim
population worldwide.
(This estimation is refrenced to
the document THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS 2014 edition by The Royal Islamic
Strategic Studies Centre Page no.16&18 and of Wikipedia and merely
estimation. Some of the other sources have estimated Hanafis more than 50% of
the sunni muslims.)
A
basic principle of all four Mazhab is to respect each other and their scholars
are related with each other as teacher and students.
There
are scholary discussion and debate but there is no groupism among them.Their
scholars and General public have mutual respect.
Imam
Shafaee said about Imam Abu Haneefah
"All
are children of Imam Abu Haneefa in matter of Jurisprudence"
"When
he Imam Shafaee visited his place. He prayed according to Abu Haneefa
mazhab."
In
Indian State of Kerala where Muslims are Shafaee. Madarsaas are run by Shafaee.
There are student from North India who
are Hanafi.For them They arrange Hanafi teacher for Hanafi Fiqh classes .They
remain in same Hostel under same roof.
Misunderstanding
III
Myth
Taqleed
is like a rope in your neck and other end is in Imams Hand. And you and other
scholars of present and past have to abide whatever the Imam has said.
The
Truth
Imam Ibne Qadama Muqdasee in book Lamatul Etaqad
(page 83)
…….to connect oneself in peripheral
issues with an Imam like four school of Jurisprudence, and to attach with them
is not condemnable as differences in peripheral issue is Rahmat, and Mujtahedin
are to be prised even in differences and to get reward for Ijtahad.
There difference on any issue among
them is indication of (from Allah side) wasee (broad) Rahmat. And their (four
Imams) Ittefaq o Ijma (unanimity) on any issue is itself a final and final
(Qataee Qataee 2 times) argument.
Imam Ibne Qadama Muqdasee in book Lamatul Etaqad (Last page
83) translated from urdu translation
published from Saudi Ministry department of Dawat Ifta Wal Irshad department Saudi Arabia 1419 Hijri.
Faisal Award winner Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi (
Ali Miyan) R.A. in his book Tareekh e dawat o Azeemat (The saviors of Islamic sprit in English)
“Islam has
expanded to a vast and fertile areas of Syria, Iraq, Egypt and other
African countries,Iran and central Asia. Administration of country, Maashrat,
business, has reached to a complex situation. And it was urgent need to
extraction and ISTANBAT and interpretation of the fine details of these
principles. For this important job a very deep knowledge and understanding of
Quran and sunnat and its practical application to the current situation were
required.”
“It was bounty from Allah and pinnacle of destiny (IQBAL
MANDI) of ummate muslima that muslims got people of special qualities for this
important job.
Tareekh
e dawat o Azeemat vol 1(page 80-81) {its English translation The saviors of
Islamic sprit Vol1}
The Development
of Jurisprudence School
Although it is
after name of one person like Abu Haneefa /Shafaee /malik /hanbal R.A. But
actually there were group of scholars expert in different field like Hadeeth /Quranic
Tafseer /Arabic language who actively took part in the process. Again it was
relooked and Scrutinized by later scholars without any bias.They also differed
from their Imam in the light of evidences and this process is continuous e.g............
Imam Abu Haneefa work was scrutenised by Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad and many
others.
It is a very
scientific and Rational process based on established priciples. Taqled of four Imams Is based on Sound Principles of Islam,
Safer Rational and obvious choice. It is Closest To Quran And Sunnah as It Is
Based On Deep Research By Scholars Of Undisputed Integrity And Has Been
Rigorously Scrutinized By Scholars Throughout Its Development And Evolution
that’s why Hadith Scholars like Ibne Hajar Asqalani, Imam Nawwi, Imam Tahawi and
Ibne Kathir chose to do Taqleed one of four Imams”
And after all no Imam compelled anyone to follow
him .Imam Abu Haneefah said about Fiqh/Jurisprudence
"Ours is no more than an
opinion (in matter of difference). We do not oblige or coerce anyone into accepting
it. Whoever has a better judgment, let him advance it."
[ Al Intiqaa', 140.]
“At the same time
…………if any muslim choose not to
follow any of the four Imam and decides to derive rules directly from Quran and
Hadith by his own research. Although it is difficult decision with many risks
but he can prove his decision. So it is his decision and no one should make it
an issue except counseling him with sincere advice. And anyway criticizing or
bashing anyone is not good thing in the light of Quran and Hadith. And mere
criticism does not solve any purpose and results more reaction than any
good…………………”
Misunderstanding
IV
Myth
Some
brothers claim that Imam and their associates did not know those Ahadith that
is claimed to be against their views. Otherwise they would have opined
differently. In other words a claim that they were not Masters of Hadith.
Truth
These
Imams were people of unquestionable authority and were working as a team with
many scholars of different field working with them or under them. (A brief
mention of them given in Appendix 2)
The
Imams and their associate scholar were known to Ahadith (apparantly looking
against their views) rather they have discussed it and have presented their
understanding about the Hadith and Quranic and Ahadith evidence for their position.
Imam Al Awzaa`ee met Aboo Haneefah in Makkah and observed:
"Why
do you not raise your hands just before rukoo` and after?"
Aboo
Haneefah replied:
"There
is no recorded word or action of the Messenger of God, may God bless him and
grant him peace, to authenticate this."
"How
so," replied al Awzaa`ee,
"when
al Zuhree has reported this to me on the authority of Saalim and that of his
father who said that the Prophet used to raise his hands at the beginning of
the salaah and before and after rukoo`?"
Aboo
Haneefah also reported:
"Hammaad
related to me through Ibraaheem, through `Alqamah, through al Aswad, and
through Ibn Mas`ood that the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him
peace, only raised his hands at the beginning of the salaah and did not repeat
this action again."
Al
Awzaa`ee then suggested that his authorities were more reliable than those of
Aboo Haneefah,
Abu
Haneefah who countered:
"Hammaad
was more knowledgeable than al Zuhree, and Ibraaheem was more knowledgeable
than Saalim.
`Alqamah
was not below Ibn `Umar in rank. And if Ibn `Umar is to be credited as a
companion of the Prophet, then al Aswad has many merits. And the merits of `Abd
Allaah ibn Mas`ood speak for themselves.
"
At this, al Awzaa`ee remained silent.
[
Reference: Al Fikr al Saamee, 1/320.]
This
incidence proves that every one was after sunnah and evidence based and having
proof for his position.
Aboo
Haneefah is reported to have said:
"Ours
is no more than an opinion. We do not oblige or coerce anyone into accepting
it. Whoever has a better judgment, let him advance it."
[
Al Intiqaa', 140.]
CONCLUSION
ABOUT JURISPRUDENCE PROCESS
We
can thus see that all Scholars were followers and upholders of the Sunnah. When
the Sunnah was authenticated, no one deviated from it. If differences occurred
it was only because of varying understanding or interpretation. However, when
this happened each person accepted the other's point of view so long as the
interpretation could be sustained by the text and there was no other authentic
evidence to the contrary.
Islam
has clear guidelines in this situation
Amir
ibn Al-’As رضى الله
عنه reported: I heard
the Messenger of Allah صلى
الله عليه وسلم
say,
عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ رَسُولَ
اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِذَا حَكَمَ الْحَاكِمُ
فَاجْتَهَدَ ثُمَّ أَصَابَ فَلَهُ أَجْرَانِ وَإِذَا حَكَمَ فَاجْتَهَدَ ثُمَّ
أَخْطَأَ فَلَهُ أَجْرٌ
“If
a judge makes a ruling, striving to apply his reasoning (ijtihad) and he is
correct, then he will have two rewards; and if a judge makes a ruling, striving
to apply his reasoning and he is mistaken, then he will have one reward.”
[Sahih
Muslim, Book 18, Number 4261]
Is
not it a surprising situation that actual scholars are not fighting but the
general public / video orators are doing heated argumentation and fighting .
Lets
understand the reasons behind it for a possible solution.
The
2nd reason of Groupism among
general Muslims
The
second reason of rising groupism among general Muslims is the wrong claim by
speakers of 3rd/4th group that their way is based on
sahih Hadith and others position is on Dhaeef Hadith/Imam view.
There
are certain speakers / writer/local flag bearers of 3rd/4th
groups inform the general muslims.
·
Our position is based on sahih hadith.
OR more authentic hadith OR
·
We are acting according to sahih hadith
were as other group is acting on dhaeef hadith or on the opinion of imam.
Example no 1.
Position of hand in prayer.
One
group claims
Based
on sahih hadith the correct position of putting hand in prayer is on the chest
.To putt hand below the chest or below the navel is best on dhaeef hadith.
Some
proactive members of the group may claim that on the chest position is best on
hadith and below the chest and below the navel position is opinion of imam shafaee
and imam abu hanifa respectively.
While
the other group may claim vice versa that below navel is only right position
and on the chest is wrong.
Let’s
check the correctness of these claim
In this
book for checking the correctness of all example we have selected book from
salafussaliheen scholars of the past. To avoid any controversy we are not
making reference from book of any scholar of any group of last 300 years.
We respect all scholars but in matter of difference only refer the earlier
scholars.
Although
the list of salafussalihin scholars is long but ahle hadith /salafi brothers give more
favor to Imam Ibne taimiya and Ibne qaiyeem R A. The hanafi and shafaee scholars also consider them to be
salafussalaihin and there is no controversy. So we have referenced the
authoritative book ZADUL MAAD written by imam ibne qaiyeem R A for our examples.
|
For
checking the claim on position of hands in Prayer we consult the zaadul maad by
Imam Ibne qaiyeem R A which has a very detail account of prophet prayer. (page
no 28 line 5-9 para 2)
“
In takbeer-e- tahrima prophet S A use to say only allahu akbar and
simultaneously he use to raise both hand making the finger separated facing
towards qibla raising up to shoulder or ear lobe .
Then
he will tie the right hand over the risk and for arm of left hand .
There
are no authentic hadith about the
position of placing the hand but abu dawood has narrated from alee R A that
sunnat is to tie hand one over the other and to place below navel “
Now
it proves that those who are accepting the claim of 3rd and 4th
group, have not done proper research. May Allah help the Muslims.
The
3rd reason of groupism among general Muslims
The
3rd reason of rising groupism among general Muslims is concealment
of Hadith knowledge from general public by speakers of 3rd /4th
group at time of their claim. These speakers don’t inform the general public
about the possibility of more than one correct way (sunnah way) based on more
than one hadith for a particular action.
The
3rd /4th Group speaker inform to general Muslims, only
one practice of prophet S A and they present one authentic hadith as evidence.
But
they do not tell the public / conceal the fact that for this particular action
there are other authentic hadith from the prophet and more than one practice b
Prophet.
ExampleNo
2 (How to perform Witr? What is Rikats of Witr?)
One claim
One
of my friends was adamant on a particular method of witr prayer. And he
presented a hadith for it, and he said that all other methods for offering witr
is incorrect.
Let’s examine the correctness of the claim
Zaadul
maad chapter no 11 page no 51-52.About the witr Salat these Five
different methods are mentioned in the book.
Case no 1
After
praying 2 rikat Muhammad sallallaahu alaihi wasallam use to sleep, by this way
will offer 6 rikaats in 3 times. And each time he will do miswak and ablution.
Then he will pray 3 rikaat witr .
Case no 2
Prophet
sallallaahu alaihi wasallam pray 8 rikaats in a manner that will do salaam at every 2
rikaats .Then will read 5 rikaats witr and will
sit at last only
Case no 3
Prophet
sallallaahu alaihi wasallam use to pray 9 rikaats in manner that 8 rikaats
continuously , will sit in 8th
rikaats , do hamd and dua will stand without salam . Then in 9th
rikaat recite tashhud and will do salam .
After
salam will read 2 more rikaats .
Case no 4
7
Rikaats on the above mentioned manner then will read 2 more rikaats in sitting position.
Case no 5
Prophet
sallallaahu alaihi wasallam will pray
2-2 rikaats and 3 rikaats witr at last in which there will be no gap of qaadah
and tashhud .
The
4th reason of groupism among general Muslims
The
4th reason of rising groupism among general Muslims is concealment /
nondisclosure of one fact from general public by speakers of 3rd /4th
group at time of their claim. In some cases hadith is there but it is weak.
The
3rd /4th group claim.
This
hadith is week that’s why we are not practicing this action. But they conceal
the fact that hadith is week but was the sahaba practice.
Example
No 3 (To Recite Qunoot in Witr)
One
group says that we don’t recite qunoot in witr because the Hadith about Qunoot in
witr is Dhaeef.
Let’s
confirm the issue.
(Zaadul
Maad page no 53 Line 6-12)
“In
witr Qunoot is not proved from prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam .Only it is
mentioned in the Hadith of Ibne Maaja. But Hazrat Ummar R.A. used to recite
Qunoot whole year. The recitation of Dua e Qunoot in witr is also proved from
the practice of Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Ubai bin kaab, Hazrat Abdullah ibne Masood
R.A. “
(Zaadul
Maad page no 53)
The
5th reason of groupism among general Muslims
One
Claim
Some
people have misinformed the general public that only the Hadith mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari and sahih Muslim are Sahih (authentic). Any Hadith not mentioned
in Bukhari and Muslim is not authentic or doubtful.
The
truth about Sahih Hadith
1) All
the Hadith in Bukhari Sghareef and Muslim Shareef are authentic. And all Ahle
Sunnat scholars are unanimous on its authenticity.
2) All
the Sahih Hadith is not included in Bukhari and Muslim Shareef.
3) There
could be Sahih Hadith in books other than Bukhari and Muslim
(Reference: Imam Bukhari has mentioned in the
preface of Sahih Bukhari that the number of sahih Hadith that I got is far more
than whatever I have collected in Sahih Bukhari. Similar sentiments have been
expressed by Imam Muslim also. None have claimed that all the Sahih Hadith are
in Bukhari and Muslim.)
4)
For a Hadith to be Sahih the chain of Narrators should be correct.
5.)
Imam Bukhari has made criteria for
Narrators. Similarly Imam Muslim has made criteria for Narrators.
6.)
There are Ahadith whose Narrators fulfill the criteria of Bukhari or Muslim but
they are not in Bukhari or Muslim. Thts why it is sometimes mentioned as ‘Sahaih
Alal Shartal Bukhari’ OR ‘Sahih Alal Shartal Muslim’ (Authentic on the criteria
of Bukhari OR Muslim)
7.)
There are Ahadith which fulfill the combined criteria of Bukhari and Muslim
together and it is mentioned that Sahih Alal Shartal Saheehain .
Technically these Aahadith are among the most authentic but not mentioned in
the Bukhari and Muslim.
The
6th reason of groupism among general Muslims
General
Public does not know a very important fact that is chronology of Fiqh
compilation and Hadith compilation.
It
also happens that a Hadith when reaches to Imams (Imam Abu Hanifa, Malik etc)
then its chain is strong. But later on when it was being collected in Hadith
book then due to some narrators coming after Imam Period this chain becomes
weak.
e.g
Imam Abu Haneefa date of birth is 80 Hijri (after 70 years of prophet death),
All the sihah sitta was collected around 200 years after prophet. Imam Bukhari
was the first Muhaddith among Sihah Sitta to collect the Hadith formally in
book form his date of birth is 194 Hijri (184 years after prophet death) Other
hadith scholars are still later. So a particular hadith may become weak because
of narrator of the later period.
The
following Table will make the matter understandable
Imam
|
Birth year of Imams
{(A.H. After Hijrat,) Prophet Wafat is 10 years after
Hijrat)}
|
Death year of
Imams
|
Difference of
period from Prophet Era to birth of
imam
|
AGE AT THE TIME OF DEATH
|
Abu hanifa
|
80 AH
|
150 AH
|
70
|
79
|
Imam Malik
|
95 AH
|
179 AH
|
85
|
84
|
Iamam Shafi’i
|
150 AH
|
204 AH
|
140
|
54
|
Imam Ahmad bin hanbal
|
164 AH
|
241 AH
|
154
|
77
|
Imam Bukhari
|
194 AH
|
256 AH
|
184
|
62
|
Imam Muslim
|
204 AH
|
261 AH
|
194
|
57
|
Imam Abu dawud
|
202 AH
|
275 AH
|
192
|
73
|
Imam Tirmidhi
|
209 AH
|
279 AH
|
199
|
70
|
Imam Nasa’i
|
214 AH
|
303 AH
|
204
|
89
|
Imam Ibn Maja
|
209 AH
|
273 AH
|
199
|
64
|
May Allah pleased with all of them. They be given best reward
for relaying to us the true message of Islam.
From this table, it is quite evident that since a period
of two hundred years separates Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) from Imam Bukhari and
Imam Muslim, there are bound to be many links between them. Contrast this with
the era of Imam Malik and Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with them) not
even a period of one hundred years separates them from Allah’s Messenger
(PBUH). Among other things, an excessive number of links is one of the causes
for differences between narrations. Also, since the compilation of the various
hadith books only began in the second century, there were relatively more
narrators (at that time). This consequently brought about more differences in
the wording of the narrations.
The 7th Reason of Groupism among Muslims
The act of Omissions (Should be done but not done) on the
part of good People & Scholars
The First Ommission
Disconnect between Ulama e Haq & General Muslims?
When these controversial issues is brought (e.g Questions
like Where to place hand in prayer, Ameen loud or silent etc) the general
Public does not consult the Ulama e Haqq.
It is also a fact that general public has no access to them
directly. Public is not ready to take pain and visit Ulmae Haqq. And on the
other Hand Ulmae Haqq also does not spare much free time to entertain general
Public. There are some means to get in touch with Ulema if the public is active
seeker, but there is no option for passive seeker. It is the main deficit that
has given free hand to nuisance speaker.
The silence of Good Muslims
Only 5-10% of Muslims are in 3rd & 4th
Group. Most of the Muslims 90-95% are not interested in group fighting. But
this majority is silent spectator. DON’T DO NUISANCE & DON’T BECOME MUTE
SPECTATER FOR NUISANCE. This act of omission is giving free space to
speakers of 3rd and 4th Group to do nuisance on the
name of Islam.
Our True scholars (Ulmae Haq) have very limited direct
contact with general public. The general Muslims gives them full regard but
have no access to them. You may argue that there are Islamic magazine from
these scholars, but truly speaking its reach is very minimal. It is mainly read
by those in scholary circle. Most of these magazines have less than 1000
copies.
Sometimes these scholars do the Dawati and Islahi Tours
but it is not enough, India is a country with nearly 20-25 Crore Muslims and
there should be continuous programme for more and more contacts between Ulma e
Haq and General Public.
The Conclusion
Both the scholars and general should consider it as a
work of prime importance and raise voice against Groupism online and Offline.
They should try to contact these members of 3rd/4th group
and should give them lesson on Islam and Jurisprudence.
Allah knows the best.
once
became extremely upset with his brother Harun 