The Khawarij Perform Takfir on Account of Major Sins

The Khawarij Perform Takfir on Account of Major Sins
Author: Jamal bin Farihan al-Harithi (trans. Abu Iyaad)
Source: Al-Ajwibah al-Mufidah
Article ID : GSC020002  [20438

Introduction

Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

If it is said: If absolute Iman includes all that Allah and His Messenger commanded, then, if some of the Iman diminishes, the sinners must be charged with unbelief as the Kharjites claimed, or abide forever in Hell and be deprived of Iman, as the Mu’tazilites claimed. The claims of the Kharijites and the Mu’tazilites were more erroneous than the claims of the Murji’ites. For there is a group among the Murji’ites who were considered good and praiseworthy people. However, the Kharijites and the Mu’tazilites were condemned by the consensus of the Orthodox Muslim community. It is said: It should be known that the views of Mu’tazilites and Kharijites, with which none of the Orthodox Muslims agreed, implied that the people who committed major sins would abide forever in Hell. This claim was one of the important innovations because the Companions and Successors of the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), their followers, and all religious Muslims agreed that whoever has an atom’s weight of Iman in his heart will not abide forever in Hell. They also agreed that our Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) would be among those who would intercede to seek Allah’s permission for His intercession for the major sinners from his community. Indeed, both Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari relate that the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Every prophet is allowed one answered prayer. As for me, I delayed my request in order to intercede for my community on Judgment Day.”

Shaikh al-Albani , asked concerning the book, “Dhahiratul-Irjaa fil-Fikr al-Islami” of Safar al-Hawali, and in this book takfir is performed on account of certain sins, replied:

“I gave my viewpoint on a matter about thirty or so years ago when I used to be in the [Isamic] University (of Madinah) and I was asked in a gathering about my opinion on Jamaa’at ut-Tabligh. So I said on that day, ‘They are the Sufis of this era’. And now it has occurred to me that I should say about this Jamaa’ah who have emerged in the present times and who have opposed the Salaf, I say here, in accordance with the statement of al-Hafidh adh-Dhahabi: They have opposed the Salaf in much of the issues of manhaj, and it is befitting that I label them the Khawarij of the era. And this resembles their emergence at the current time – in which we read their statements – because they, in reality, their words take the direction and objective of that of the Khawarij in performing takfir of the one who commits major sins. And perhaps I should say, this is either due to ignorance on their behalf or due to devised plot!! And I say this in light of [the statement of Allaah], “Let not the hatred of a people make you depart from justice. Be just and fair and that is closer to taqaa”. I do not know whether they say that every major sin takes one outside the fold of Islaam! However, they always revolve around certain major sins but remain silent or just pass by other major sins! And for this reason I do not see that we should make this label absolute, and that we should say, ‘They are Khawarj’, except from certain aspects. And this is the justice that we have been ordered to abide by…” [The Cassette:The Surooriyyah are the Khawarij of the Era, end of the first side].

The Text

A person might say, “Why do you always talk about the Mu’tazilah, the Jahmiyyah, the Zanadiqah (Heretics), the Ash’aris, the Khawarij and the Murji’ah? And why do you always mention them whenever you mention the issues of aqidah? Yet these sects have passed and their adherents are now under the soil and as it as said: ‘Time has eaten and drunk over it’, [hence] there is not real need for this?

We say – and with Allaah lies success -:

Yes, these sects existed in the past and their founders and adherents have indeed passed away in the generations that have passed. However, their ideas and beliefs themselves have not ceased to exist. Rather, their followers and those affected by them are present in our very midst. Hence, their aqidah and their ideas have transferred from generation to generation and there are those who revive and give strength to such ideas [in subsequent generations].

As for the aqidah of the Mu’tazilah, then it still exists. In fact is spread far and wide amongst many of those who attach themselves to Islaam. And the Shi’ah, with all their variant groups – even the Zaidiyyah – are upon the aqidah of I’tizal.

As for the Ash’aris then this is a sect that has a significant presence amongst the main bulk of the Muslims today.

As for Irja’ (the Murji’ah) then that too is present. The Hanafis consider Imaan to consist only of assent (tasdiq) and speech without including actions into the definition of Imaan. Despite the fact that this Irja’ is not as severe as that of the Ahl ul-Kalaam, [nevertheless it is still Irja’].

As for the Heretics (amongst those who believe in Wahdatul Wujood, the Unity of Existence, and others) then they too are present, since the followers of Ibn Arabi at-Taa’ee are present and they are the Extremist Sufis.

And built upon this, whenever we talk about these sects, we do not talk about bones that have rotten and turned to dust. However, we talk about sects that are present amongst the Muslims today. This is a matter that will not remain hidden to any student of knowledge. Only those people find fault with us – and our mentioning of these sects – who do not know the true realities, or who desire to cause confusion amongst the people and spread false beliefs.

Hence, it is necessary for one to ask before he finds fault. This is the short answer, otherwise this topic is vast indeed and Allah knows best.

And some examples can be given to make clear that these destructive ideas are still present and that they have carriers and promoters:

ONE: Sayyid Qutb said in Dhilal ul-Qur’an (4/2328), “The Qur’an is apparent, [part of the] created (kawniyyah), like the Earth and Heavens.”

And this is stating that the Qur’an is create, the saying of the Jahmiyyah and others.

TWO: He also says, in explanation of Surah Ikhlas (Qul Huwallaahu Ahad): “Verily it is a single existence, and there is no other reality save that of His, and there is no true and real existence save His – and every other existing thing then its existence is an extension of His existence … and when this perception becomes firmly established, the one which sees nothing in existence except the reality of Allaah…” [Dhilal (6/4002)]

This is the aqidah of Wahdat ul-Wujood of the Extremist Sufis.

He said in his Dhilaal (6/4008): “And the Aahaad hadeeth are not to be taken in the matters of aqeedah, the source is the Qur’aan – and something being mutawaatir is a condition [that has to be fulfilled] in accepting hadeeth in the issues of belief…”

And this is the aqidah of the Mu’tazilah, Ash’aris and other strayers.

And he says in Dhilal (2/1057) “The whole of mankind, including those who repeat from the minarets, in the eastern and western parts of the world, the words ‘Laa ilaaha illallaaha’, without any [consideration of] meaning or reality, then they are the most sinful of people and will be the most severely punished on the day of Judgement because they have apostatised by turning to the worship of the servants (of Allaah).”

And this is the belief of the Khawarij, save that Sayyid Qutb has gone further, exceeded all bounds and performed takfir of the whole Ummah in one sweeping statement!! And this is confirmed by Yoosuf al-Qardaawi in his book – The Priorities of the Islamic Movement (p.110) where he explains that those books of Sayyid Qutb appeared in which Qutb performs takfeer of all societies and in which he announces a destructive jihaad against the whole of mankind.

THREE: Muhammad Qutb says, “Certainly, the matter requires that the people be called afresh to Islaam. Not so because they – in this time – refuse to say with their mouths, ‘Laa ilaaha ilallaaha Muhammad Rasoolullaah’, as the people use to refuse to say it in the very first strangeness [i.e. the call of the Prophet Muhammad]. But [more so] because – in this time – reject the principle requirement of ‘Laa ilaaha illallaaha’ and that is judging to the Shari’ah of Allaah” [Waqi’una al-Mu’asir (p.29)].

I say: This is takfir of everyone in general. And if this is not the case then how can he pass the judgement that they have refused the judgement of Allaah? And how can he make a resemblance between them and the very first Jahiliyyah before the advent of Islaam? All without making any distinction or exception for those who do judge to the Shari’ah of Allaah and who do not have any statute except the Book of Allaah.

And this type of generalisation occurs very frequently from these writers. It is as if they do not acknowledge the presence of an Islamic state in the heart of the Arabian peninsula and also the presence of Muslims in other states amongst the Ahl ul-Hadith and others who are the helpers of the Sunnah and the way of the Salaf.

And it is also strange that such people – or at least some of them – actually live in this Islamic country when they make statements like these, in which there are dangerous elements of confusion for the readers. The unsuspecting readers are made to think that there is not be found a single Islamic state today which utters ‘Laa ilaaha ilallaaha’ and which acts in accordance with its requirements, and which judges to the Shari’ah. And that no individuals or groups from the People of Tawhid are to be found on the face of the earth. This is only a deception of their behalf and a means of causing others to stray and be confused.

Let the student of knowledge therefore, be vigilant of this idea that is spread by many of these writers, may Allaah guide them.

FOUR: One of those who ascribes himself to the da’wah (Salman al-Awdah) states, “And from publicising one’s sin is that a person boasts about his disobedience in front of his friends. He begins to proclaim that he did such and such. And then he begins to count off a list of sins. Such a one will not be forgiven!! Unless he repents, because the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) has judged over him that he will not be forgiven, ‘All of my Ummah will be forgiven…’. And filthier and more grave than this is that some of them will say, ‘I have unlawful relationships’, and ‘I have female friends’ and ‘I have {certain types of) magazines’. Such as person is satisfied with sinfulness. And some of them record their sin on tape and describe how they become deranged by a youthful girl and how they committed unlawful intercourse with her. And this is apostasy from Islaam. Such a one will remain eternally in the Hellfire! Unless he repents.” [Cassette: Jalsah ala ar-Rasif].

And about the singers who distribute their cassettes amongst the youth and which invite the youth to lowly acts, he says, “I am at perfect ease (of conviction) that the one who does this, the least that can be said about him is that he belittles sin. And there is no doubt that belittling sin – especially when it is a major sin and its unlawfulness is agreed upon – is disbelief (kufr) in Allaah. So there is no doubt concerning the likes of these people that this act of theirs is apostasy from Islaam. I say this and my heart is tranquil and at perfect ease with it” [Cassette: Ash-Shabaab, As’ilah wa Mushkilaat]

I say: Certainly takfir and considering the divulgence and spreading of sin amongst the people by way of certain types of media to be a belittlement of sin that constitutes disbelief (kufr), shows the great boldness and courage towards making takfir on account of a major sin. It shows the lack of fearfulness and piety. And this is the methodology of the Khawarij, in that they perform takfir on account of major sins.

And what this person has mentioned about informing others about sins and the various evil connections that sinful people have, then it can be considered plausible, not absolutely the case (as this caller has portrayed) that it is due to istihlaal (declaring the sin to be lawful as a matter of belief). It is possible that ignorance could be the reason behind this evil act. And in such as case admonishment is desirable, not absolute takfir. This is the way of Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah.

Belittlement (of sin) is not the same as mockery (istihzaa). Everyone who commits a sin, whether a major or minor sin, then he did not commit except after considering it to be minor and having belittled it. Hence the one who belittles sin is not the same as the one who mocks and jests.

FIVE: And yet another one (Nasir al-Umar) says: “The imagination that the evils present in our society are just sins? Many people now imagine that [involvement with] usury is only a sin or a major sin, and that intoxicants and drugs are merely sins, that bribery is a sin or one of the major sins. … No my brothers! I have investigated this matter and it has become clear to me now that many of the people in our society have declared usury to be lawful – and refuge is from Allaah!! Do you know that in the usurious banks in our country there are more than a million people. Allaah is over you. Do all of those millions know that usury is unlawful and that they have only committed this act while it is just a sin? No, by Allaah!! Due to the spread and abundance of sin, the great danger present is that many have declared (istahalloo) these major sins – and refuge is with Allaah” [Cassette: Taweed Awwalan].

I say the same as what I said for the previous examples.

However this statement is more damaging to the one who expressed it in my view and understanding. This is because he said, in exaggeration of the danger, that the various acts of disobedience that take place in the society such as taking usury, consuming intoxicants and acts of bribery, that all of that is not merely a sin or a major sin. And he swore and oath by Allaah over this.

And this resolute [judgement] that the one who commits these sins is one who declares them to be permissible as a matter of belief (mustahill), without actually having heard from someone that he has clearly stated that usury is lawful, that bribery is lawful, that intoxicants and drugs are lawful – resolving oneself upon takfir (of an individual) without having heard any of these expressions, or testifying to istihlaal for him (i.e. his having declared it permissible as a matter of belief), out of mere plausibility, is a clear evidence of the lack of piety and fearfulness and the lack of any concern of this takfiri. And this is the methodology of the Khawarij and the Mu’tazilah.

And my advice to him and his likes is to recant from this type of explication which is dangerous to themselves, before anyone else, and to returning to the truth is better than wallowing in falsehood.

SIX: And yet another one of them – a Doctor in Aqidah (Safar al-Hawali) says, “In this hotel – in every openness – there are drinks, meaning that drinks are presented in relation to what is available… So this is a clear invitation to the consumption of intoxicants and there is [mixed] dancing and nakedness, alongside the consumption of intoxicants. We seek refuge in Allaah from this disbelief (kufr), because declaring what Allaah the Blessed and Exalted has made unlawful to be lawful (istihlaal) is without doubt, clear and open kufr” And he also says in one of his books, “And kufr (disbelief) and heresy (ilhad) has appeared in our midst, and evil has been spread in our districts and invitation is made to fornication on our radios, televisions and we have declared usury to be lawful.”

And all of this was extracted and printed in the form of a book – with a variety of different names – ‘Kashf ul-Ghummah an Ulamaa il-Ummah’ in Pakistan, ‘Wa’d Kissinger’ in America and ‘Haqa’iq Hawla Ahdath ul-Khalij’ in Egypt.

I say: You will see that the one who uttered these words has taken it upon himself to say that we have declared usury to be lawful along with other matters that are linked to it. Yet we – by the praise of Allaah – have not declared usury to be permissible and neither has our society. Nor do we consider the mere spread of intoxicants in certain regions to be disbelief that expels from the religion of Islaam. Rather, that with which we worship Allaah with is that the matters which have been mentioned by those who ascribe themselves to the da’wah are all acts of disobedience and sin and not kufr. Rather, all of that is kufr doona kufr, the lesser disbelief, meaning that there are certain acts of disobedience and major sins which negate the presence of perfect and complete Imaan for the one who commits them. But they do not negate the very basis of Imaan, as the Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, “A fornicator does not fornicate while he fornicates and remain a believer (at that moment in time) and nor does a thief steal when he steals and remain a believer (at that moment in time)…” to the end of the hadith.

And there is no doubt that the Imaan that has been negated here is the perfect and complete Imaan. We ask Allaah – the Most High – that he grants us success in our religion and guides those and their likes to the truth.

My dear brother and sister reader – O one who has come to the Salafi methodology:

After these examples of the various [astray] ideas found in some of the callers of today, let alone the youth who have been deluded by them, who sit in front of these callers and take from them ideas and beliefs that destroy the Salafi aqidah, after all this you will say: Why should we not speak about the sects which have passed and yet their aqidah remains and their deviation is present in our midst?

So reflect – may Allaah grant you success – about the importance of the dawah of Tawhid, acting upon it and warning against all of the sects, in every time and place, and returning to the methodology of the Salaf us-Salih in light of the Book and the Sunnah – and Allaah knows best.