IslamWorld

I HAVE RECEIVED a letter from some Muslim students in the Far East saying that they are confused with the talk taking place about a particular Caller or a particular group. They said that they hear much criticism and accusations of misguidance and deviation. They also said that the names are many and they are searching for the true method that a Muslim should adopt towards these events.

The queries of those brothers are not exclusive to them, and in fact most of the brothers had heard something similar, and were mystified in their search for the truth in the quagmire of divisions. Such brothers can be somehow excused for the enormity of what is written and what is said about matters that only create agonising doubts and do not benefit the Da`wah. I said 'somehow' since the educated Muslims like the enquiring brothers have to possess a scale that enables them to gauge the situation of the Da'wah and its Callers. Indeed the first scale is that of Allah's saying: And never concern yourself with anything of which you have no knowledge. (Surah al.-Isra': 36). And much of what is said is in fact done without knowledge as tales spread, fuelled by partisan sentiments, and relying on paucity of readings and judgments reached without adequate authentication.

Notably, of those scales, is the methodology of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama'ah's, which is the following the noted scholars of the early and best decades and generations in their understanding and reference from the Book and the Sunnah. Clearly, this path is more worthy of following, and the closer one is to this approach the closer he is to the truth. This methodology is not a mere term used in congregations but a practical and scientific implementation of its principles and the respect to its scholars and Callers. Also, a part of it is the justice in pronouncing decrees even if they were on enemies, and the avoidance of words against the honour of a Muslim.

Those who do not possess these attributes are clearly astray. This is because they leave aside the people of oppression and debauchery and pursue the Callers with criticism and faultfinding. This, indeed, is the method of the Kharijites who let alone idol worshippers and slew the people of Iman.

Another point of measure is observing how Allah bequeaths His favour upon the Callers of the pure method by making their Call acceptable throughout the earth, and makes their projection of Islam attractive. This is not the case with the people of innovations, and this makes them more angry and envious, and so they increase their accusations and pitiful talk. And matters are judged by their ends and from their fruits they shall be known.

So look, o inquirer into the Islamic fields of Da'wah: who is sacrificing, and who is not? And let us take a lesson from what the forefathers said: "If you see someone mentioning Imam Malik with ill, then know that he is an innovator."