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The Fitnah of Takfeer
Shaykh Saaleh as-Saaleh رحمه الله
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﷽
All Praise is due to Allaah, and may the Allaah’s salaah and salaam be on Prophet Muhammad, his household, and the noble companions and those who follow their path until the Day of Resurrection. The title fitnah of Takfeer: The Trials and Tribulations associated with imputing kufr (disbelief) on Muslims (rulers or ruled), is one of the most dangerous fitan in our times.
This misleading thought has spread amongst many of the youth in the Muslim world, east and west, north and south. Many of these youths are greatly motivated by their emotions and their vigilant care concerning the deen. As such, they took many of that which they received from the followers of desires. These followers of desires have renewed the principles and thoughts of the early Khawaarij (dissidents) and have become an extension of them. This has led to declare takfeer on the Islamic societies at large and on all Muslim leaders, without exception. The consequences of this have been very terrible. Blood is being shed.
Definition of Kufr:
To better understand takfeer, it is necessary to first define kufr. Linguistically, the term kufr means, “covering and shielding.” If an object covers something, then that object kafarahu (covered and shielded it). Similarly, it is said that the farmer when he puts the seed in the ground and covers it with soil is a kafir from the linguistic aspect, since he covered the seed with dirt.
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Solution:
The solution to this problem is to spread the knowledge of the righteous predecessors, al- ilm ash-shari’ saheeh (the correct knowledge of Islaam). This comes from the knowledge taught by the reliable scholars and the books of the salaf. The young should return to the ulama to seek their advice instead of following these so-called thinkers and their takfeeri books. All of those who write advocating this methodology are not even known for being from the true ulama holding to the path of the salaf.
On the other hand, Muslim societies and governments should take the corrective approach of adhering to the shar’eeah. Once this is done for the sake of Allaah (subhaanahu wa ta’ala), then the promise of Allaah to bestow strength and steadfastness upon the ummah will surely be manifested.
Furthermore, there should always be a hand extended to our youth who may have influenced by takfeer. There should be useful discussions in this matter and a refuting of the views held by them based on evidences and proofs.
If there is anything we need to emphasize every now and then, whether regarding this matter or the understanding of Islaam as a whole, it is that people should be very serious about knowing Islaam from its two sources, the Qur’an and the way of the Rasool Allaah (Messenger of Allaah) in accordance with the understanding of the companions. This is the criteria of safety; this is the path that every Muslim should give his utmost effort to learn; this is the true safeguard mechanism for the individual and thus for the family and the society at large.
And Advice to the Youth:
Finally, we all know that emotions are real, and care for Islaam is a strong motivation to its adherents. The motivation by care, sincerity, and emotion if not guided by the following of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in accordance with the way of the salaf, then it can turn into a blazing fire of destruction. Hence, a sincere advice is stressed again for all of our youth: seek knowledge from its reliable sources and from the ulama who are on the path of the companions.
May Allaah the most High guide us and our Muslim youth to be on the path of righteousness and wisdom, and may Allaah, the Most High, safe guide this ummah from the fitnah of takfeer.
The slave of Allaah, Saleh As-Saleh. 9/5/1427 AH
June 6, 2006
Transcribed from the site www.understand-islam.net by Br. Abu Abdullah al-Amreeki.
PDF Source: https://archive.org/details/understand-islam.net/Articles/ContemporaryIssues1-The FitnahofTakfeer/
