Al-Tijaniyyah

Q 1: I read a Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) that rules Al-Tijaniyyah Tariqah (Sufi order) to be a Kafir (disbeliever), deviant group. Please advise concerning the reasons for this ruling.

A: Al-Tijaniyyah Tariqah is a rejected group that does not correspond with the guidance of Islam. It entails Bida` (innovations in religion), acts of Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and acts of Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) which take one out of the fold of Islam. These practices include:First, exceeding proper limits on the part of Ahmad ibn Muhammad Al-Tijany, the founder of the Tariqah, and exceeding the proper limits on the part of his followers, to the extent that he thought he had the attributes of a Messenger or even a God, and his followers believed him in that.Second, his belief in Ittihad (a Sufi claim of union with Allah) and Wahdat-ul-Wujud (pantheism), and claiming that he is in the highest rank of this status. His followers believed him and followed him in that.Third, his declaration that help is given by Allah to the Prophet (peace be upon him), then to the rest of the Prophets, then to himself, and then to the other people since the beginning and until the end of creation. His followers also believe in this. (Part No. 2; Page No. 146) Fourth, his attack and insolence against Allah and Awliya' (pious people). He stated that his feet were on the neck of each Waliy (referring to humiliation).Fifth, his false claim that he knew the Ghayb (the Unseen) and what is within the minds of people, and that he controlled the hearts. His followers believe this and consider it one of his Karamahs (extraordinary events caused by Allah for or through a pious person).Sixth, his distortion of the meaning of Ayahs of the Qur'an and interpreting them symbolically.Seventh, his claim that every one who belongs to the Tijaniyyah Tariqah will enter Jannah (Paradise) without being questioned or punished, no matter what sins they committed.These are some of the concepts adopted by Al-Tijaniyyah, extracted from their most trusted books, such as ''Jawahir Al-Ma`any'' by `Aly Harazim and "Rimah Hizb Al-Rahim" by `Umar ibn Sa`id Al-Fawty. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.