The books 'Al-Tahdhir min Fitnat Al-Takfir' and 'Sayhat Nadhir'

Q: Some people ask about the two books entitled "Al-Tahdhir min Fitnat Al-Takfir (Warning against Accusing Others of Disbelief)" and "Sayhat Nadhir (the Cry of a Warner)" compiled by `Aly Hasan Al-Halaby The two books call to the Madh-hab (school of jurisprudence) of Irja', which holds that actions are not a fundamental condition upon which the soundness of Iman (Faith) depends, and relate this opinion to Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream). The author based the two books on distorted citations from the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah, Al-Hafizh Ibn Kathir, and others (may Allah be merciful to them all). The advisors hope to see clarifications of the material of the books so that readers will be able to differentiate between truth and falsehood.

A: After studying the two books, the Committee found that the book entitled Al-Tahdhir min Fitnat Al-Takfir, compiled by `Aly Hasan Al-Halaby where he added to the sayings of scholars in the introduction and commentaries, includes the following:1. The author based the book on the invalid and innovated Madh-hab of Al-Murji'ah (a deviant Islamic sect), who limit Kufr (disbelief) to denial, rejection, conscious Istihlal (believing that what is prohibited is to be made lawful) as seen on page 6, commentary 2, and also page 22. This opinion opposes that of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah who believe that doctrinal disbelief, actions, statements, and/or doubt entail Kufr.2. The author distorted facts when reporting from Ibn Kathir (may Allah be merciful to him) from Al-Bidayah wal Nihayah 13/118, where he stated in his commentary in page 15 - as cited (Part No. 2; Page No. 138) from Ibn Kathir: "Verily, Genghis Khan claimed that Al-Yasiq was revealed by Allah and that is why they were regarded as Kafirs (disbelievers)." When referring to the stated page, the saying claimed to be Ibn Kathir's (may Allah be merciful to him) was not found.3. He fabricated lies against the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him) in pages 17-18, where he falsely related to him the claim that ruling by other than what Allah has revealed was not considered Kufr by Shaykh-ul-Islam unless it is done out of knowledge, belief, and Istihlal. This is sheer fabrication against the Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah be merciful to him), who promoted the Madh-hab of the Salaf (righteous predecessors), Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah, which is already mentioned; on the other hand, the Math-hab falsely attributed to Ibn Taymiyyah is that of Al-Murji'ah. 4. He fabricated the meaning intended by the knowledgeable Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim (may Allah be merciful to him) in his treatise "Tahkim Al-Qawanin Al-Wad`iyyah" (Ruling by Man-made Laws), as he falsely claimed that the Shaykh considers conscious Istihlal a condition for Kufr, although the statements of the Shaykh plainly indicate that he followed the opinion of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah.5. He commented on the statements of the people of knowledge and implied that these statements mean what they do not mean, as in page 108, commentary 1; page 109, (Part No. 2; Page No. 139) commentary 21; and page 110, commentary 2.6. The book also makes easy the sin of ruling by other than what Allah has revealed, particularly on page 5, commentary 1, claiming that paying special attention to enforcing Tawhid (belief in the Oneness of Allah) in this area is considered an imitation of the Rafidah (a Shi`ah group denying the caliphates of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq and `Umar ibn Al-Khattab and making accusations against them and many other Companions of the Prophet), and this is a grave mistake.7. On examining the second book entitled "Sayhat Nadhir", the Committee found that it is a supporting tool for the contents of the first book. Accordingly, the Permanent Committee believes that it is not permissible to print, publish, or distribute the two books because of the falsehood and fabrications they contain. We advise the author to fear Allah for himself and for Muslims, especially the youth, and endeavor to acquire knowledge of the Shari`ah (Islamic law) at the hands of scholars trusted for their knowledge and beliefs. Knowledge is a trust which should not be spread unless it is in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). The author must renounce these opinions and highly shameful approaches in distorting the statements of the people of knowledge. It is known that returning to the truth is a virtue and a cause of dignity for Muslims.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.