The Line in the Sand - Part 11 - The Task Ahead

 

The Task Ahead

Deviation is anything which is contrary to Islam and the Shari’ah. On the one hand, we have invited you to look at the evolution of Islamic legislation and to learn about methodologies and groups that have deviated. Does this deviation refer to following the ways of the Christian and Jews to the extent of following them into a lizard’s hole. What about the other sins which are committed because generally Muslims have started to follow their way of life in everything?

Using the word “bid’ah” scares many people while others go into panic mode, resulting in them mocking those who point out their innovations. Few take note and correct themselves. The detail of what classifies as innovation is for you to sincerely research through credible scholars. While these innovations may be apparent, it depends which group’s stamp of approval or disapproval you take. There really is not a choice, but that will be obvious for those who fear Allah, seek His love and that love is through the following of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. As for those who follow the customs and traits of the non-believers, then some acts will be sinful (even to the extent of disbelief), while others are mere customs which does not clash with the Shari’ah. The simple acts of disbelief, which no sane Muslim scholar will deny, is fortune-telling which includes horoscopes. Other sins can become disbelief if you contradict what the main sources of the Shari’ah says. What is a grave worshipper? Is this something that Allah may question you about concerning yourself? Using the word grave-worshipper or idolator does result in the same thing – Mushrik. The pagan Arabs used to say that they use the idols only as their intermediaries to Allah. Is it acceptable to engage in acts and manners of worship that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did not teach us? What did he say concerning this?

This was never intended to be a deep dive but merely scratching the surface in embarking on understanding “the line in the sand”. The solutions to the world’s problems starts with you. You need to be ready and equipped. It starts with you ready to face Allah and give a beautiful account of your devoted life in His service. That is what that line in the sand represent. The straight line is the line to follow. Any deviation has at the head of it a satan calling to disobedience and disbelief. Then, we look at the world with new vigour but with understanding and wisdom. There will always be a group of people, believers, however small in number, that will call to the truth. At this point, you will know to differentiate between opinion and correct beliefs.

Muslims have a huge task ahead. The implementation of justice and fighting oppression are key. Are we ready or do we need transformation to be that dynamic ummah Allah wants us to be. Will we be at the forefront of calling and establishing the good and preventing the evil? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ drew the line in the sand more than 1400 years ago. The straight line is the path he taught us while those lines that deviate off the straight path has a satan at the head of it.

We pray for guidance and protection.

Shall we march to Aqsa? See: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-march-to-holy-land.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-10.html

 

The Line in the sand - Part 10

 

Abandoning Hajj

The world may be in turmoil. But Muslims appear to be in greater turmoil. So much can be read into this last statement, that it begs for deeper understanding. Muslims are to take the lead in calling to good and preventing evil. Generally, Muslims are at fault in their failure to uphold this and then there are specific situations when the general Muslim population may have some excuse.

The re-establishment of the Caliphate is important. Is this merely supposed to happen at the End of time? And how close is the world to that time? As mentioned previously, Quds plays a role in the Caliphate. The devastation caused in those lands are continuing unabated. Does the Muslim world show that it is colonised and hence its subjugation? Do not get carried away with the fanfare of the recent Trump Middle Eastern “tour”. The usual American rah-rah to go with their leader who blows his own trumpet anyway, must be taken with a pinch of salt. This simply means that whatever agreements were reached, go back many years, and is now confirmed as news. The numbers and other details are immaterial. The reflection is upon us that Muslims too, the world over, is subjugated. And therein lies a simple question, “Are Muslims voluntarily being subjugated?”. The answer lies in the line on the sand and whatever lines of deviation Muslims follow. For is it not in our general disobedience to Allah that we are being tested without what appears to be any way to defend Quds and/or to establish a caliphate?

The principles of Islam are five. The rulings concerning these are clear and each and every Muslim must strive to fulfil it. Hajj is one of those pillars of Islam. Corrupt rulers, corrupt Muslim rulers have lived before, and the pilgrimage was never in question. Hajj must continue as it is the one pillar that physically bring people from all over the world together in one place. Hajj is that period that the entire world is focused on Makkah and its precincts. The call to pilgrimage was first made by Prophet Ibrahim – peace be upon him - upon the instruction of Allah. The pilgrimage is one that the enemies of Islam acknowledge as key and a reflection of Islam. While it continues when Muslims are weak, then consider the greater impact when the Muslims are strong. Non-Muslims acknowledge this. Thus, any call to abandon it, is filled with emotion but has no basis.  Even during the misguided lockdown period in 2020, hajj took place (more on the topic of lockdown at another time, but know that the same people who brought the lockdown are massacring our brothers and sisters in the land of Quds). Can you really fix something by abandoning a prescribed act of worship?

The question of which line you are following seems simple, yet you and I may be tainted. You cannot claim to be on the straight path while crawling into the lizard hole. Should you not stick to the basics, and travel along this straight line, light and focused?

See Next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-11-task-ahead.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-9.html

The line in the sand: Part 9

Caliphate

The caliphate is necessary and important for Muslims. Others will argue against it, saying that such talk is emotional and without basis. I will not spend time on that point directly but address the issue from the viewpoint that the nation is leaderless.

The first point to consider is that Islam does not confine itself to man-made geographical borders. We consider ourselves one nation under the banner of “Laa ilaaha ilallah MuhammadurRasoolullah” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Muhammad ﷺ is His messenger). A nation ought to have a leader, and it did for thirteen hundred years. You may argue that, for the most part, they were not righteous and there was corruption. However, does the contrast of “independent” states with its own rulers suggest that righteousness is the order of the day and that no leader is corruptible? There is that one little need to reflect on the demise of the caliphate. In order to do that, you will need to open the history books and consider the landscape, especially the period leading up to that fateful declaration that “the Caliphate is no more”. World War 1 had just finished. The colonies of the Europeans were ill at ease. Yes, that word “colon-ies” had to crop up. Colonies are places that were colonised? And what is colonisation? Something rather distasteful and the mildest form of it is called subjugation. And had you analysed that word, every one of its meanings should bring forth such disgust that you rather would wish to believe that humans cannot do that to other humans. Here we are, at the next phase of colonisation where there is apparent independence and sovereignty given to countries on a new map. The history of the last century.

In a previous post, we alluded to end times, meaning the end of the world. On a global scale it certain seems to be heading that way fast. But we always reflect on ourselves, the individual, the family, the community, until we get to the global situation. The line in the sand indicates that there in one straight line, then there are so many other lines along which many people will deviate. Of course, the immediate focus is on the serious matter that of the Muslims are those who may deviate. In a narration of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he refers to Muslims following the ways of the non-Muslim, specifically the Jew and Christian, that even were they to crawl into a lizard hole, then some will follow them into it. In one way, you could argue that Muslims, to a degree, lost part of their global identity at the fall of the caliphate. However which way you want to see it, it is still up to you to stay on the straight line in the sand. Ultimately, those who remain on this straight line will soon rejoice at the reinstatement of the Caliphate. Yes, those who remain of the straight line or return to it. The task ahead is heavy because in an ever more deceptive world, you have to hold onto your faith. People ask, “how do I know I am on the right path?”. Delightful question. Perhaps there will be one more concluding part to this series, but for starters, maybe you can reflect on what was stated so far. Of course, you must stay on the straight path, that is your main goal and to do that, you must be informed. This whole series begged of you to learn and be informed.

The re-establishment of the Caliphate is directly linked to Palestine, Quds. Quds is indeed a sacred place. Reflecting on this point does indicate that Muslims must incline to having a caliphate. Now, much of the world is colonised. What about being mentally and intellectually colonised? Can those who are colonised in this manner be on the straight line in the sand?

 See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-10.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-8.html

The line in the Sand: Part 8

 

Chapter 8: Groups and Sects

Following a madhab carries benefits, the first of which is that a great learned person already collated the rulings of Islam into one. Something for which to be grateful. There are matters of aqeedah (belief) that further categorise Muslims into groups. The four imams of the madhabs still known today, did not differ on matters of aqeedah, so a misguided person or group cannot hide behind their madhab on this issue.

However, even during the time of the four imams, issues of aqeedah raised its head. Being exposed to foreign ideas and influences, some people inclined to a different way of thinking. Before this, problems started arising with the rise of the Khawarij and the Shi’i. While initially the shi’a were based purely on political difference, with time it evolved into a sect of its own, away from Ahlus-sunnah. The focus here will not be on these groups. Rather the focus is on those who use speech and logic in their arguments rather than Quran and Sunnah. Yet, these people will claim to follow Quran and Sunnah. For the moment, let’s leave the topic of “who is Ahlus sunnah” hanging. These posts are issues with which you need to get to grips through addressing with, and learning from, credible scholars. The difference between groups owning the title, is that while true followers of Quran and sunnah seeks proof from these main sources, the other group will incline to speech and logic. On these groups, differences of Aqeedah arose. These are serious matters which you need to carefully learn and consider. The point is what are your main sources. Do you love Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and follow him? If you follow him, then is it not important to get his view on the matter? Did not his companions understand his teachings better than us? There arose people and groups who inclined to using speech and logic. This was something that was denounced by the great imams. Effectively, at the hands of one earlier group, many scholars were killed because they rejected them and their teachings. One such teaching was that the Quran was created. They were eventually marginalised, but new groups came and merely reformed some things while inclining to their methodology.  

There are more issues to discuss. For the moment, consider what causes differences and which differences are serious, and which are not. If you remain unaware of these differences, it may be good. But it is more likely that your ignorance of these differences may not give you certainty of the line in the sand. Furthermore, which differences require rigidity and which not. Understanding these differences will be helpful. Many are afraid to ask the questions for fear of exposing their ignorance. Perhaps the question we should all ask is, “what will be my position in front of Allah on the Day of Resurrection?”. Today there are many terms used for groups or sects and how many have any idea what it means. Sometimes people have been grouped together by people outside such a group. Labels are attached, sometimes derogatory or slanderous. Nevertheless, some of the names and labels used are: Ahlus sunnah, asharias, mu’tazilah, Deobandi, Barelvi, Salafi, Wahhabi, sufi. And within these group may be groups.

The line in the sand is key to your way forward or must you reverse to get onto the straight line? This is not a judgement call, but merely a “dare to think” or shall I say “Dare to learn” call. We all have work to do. The most amazing part of these posts is that I am really addressing myself. The flip side of that is that the next person is but a mirror to oneself, so we reflect and learn.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-9.html

See previous:  https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-7.html

The line in the sand - Part 7

Schools of Thought

Quran and Sunnah are the two main sources of knowledge for the believer. Revisiting earlier points is an important reminder that your love for Allah and His Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ) determines how you approach your life and your adherence to Islam. Many are guilty of interpreting hadith and certain rulings to suit their understanding. “We hear and we obey” is overlooked, dismissed.

In an environment in which nothing changes, the literal understanding and application of rulings is much easier. However, the world is made up of multitudes of people from different backgrounds, simply meaning ethnicity, culture and language. With the expansion of Islam came new situations and challenges. While we can say people are ultimately the same, there may be some nuances. Referring to the sources of knowledge in Islam being Quran and Sunnah, the changing landscape created a need for the interpretation of the main sources as new situations arose. When everyone agrees, then the solution is easy. There may, though, be instances where there is no consensus, then what? I am paraphrasing some of the texts of history. The evolution and development of the Islamic legal system and jurisprudence is a subject on its own, far beyond a few paragraphs. The point is that in the first few centuries of Islam, there were certain developments which led to compilations of books and schools of thought, generally known as a madh-hab.

Beyond that lay a dangerous beast. Before, we get into that detail, it must be pointed out that there are four madhahib (pl of madh-hab) prevalent today. However, there were many more that did not survive for many reasons, not one necessarily better than the other. Understanding how matters developed during the period in which these madhahib were given life, you cannot incline to rigidity in any one madhab. This refers to acting in a way or believing that one is right and the other is wrong. These schools of thought did not come to change the shari’ah but came to bring a level of understanding to it. Therefore, the many sins being committed have not been made permissible by any of these schools of thought. Their basis is Quran and Sunnah. Thus, the rulings on tabarruj, dress-code, haircuts, dating, etc have not changed. On the matter of rigidity, sometimes people question you if you do an act of worship slightly differently and will then continue to suggest that you have formed a new madhab. The important thing is to learn and, therefore, if an act or action falls within the framework of the teachings of Islam, it is acceptable. This needs discussion for better understanding. Stick to your madhab, but if someone does one permissible act outside of the madhab, it does not mean that they do it blindly. Overlook or try to understand.

The one who learns and seeks deeper knowledge will incline to study more in depth and will seek out proofs so that he/she continues to strive to follow Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in the best way possible. The imams of the madhabs were firm on all aspects of the deen, not only fiqh.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-8.html

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-6.html

The Line in the sand - Part 6

 

Extremism, dogmatism, modernism, moderate are some of the many terms that can be applied to Muslims. There so many labels, all of which we will not necessarily explain, but we do need some clarity to avoid confusion and division.

This blog was always about bringing awareness that you may reflect. Seek knowledge from credible scholars. Today, we find everybody claims to follow Quran and Sunnah. That is the best news. Your teacher too will tell you to follow Quran and Sunnah, and that is what he teaches. However, what does it mean? Is it Quran and Sunnah in everything? What does sunnah mean? Ah yes, here we are interjected by Quranists who claim that they follow only Quran. Part of the infiltration of the enemies of Islam, orientalists have planted the seed for people, claiming to be Muslim to reject hadith. Therefore, learning about the history of Islam and the evolution of the legal system, even at a basic level, is important. As part of this point, the revelation of Quran and its preservation, as well as the preservation of hadith, will debunk any thought that that either or both can be rejected.

This note is not extensive, but merely to highlight certain issues like the misunderstanding of the Quranists on the subject of hadith. We merely touched on preservation, but there is much more to hadith than just the matter of preservation. The study of hadith is actually a science. Admittedly, this is what stumps many people who do not have any grounding in hadith. The matter is not helped by the ulama who are sometimes careless in the use of hadith. This attitude to hadith helps Quranists to dismiss hadith. Many-a-time, you hear the phrase “stay in your lane”. While I find this problematic generally, if applied here, then it is better for most people not to quote hadith. One reason is that it may indeed be a fabricated hadith and to quote that is to effectively lie against Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. No Muslim will want to do that. Did I just open the door for the Quranist? That is not a concern because fault-finding and twisting the religion are the tools of the enemies of Islam. Of course, people must attend classes and educate themselves. Through that, you may be in a better position to quote hadith because you have some understanding of a particular hadith. The ulama, in turn, must themselves, advise the people from which hadith source or compilation he has taken the hadith. Then also mention its grading. The many victories from this include your attachment to hadith and refuting Quranists, and secondly, showing love for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by narrating his hadith.

Already, in pursuing this path, there is upliftment through this knowledge. The yearning to learn more will burn stronger in the sincere person. In quoting correctly from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and implementing this knowledge, then it shows love for him ﷺ. The honour that his words have reached you and that you can convey the message is humbling. So, the main sources of knowledge is Quran and sunnah. On this path, you are following the straight line drawn in the sand.

See next: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-line-in-sand-part-7.html

See previous : :  https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-if-sand-part-5.html