The line in the sand - Part 1

 

“Water is not a right”. Reflecting on the Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and imbibing the lessons from it, it was nothing short of a miracle. Of course, Christians may attempt to make the same or a better comparison to Prophet Yeshu (commonly known as Jesus) – peace be upon him - except that they deify him.

Once Yeshu – on whom be peace – is deified, the whole perspective changes. This is because Allah, God created the world and all that was before Yeshu and after him. Just from a time perspective, that is an incredibly long time. However, the message of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was delivered over a period of twenty-three years. This note has little, if anything, to do directly with Christianity although it may be important enough for all to have a good read. The message of Islam, the first verses revealed in a barren place called Makkah, transformed the world in every sphere to the degree that the scientific contributions (from Muslims after the demise of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) are the foundations of much of the modern-day science. It is through the eyes of historians that you see the steps to the pitiful state of Muslims today. History, though, is a boring subject and many cannot see any reason to study it. Yet Allah, in Quran, teaches us history. Why? The message brought by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ transformed the world and its landscape in one generation. This is phenomenal. Today, if there was a chance to correct the condition of the Muslims, it will take at least two generations. Today we have the complete Quran, and we have the sunnah while it took twenty-three years for the Quran to be revealed during which time the transformation happened too. What is it that Muslims must change when there is wealth, position (across the board, all over the world) and still be adherents to Islam?

The subject is big. It took twenty-three years for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to deliver the message from Allah. This message was delivered to the best of generations. How do we compare to this generation and, considering your answer, do you really think that this subject can effectively be covered in twenty-three years for us? The most important lesson we can take is that Allah did not reveal the first word “iqra” (read, rehearse, study, recite) except that it probably should have its greatest impact on the last of generations, if I am allowed to say something to this effect. Surely, this word does not refer to the trivial posts on social media in which you so regularly and eagerly engage.

The meaning is deeper. It needs concentration and focus. And home much of the truth are you prepared to share, or to ask questions to get a good understanding, rather than much of the superficiality that is prevalent today. What does the opening line of this post have to do with anything?

 

See part 2: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: The line in the Sand - Part 2

Blind following of misguidance - Part 6

The predominant reason for people falling into misguidance is their lack of grounding in aqeedah (belief). When a scholar makes a mistake, then because you understand that they are not infallible, you don’t have to necessarily hold them accountable. I use the word “necessarily” only as a qualification that not all mistakes can be overlooked without it being important to correct it.

Great scholars of the past have made mistakes, but when it comes to mistakes of belief then you have to be a little wary. More so when someone repeats those type of mistakes. When mistakes in aqeedah are not questioned, and you carry on as normal, then this is when you can call such a group a cult. A cult: a system of religious veneration and devotion directed towards a particular figure or object. So, therein lies a danger for those not well grounded in belief.

Every scholar has its limits in knowledge to the extent that grand imams like Imam Malik bin Anas who often would answer “I do not know” to questions even though he had such a high stature. Actually, it is through his knowledge and his accompanied diligence and humility that he gained that rank. Today, everyone has answers for everything, and their knowledge is less than a drop in the ocean of true scholars. The view of the great imams was always that if I say something which is not in conformity with an authentic hadith, then my understanding is null and void and you must take the authentic hadith. Another point that is important is how, from a knowledge (transmission) point of view, we arrived here. This is an important point because, in short, there is a chain (of transmitters, narrators, teachers) that preserved knowledge for us. Any scholar, worth his salt, will know this and not belittle this. Such a person is lacking. Yet, it is cultish behaviour to not be teachable on the truth but hang onto every dear word of your sheikh.

The primary sources of information are Quran and Sunnah. These cannot be disputed except by the ignorant who lack understanding and have issues in belief. The influence of orientalists has caused some to question or belittle hadith. However, this is in itself a core aqeedah issue which can be decisive whether or not you are within the fold of Islam.

 

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/01/blind-following-of-misguidance-part-5.html

 

See next:    The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Blind following of misguidance - Part 7

    

Picture courtesy https://konouzeg.com

 

Blind Followers of Misguidance

The blooming seed can become a most beneficial plant, it may be beautiful or indeed may be something much less. That determination is the decree of Allah. Guidance too is the decree of Allah for He is the One who guides.

The best of creation was Prophet Muhammad pbuh and the best of generations were the early generations. Today, there are people (in our lifetime) who are venerated more than the illustrious companions of Prophet Muhammad pbuh and the early generations. They are eloquent and give a sense that they are knowledgeable. Through this, gullible people follow them. Sadly, it is ignorance but Allah will surely guide those who are sincere. And Allah knows best who are sincere. Certainly, if you denounce truth with any amount of pride or arrogance, then are you sincere? If you are not open to be rectified, are you sincere? Thus, it starts off with understanding faith (eemaan) and then your beliefs. Importance must be given to that which nullifies faith (eemaan) because of incorrect beliefs that can nullify your eemaan. A believer and a non-believer are not equal. What makes you a disbeliever? There are clear signs and evidences that some of these acclaimed people have either committed an act/s of kufr (disbelief) or have disbelieved already. The latter is for those in authority to pass judgement. In instances, these have been done, but the followers of the misguided individuals pay no heed and therefore place themselves in harms way.

I write this note, because people ask on the matter (from what scholars have already mentioned). Some carry on in their original path and others, stop, acquiesce and take the safer option to protect their faith. To steer away from misguidance is the right thing even though much of what the speaker says is good. A believer and non-believer is not the equal.

see part 2: The Cape Muslim Dialogue: Blind following of Misguidance – Part 2