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 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 7

 

Cultish behaviour, amongst Muslims, has become far more pronounced than ever before. This forum is not the place to make takfeer (pronouncing someone to have left the faith of Islam) of anyone and no one should rush to do so anyway. However, the ongoing calling to the correct path is necessary.

The details of proper belief must be learnt from credible teachers. Titles may have value, but it is not enough. Again, when learning about the transmission of knowledge, you will find that character was one such factor that was highlighted as a key part of etiquette. This is a subject in itself. But how will those who are ignorant know this when they incline not to true knowledge? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught mainly matters of aqeedah in the first thirteen years of his prophethood. Today, some people get into others subjects without having gained sufficient knowledge of aqeedah. The flip side of it is that those who are effectively the cult leaders, love the attention they get while some of them know the truth. This group of people will surely get more rope in the trespass. The call, in any way, to attach any attribute, which is solely Allah’s, to any of His creation is blasphemous. This is the true understanding of blasphemy. To call out anyone, specifically those who have public platforms, for their incorrect belief is important to safeguard the eemaan of many.  Slander is when you speak a lie against someone while they are, of course, not guilty of it. No preacher can claim innocence to his flock, as in a disclaimer, if he makes statements in public. You speak the truth and must stand by your statement. If, however, you made a mistake, you correct it and not leave it to the laymen. And if, another scholar corrects you, you accept and move forward with humility. Arrogance is unbecoming of anyone, let alone the one claiming to be a scholar.

Those who are in a cult do not actually realise they are in a cult. This is much like a drug addict will not initially realise that they are addicted. The truth is not like that because it allows your to differentiate between good and bad while you are in a lucid state.

 

 

See previous: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/blind-following-of-misguidance-part-6.html

 

 

Picture courtesy https://www.verywellmind.com

 

 

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 Following of Misguidance - Part 4

 

It takes time to ponder, yet time, at least in our lives, are limited and rushed. This is evident in the modern era where the words of man have superceded the word of Allah for few take time to reflect upon Quran, the word of Allah. It is easier for most to listen to the speech of man, devoid of substance, being Quran and Sunnah, as if the last chapter of Quran has meaning in this instance.

Aqeedah/Belief is key to eemaan/faith for incorrect beliefs can nullify eemaan. Eemaan is believing in Allah and rejecting falsehood/false deities - taghut. The focus in the first period of prophethood of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was on strengthening belief. This note is a challenge to you to study the beliefs of Muslims through authentic sources. How did the early Muslims believe. Sometimes so much focus is given to the views and opinions of people that lived long after, that the true meanings are missed. What are the authentic sources that Ahlus-sunnah wa-l-jama’ah follow. If you know this and stick to this, then know that any opinion outside of that, is mere speech and has little, if any value, unless it is in total conformity. Conformity must have yardsticks and benchmarks. Yet today we are overwhelmed by beautiful words and speeches devoid of any proofs from authentic sources and people gobble these up. You have Quranists who reject hadith because they don’t understand Quran yet claiming to follow Quran. On the other hand, to support their deviancy, there are people who use weak and, at times, fabricated hadith to support their misguided viewpoints. The masses are gullible largely because they are ignorant while they may accept things in good faith.  This is the dilemma for most. The one point that cannot be missed is that people largely follow modern-day personalities, those with good voices, orators, charisma. Attaching yourself to these personalities can result in idol worship or cult worship. Simply put, when the words of these men are favoured above the words of Allah and His Prophet, Muhammad ﷺ, then your beliefs become questionable. And with that, your eemaan. The test can be simple in terms of who is right and who is wrong: Is what you are doing in conformance with Quran and Sunnah -strictly, or is it subject to interpretation? Is what another is doing, perhaps he is doing less than you, but can he be faulted in terms of Quran and Sunnah? If, in your opinion, he is blameworthy because he is not conforming to your standard, or he is missing out, then what proofs do you have from authentic sources?

The yardstick for following someone cannot be that he has acquired (some) knowledge, but rather, it must be, firstly, that he is strict upon Quran and Sunnah and fears deviating from it such that when a truth comes to him and is a correction on a previous action or understanding, he inclines to the correction. Secondly, see how much a speaker quotes from Quran and hadith versus how much they quote from secondary and other sources.

In conclusion for this topic, for the time being: As part of your beliefs, aqeedah, to affirm your eemaan is to have a solid understanding of taghut for rejecting taghut is necessary for your eemaan.

 

See previous :  part 3: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/01/blind-following-of-misguidance-part-3.html

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

Do read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/01/ego.html

https://medium.com/@saleem.gamza/early-hours-part-3-068721466908

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/10/where-are-you-running-to.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/11/things-to-consider.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/09/they-dont-know-what-we-know.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/09/who-do-you-emulate.html

 

 

 

Ego

 

The ego trip, a brief journey that can feel like an eternity, leads nowhere but to one's own self-importance. If you find yourself offended when corrected, it is a clear sign of ego at play.

Genuine discussions, where learning thrives, are rare. Rather than seeking truth, many strive to be right and have others validate their views. The question often arises: why are some brilliant minds not adherents of Islam? The answer lies in their pride, ego, and closed hearts that resist accepting the truth.

A major hurdle within the ummah (Muslim community) is the matter of aqeedah, or belief system. Aqeedah encompasses the correct beliefs held by Muslims and was a central focus of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ teachings. Many claim to follow the Quran and Sunnah yet introduce unauthorised elements, while others draw guidance from questionable sources.

Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ approach was straightforward and uncomplicated. Those who reject him or his hadith cannot be considered Muslims, and those who malign his character risk the consequences. Some individuals defend their positions out of ego, despite knowing the truth. The noble conduct of our pious predecessors involved humility in admitting when they lacked knowledge saying “I don’t know” often, contrasting with those who assert knowledge, without merit, as if divine revelation.

The issue of ego extends beyond religious leaders to all individuals. It may involve questioning the credibility of knowledge in relation to the Quran and Sunnah. Maintaining a teachable spirit, even if wisdom comes from an unexpected source, is crucial. However, reliance on consistently erroneous guides driven by ego is unwise. Continuous learning and study are paramount. While respecting teachers, idolising them should be avoided as they are fallible. Quran and Sunnah serve as the primary sources of knowledge, and any information contradicting them is deemed unacceptable.

Reflecting upon Iblees' refusal to bow to Prophet Adam, peace be upon him, prompts further contemplation on the influence of ego and the importance of humility in seeking knowledge.

 

Early hours Part 3 : https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/12/early-hours-part-3-madinah.html

 

 

 

 

Do read, share and comment on these links below:

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/12/fallen-hope-or-fear.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/11/chain-reaction.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/10/where-are-you-running-to.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/11/things-to-consider.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/09/they-dont-know-what-we-know.html

https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2024/09/who-do-you-emulate.html