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

The line in the sand - Part 5

 

Integration follows Allah’s warning in Quran that the Jews and Christians will never be satisfied with you, the Muslim, unless you follow their way of life. You pray, you fast, you give charity, you perform pilgrimage, so surely you cannot follow their way?

This is how they see it anyway and they surely want you to give up on your beliefs. However, Islam, being a complete way of life and that the role of the Muslim, as one who submits to Allah, is to establish the good and forbid the evil. That is a huge analysis on its own and a course that, if not yet designed, then must be presented to all of us. Earlier, we mentioned dress-code which should also include the term tabarruj. Many people who will claim to be hijabi’s are, in fact, not hijabi’s because they do not fulfil the criteria. Yet they still remain the target of non-Muslims and specifically, Islamophobes. Are the males in the clear concerning their dress-code? Hint: have you seen a male bowing or prostrating in prayer while their back (the awrah) is exposed? This is but an example. Are these examples an indication that, in some way, Muslims are sinful in these aspects and incline to practices conflicting with Allah’s laws? Does not the honey that satan has placed before you, then grow tentacles? How much more do Muslims imitate non-Muslims, and then look for loopholes to do so? Music? Besides listening to it, attending concerts, promoting it, being well versed in the lyrics while, by their actions, taking Quran for a joke.

Marriage: the path to it, the preparation for it and understanding the rights of husband and wife. Do you not find, very often, that people quote non-Muslims on the rights of the spouses while what is quoted is contrary to Islam? Have we crossed that line in the sand? The list of transgressions is ever growing. Of the biggest problems that beset us, is pride. What are the reasons for this? On the one hand, we can and must question this, but, on the other hand, it is not necessary to wait to find all the answers and then get into a state of analysis paralysis. Rather, the simple answer is that a simple question must be asked: “Am I Muslim?”. From this will spring forth other simple questions and answers. Islam is easy. What does it entail to be a Muslim? What is the purpose of life (on earth)? From where do I take my knowledge? And a few more questions like that. Those with pride will justify clinging to every deviating path, at the head of which is a satan. Those who humble themselves before Allah, will strive to follow our illustrious leader, teacher and guide, sent by Allah Almighty. We make no apologies for being Muslim and holding firmly onto the rope of Allah and being a follower of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Reflect and connect with true guidance. Unlearn and relearn. Imbibe the knowledge that will grant success, in this world and beyond. Be constantly aware of that line in the sand that you stay on the path of guidance. Ditch pride to the extent that people might mock you for not being fashionable, for not being with it or even for not being traditional. Act only for Allah’s sake and always call to His guidance in the best manner possible.

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

See previous : https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-4.html

The Line in the sand - Part 4

 

The Pope of the Roman Catholic Church has passed on. The first Jesuit Pope. At eighty-eight years old, it seems natural for someone to die seeming in good health just before then. Allah gives life and Allah takes life and, indeed, Allah knows best.

The line in the sand dictates that Muslims stick firmly to this line and avoid the deviating lines which has a satan at its head. So, what is deviation? What will save you? It is time to unlearn old things and learn the true knowledge. The world landscape is changing but Muslims have been dragged in so deep into this mischievous system, that is hard to see right from wrong. Muslims applaud other Muslims who have reached senior positions in many fields across the globe and spectrum. The applause many times because of blinkers. Career, title and position are important – or so you have been taught. Society, duped over generations, laud your achievements. Yet, here we are, a weak and divided ummah. So why have you studied and what are you contributing? Shall we join the dots and see that your achievements join the dots of the miscreants instead of breaking them? How did our education system – globally – come about? Is our education designed to suit those that have designs to oppress us? Are we currently oppressed? What is your understanding of oppression? There is work to be done to join the dots. Time is running out though, for you to save yourself and your family from the fire. At least, let us die on true eemaan and may we leave pristine Islam as our legacy to your offspring.

As for saying “rest in peace”, then that is not something that a Muslim says. What we say is that Allah shower the deceased with His mercy and grant him/her entrance into paradise. Who is eligible for paradise? It is in our speech and action that we follow Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  as our teacher and example. Doing this is part of the rectification of ourselves and inclining to the obedience to Allah and His messenger, Muhammad ﷺ. The bottom line is that our education and what flows from it, must be for the sake of Allah. Allah is the Provider, Nourisher and Sustainer and upon Him we depend. Let not the wealth be a rope around our necks, rather let it be our wings to paradise. The doctor or his medication does not cure, Allah cures. Hence let our dependence be on Allah and medicine only be the means. Shall I stop for now? Follow Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and earn the love of Allah and who better to love you than Allah. Peace will descend upon you. Following other than this path will invite stress, fear and much misguidance. Every deviation from the straight path has a satan at its head. And deception is a key tool of satan.

Reflect. Unlearn and relearn. My aim is merely to remind and create some awareness. You must learn from reputable sources. Be constantly aware of that line in the sand that you stay on the path of guidance. Pray for me as I pray for you. I will endeavour to touch on the end times in another post at another time, if there is interest in-sha-Allah.

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

See previous : https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-3.html

 

 

The line in the sand - Part 3

 

One of the features of modern society is good careers with good remuneration. This is followed by acquiring a house and a car on debt. How much of obedience to Allah and His messenger ﷺ  is in this or is there a greater chance of disobedience? No judgement rather let’s reflect, and where needed, change for the good.

In previous posts, we highlighted the dangers of banks and their control over society. Much of this is deeply rooted in the system that evolved rapidly over the last century and a bit. Within that system is something called education which needs a moment on which to reflect. We pay tribute to teachers because, in essence, it is a noble profession. However, there are certain subjects and/or topics within subjects which need attention and serious attention. You dismiss it at your own peril and likely too that of your children and grandchildren and generations to come. Darwinism? What is that? Why do the children learn this? Sexual education with all its tentacles? Then the seemingly innocent subject called “economics”. What really is this about? And what impact does economics have on politics, on society and the environment? Remember, in previous posts, you were encouraged to join the dots and see how things fit together. Let us use a methodology. Let’s say you take dajjal (antichrist) as a reference point as to the worst the world can be at any time. Then look at the evils that dajjal and his followers will perpetrate. If then, you track back to where we are now, then it seems pretty close, doesn’t it? Of course, Allah knows best. You can almost want to excuse, but you cannot, that other “scholar” for claiming that Gog and Magog have been released. Alas, they were not yet released upon the world. Now what part of the world will play a big role at the time of Dajjal and just before then? Have you heard of the malhama? (A subject for another day). Nevertheless, the Middle East is certainly a place of interest and more precisely, Palestine. We may say Bilad-ash-Shaam because that will cover the whole area from Syria to Palestine.

What is currently happening in Palestine? Who runs big pharma? Which companies are you inclined to boycott? Have you heard of the World Economic Forum (WEF) – who and what are they? Who was heading it until a few days ago? And who is heading it now? And who said: “Water is not a right”. Ladies and gentlemen – are you into joining the dots?

 

See part 2: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-2.html

 

See part 4: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-4.html

The line in the Sand - Part 2

 

Studying history, Islamic history, will outline, at least, the matters that deeply affect us today and how that came about. Belief, your eemaan (faith in Allah) is the most important blessing. The hadith says that a time will come when holding onto your faith will be like holding onto a hot coal (research the hadith, learn more about it and reflect upon it).

Perhaps it is an opportune time to reflect on the first lot of concerning matters. Allah tells us in Quran about a refrain of the disbelievers when they said words to the effect that they follow only what they found the fathers doing. They follow tradition or incorrect beliefs. So do you say “we always did it like this” or “I was taught this way”, rather than “what does Allah and His messenger ﷺ say”. This issue does reflect on matters of belief because it means that with the right belief you will always strive to “obey Allah and His messenger ﷺ ”. Tradition and culture is, of course, permissible, if it is in no way contradicting the pristine teachings of Islam. Upon reflection, one of the lessons that probably everybody can take from this is that you have to unlearn certain things. Your obedience to Allah and His messenger ﷺ  is paramount. Many have spent twelve years or more at school and then at tertiary educational institutions. How much of that knowledge is sound and how much must be discarded? Take a moment to reflect. These posts will not do justice to the many changes you and I have to contemplate and make to unlearn, relearn and improve. The most important thing is to strive to do your utmost and learn to join the dots. That one dot of honey satan put on that sheet has tentacles and how many strayed since.

That brings us to a hadith which states that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ drew a line in the sand and then drew other lines off it, warning us that at the head of every line (that deviated off the main line) is a satan. What else is of immediate concern to us, some of which look right but is in error? Dress-code, both male and female: how much do you imitate others, extravagance, calling yourself hijabi when indeed it does not conform to proper standard. Careers and jobs – which jobs are haram or working for which companies are prohibited? What about politics? What about allegiances? What about charity? What about social events?  And the list goes on.

This is about jihad-un-nafs (the struggle within yourself to correct yourself for Allah’s sake). How are we going to contribute to the rectification of the ummah when we are in need of correction ourselves? When then will the ummah be ready to take its rightful place as envoys of Allah on this earth? While you are busy rectifying yourself, you need to learn to join the dots and avoid a relapse because of satan’s and his cohorts’ incessant attempts to remove you from the obedience of Allah.

See part 1: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-1.html

 

See part 3: https://capemuslimspeak.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-line-in-sand-part-3.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