Imam Al-Awza’ee said: “Adhere to the narrations of the prophet (saw), companions & tabieens, even if the people were to abandon you. And be aware of the opinions of people no matter how much they beautify it with speech”
Obligation to follow the Salaf
It is reported that Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyâd – Allâh have mercy on him – said: How will you be if you reach a time when you will see people who do not distinguish truth from falsehood, believer from unbeliever, trustworthy from treacherous, nor ignorant from knowledgeable, and neither recognize what is right nor censure what is wrong?
Ibn Battah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ 1:188.
Firstly, from The Noble Qur’an:
Allah threatens those who follow a different path to the companions with the punishment of hell, and in the previous ayah, He promises His pleasure to those who follow them.
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Secondly, from the Sunnah:
1. The Statement of the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam : “The best of people are my generation then those who succeed them, then those who succeed them” (al Bukhari 5/199, 7/6 and 11/460) and Muslim, 7/184 and 185)
This excellence and goodness which the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam attested to for these three generations, is an indication of their preference, precedene and majestic rank as well as their knowledge of Allah’s laws and intense adherence to the way of His Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam.
The following ahadith emphasise these (virtues):
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2. The Messenger’s salalahu alayhi wa salam statement: “The Jews split up into seventy-one sects, the Christians split up into seventy-two sects and this Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects; all of them are in the Fire except one.” Someone asked: “Which is that one O Messenger of Allah? salalahu alayhi wa salam. He replied: “Whoever is upon that wwhich I am upon today and my companions. (Related by Abu Dawud, 4596-4597; al-Tirmidhi 2640-2641; Imam Ahmad, (2/332, 3/120 145 and 4/120 and Ibn Majah, 3991-3993)
This is a hadith that is sahih and mash-hur (well known)
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3. His, salalahu alayhi wa salam, statement: “… for indeed, those who will still be alive after me will see many differences; so hold fast to my sunnah and to the sunnah of the rightly guided khalifahs after me. Adhere to and cling tightly to it and beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a deviation.” (related by Imam Ahmad, 4/126-127; Abu Dawud, 4607; al-Tirmidhi, 2676; al-Darimi, 1/44 and others.)
Hence, the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam encouraged his ummah to follow his sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided khalifahs after him at the appearance of splits and differences.
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Thirdly, from the statements of the Salaf and their Followers:
1. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud may Allah be pleased with him, said: “People will not cease to be in a good as long as knowledge emanating from the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam and their elders reach them. If however, knowledge comes to them by way of their young and their desires diversify, they will be ruined.” (Al-Zuhd of Ibn al-Mubarak, p281 narration number 815)
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2. He also said: “Whoever amongst you seeks to adopt a path, should take to the way of the dead, since the living are not safe and secure from being put to trial. They, the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam, possessed the most pious hearts of this ummah, were the most profound in knowledge and the least constraint of this ummah. A people whom Allah chose for the companionship of His Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam and the establishment of His religion. So know their rights and adhere to their guidance, for they indeed were upon the straight way.” (Jami Bayan al-Ilm wa Fadlih 2/97)
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3. He also said: “We emulate and do not set precedents, we follow and do not innovate, and we will not deviate as long as we hold on to the narrations.” (Sharh Usul Itiqad Ahl al-Sunnah of al-Lalaka’i, narration number 115)
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4. He also said: “Follow and do not innovate, for indeed you have been sufficed.” (Al-Bida wa al-Nahy anha of Ibn Waddah, pg 13)
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5. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “O assembly of reciters! Remain upright and take to the way of those before you. For by Allah, if you (choose to) follow them, then know that you have been outstripped by a long distance, and if you take to the right or left (of their path) then you will be upon severe deviation.” (This and the following two narrations are in Jami Bayan al-ilm 2/29)
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6. Mujaahid said: “The scholars are the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam.”
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7. Al-Awza’i said: “Knowledge is that which emanates from the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam, as for anything else besides this, it is not knowledge.” Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said this.
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8. Al-Awza’i said: “Patiently restrict yourself upon the sunnah, stop where the people (ie the companions) stopped, say what they say and refrain from that which they refrained. Traverse upon the path of your Salaf al-Salih, for indeed what was sufficient for them is sufficient for you.” (Al-Shari’ah of al Ajurri, pg58)
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9. Al-Hasan al-Basri was in a gathering when he mentioned the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayh iwa slaam. He then remarked: “They possessed the most pious hearts of this ummah, were the most profound in knowledge and the leaste constraint. A people, whom Allah chose for the companionship of His Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam, so emulate their character and way, for by the Lord of the Ka’bah, they are upon the straight path.” (Jami Bayan al-Ilm 2/97)
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10. Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy upon him, was questioned: “What is your comment on the speech innovated by the people regarding al-A’rad and al-Ajsam?” He replied: “Statements of the philosophers! Take to the narrations and the way of the Salaf and beware of every newly invented matter for it is indeed an innovation.” (Sawn al-Mantiq of al-Suyuti, 322)
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11. Al-Awza’i said: “Hold fast to the narrations of the Salaf, even if people abandon you. Beware of the opinions of men, no matter how much they beautify it with their speech, for indeed the matter will become manifest whilst you will be upon the correct straight path concernint it.” (Al-Madkhal ila al-Sunan of al-Bayhaqi, number 233)
Ibn Taymiyyah ”Indeed the people of Truth & sunnah do not follow anyone (unconditionally) except the prophet (saw) the one who did not speak from his desires-it is only revelation revealed to him that he spoke of”
If they are in agreement, they never agree upon something incorrect, in contrast to the companions of a particular scholar, they could agree upon something incorrect. In fact, everything that they (ie the companions of a particular scholar) have asserted to which none other from amongst this ummah has asserted, can be nothing but incorrect, since the religion that Allah has sent His messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam with is not conferred to any single scholar and his companions. If this was so, that person should be an equal to the Messenger of Allah salalahu alayhi wa salam and this is similar to the belief ot the Rafidah regarding the ‘Infallible Imam’.
Morever, it is a must that the companions and their successors were aware of that truth with which Allah had sent His Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam, well before the presence of those who are followed; those whom the madhhabs are attributed to, in relation to both fundamentals and subsidiary matters.
It is impossible for them to bring about a truth, which opposes what the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam brought, as everything that opposes the Messenger salalahu alayhiwa salam is falsehood. It is also impossible for them to know of something emanating from the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam which opposes (the knowledge and understanding of) the companions and their successors in righteousness, as they (ie the companions) did not unite upon any deviation. So his (i.e. a followed imam’s) saying, if true has to be taken from that which the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam brought and present with someone before him.
Every statement in the religion of Islam which lies in opposition to that which the companions and their successors in righteousness were upon, which none of them have asserted, but rather have said other than it, it is indeed a false saying.” (Minhaj al-Sunnah, 5/262-263)
Taken from the book Tawhid of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names and Lofty Attributes The Belief of Ahl al-Sunnah Wa l-Jama’ah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Khalifah Al-Tamimi (Associate professor Islamic University of Madinah)Thus, Allah is unreservedly pleased with the Muhajirun and Ansar, and is pleased with those who follow them in righteousness. (i.e. The attainment of Allah’s pleasure for the companions is secure, whereas for those who come after them; this is not guaranteed, as it is dependent upon their adherence to the way of the companions in righteousness)
Shaikh Saalim at-Taweel’s Explanation of the Obligation of Following the Salaf, and the Danger of Following other than them
Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu ‘ala rasulullaahAmma ba’d
The Questioner asked: Is it lawful for a person to adopt the way of the Salaf (pious predecessors) – which is the method of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions – and call himself a “Salafee?”
Shaikh Saalim at-Taweel (hafidhahullaah) answered:
quote:
I have been asked this question so many times. However, tonight we wish to pose the question in a different manner. [The questioner asked,] “Is it lawful for a Muslim to take the methodology of the Salaf? Thus if we said, “Is it lawful for a Muslim to take a method other than the method of the Salaf?” And that is because the origin is that the Muslim should take the methodology of the Salaf who preceded him – the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions.
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If a person said, “Is it lawful for a Muslim to follow the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions,” this would be a very strange question.
Rather it is obligatory to follow the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions. Why did Allaah send His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). In order that he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) be obeyed – bi idhnillaah (by Allaah’s Permission). And that he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) be followed. And Allaah has commanded us to follow him.Allaah, The Exalted, says:
يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ
O you who believe! Obey Allaah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)… (Muhammad, ayah 33)
مَنْ يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ
He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), has indeed obeyed Allah… (An-Nisa, ayah 80)
قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُور ٌ رَحِيم
Say (O Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 31)
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Therefore, following the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is obligatory. It is obligatory on each and every Muslim to follow the Messenger of Allaah. Follow him in what? In his ‘aqeedah (beliefs, creed), in his manhaj (methodology) , in his acts of ‘ibadah (worship), in his character and etiquette and behavior (and dealings). He should follow the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) – in everything.
Allaah says:
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَة ٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرا
Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah (Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much. (Al-Ahzab, ayah 21)
Allaah made him (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) exempt and protected from mistakes, and suitable to be followed in each and every thing. Therefore, it is obligatory upon us to follow him (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and to follow his companions, and imitate their way. And this is something Allaah has commanded us with, and threatened the one who does not follow the companions (radiallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een).
In the statement of Allaah, The Exalted:
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُوا كَمَا آمَنَ النَّاسُ
And when it is said to them (hypocrites) : “Believe as the people (companions of Muhammad – Al-Ansar and Al-Muhajiroon) have believed”… (Al-Baqarah 2:13)
There were no believers in the time of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) except the sahaabah.
Allaah, The Exalted, also says:
فَإِنْ آمَنُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا آمَنتُمْ بِه ِِ فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا وَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِي شِقَاق ٍ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allaah will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 137)
Speaking to who? The sahaabah, because when the Qur`an was sent down, there were no other Muslims besides the sahaabah.
Allaah, The Exalted says:
كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ
You [true believers in Tawheed, real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind… (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 110)
Who is – كُنْتُمْْ - (you are)? The nation of Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). And who were the original seeds from which [this] Muslim nation came? The sahaabah (radiallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een).And Allaah, ‘azza wa Jall, has also threatened those who follow the path and method other than the path of the sahaabah.
Allaah, The Exalted, says:
وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّه ِِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِه ِِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرا
And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination. (An-Nisa, ayah 80)
وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ (And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger) —> Meaning the Messenger is saying one thing and you are here saying something else.
If a person said, “I wish to hold fast to the Book and the Sunnah even if I don’t hold fast to that which the companions of the Prophet were upon. Isn’t it sufficient? The Book and the Sunnah. Why do you require me to be upon that which the companions were upon?”
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Because in the Book and the Sunnah, we have been commanded to follow the sahaabah. If we really wanted to adhere to the Book and the Sunnah – truly – then in the Book and the Sunnah, we have been commanded to follow and take the example of the companions.
The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Alaykum bi Sunnati (hold fast to my Sunnah). He didn’t say that and keep silent. Rather, he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Alaykum bi Sunnati wa Sunnah al-Khulafa ar-Rashideen al-Mahdiyeen min ba’dee (hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided caliphs after me).
Therefore, he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) commanded for the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah [and the sahaabah] to be followed and held fast to. He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Hold fast to it and bite down upon it with your molar teeth.” So this is a command of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). (An authentic hadeeth reported by Abu Dawood )
He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also said: “And my Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects – all of them will be in the Hellfire, except one.” They said: “Which one is it, o Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “It is that which I and my Companions are upon.” And he didn’t just say, “That which I am upon today.” Rather, he said, “and my companions.” (Tirmidhee)
” And he didn’t just say, “That which I am upon today.” Rather, he said, “and my companions.”
Therefore, it us upon us to understand and memorize this well.
In Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood (radiallaahu ‘anhu) who reported from the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) a famous hadeeth: “Allaah curses the woman who trims her eyebrows and the woman who does it for her.”
So there was a woman whose name was Umm Ya’qoob who heard of this. And she used to read the Qur`an. So she came to Ibn Mas’ood and said, “O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman. What is that I hear from you that Allaah curses the woman whose eyebrows are trimmed (or shaved), and the one who does it?” Ibn Mas’ood said, “And what is the matter, why wouldn’t I curse someone whom the Messenger of Allaah cursed, and it is mentioned in the Book of Allaah?” When he said, “it is mentioned in the Book of Allaah,” she said, “I swear by Allaah, I read all of the Qur`an, and I didn’t find it. There’s no verse in the Qur`an stating that Allaah or His Messenger curses the woman who trims her eyebrows and the one who does it for her.”Ibn Mas’ood said, “No, it’s in the Book of Allaah.” She said, “It’s not in the Book of Allaah. Wallaahi, I read it from front to back, I did not find it.” Ibn Mas’ood said, “If you were to read it (with reflection and pondering), you would find it. Have you not read the statement of Allaah, ‘azza wa Jall:
وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوه ُُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو
…And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)… (Al-Hashr, ayah 7)She said, “Of course, this is a verse in the Qur`an – Suratul Hashr.” And Ibn Mas’ood said, “And I’ve heard this from the Messenger of Allaah.”
And thus do we say: following the companions, following the Salaf of this nation is something that Allaah and His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) commanded us to do. So this is from the command of Allaah and His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam).
The sahaabah (companions) were the physical application of the Book and the Sunnah.
And they were the scholars of this nation, and the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. However, because they have passed, they are called “Salafu” (which means they have preceded). The verb “Salafa” means that which has passed, and old, that which has preceded. And so they are called “As-Salaf,” because they have preceded. And they are called “As-Salafu Saleh” (pious and righteous predecessors) because they were pious and righteous.
So therefore – based upon the Qur`an and the Sunnah – it is obligatory upon us to follow them. And according to your following of them, this determines how upright and steadfast you will be, and who will deserve most to be saved and delivered from the fire on the Day of Judgment.The one who understands this, he hopes and wishes from Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, that Allaah will give him the success to be of the followers and adherents of the Salaf.
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So whoever truly understands these words, is it possible for him to dislike to be from the followers of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the followers of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, ‘Alee, and the followers of the (rest of the) Muhaajireen and the Ansaar, those whom Allaah is pleased and they are pleased with Allaah? And from them are those who were given glad tidings of Paradise, (and they are) the best of this nation.Who is this person who would dislike this, or refuse or reject this, except for a great ignoramus who doesn’t understand the meaning of following the Salaf. Some people [out of ignorance] think that as-Salaf is a group of people who are alive today (that the people who follow the Salaf follow people who are alive today).
Also, not everybody claiming to be “Salafee” today is truly a follower – an adherent – of the Salaf. However, they vary greatly in their levels. Of them are those who truly follow the Salaf, such as the major, prominent, well-known scholars. And others are less and less and less and so on and so forth.
And there are some people who have a total false claim and ascription to the Salaf. And there are some who are greatly deviant, and he claims he is following the Salaf in that deviation. Anyone can make a claim and say what he wants. [There are] those who are ignorant, violent and harsh, hasty. People vary.
For example, the statement “As-Salafiyeen” (Salafees, in English): let’s compare it to the word “Muslimeen” (or Muslims). Are all the Muslims equal in their beliefs, their character, their acts of worship, in their dealings and actions? [No!] They vary a great deal.
However, that which we wish to understand that it is totally encumbant and obligatory upon us to hold fast to the Sunnah. To hold fast to that which the Prophet and the companions were upon. To hold fast to that which the Salaf of this Ummah were upon. To believe in the ‘Aqeedah that they professed. To tread their path and methodology upon which they proceeded and followed, to worship Allaah, ‘azza wa Jall, in the manner they worshipped Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala, that we take and adopt their character and moral conduct and behavior.
They are our example, our Salaf. If we don’t follow them, if we don’t take their example, then whose example will we take? Whose guidance do we take?
Don’t you know that Allaah says in His Book:
فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلاَّ الضَّلاَلُ
So after the truth, what else can there be, save error (falsehood, misguidance) ? (Yunus, ayah 32)
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Were the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions upon the truth? There’s no doubt about this; rather, this is the only option, the only answer you can give. So whoever comes after them and opposes them, he is upon misguidance and we have no doubt about this.
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So all beliefs, all methods, all ways and paths, all schools of thought: their closeness to the truth, their closeness to the falsehood is only according to their closeness and remoteness from that which the Salaf of this nation were upon.
Upon us is to give advice – not to reject and criticize the Salaf and Salafiyah and the obligation of following them because of the mistakes of some Salafees, or because there are some who ascribe themselves to the Salaf in falsehood and lying. If we do this, then we would be like those who look down upon Islam because of the mistakes of some Muslims.
What do we say to this person? We tell him (that) the shortcomings and deficiencies are the shortcomings and deficiencies of those mistaken Muslims – not the religion of Islam.
Thus do we say (that) the creed of the Salaf has no shortcomings. The methodology of the Salaf has no deficiency. Instead, the ‘Aqeedah of the Salaf is nothing other than the Qur`an and the Sunnah. The Creed of the Salaf is Ma’sooma (perfect, protected from mistake). Allaah sent it down in His Book. And the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the sahaabah believed in it. And the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) never approved of any falsehood.
Even if it was a small simple thing of falsehood, opposing the Sunnah, he would criticize and reject it. Any word – even a letter that a person erred in – the Prophet would refute him for it.
If a person said, “What Allaah had willed, and what you had willed,’ he said, “Say, ‘What Allaah had willed alone.’”
If a person – a small child – ate with his left hand, the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said to him, “Say Bismillaah, eat with your right hand, and eat from that which is in front of you.”
A small young girl who said, “And amongst us is the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). He knows what will happen tomorrow.” He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Don’t say this. None except Allaah knows what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
This is an ‘Aqeedah which is Perfect and exempt from mistakes. This is a Manhaj which is Perfect and exempt from mistakes. This is a complete and perfect Religion.
الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينا
This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islām as your religion… (Al-Ma`idah, ayah 3)Work hard to the best of your ability to be Salafee, to be one who follows the Salaf, one who loves them, one who supports them, one who draws himself near to Allaah by loving them, to not oppose them to the best of your ability, do not separate yourself from them, neither generally nor specifically.
However, there is a very important point. If you are Salafee, working hard to the best of your ability to follow the Salaf, then don’t talk and say this to people in a manner of praising and purifying your self, and being proud and haughty against the people. And as if your name is recorded on the list of the people of Jannah, and everyone else is behind you and is misguided and a disbeliever. You don’t know. You do deeds, and you hope that Allaah accepts your deeds.
Rather, Ahlus-Sunnah are the most knowledgeable of the people of the truth and most merciful (among the people) to the creation. And you only say, “I am Salafee,” by way of informing the peolple. If you are asked, ‘Are you Sunni or bid’i?’, what would you say? Sunni.
The people are divided into two categories: Sunni and bid’i. However, people of bid’ah are many sects and groups. And the most disgusting from amongst them is the Shee’ah. So instead of the question being, ‘Are you Sunni or bid’i?’ the question became, ‘Are you Sunni or Shee’i?’
Over the last 50-80 years, our forefathers didn’t know anything from the foreigners except for the “Ingleez” (plural of British). So if a foreigner came, [our forefathers] would call them “Ingleezi” (singular of British). They would call the French “Ingleez,” the Dutch “Ingleez,” the Russians were “Ingleez.”
They didn’t know any other foreigners except for the British. So all the foreigners took the name “Ingleez” (British). So they would ask, “Are you an Arab or Ingleez?” However, the non-Arabs: are they all British, or are there many races? You understand now?
People of bid’ah are many. But the most filthy from amongst them and those who hate the Sunnah the most are the Shee’ah. So the question became, “Are you Sunni or Shee’i?” What was the origin of the question? Are you Sunni or Bid’i?
If you ask the question, or if you said about yourself without being asked, “Al-Hamdulillaah, I am Sunni. I adopt and profess the creed (‘Aqeedah) of the Sunnah. And I strive to hold fast to the Sunnah. I ask Allaah to give me death upon (the Sunnah).” This okay and permissible.
And similarly, if you ask, “Are you one who follows the Salaf or the khalaf (the latter generations) ? [You say:] “I am Salafee, according to the best of my ability. I try to hold fast to that which the Salaf were upon.”
But as for purifying yourself and praising yourself, saying, “I am Salafee. I hold fast to everything the Salaf were upon in my heart and my body.”Where is this?
Let’s say, if the Salaf were alive today, they [might] boycott you for Allaah’s sake. So where are you and where are the Salaf?
But we’re on the correct path; we tread this path and Allaah’s mercy is ever vast. And we ask Allaah to accept it from us. And we are not pleased with any other path of method. Even if we fall short in our character, our etiquettes, our acts of worship. However, we don’t anything other than this path.
We love the Salaf, and we are grateful that we ascribe ourselves to them. We ask allaah to allow us to die upon their path and methodology. And we imitate them to the best of our ability, despite our weakness, our shortcomings. However according to what the person said: Imitate noble people even if you’re not similar to them. For indeed, imitating noble people is success.
We’re not like them, however we try to be like them and adopt their method. Perhaps, Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, wouild allow us to join them, because the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Al-Mar`oo ma’ man aHab (The man will be with the one whom he loves).
Al-Mar`oo ma’ man aHab (The man will be with the one whom he loves).
So if we love the Salaf and imitate them, and adopt their method (and) their ‘Aqeedah, and defend them, and strive and fight hard for this, perhaps Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – will have mercy upon us and make us to be from amongst them.
However, if we choose another (a different) path, if we follow the people of bid’ah (innovation) , then [remember the Prophet's statement:] Al-Mar`oo ma’ man aHab (The man will be with the one whom he loves). Even if he doesn’t reach their level, if he loves them, he will be resurrected with them – aoodhubillaah!
Therefore, it is upon us to have a correct understanding of Salafiyyah. If we have a correct understanding of it, we would know – come to realize – there is no other option for us except following their way. Whoever doesn’t follow them, and opposes them and doesn’t love them, then he is upon a great danger, due to the statement of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): “And my Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects – all of them will be in the Hellfire, except one.” They said: “Which one is it, o Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “It is that which I and my Companions are upon.”What is the path of salvation? Is that you be upon that which the Prophet and his companions were upon.
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According to your following of the Prophet and the sahaabah, your opportunity to be saved and delivered from the fire becomes greater. And according to your distance and remoteness (of following them), then your danger of falling into the hellfire becomes greater.
Obligation to follow the Salaf
It is reported that Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyâd – Allâh have mercy on him – said: How will you be if you reach a time when you will see people who do not distinguish truth from falsehood, believer from unbeliever, trustworthy from treacherous, nor ignorant from knowledgeable, and neither recognize what is right nor censure what is wrong?
Ibn Battah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ 1:188.
Firstly, from The Noble Qur’an:
”Indeed in their stories there is a lesson for men of understanding” {Surah Yusuf: verse 111}
Allah Ta’ala says:“And the former, the first from amongst the Muhajirun and the Ansar, and those who followed them in righteousness, Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him. And He has prepared for them gardens of which rivers flow below, abiding therein forever, that is great success.” (9:100)Allah Ta’ala also says:
“And whoever opposes the Messenger (salalahu alayhi wa salam) after the guidance has become clearly manifest to him and follows a path other than that of the believers, We shall leave him to that which he has adopted and land him in hell; what an evil destination!” (4:115)Allah threatens those who follow a different path to the companions with the punishment of hell, and in the previous ayah, He promises His pleasure to those who follow them.
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Secondly, from the Sunnah:
1. The Statement of the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam : “The best of people are my generation then those who succeed them, then those who succeed them” (al Bukhari 5/199, 7/6 and 11/460) and Muslim, 7/184 and 185)
This excellence and goodness which the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam attested to for these three generations, is an indication of their preference, precedene and majestic rank as well as their knowledge of Allah’s laws and intense adherence to the way of His Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam.
The following ahadith emphasise these (virtues):
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2. The Messenger’s salalahu alayhi wa salam statement: “The Jews split up into seventy-one sects, the Christians split up into seventy-two sects and this Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects; all of them are in the Fire except one.” Someone asked: “Which is that one O Messenger of Allah? salalahu alayhi wa salam. He replied: “Whoever is upon that wwhich I am upon today and my companions. (Related by Abu Dawud, 4596-4597; al-Tirmidhi 2640-2641; Imam Ahmad, (2/332, 3/120 145 and 4/120 and Ibn Majah, 3991-3993)
This is a hadith that is sahih and mash-hur (well known)
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3. His, salalahu alayhi wa salam, statement: “… for indeed, those who will still be alive after me will see many differences; so hold fast to my sunnah and to the sunnah of the rightly guided khalifahs after me. Adhere to and cling tightly to it and beware of newly-invented matters, for every newly-invented matter is an innovation and every innovation is a deviation.” (related by Imam Ahmad, 4/126-127; Abu Dawud, 4607; al-Tirmidhi, 2676; al-Darimi, 1/44 and others.)
Hence, the Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam encouraged his ummah to follow his sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided khalifahs after him at the appearance of splits and differences.
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Thirdly, from the statements of the Salaf and their Followers:
1. Abdullah ibn Mas’ud may Allah be pleased with him, said: “People will not cease to be in a good as long as knowledge emanating from the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam and their elders reach them. If however, knowledge comes to them by way of their young and their desires diversify, they will be ruined.” (Al-Zuhd of Ibn al-Mubarak, p281 narration number 815)
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2. He also said: “Whoever amongst you seeks to adopt a path, should take to the way of the dead, since the living are not safe and secure from being put to trial. They, the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam, possessed the most pious hearts of this ummah, were the most profound in knowledge and the least constraint of this ummah. A people whom Allah chose for the companionship of His Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam and the establishment of His religion. So know their rights and adhere to their guidance, for they indeed were upon the straight way.” (Jami Bayan al-Ilm wa Fadlih 2/97)
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3. He also said: “We emulate and do not set precedents, we follow and do not innovate, and we will not deviate as long as we hold on to the narrations.” (Sharh Usul Itiqad Ahl al-Sunnah of al-Lalaka’i, narration number 115)
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4. He also said: “Follow and do not innovate, for indeed you have been sufficed.” (Al-Bida wa al-Nahy anha of Ibn Waddah, pg 13)
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5. Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “O assembly of reciters! Remain upright and take to the way of those before you. For by Allah, if you (choose to) follow them, then know that you have been outstripped by a long distance, and if you take to the right or left (of their path) then you will be upon severe deviation.” (This and the following two narrations are in Jami Bayan al-ilm 2/29)
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6. Mujaahid said: “The scholars are the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam.”
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7. Al-Awza’i said: “Knowledge is that which emanates from the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayhi wa salam, as for anything else besides this, it is not knowledge.” Imam Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, also said this.
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8. Al-Awza’i said: “Patiently restrict yourself upon the sunnah, stop where the people (ie the companions) stopped, say what they say and refrain from that which they refrained. Traverse upon the path of your Salaf al-Salih, for indeed what was sufficient for them is sufficient for you.” (Al-Shari’ah of al Ajurri, pg58)
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9. Al-Hasan al-Basri was in a gathering when he mentioned the companions of Muhammad salalahu alayh iwa slaam. He then remarked: “They possessed the most pious hearts of this ummah, were the most profound in knowledge and the leaste constraint. A people, whom Allah chose for the companionship of His Prophet salalahu alayhi wa salam, so emulate their character and way, for by the Lord of the Ka’bah, they are upon the straight path.” (Jami Bayan al-Ilm 2/97)
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10. Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy upon him, was questioned: “What is your comment on the speech innovated by the people regarding al-A’rad and al-Ajsam?” He replied: “Statements of the philosophers! Take to the narrations and the way of the Salaf and beware of every newly invented matter for it is indeed an innovation.” (Sawn al-Mantiq of al-Suyuti, 322)
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11. Al-Awza’i said: “Hold fast to the narrations of the Salaf, even if people abandon you. Beware of the opinions of men, no matter how much they beautify it with their speech, for indeed the matter will become manifest whilst you will be upon the correct straight path concernint it.” (Al-Madkhal ila al-Sunan of al-Bayhaqi, number 233)
Ibn Taymiyyah ”Indeed the people of Truth & sunnah do not follow anyone (unconditionally) except the prophet (saw) the one who did not speak from his desires-it is only revelation revealed to him that he spoke of”
Sheikh Ibn Taymiyyah said: It is a must upon every Muslim, who testifies that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah and that Muhammad salalahu alayhi wasalam is the Messenger of Allah, that his basic intention be to single out Allah in his worship of Him alone, without any partner and to obey His Messenger. He is to remain upon this, following it wherever he finds it, and he should know that the best of creation after the prophets are the companions.
He should not therefore, offer absolute and unrestricted allegiance to any one person except the Messenger of Allah salalahu alayhi wa salam. Nor should he offer absolute unrestricted allegiance to any one group except the companions; as the guidance remains with the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam, wherever he remains, and it remains with his companions and no one else’s companions, wherever they remain.If they are in agreement, they never agree upon something incorrect, in contrast to the companions of a particular scholar, they could agree upon something incorrect. In fact, everything that they (ie the companions of a particular scholar) have asserted to which none other from amongst this ummah has asserted, can be nothing but incorrect, since the religion that Allah has sent His messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam with is not conferred to any single scholar and his companions. If this was so, that person should be an equal to the Messenger of Allah salalahu alayhi wa salam and this is similar to the belief ot the Rafidah regarding the ‘Infallible Imam’.
Morever, it is a must that the companions and their successors were aware of that truth with which Allah had sent His Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam, well before the presence of those who are followed; those whom the madhhabs are attributed to, in relation to both fundamentals and subsidiary matters.
It is impossible for them to bring about a truth, which opposes what the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam brought, as everything that opposes the Messenger salalahu alayhiwa salam is falsehood. It is also impossible for them to know of something emanating from the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam which opposes (the knowledge and understanding of) the companions and their successors in righteousness, as they (ie the companions) did not unite upon any deviation. So his (i.e. a followed imam’s) saying, if true has to be taken from that which the Messenger salalahu alayhi wa salam brought and present with someone before him.
Every statement in the religion of Islam which lies in opposition to that which the companions and their successors in righteousness were upon, which none of them have asserted, but rather have said other than it, it is indeed a false saying.” (Minhaj al-Sunnah, 5/262-263)
Taken from the book Tawhid of Allah’s Most Beautiful Names and Lofty Attributes The Belief of Ahl al-Sunnah Wa l-Jama’ah by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Khalifah Al-Tamimi (Associate professor Islamic University of Madinah)
Shaikh Saalim at-Taweel’s Explanation of the Obligation of Following the Salaf, and the Danger of Following other than them
Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu ‘ala rasulullaahAmma ba’d
The Questioner asked: Is it lawful for a person to adopt the way of the Salaf (pious predecessors) – which is the method of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions – and call himself a “Salafee?”
Shaikh Saalim at-Taweel (hafidhahullaah) answered:
quote:
I have been asked this question so many times. However, tonight we wish to pose the question in a different manner. [The questioner asked,] “Is it lawful for a Muslim to take the methodology of the Salaf? Thus if we said, “Is it lawful for a Muslim to take a method other than the method of the Salaf?” And that is because the origin is that the Muslim should take the methodology of the Salaf who preceded him – the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions.
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If a person said, “Is it lawful for a Muslim to follow the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions,” this would be a very strange question.
Rather it is obligatory to follow the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions. Why did Allaah send His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). In order that he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) be obeyed – bi idhnillaah (by Allaah’s Permission). And that he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) be followed. And Allaah has commanded us to follow him.Allaah, The Exalted, says:
يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ
O you who believe! Obey Allaah, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)… (Muhammad, ayah 33)
مَنْ يُطِعِ الرَّسُولَ فَقَدْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ
He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), has indeed obeyed Allah… (An-Nisa, ayah 80)
قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَاللَّهُ غَفُور ٌ رَحِيم
Say (O Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, to mankind): “If you (really) love Allaah then follow me, Allaah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allaah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 31)
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Therefore, following the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) is obligatory. It is obligatory on each and every Muslim to follow the Messenger of Allaah. Follow him in what? In his ‘aqeedah (beliefs, creed), in his manhaj (methodology) , in his acts of ‘ibadah (worship), in his character and etiquette and behavior (and dealings). He should follow the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) – in everything.
Allaah says:
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَة ٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرا
Indeed in the Messenger of Allaah (Muhammad, salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allaah and the Last Day and remembers Allaah much. (Al-Ahzab, ayah 21)
Allaah made him (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) exempt and protected from mistakes, and suitable to be followed in each and every thing. Therefore, it is obligatory upon us to follow him (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and to follow his companions, and imitate their way. And this is something Allaah has commanded us with, and threatened the one who does not follow the companions (radiallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een).
In the statement of Allaah, The Exalted:
وَإِذَا قِيلَ لَهُمْ آمِنُوا كَمَا آمَنَ النَّاسُ
And when it is said to them (hypocrites) : “Believe as the people (companions of Muhammad – Al-Ansar and Al-Muhajiroon) have believed”… (Al-Baqarah 2:13)
There were no believers in the time of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) except the sahaabah.
Allaah, The Exalted, also says:
فَإِنْ آمَنُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا آمَنتُمْ بِه ِِ فَقَدِ اهْتَدَوا وَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا هُمْ فِي شِقَاق ٍ فَسَيَكْفِيكَهُمُ اللَّهُ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ
So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So Allaah will suffice you against them. And He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (Al-Baqarah, ayah 137)
Speaking to who? The sahaabah, because when the Qur`an was sent down, there were no other Muslims besides the sahaabah.
Allaah, The Exalted says:
كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ
You [true believers in Tawheed, real followers of Prophet Muhammad and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind… (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 110)
Who is – كُنْتُمْْ - (you are)? The nation of Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). And who were the original seeds from which [this] Muslim nation came? The sahaabah (radiallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een).And Allaah, ‘azza wa Jall, has also threatened those who follow the path and method other than the path of the sahaabah.
Allaah, The Exalted, says:
وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّه ِِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِه ِِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءَتْ مَصِيرا
And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination. (An-Nisa, ayah 80)
وَمَنْ يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ (And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger) —> Meaning the Messenger is saying one thing and you are here saying something else.
If a person said, “I wish to hold fast to the Book and the Sunnah even if I don’t hold fast to that which the companions of the Prophet were upon. Isn’t it sufficient? The Book and the Sunnah. Why do you require me to be upon that which the companions were upon?”
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Because in the Book and the Sunnah, we have been commanded to follow the sahaabah. If we really wanted to adhere to the Book and the Sunnah – truly – then in the Book and the Sunnah, we have been commanded to follow and take the example of the companions.
The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Alaykum bi Sunnati (hold fast to my Sunnah). He didn’t say that and keep silent. Rather, he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Alaykum bi Sunnati wa Sunnah al-Khulafa ar-Rashideen al-Mahdiyeen min ba’dee (hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided caliphs after me).
Therefore, he (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) commanded for the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah [and the sahaabah] to be followed and held fast to. He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Hold fast to it and bite down upon it with your molar teeth.” So this is a command of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). (An authentic hadeeth reported by Abu Dawood )
He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also said: “And my Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects – all of them will be in the Hellfire, except one.” They said: “Which one is it, o Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “It is that which I and my Companions are upon.” And he didn’t just say, “That which I am upon today.” Rather, he said, “and my companions.” (Tirmidhee)
” And he didn’t just say, “That which I am upon today.” Rather, he said, “and my companions.”
Therefore, it us upon us to understand and memorize this well.
In Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Ibn Mas’ood (radiallaahu ‘anhu) who reported from the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) a famous hadeeth: “Allaah curses the woman who trims her eyebrows and the woman who does it for her.”
So there was a woman whose name was Umm Ya’qoob who heard of this. And she used to read the Qur`an. So she came to Ibn Mas’ood and said, “O Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman. What is that I hear from you that Allaah curses the woman whose eyebrows are trimmed (or shaved), and the one who does it?” Ibn Mas’ood said, “And what is the matter, why wouldn’t I curse someone whom the Messenger of Allaah cursed, and it is mentioned in the Book of Allaah?” When he said, “it is mentioned in the Book of Allaah,” she said, “I swear by Allaah, I read all of the Qur`an, and I didn’t find it. There’s no verse in the Qur`an stating that Allaah or His Messenger curses the woman who trims her eyebrows and the one who does it for her.”Ibn Mas’ood said, “No, it’s in the Book of Allaah.” She said, “It’s not in the Book of Allaah. Wallaahi, I read it from front to back, I did not find it.” Ibn Mas’ood said, “If you were to read it (with reflection and pondering), you would find it. Have you not read the statement of Allaah, ‘azza wa Jall:
وَمَا آتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوه ُُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُو
…And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it)… (Al-Hashr, ayah 7)She said, “Of course, this is a verse in the Qur`an – Suratul Hashr.” And Ibn Mas’ood said, “And I’ve heard this from the Messenger of Allaah.”
And thus do we say: following the companions, following the Salaf of this nation is something that Allaah and His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) commanded us to do. So this is from the command of Allaah and His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam).
The sahaabah (companions) were the physical application of the Book and the Sunnah.
And they were the scholars of this nation, and the scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. However, because they have passed, they are called “Salafu” (which means they have preceded). The verb “Salafa” means that which has passed, and old, that which has preceded. And so they are called “As-Salaf,” because they have preceded. And they are called “As-Salafu Saleh” (pious and righteous predecessors) because they were pious and righteous.
So therefore – based upon the Qur`an and the Sunnah – it is obligatory upon us to follow them. And according to your following of them, this determines how upright and steadfast you will be, and who will deserve most to be saved and delivered from the fire on the Day of Judgment.The one who understands this, he hopes and wishes from Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, that Allaah will give him the success to be of the followers and adherents of the Salaf.
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So whoever truly understands these words, is it possible for him to dislike to be from the followers of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the followers of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, ‘Alee, and the followers of the (rest of the) Muhaajireen and the Ansaar, those whom Allaah is pleased and they are pleased with Allaah? And from them are those who were given glad tidings of Paradise, (and they are) the best of this nation.Who is this person who would dislike this, or refuse or reject this, except for a great ignoramus who doesn’t understand the meaning of following the Salaf. Some people [out of ignorance] think that as-Salaf is a group of people who are alive today (that the people who follow the Salaf follow people who are alive today).
Also, not everybody claiming to be “Salafee” today is truly a follower – an adherent – of the Salaf. However, they vary greatly in their levels. Of them are those who truly follow the Salaf, such as the major, prominent, well-known scholars. And others are less and less and less and so on and so forth.
And there are some people who have a total false claim and ascription to the Salaf. And there are some who are greatly deviant, and he claims he is following the Salaf in that deviation. Anyone can make a claim and say what he wants. [There are] those who are ignorant, violent and harsh, hasty. People vary.
For example, the statement “As-Salafiyeen” (Salafees, in English): let’s compare it to the word “Muslimeen” (or Muslims). Are all the Muslims equal in their beliefs, their character, their acts of worship, in their dealings and actions? [No!] They vary a great deal.
However, that which we wish to understand that it is totally encumbant and obligatory upon us to hold fast to the Sunnah. To hold fast to that which the Prophet and the companions were upon. To hold fast to that which the Salaf of this Ummah were upon. To believe in the ‘Aqeedah that they professed. To tread their path and methodology upon which they proceeded and followed, to worship Allaah, ‘azza wa Jall, in the manner they worshipped Allaah subhanahu wa ta’aala, that we take and adopt their character and moral conduct and behavior.
They are our example, our Salaf. If we don’t follow them, if we don’t take their example, then whose example will we take? Whose guidance do we take?
Don’t you know that Allaah says in His Book:
فَمَاذَا بَعْدَ الْحَقِّ إِلاَّ الضَّلاَلُ
So after the truth, what else can there be, save error (falsehood, misguidance) ? (Yunus, ayah 32)
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Were the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his companions upon the truth? There’s no doubt about this; rather, this is the only option, the only answer you can give. So whoever comes after them and opposes them, he is upon misguidance and we have no doubt about this.
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So all beliefs, all methods, all ways and paths, all schools of thought: their closeness to the truth, their closeness to the falsehood is only according to their closeness and remoteness from that which the Salaf of this nation were upon.
Upon us is to give advice – not to reject and criticize the Salaf and Salafiyah and the obligation of following them because of the mistakes of some Salafees, or because there are some who ascribe themselves to the Salaf in falsehood and lying. If we do this, then we would be like those who look down upon Islam because of the mistakes of some Muslims.
What do we say to this person? We tell him (that) the shortcomings and deficiencies are the shortcomings and deficiencies of those mistaken Muslims – not the religion of Islam.
Thus do we say (that) the creed of the Salaf has no shortcomings. The methodology of the Salaf has no deficiency. Instead, the ‘Aqeedah of the Salaf is nothing other than the Qur`an and the Sunnah. The Creed of the Salaf is Ma’sooma (perfect, protected from mistake). Allaah sent it down in His Book. And the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and the sahaabah believed in it. And the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) never approved of any falsehood.
Even if it was a small simple thing of falsehood, opposing the Sunnah, he would criticize and reject it. Any word – even a letter that a person erred in – the Prophet would refute him for it.
If a person said, “What Allaah had willed, and what you had willed,’ he said, “Say, ‘What Allaah had willed alone.’”
If a person – a small child – ate with his left hand, the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said to him, “Say Bismillaah, eat with your right hand, and eat from that which is in front of you.”
A small young girl who said, “And amongst us is the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). He knows what will happen tomorrow.” He (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Don’t say this. None except Allaah knows what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
This is an ‘Aqeedah which is Perfect and exempt from mistakes. This is a Manhaj which is Perfect and exempt from mistakes. This is a complete and perfect Religion.
الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الإِسْلاَمَ دِينا
This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islām as your religion… (Al-Ma`idah, ayah 3)Work hard to the best of your ability to be Salafee, to be one who follows the Salaf, one who loves them, one who supports them, one who draws himself near to Allaah by loving them, to not oppose them to the best of your ability, do not separate yourself from them, neither generally nor specifically.
However, there is a very important point. If you are Salafee, working hard to the best of your ability to follow the Salaf, then don’t talk and say this to people in a manner of praising and purifying your self, and being proud and haughty against the people. And as if your name is recorded on the list of the people of Jannah, and everyone else is behind you and is misguided and a disbeliever. You don’t know. You do deeds, and you hope that Allaah accepts your deeds.
Rather, Ahlus-Sunnah are the most knowledgeable of the people of the truth and most merciful (among the people) to the creation. And you only say, “I am Salafee,” by way of informing the peolple. If you are asked, ‘Are you Sunni or bid’i?’, what would you say? Sunni.
The people are divided into two categories: Sunni and bid’i. However, people of bid’ah are many sects and groups. And the most disgusting from amongst them is the Shee’ah. So instead of the question being, ‘Are you Sunni or bid’i?’ the question became, ‘Are you Sunni or Shee’i?’
Over the last 50-80 years, our forefathers didn’t know anything from the foreigners except for the “Ingleez” (plural of British). So if a foreigner came, [our forefathers] would call them “Ingleezi” (singular of British). They would call the French “Ingleez,” the Dutch “Ingleez,” the Russians were “Ingleez.”
They didn’t know any other foreigners except for the British. So all the foreigners took the name “Ingleez” (British). So they would ask, “Are you an Arab or Ingleez?” However, the non-Arabs: are they all British, or are there many races? You understand now?
People of bid’ah are many. But the most filthy from amongst them and those who hate the Sunnah the most are the Shee’ah. So the question became, “Are you Sunni or Shee’i?” What was the origin of the question? Are you Sunni or Bid’i?
If you ask the question, or if you said about yourself without being asked, “Al-Hamdulillaah, I am Sunni. I adopt and profess the creed (‘Aqeedah) of the Sunnah. And I strive to hold fast to the Sunnah. I ask Allaah to give me death upon (the Sunnah).” This okay and permissible.
And similarly, if you ask, “Are you one who follows the Salaf or the khalaf (the latter generations) ? [You say:] “I am Salafee, according to the best of my ability. I try to hold fast to that which the Salaf were upon.”
But as for purifying yourself and praising yourself, saying, “I am Salafee. I hold fast to everything the Salaf were upon in my heart and my body.”Where is this?
Let’s say, if the Salaf were alive today, they [might] boycott you for Allaah’s sake. So where are you and where are the Salaf?
But we’re on the correct path; we tread this path and Allaah’s mercy is ever vast. And we ask Allaah to accept it from us. And we are not pleased with any other path of method. Even if we fall short in our character, our etiquettes, our acts of worship. However, we don’t anything other than this path.
We love the Salaf, and we are grateful that we ascribe ourselves to them. We ask allaah to allow us to die upon their path and methodology. And we imitate them to the best of our ability, despite our weakness, our shortcomings. However according to what the person said: Imitate noble people even if you’re not similar to them. For indeed, imitating noble people is success.
We’re not like them, however we try to be like them and adopt their method. Perhaps, Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, wouild allow us to join them, because the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Al-Mar`oo ma’ man aHab (The man will be with the one whom he loves).
Al-Mar`oo ma’ man aHab (The man will be with the one whom he loves).
So if we love the Salaf and imitate them, and adopt their method (and) their ‘Aqeedah, and defend them, and strive and fight hard for this, perhaps Allaah – the Mighty and Majestic – will have mercy upon us and make us to be from amongst them.
However, if we choose another (a different) path, if we follow the people of bid’ah (innovation) , then [remember the Prophet's statement:] Al-Mar`oo ma’ man aHab (The man will be with the one whom he loves). Even if he doesn’t reach their level, if he loves them, he will be resurrected with them – aoodhubillaah!
Therefore, it is upon us to have a correct understanding of Salafiyyah. If we have a correct understanding of it, we would know – come to realize – there is no other option for us except following their way. Whoever doesn’t follow them, and opposes them and doesn’t love them, then he is upon a great danger, due to the statement of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): “And my Ummah will split up into seventy-three sects – all of them will be in the Hellfire, except one.” They said: “Which one is it, o Messenger of Allaah?” He said: “It is that which I and my Companions are upon.”What is the path of salvation? Is that you be upon that which the Prophet and his companions were upon.
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According to your following of the Prophet and the sahaabah, your opportunity to be saved and delivered from the fire becomes greater. And according to your distance and remoteness (of following them), then your danger of falling into the hellfire becomes greater.
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