Since its infancy, Islam had to endure both ideological and physical onslaught from its dissenters. In the medieval era our scholars like Imam Ghazzali had to defend the faith from the fallacies of the philosophers, and other Imams like Ibn Taymiyyah, who under severe hardships, defended the religion from the erroneous beliefs of some of the sects within Islam. In every age the creed of Islam seems to be under scrutiny [attack], both scholars, and more amusingly, laymen sought to place a question mark on the soundness, validity and applicability of the Islamic creed. But, with the grace of Allah He protected the religion from being tainted by the feeble efforts of so called ‘scholars’, ‘academics’ and other impostors and charlatans.
The contemporary Islamic world saw the propagation of alien concepts and values being injected into the Muslim nations. One concept, which our scholars defeated, but seems to crop up here and there in the ‘Muslim discourse’, is Secularism.
Islam by its definition cannot be separated from public life. It is a complete way of life – it is creed and worship, home and nationality, tolerance and power, morality and matter, culture and law. A true Muslim is commanded to concern himself with the affairs of the Muslims and to enjoin the good and forbid the evil. Hence his essence and character is political.
Below is a statement from a scholar who defended against the heretical ideas of the late Azahari proponent of Secularism in Islam, Ali Abd al-Raziq. In his book, ‘Islamic Political Theories’, Sheikh Diya Al-Din Al-Rays, highlights the comprehensive nature of the Islamic creed and that it is complete opposition to Secularism, he writes:
‘’No longer is there doubt that the system established by the Prophet and his Companions in Medina- if it is looked at from the viewpoint of its practical facet and if it is measured according to modern political measurements- can be described as “political” in the full sense of the word. This does not preclude, at the same time, describing it as “religious”, if it considers its objectives and motives and spiritual base on which it depends. Thus, the system can be described with both descriptions; for the fact that Islam is comprehensive. It joins materialism with spirituality, and tackles human acts in both, the present life and the Hereafter.
Moreover, its philosophy mixes the two and does not recognise any distinction whatsoever save a different viewpoint. They in themselves constitute a whole or a coordinated unit………to the extent that their separation in unimaginable. This fact about the nature of Islam has become self-evident. Also, historical facts provide evidence of Muslim faith in all previous ages. Some orientalists come to realise it although they are far removed from Islamic environment. In spite of all this, there are some Muslims who describe themselves as “Reformers or Renewers” who declare their denial of the fact! They claim that Islam is nothing but a religious call. They mean that it is merely a belief or a spiritual relation between the individual and his Lord that has nothing to do with the material affairs of this life. Among these material affairs are: matters of war, wealth and politics at first rank. They also say: “religion is something and politics is another”. [PP. 27-29]
Even non Muslim academics and scholars understood that Politics and Islam are inseparable and that Islam provides the principles of governance which are unique to its creed and law:
Dr. V. Fitzgerald writes:
‘’Islam is not a mere religion, but a political system. In spite of the fact that in recent years there have occurred some Muslims who claim themselves to be ‘Modernists’ attempting to separate between the two aspects. The whole Islamic structure is fundamentally based on the fact that both aspects are indispensable.’’[Muhammedan la-ch, 1p.]
Dr Schacht writes:
“Islam is more than a religion. It represents political and legal theories. In brief, it us a complete cultural system that includes religion and state together.’’[Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences, vol 8, p, 333]
And Gibb:
‘’Then, it was clear that Islam was not just individual religious acts, and it was a must to establish its distinctive community, that has its own style in ruling along with its own laws and regulations.’’ [Mohammedanism, 1924, p.3]
To purify the minds and understanding of people from the disease of Secularism is a challenging task and it is up to the duat and Islamic workers to defend and protect the principles of the faith by waging an intellectual and an ideological war against this false creed.
We must move away from the medieval discourse of debating, writing and unearthing ancient polemics which have no bearing in the current creedal and intellectual milieu of the Muslims. The ideas and fallacies of the Mu’tazilah, Jahmiyyah, Kullabiyyah and other such sects have largely died out and the vast majority of the Muslims have no recourse to these kinds of discussions save the scholars and specialists in that field.
I say to those who are eager to defend the true ‘Aqidah. Lets veto the bickering and the disputation about how long ones beard should be, or how short the garment should be, or where to place the hands in prayer, or whether to follow [taqlid] a madhab and stand up to the challenge!
Assalam Ustad,
I am not sure if you’re aware but already the likes of the Tayyibun Institute, al Wasatiyyah Foundation, Hittin Institute, al Muminaat and the Muslim Reseach and Development Foundation have formed a bond of brotherhood together to publically refute and challenge the Secularists and their Modernist fasad, see: http://tayyibun.com/Modernism.jpg
In this 3rd Annual Conference 2009 which I and my family was present in the senior scholars and teachers issued clear concise rebuttals of all manners of false calls that are made and these brother arose to erradicate from the minds of the 1000s that attended masha’allah the confusion being spread.
The brothers also brought together the Egyptian scholars under one platform to issue clear advice and stern statements to the Secularist foes- it would have been good if the likes of IFE and others also joined hands with these brothers to fight against the common enemy insha’allah. What we need is more of these events that clarify to the masses on a large scale one by one each and every weak opinion and attempts of some to undermine the Shari’ah of Allah by the likes of the Quilliam Foundation and others who knew well to stay clear lest they be seen by all openly to have no grounds of daleel to speak of.
Wa Allahu Alaam.
Wa Salam
MashaAllah a really good article, its about time people understand that that Islam is a Comprehensive religion that includes everything including politics…
The challenges to Islam will go on and the brave True Musilms will continue to proactively uphold their duty..
Dr YUSUF QARADAWI has written a fantastic book available in english: Islam and the state – completely destroys the secularists. Also Azzam Tamimi’s book on Rachid Ghannouci has cvhapters which expose their arguments for the crap that they are!!
brov, most if not all the groups you mentioned that are tackling secularism are the same people one way or another. As for IFE, we have been doing the work. Are you aware of the work we are doing? Did they approch IFE to participate in this MOMENTUS seminar!
Congratulations on organising the seminar and hope that it nrought lots of good.
good day akhi
Assalam brother Akh,
My brother these orgs I mentioned are not the same people at all- I spoke with some of them and they are different orgs who share the same vision, in terms of manhaj its true I too saw similarities but then there are also some differences somewhat like IFE with other Islamic Movements such as UKIM, MAB, etc. no one can say really that you are the same people either.
Brother my post was not intended in any way at insulting you brothers nor was it aimed at belittling your efforts hence I did not say IFE are not doing the work and like the brothers and orgs I mentioned earlier in the community for we see what good IFE has done masha’allah.
I am not part of these brothers I had mentioned nor IFE yet so wasn’t blowing some trumpet or anything just sharing good news that these Secularists are being tackled by many brothers which is good and was suggesting brotherhood between all sides against the common enemy thats all.
I did not organise the Seminar (it was a Conference), those I mentioned before did- I and the family just attended like others there I guess.
Sorry again if I caused offence.
Good day to you too brother.
Wa Salam
sure, thanks for the comments. We’ll wait what and see what kinds of results they will produce. The problem with them is that I believe [maybe i'm wrong] is that they place evryone in the same basket, meaning that they probably think that IFE is a org that promotes mordernism. Would I be wrong in assuming that?
Akh,
Let’s think the best of each other – I am quite sure that you are wrong in assuming (beware of assumptions!) that ‘they’ think IFE is an org that promotes modernism.
Shaytan will work to his utmost to sow the seeds of discord between fellow believers where none should exist in order to hamper and destroy the work of Allah. After all, it is the callers to Islam who stand in the way of Shaytan and his soldiers. Disagreement can exist in legitimate areas, but ill-thinking and assuming views and thoghts about others is not from te legitimate area of difference allowed.
“And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islâmic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitân (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitân (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.” (Israa, 53)
I hope you can accept this as advice (which is also an advice to myself) from a well-wishing brother .
WS
Assalam brother Akh,
Like our brother Muhammad has advised we should think good of our brothers until evidence exists otherwise likewise when I spoke with them they had nothing but good to say of our local Imams Abdul Qayyum and Abdur Rahman Madani.
I attended their Conference and talked to them and despite not being of the same methodology and most probably nor of a similar understanding I found them to look beyond that- they were most kind hearted and welcoming to me and others as they gave us salam, treated us well, prayed side by side, gave us all food, etc. In this Ummah we will not see eye to eye with each and every Muslim but that needn’t mean its always an ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude that we must adopt.
Most likely if we got to know these brothers better whom we more or less see every other day we’d find within us common goals such as defending the community against this Secularist attack and other causes whereby we as brothers could come together for. That was why I mentioned this- not to show up that some are doing this and to question or criticise our brothers of IFE at all for it is plain that IFE has done a lot of good and other brothers such as these too are doing good all to spread Allah’s deen and preserve the teachings.
Anyhow brother do take care of yourself and send my salam to the IFE and YMO brothers you know.
Wa Salam
Brov/Muhammad
thanks for the sincere Advise – I’m sure you know some brothers from IFE and YMO? I know who are you so dont worry!
Keep up the good work reviving the manhaaj of the salaf as saalih
peace
Actually, I’m fortunate to be a member of IFE and might even bump into you very soon – look out for me!
WS
So your in disguise to salafise IFE/YMO? Good luck, I’ll be watching you!
Assalam,
As for myself I happen to be neither IFE nor from the Salafiyyah at present (though know of the brothers from both strands personally well)- I know I should commit myself to the work and intend to soon.
What suggests either that he or I are Salafi and why would the brother Muhammad need to be in disguise? I thought the Islamic Movement was meant to accomodate one and all from the Ahlus Sunnah?
Wa Salam
yeah sure, you know where the IFE/YMO offices are? LMC 3rd floor pop by abd we’ll sign you up!
peace brov!
Salam,
Who published Qaradawi’s book on the state? Anyone have excepts from Azzam Tamimi’s coverage of Ghannoushi’s views that they can share with us?
Assalamu Alaikum,
Brothethrs lets keep the discussion topical.
The original arabic book of shaykh al-qaradawi is called ‘Min Fiqh ad Dawlat fil Islam’ – Jurisprudence of the State in Islam. Al Falah publishing house have translated and published but the english is not that good but its understood.
The Azzam Tamimi book I dont know much about unfortunately.
There is another book excellent book ‘Islam and Secularism’ by Dr Naquib at Attass published by the ‘International Institute of islamic civilisation [Malaysia]. A must for this topic.
Wassalam
AKH who are you exactly? you seem to have some sort of resenment towards Brov, why? what is with all your sarcastic comments?
Does it really matter what organisation you are from? i always thought that we work together in good and we help promote good amongst our selves.
You seem to have a problem with SALAFI? do you not remember the statement of Imam Hasan Al-Banna who said our dawah is salafi dawah!
Every metholodogy has good and bad but we must take the good and revoke the bad. I am a member of the Islamic Movement and i firmly believe that we must adhere to the Quran and Sunnah. If you are true to the movement then you should listen to Imam Abdul Quayum carefully and follow his way as this will lead you to the balanced way and to the truth.
May allah guide us all to the correct aqidah and mahnaj of the prophet and his companions so we can establish this deen on the earth.
Excellent article.
Are we too busy taking each other on to actually rise to the true challenges Islam faces today – beautifuly summed up Br Abdullah al-Hasan. Jzk.
Come on RES! with all due respect to sheikh abdul qayyoom do you really think that he represents the Islamic movement? we have to be honest he is more inclined to salafism.
Akh and Brov, you should meet and talk about it – its good to talk
RES: Yes Imam al-Banna did say the movement is a salafi da’wa but he also said its a sufi path (forgot the exact words). It would be silly to suggest that Imam al-banna is like the salafis we have now. I dont think you understand what he really meant.
Azzam Tamimi’s book is called Rachid Ghannouchi: A democrat within Islamism published by Oxford (OUP). It’s basically Tamimi’s PhD thesis published in book format. The book itself is based largely on Ghannouchi’s own thesis: Hurriyaat fi al-Dawla al-Islamiya (Freedom/s in the Islamic State) which he intended for submission for a PhD.
Assalam brother Akh,
I didn’t know the IFE and YMO office was on 3rd floor of LMC? And I think your mistaken brother- whenever I went there I saw the madrassah called London East or something (unless I got off on the wrong floor) and there was no room for that there anyhow?!
Just to clarify in case you have some issue with Salafi brothers for some reason I myself am not Salafi (not that there is anything necessarily wrong with being a Salafi).
And please the Imam Abdul Qayyum is masha’allah a very sincere brother who works tirelessly for the community- please do not say anything remotely negative about him. Few of us here have done as much as he.
Wa Salam
wa alaykumusssalaam,
erm! no one said anything negative about Imam abdul qayyoom. it was clarified that he does not represent the Islmaic movement. I think he would concur! also snce yusuf qaradawi represents the movement would he agree with him on issues, i think not.
peace
Shaykh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi says in his ‘Al-Hulul al Mustawradah wa Kayfa Jaat `alaa Ummatina’ (”How the Imported Solutions Disastrously Affected Our Ummah”), pp 113-4:
Secularism may be accepted in a Christian society but it can never enjoy a general acceptance in an Islamic society. Christianity is devoid of a shari`ah or a comprehensive system of life to which its adherents should be committed. The New Testament itself divides life into two parts: one for God, or religion, the other for Caesar, or the state: “Render unto Caesar things which belong to Caesar, and render unto God things which belong to God” (Matthew 22:21). As such, a Christian could accept secularism without any qualms of conscience. Furthermore, Westerners, especially Christians, have good reasons to prefer a secular regime to a religious one. Their experience with “religious regimes” – as they knew them – meant the rule of the clergy, the despotic authority of the Church, and the resulting decrees of excommunication and the deeds of forgiveness, i.e. letters of indulgence.
For Muslim societies, the acceptance of secularism means something totally different; i.e. as Islam is a comprehensive system of worship (`ibadah) and legislation (Shari`ah), the acceptance of secularism means abandonment of Shari`ah, a denial of the divine guidance and a rejection of Allah’s injunctions; It is indeed a false claim that Shariah is not proper to the requirements of the present age. The acceptance of a legislation formulated by humans means a preference of the humans’ limited knowledge and experiences to the divine guidance: “Say! Do you know better than Allah?” (2:140).
For this reason, the call for secularism among Muslims is atheism and a rejection of Islam. Its acceptance as a basis for rule in place of Shari`ah is downright riddah. The silence of the masses in the Muslim world about this deviation has been a major transgression and a clear-cut instance of disobedience which have produces a sense of guilt, remorse, and inward resentment, all of which have generated discontent, insecurity, and hatred among committed Muslims because such deviation lacks legality. Secularism is compatible with the Western concept of God which maintains that after God had created the world, He left it to look after itself. In this sense, God’s relationship with the world is like that of a watchmaker with a watch: he makes it then leaves it to function without any need for him. This concept is inherited from Greek philosophy, especially that of Aristotle who argued that God neither controls nor knows anything about this world. This is a helpless God as described by Will Durant. There is no wonder that such a God leaves people to look after their own affairs. How can He legislate for them when He is ignorant of their affairs? This concept is totally different from that of Muslims. We Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) is the sole Creator and Sustainer of the Worlds. One Who “…takes account of every single thing) (72:28); that He is omnipotent and omniscient; that His mercy and bounties encompasses everyone and suffice for all. In that capacity, Allah (SWT) revealed His divine guidance to humanity, made certain things permissible and others prohibited, commanded people observe His injunctions and to judge according to them. If they do not do so, then they commit kufr, aggression, and transgression.”
Excellent article akhi Abdullah. Keep up the good work and may Allah accept you efforts. Whats up with your blog? I cant view no posts?
‘Akh’ said:
‘ The problem with them is that I believe [maybe i'm wrong] is that they place evryone in the same basket, meaning that they probably think that IFE is a org that promotes modernism. Would I be wrong in assuming that?’
Now why would you think/believe that akhi? Its because of this typical mentality amongst many Islamic workers that create divisions. Have you approached them in regards to this? If you had then you would find they don’t believe this rather they speak good of IFE/YMO, especially YMO whom they offer support in the excellent work they do with the youth.
The conference addressed the issue head on to the masses, and utilized the Ulamaa (not just from UK) to do this, something IFE has not done (yet), although IFE is doing effective work in tackling the issue in a different way.
‘Akh’ you also said:
‘Did they approch IFE to participate in this MOMENTUS seminar!’
It also works 2 ways. why don’t you approach them? We should all work together in good, such as the issue of tackling modernism/secularism. And please akhi, allow the sarcasm and be a little more mature, shukran.
By the way a couple of brothers are saying Imam Abdul Qayyum does not represent the IM…. in effect are you saying that the methodology he follows/adopts cannot be IM as he is Salafi inclined?
Can a Salafi not be on the methodology of IM? The vibe I am getting is not the methodology of IM that Imam Hasan Al Banna revived…. I hope I am wrong?
My apologies akhi Abdullah to divert a bit, but it needs to be addressed.
Assalamu Alaikum,
I pray all is well.
Siyamist: My blog: http://www.maqasid.wordpress.com is still running alhamdulillah and I’m trying to post new articles on a daily basis.
Akh/brov/Muhammad: Lets stop this and talk about the real issues. Lets unite against the common enemy that is secularism.
The Islamic movement is not a fiqh madhab it’s a social and educational organisation. If you travel to countries like Saudi, Syria, Jordan and Egypt and others, you will find people and scholars who subscribe to the Movement but have different opinions in fiqh and even Aqidah. The philosophy of the movement does not allow for us to debate and dispute with one another on the peripheral matters of the din rather it focuses our attention to the fundamentals and the practicals.
We should not delve into personalities since we are all human beings and we make mistakes but if anyone seeks to know who really represents the Islamic Movement, both ideologically and practically, generally and specifically, then, in my opinion, we only need to look at one outstanding individual. It is non other than ‘Shayhul Islam ‘Allamah Yusuf al-Qaradawi. I am not saying this out of taqlid or fanaticism but as Imam Shafi’ said about Imam al ‘Azam Abu Hanifa that ‘”All of the fuqaha are the dependent of Abu Hanifa’’. What we can say in regards to our Shaykh is that everyone else is dependent of Shaykh al-Qaradawi in fiqh, minhaj, ‘Aqidah and da’wa. I am quite sure other great scholars like him will testify to this and they have: http://maqasid.wordpress.com/2008/04/15/yusuf-al-qaradawi-as-i-have-known-him-by-mufti-taqi-uthmani-h/
http://maqasid.wordpress.com/2008/04/11/dr-yusuf-al-qaradawi-one-of-the-imams-of-the-muslims-by-al-allamah-abdullah-bin-bayyah/
Also, I’m sure that his student Dr Shaykh Akram Nadwi will have similar thigs to say about him.
May Allah preserve him and teach us through him and others like.
I hope the brothers will stop debating on small issues and talk about the subject at hand!
Wallahu ‘alam
Wassalam
Abdullah Hasan
Did Qardawi believe it is ok to join the American army?