Contemporary Issues

In the name of Allah the Beneficiary, the Merciful, all praise is due to Allah. We seek his aid and ask him for guidance and ask his forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of ourselves and our wicked actions.

Whoever Allah guides, none can send astray and whoever Allah sends astray, none can guide. We testify that there is no God but Allah alone and that He has no partner, and I testify that Muhammed is His servant and messenger. May Allah bless him, his family and his companions.

We ask Allah, the Most High, to accept our efforts, overlook our shortcomings and cover us all with his mercy in this world and in the next.

Muharram 1417H

Contents

• Introduction
• The Definition of Television
• The Working of Television
• The Image
• Picture-Making - the Mother of Television
• Music and Television
• The Female Voice
• Serials, Romances and Stories on Television
• Nudity, Immorality and Television
• Television as an Agent of Zina' (Fornication)
• TV in Stride - Terror of Copy Rapes
• Television and Crime in General
• Television Encourages Acceptance of Aggression
• Television Encourages Imitation of Crime
• The Brainwashing Action of Television
• Television Stunts Intellectual Growth
• The Addictive Influence of Television
• Research on Television has Shown
• What They Say About Television
• Television and Time

TELEVISION

This appendix is a summary, with slight changes, of an excellent and enlightening book entitled Television and the Institution of Photography or Picture-Making, published by the Majlis al-Ulama, of South Africa.

Introduction

The great need for discussion of the Islamic perspective concerning the issue of television is clear to us all. Since television has entered the homes of people in every corner of the earth, the rich and the poor, the educated and uneducated, Muslim and non-Muslim - it has become a necessity to address the issue and explain the problems and dangers of television in a clear and concise manner for the benefit of every Muslim who is seeking to please Allah, the Most High, and earn His reward.

The Definition of Television

The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines television as follows: The electrical transmission of pictures in motion and the simultaneous electrical transmission of the accompanying sounds. The Encyclopaedia International explains television as: The unique feature that distinguishes television from radio is the conversion of an image into an electrical current which is later reconverted to the original image ...

The Working of Television

The equipment consists of a camera which convex the image into electrical impulses; these are transmitted by radio to a receiver which converts the impulses by means of a cathode-ray tube into a corresponding image on a screen.

The Image

The illusion of motion in television is produced by showing 30 still pictures, or frames, each second. Through persistence of vision the brain retains each picture until the next comes along. We are not aware of the fact that our eyes are really seeing a rapidly changing sequence of a large number of slightly different still pictures. Each still picture consists of about 250,000 picture dots of varying brightness which appear as if painted on the screen. This process is called scanning (Encyclopaedia International). For an interesting and comprehensive discussion of the technical functioning of Television, refer to the original book: Television and the Institution of Photography or Picture-Making.

It should at this juncture be said that the undesirability and the Islamic prohibition of this institution of television is not based solely on the stand that photography (picture-making) of animate objects is employed. Without minimizing the importance and the decisiveness of the prohibitive factor of picture-making it has to be said that a number of other evil and un-Islamic factors accompany the institution of television. It is this conglomeration of evil factors which make television illegal in Islam although, in most cases, each single one of these factors is sufficient to secure the verdict of illegality of TV. Insha'Allah (God Willing), we shall outline these asbab ul-hurmat (prohibited factors) of television in the ensuing pages.

Picture-Making: The Mother of Television

Photography which is merely a method of picture-making is the actual basis of TV. Without the institution of photography television is not possible. Whether shows are "live" or otherwise, the institution of photography is employed. Now, according to the Law of Islam picture-making of animate objects is severely criticized and banned.

Music and Television

We can consider music as an integral part of television programs. No TV show is complete without music. Islam has forbidden music in no unmistaken terms (for further details and full discussion of the evidences concerning the prohibition of music in Islam, refer to: The Islamic Ruling of Music and Singing, by Abu Bilal Mustafah al-Kanadi). For the purposes of the present subject it will suffice to state that Islam categorically forbids all types of music. Music in Islam is regarded as a kabirah (great) sin. With regard to music our Prophet, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

"There will be men from among my Ummah (Nation) who will consume alcohol, giving it another name (so as to deceive themselves and others). Singing girls and musical instruments will be playing to them. Allah, the Most High, will cause the earth to swallow them. Allah will transform them into apes and swine." [Ibn Majah, al-Bayhaqi 10/221, no. 20989. Shaykh al-Albani declared it to be authentic in Silsilat as-Sahihah 1/136-139, no. 90]

It is reported from Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him: "Music sows hypocrisy in the heart like water causes seeds to grow in soil." [Ad-Durr ul-Manthur, by Imam as-Suyuti 5/307-308, in his explanation of verse 31:6 of the Qur'an]

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"And when they (the believers) hear idle talk they turn away from it saying: 'We have our deeds and you have yours. Peace be upon you! We have no desire for the ignorant.' " [Al-Qur'an 28:55]

The Female Voice

The female voice, according to Islam, is also included in the category of satar, i.e. it has to be 'concealed' and not 'revealed' . Since the female voice is an entity not to be displayed or advertised, it is not permissible for males to listen to women singing or even reciting the Qur'an ...

When necessity demands that they have to speak to males then their speech should not be attractive, gentle and alluring like the deliberate allure put in speech by trained women of the disbelievers. Recognizing the danger of allurement in the female voice, the Qur'an commands women thus:

"If you fear Allah, be not soft of speech, lest he in whose heart is a disease aspire to you, but speak honourably." [Al-Qur'an 33:32]

Van de Velde in his book Ideal Marriage, states: "The tone-colour of a voice, and the intonation of a single word - and it may be a word of no special meaning or association in itself - may excite incredible intensity of desire. The unique and precious significance that a woman's voice can give to to 'you' can suffice to overwhelm man's power of endurance and control ... "

Islam has, hence, forbidden its women to speak in a soft or "sexually" sweet tone. If anyone is aware of the springs of sex-psychology he will clearly see the justification for Islam having restriction in this matter.

Islam commands the concealment of the female voice and prohibits its display in public but television demands the contrary. Great use is made of the female voice on TV to advertise, to allure, to excite lust and female singing with the accompaniment of music is most popular ...

The importance of television programs, like the importance of all the mass media of the disbelievers, hinges on maximum exhibition of the female body and the female voice which have been subverted by the bestial culture of the unbelievers, to pamper the inordinate sexual desires of men who have no belief of Allah in them - of men who have no fear of Allah left in them.

Serials, Romances and Stories on Television

What is the attitude of Islam to fiction, novels and romantic stories? Allah, the Most High, says in the Qur'an:

"And of mankind there are some who buy idle tales without knowledge, to mislead people from the path of Allah, and take it in jest. For such there is a humiliating torment. And when Our signs are recited to him he turns away in pride as if he hears them not, as if there were a deafness in his ears. So give him good news of a painful torment." [Al-Qur'an 31:6-7]

These verses of the Qur'an were revealed to prohibit, according to the mufassirin (those who explain the Qur'an) and Jurists, music and the stories of romances imported from Persia. Since these things divert man's attention from the remembrance of Allah and transport one into the realm of illusion and imagination the Qur'an outlaws them. Islam strongly discourages fiction and encourages one to live in reality and not an illusion which has the tendency to make one negligent and forgetful of the prime purpose of man's creation which is to gain Allah's Pleasure by fixing the gaze on the akhirah (Hereafter) and not on the TV screen. Islam, therefore forbids the wasting of time in listening to idle tales and fiction or false stories.

Nudity, Immorality and Television

The most glaring evil propagated by the television media of the world is the crime of nudity and sexual immorality. Commercialized nudity and sexual immorality under the camouflage of "educational" pictures are accepted and necessary features of world television. The Western world is haunted by the obsession of illicit sex, and it is this carnal obsession of illicit sex coupled with the unbeliever's god of materialism which makes capital of the female body on TV as well as all other mass media.

The Islamic concept of morality and modesty is the very antithesis of the immorality and passivity dished out to the world via TV. Islam demands the concealment of the female body. The Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "A woman is an object of concealment." [At-Tirmidhi. It was declared authentic by Shaykh al-Albani in Sahih Sunan at-Tirmidhi 1/343 no. 1189]

TV is an institution which is widely used to exhibit the female body. Islam has banned all forms of immorality and immodesty, but TV exhibits immodesty and immorality in their crudest forms by depicting the actual sex acts and, above all, it audaciously and shamelessly passes these off as "educational". Television as a prime agent of immorality is very well known ...

The Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "Shamelessness (immodesty) is vice, and vice will be in the fire." [Muslim 4/1375, no. 6309]

Television as an Agent of Zina' (Fornication)

Allah, the Most High, says in the Qur'an: "Keep away from zina', for it is an indecent thing and an evil way." [Al-Qur'an 17:32]

The terms, keep away, mean: stay away from all such things and practice: which lead to zina' - which are stepping-stones to fornication.

All practices, things and institutions which aid and foster fornication and immodesty are forbidden by Islam. There are different categories of this abominable crime of zina'. The Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

"The zina' of the eyes is the gaze (at that which is unlawful, e.g. nudity); the zina' of the ears is to listen (to talks of nudity which excites the carnal desired); the zina' of the tongue is to speak (what is evil); the zina' of the hand is to touch (the female which is unlawful to you); the zina' of the feet is to walk (towards immorality); the zina' of the heart is to desire (what is unlawful), and it is the private parts which either commits or shuns the actual act of fornication." [Muslim 4/1397 no. 6421, 6422]

In this statement, the Messenger of Allah, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, speaks of the zina' committed by the various parts of the human body. Thus, to look at the nudity and evil portrayed on the television screen constitutes the zina' of the eyes. To listen to the immodest and illicit sex talks of the television is zina' of the ears. Lust which is loused by the display, discussion of nudity and passivity and perversion on the TV screen constitutes the zina' of the heart.

Television, therefore, is without any doubt a powerful agent and a stepping-stone for fornication ...

We find today the whole family - father, mother, sons and daughters - sitting huddled together around the TV screen. Together, in a display of stark shamelessness, the whole family is committing zina' of the eyes, zina' of the ears and zina' of the heart, and Allah alone knows how many multitudes of men and women indulged in the final act of fornication as a result of watching and being aroused by the evil on the TV screen ...

Islam lays great emphasis on modesty, so much so, that our Prophet, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: "Modesty is a part of iman (faith)." [At-Tirmidhi. It was declared authentic by Shaykh al-Albani in Sahih Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 2/195, no. 2094 (1634)]

But TV with its emphasis on illicit, depraved and bestial immorality is the very negation of the Islamic concept of modesty and shame. Mother, father and children together viewing the zina' - the fornication and vice on the TV screen. What is now left of humanity? May Allah, the Most High, protect us and our children from the filth and depravity of the Western world sunk in perversion and immorality.

Allah, the Most High, says: "This day We seal up their mouths, and their hands speak out; and their feet bear witness as to what they used to earn." [Al-Qur'an 36:65]

TV in Stride - Terror of Copy Rapes

The horror of a TV rape came true for two women. They were attacked only days after the screening of a documentary Cry Rape on British TV.

The maniac who broke into their homes at Reading, Berkshire, acted just like the TV rapist.

He struck by day, threatening his victims with a knife. He robbed them and stacked his loot in a neat pile ready for a quick getaway. The police chief leading the hunt for the rapist said: "He may have seen this program. It could have stimulated these attacks." Now police may ask ITV for a private screening of the film to seek possible new clues. [Sunday Times, 8th February 1976]

Television and Crime in General

Television besides being a powerful agent of immorality, generally fosters various types of crime. Violence, aggression, robberies, murder, etc., are crimes which the young readily learn from TV shows. Much of the delinquency and youth crimes being perpetrated in the Western world could be traced to the TV.

In an article entitled: TV Shows Blamed For Crimes, Los Angeles judge, Mark Bridler, blasted a TV crime show recently as the cause of a "seven-hour nightmare" in which two teenagers taped shotguns to the heads of hostages and extracted a huge ransom from a Californian bank.

Television Encourages Acceptance of Aggression

The regular and continuous shows of violence and aggression slowly, but most certainly, claim their victims. Viewers are 'brain-washed' by the perpetual scenes of violence to such an extent that violence and aggressiveness becomes accepted as a mode of behaviour.

Television Encourages Imitation of Crime

Research has established that TV exercises a very strong influence on the minds of people causig them to imitate and enact the crime shown on the TV screen. Dr. Robert Liebert, a child psychologist who was a leading researcher in the United States Surgeon General's investigation into TV and social behaviour, says: Violence on home screens encourages 'an acceptance of aggression as a mode of behaviour ... Perfectly normal children will imitate anti-social behaviour they see on television, not out of malice, but curiosity ... in showing displays of violence and criminal acts, the media is 'teaching', people are 'learning', he says.

The Brainwashing Action of Television

Television is here and its biggest fans are children. Overnight they've become instant pundits, immediately recognizing personalities who are still just faces to the rest of us.

It's the kids who grab the TV guide and plot their viewing with military precision; the kids who know every cop and cowboy and exactly why it could not have been the butler who did it.

Will reading become a forgotten art only necessary to decipher the basic English of the TV guide or the secret message flashed on the screen by Agent X who has seconds to read the scrawl before it self-destructs? Researchers have established that the young minds of children are readily susceptible to being brainwashed by TV. In America organizations have been formed in scores of cities in order to tight the evil effect of TV on children. The President of the Organization, Action For Children's Television, a Boston-based parents' organization with branches in 60 cities says:

"At present from Monday to Friday, children are subjected to 16 minutes of commercials an hour, and 12 minutes an hour on weekends ...

"Television advertisers in America are pouring unprecedented millions of dollars into the child slots for the autumn season, despite a storm of public indignation over 'brainwashing' on children's shows."

Television Stunts Intellectual Growth

An eminent American elocutionist, Professor Lowell Little, claims that TV raises ignorant students. At an education seminar in Florida he said:

"Today's youth are so used to plopping down in front of a television set and not having to put their brains to work that when they come to sit in a classroom of a university all they are capable of doing is day-dreaming and vacantly watching the clock.

"As the first generation of youngsters all but raised on television has now reached college age it is abundantly clear that the boob tube (i.e. television) has destroyed any curiosity they may ever have had.

"Their level of communication is just at the sixth grade level.

"The television has more influence on them than parents, teachers or clergy - and that is a disgrace.

"If I get through to four students out of 30 and arouse their interest that's the best I can expect."

The Addictive Influence of Television

The addictive influence of TV over its viewers is a serious malady which has reached alarming proportions. Viewers become so addicted to TV that it becomes most difficult for most viewers to live without TV. Research in this field of the 'addictive influence of TV' has established that if these who are addicted to TV are deprived of television they become increasingly nervous, short-tempered and unhappy.

In an article captioned: Millions Addicted To The Box, the Eastern Province Herald of the 23rd October 1975, reports:

"Television's addictive grip was emphasized some months before when three socially varied 'guinea pig' families agreed to try a switch-off for a month. The lowest income family could stand the deprivation only a week; the other two lasted for four weeks, hating every minute of it. They said they felt as if they had lost a friend, were depressed and thought their work was suffering too.

"In an earlier psychological experiment 182 West Germans volunteered to try to give up television for a year, with the inducement of payment as long as they kept off. One brave family stood the strain for nearly six months - till they wanted to watch a crime serial. The first volunteer, a bachelor; failed after three weeks. Others became increasingly nervous, short-tempered and unhappy ... "

Television diverts man's attention from the remembrance of Allah - The Prophet, may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

"Every sport or amusement that a Muslim occupies himself with is batil (baseless, null and not permissible) - except three: (the three types beings his practicing with your bow (and arrow); his training horse and his playing with his family." [Ibn Majah. It was declared authentic by Shaykh al-Albani in Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah 2/132. no. 2267 [2811]. See also Silsilah as-Sahihah 1/562, no. 315]

Allah, the Most High, says in the Qur'an:

"The life of the world is nothing but a pastime and a play. The Hereafter is better for those who fear [Allah]. Have you no sense?" [Al-Qur'an 6:32]

The above stated statement and verse of the Qur'an, as well as many others of the Qur'an and ahadith (statements of the final Messenger) make it quite clear that Islam does not tolerate futility, idle sport or amusement. This is so because amusement and entertainment divert one's attention from the Remembrance of Allah, the Most High. It also interferes with one's worship causing neglect of salat (in general) and the congregational prayers (particularly for the men). Amusement and entertainment which Islam describes as lawh, it make a person indolent, negligent and irresponsible. Hence, we find the Messenger of Allah may the prayers and blessings of Allah be upon him, condemning very strongly even such play as chess and backgammon, etc., in the following statement: "Whosoever plays with chess and backgammon is like one who has dyed his hands with the flesh and blood of swine." [Muslim 4/1222 no. 5612]

Research on Television has Shown ...

Research studies on the effects and influence of television on society has shown:

• That the average American child stares at more than 11,000 murders on television by the age of 14.
• That most American children spend more time before a set than with their teacher in any one year.
• That in a national survey many young viewers claimed to watch television for up to 46 hours a week.
• That Television takes one away from reality.
• That TV has created a vast tribe of mini-stars, pop-idols, schmaltzy gurus, talking-heads, telegogues and cardboard 'personalities' whose only achievement is to be on the box.
• That TV causes lethargy in children.
• That Television is responsible for the falling standard of literacy.
• That millions of dollars are spent by advertisers to 'brainwash' children by means of television to increase demand for consumer goods.
• That Television makes viewers insensitive to violence numerated by others.
• That public apathy and failure to respond to a victim's cries for help is blamed on Television.
• That Television is detrimental to the physical and mental health of children ...

What They Say About Television

"The Church of England General Synod, in a report to a Government appointed committee deplores scenes of heavy drinking, chain smoking and casual use of obscene language and blasphemous language on TV." [Eastern Province Herald, 23rd October 1975]

The psychiatrists, Dr. William Tompkins of the George Washington School of Medicine, and Dr. Paul Fink of the East Virginia Medical School, have been engaged in intensive research into the effect on people if television advertising. They say that TV commercials "encourage belief in mysticism by making viewers believe they can get what they want almost by magic."

Dr. Tompkins says: "Television advertising gets us to accept nonsense and leads us to go looking for a fantasy world.

"...the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) was ticked of by the House and Senate Appropriation Committee and told to report on fresh measures to curb video violence or face 'punitive action '. "

Mr. Tindall, Director of the Audio-Visual Center of Sydney Teachers' College said: "Children were learning that violence is not only rampant but frequently justified.

"For years, people had been saying the good thing about TV was that it brought news to the living room. But the survey indicated that few children, if given the option, watched the news or current affairs.

"An almost unbelievable avalanche of sex, perversion, pornography, blue films, sadism, masochism, bestiality, murder, rape and brutality has flooded into the public view through the modern 'boob tube' of television, or the movies and lurid novels.

"In British television, almost unbelievable references to lewdness, perverted sex and depravity are as open and unabashed as news reports." [Tomorrow's World, August 1971]

Television and Time

Television undoubtedly dominates the free time or leisure of millions who have become addicted to it. Hours of precious time are daily squandered in the presence of the TV set. This malady of wasting hours daily doing 'justice to the TV screen' is so serious that even necessary and important work and activities are neglected, especially when the TV program or serial clashes with the time when a particular work has to be done. The Eastern Province Herald dated 23rd October 1975, states in a report:

"Britons spend more time with television than with radio, books, theatre and newspaper combined.

"The average person watches television nine hours and six minutes a week in winter and seven hours 42 minutes in summer but these estimates seem conservative.

"Three-quarters of homes in one British Midlands industrial area found to have the 'telly' on the entire evening everyday and in one national survey many young viewers claimed to watch for up to 46 hours a week.

"When early in 1974 the Government put 10:30p.m. curfew on television to save electricity for several weeks the outcries were loud and long."

A recent survey conducted by the Audio-visual Centre of Sydney Teachers' College (Australia) revealed that the average child watched over 21 hours of TV a week. Mr. Tindall, Director of the Centre asked: "What does TV offer the child in exchange for about 1,100 hours of almost undivided attention each year?"

Time in Islam is of great importance. So important indeed is time that Almighty Allah in the Qur'an takes an Oath by Time, and says: "Wal-Asri" - By the Token of Time.

A Muslim is not permitted to waste time, even more so when the wasting of time is a result of an institution portraying vice and evil, and when the wasting of time on a practice or 'past-time' involves interference or neglect with ones duties to Allah and man. The addictive grip of television over its viewers is so powerful that the viewer becomes a helpless victim wasting sacred hours glued to the TV screen, thus neglecting his salat, his family duties and his social duties. The student, undoubtedly neglects his studies and learning. In a survey, teachers have said that a direct link exists between television and the failing standard of literacy, particularly among lethargic children continually sitting up late in front of the "goggle box".

"By Time! Man is indeed in loss! Except those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth, and exhort one another to patience." [Al-Qur'an 103]

Should anyone be watching television?

(p) Message of Islaam

Translator's Preface

Indeed all praise belongs to Allah, we praise Him, seek His aid and assistance and His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Him from the evil [whisperings] of our souls and our own evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide, but whomsoever He leaves to stray, then none can guide that person aright. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is His Slave and Messenger.

To continue ...

About the Ummah

Ever since the beginning of Islam, the unbelievers have never ceased plotting against this precious Muslim Ummah (nation) in order to inject into it the poison of disbelief, deviation and moral degradation. By this the enemies of Islam have sought to corrupt the values and beliefs of the sons and daughters of Islam, as well as seeking to remove the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam from being their source of guidance and their source of legislation in the various Islamic lands. Over the fourteen centuries of Islam, the unbelievers have gradually succeeded in some of these plots!

By the end of the first decade of the fifteenth Islamic century (1410-1411H / 1990-1991CE), the world witnessed a total re-shaping of its socio-political landscape; a re-shaping that again was to have a serious impact upon the Islamic world. With the collapse of communist Russia as a dominant world force, it was Islam and the Islamic lands that then became the main focal targets for the economic, ideological and military attack of the New World Order; the now dominant culture. In effect, it was the beginnings of the second Crusades! Consequently: "The Muslims today face a barbaric onslaught from their enemies - the Jews, Christians, atheists, secularists and others. The Islamic lands are being invaded by various forms of unbelief and deviations; and throughout the Islamic lands the winds of desire and corruption blow, the likes of which cannot be truly known except by Allah, Lord of the servants. Supported by a demonic global plan as well as unlimited financial backing, this attack aims at domination and hegemony over the Islamic world; dividing it, attacking it culturally and morally and perverting the true image of the Religion. Therefore, it is amongst the priorities of the Islamic call (da'wah) to break this attack and to counter it with every legitimate means of da'wah possible." [Bayan wa't-Tawdih (pp.9-10). Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn Baz said as part of his endorsement to the booklet (p.15): "Each word was in its proper place."]

"O you who believe! Do not take as intimate friends and advisors those outside of your Religion, for they will not spare any efforts to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has appeared from their mouths, but what their hearts conceal is far worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Signs, if you do truly understand." [Al-Qur'an 3:118]

The Future is for Islam

Yet along with this bleak reality and despite the intensity of this attack, the blessed da'wah and Islamic revival continues to flourish and grow - and all praise be to Allah. However, with this growth, the enemies have intensified their efforts to suppress the revival. The need of the time, therefore, is for the Muslims to mutually co-operate with each other, in order to become a single hand against their enemies and to repel the attacks made against themselves, their creed ('aqidah) and their lands. Our Lord, the Exalted, said:

"And those who are unbelievers are allies and helpers, one to another; so unless you do this [i.e. be allies and helpers to one another and be unified] there will be trials and discord upon the earth and great corruption." [Al-Qur'an 8:73]

"Co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety, but do not co-operate with one another in sin and transgression." [Al-Qur'an 5:2]

Only by such mutual co-operation and sincere mutual advice and by striving hard to cultivate within the Ummah sound faith (iman) and righteous actions - adorning this striving and cultivation with patient perseverance (sabr) - will the blessed da'wah and revival bear the desired results and expected fruits.

It is also obligatory that this da'wah and revival be firmly embedded upon calling for a return to the Book and the Sunnah and to that which the Pious Predecessors of this Ummah were agreed upon. It is essential for those involved in this revival that when differences of opinion arise between the Muslims - as they inevitably will - that they should adhere to the ettiquettes of differing (adab ul-khilaf); ensuring that the revival does not become marginalized or side-tracked into a dialectic about issues which - though they may have an importance in Islam - are not, however, from amongst its immediate priorities. Since doing so only serves to further weaken this already fragile Ummah, stifle the da'wah and delay the help and victory (nusrah) that Allah has promised to the Muslims; for He, the Exalted, has indeed guaranteed that the future is for Islam::

"Allah has promised to those amongst you who have faith and do righteous actions that He will certainly grant them the succession of rule (khilafah) in the land, as He granted it to those before them; and that he will grant them the authority to practice their Religion which He has chosen for them and that He will replace their state of fear, for one of safety; provided that they worship Me alone and not direct worship to others along with Me." [Al-Qur'an 24:55]

"They wish to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light; even though the unbelievers detest it. It is He Who sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that it may prevail over all other religions, even though those who worship others besides Allah may detest it." [Al-Qur'an 61:8-9]

Allah's Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Indeed Allah gathered up the earth for me, so that I saw its eastern and western parts; and indeed the dominion of my Ummah will reach whatever was gathered up for me from it." [Reported by Muslim (no. 2889) and Abu Dawud (no. 4252), from Thawban radiallahu 'anhu]

He sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "This affair will reach whatever is reached by the night and the day. And Allah will not leave a dwelling of brick, nor of fur, except that He will cause this Religion to enter into it, bringing either honor or humiliation; honor which Allah grants to Islam or humiliation which Allah gives to unbelief." [Sahih: Reported by Ahmad (4/103). It was declared to be authentic (sahih) by the hadith master (hafidh), 'Abdul-Ghani al-Maqdisi, in Dhikr ul-Islam (1/166)]

And he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Give glad-tidings to this Ummah of honour, establishment upon the earth, help and victory, and preeminence of the Religion. Whosoever does an action of the Hereafter for a worldly motive, will have no portion of the Hereafter." [Sahih: Reported by al-Hakim (4/311) from 'Ubayy ibn Ka'b radiallahu 'anhu. It was declared to be sahih by the leading hadith specialist (muhhaddith) of this age, Shaykh Muhammad Nasir ud-Din al-Albani, in Sahih ul-Jami' (no. 2825)]

This series addresses the nature of the ideological attack. It discusses the rationale behind this attack, its objectives, its scale, as well as the means employed by the enemies to achieve these objectives. It comprises of a translation of two separate interviews. The first interview centers upon the root cause for the Ummah's weakness and our obligations towards the Islamic world, which, whilst they took place over a decade ago, are still very much applicable to our present state of affairs. Since this ideological attack, rather than having abated, continues vigorously and vehemently, having found yet more avenues to corrupt the hearts of the Muslims, whether those living in the Islamic lands or those residing as minorities in the lands of the unbelievers! One such avenue of attack is through the satellite and TV Culture. Through such avenues the Muslims, especially the youth, open themselves up to being influenced and indoctrinated into the culture of the New World Order - a kufr culture - whereby their values, beliefs, ideals and ethics are gradually made to accord with that of this demonic culture. The result being that many a time nothing remains of that victim's Islamic identity except perhaps a name; and from this Allah's refuge is sought.

About the Author

The author or interviewee is a scholar who has, for over six decades, been involved in the blessed da'wah and revival. He is the imam, the exemplary scholar, the reviver, Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn 'Abdullah ibn Baz; may Allah protect him and continue benefiting the Ummah with him.

Shaykh ibn Baz was born on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah, 1330H (1912CE); in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He began seeking knowledge from an early age and memorized the Qur'an before reaching the age of puberty. He then went on to study the various Islamic sciences and excelled in this; such as the science of beliefs ('aqa'id), jurisprudence (fiqh), its fundamentals (usul al-fiqh), hadith, Qur'anic tafsir, recitation (tajwid), the science of manners and behavior ('ilm as-suluk), grammar (nahw) and morphology (sarf). At the beginning of his studies he had normal sight, but in 1346H he was afflicted with an illness, which impaired his vision. Four years later, at the age of twenty, he became blind, yet this did not deter the Shaykh from continuing his studies.

His teachers include some of the most prominent scholars of Riyadh and Makkah of their time; scholars such as Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abdul-Latif ibn 'Abdur-Rahman ibn Hasan; Sa'd ibn Hamad ibn 'Atiq; Sa'd Waqqas al-Bukhari, from whom he learnt tajwid; and Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim alush-Shaykh, the former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia; may Allah shower mercy upon them all. Shaykh ibn Baz attended the circles of Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim for about ten years, from 1347H till 1357H, being greatly attached to him and learning the various shari'ah sciences from him.

After completing his studies the Shaykh was appointed to the post of judge in the district of al-Kharaj, from 1357-1371H. Between 1373-1380H he taught the sciences of jurisprudence, tawhid and hadith at al-Mahad al-'Ilmi in Riyadh. He held the post of Vice-Principal of the Islamic University of Madinah between 1381-1390H; after which he became the University's Principal in 1390H, remaining in this post for five years. In the year 1413H, at the age of eighty-three, Shaykh ibn Baz was appointed to the post of Grand Mufti - the official expounder of Islamic Law - of Saudi Arabia. The Shaykh, rahimahullah, was gentle and forbearing in nature; an ascetic (zahid) in conduct; and firm and wise in speaking the truth. He devoted his life to da'wah, teaching the masses and putting himself at their service.

Indeed, his demeanor and scholarship has - by Allah's Grace - had a great influence upon many people all around the world. His writings and legal verdicts (fatawa) regarding issues related to the affairs of the Ummah bear testimony to his knowledge, awareness and concern for the welfare of Islam and the Muslims. Indeed: "Knowledge concerning the state of affairs of the Muslims and the plots of their enemies and exposing and refuting such plots according to the principles laid down by the shari'ah - whether by writing, speeches, or other means - is a collective obligation upon the Muslims (fard al-kifayah). Whoever concerns himself with this is to be thanked and will be rewarded [by Allah]. It is amongst the doors of jihad, so whoever stands up doing so is actually guarding a breech in the battle lines of the Muslims." [Bayan wa't-Tawdih (p.12)]

Some of his treatises and verdicts concerning the affairs of the Ummah - along with many of his treatises and verdicts concerning matters of creed and beliefs - have been compiled under the title: Majmu' Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi'ah; and presently runs into seven volumes. From those treatises and verdicts are:

• A Critique of [Arab] Nationalism (1/284)
• The Importance of Knowledge in Combating Destructive Ideologies Such as Atheism, Capitalism and Freemasonary (4/59)
• Concerning the Need to Form a United Front By the Various Islamic Groups In Sudan Against the Secularists (4/166)
• The Obligation of Jihad in Afghanistan (5/158)
• Concerning the Babari Mosque of India and Respecting Muslim Sentiments (7/349)
• Concerning Muslim Minorities in Europe and America and the Need to Support Them (2/370)
• Causes For the Weakness of the Muslims In Front of their Enemies and the Means To Cure This (5/101)
• A General Call to All Governments and Organizations to Aid the Muslims of Bosnia and Herzegovina With Manpower, Wealth, Weapons and Supplications (7/356)
• Concerning the Merits of Jihad and That It is Not Only Defensive (3/171)
• A Letter to the Afghan Mujahidun and the Efforts of the Enemies of Allah in Seeking To Split Their Ranks (7/348)
• The Ideological Attack by the Christians, Zionists and Communists and the Methods Employed By Them (3/438)

I ask Allah the Exalted that He makes my actions sincere and correct, seeking nothing but His Face; and that He makes this booklet of benefit to the Muslims and their welfare. All praise is for Allah, Lord of the worlds; may He extol and send the blessings of peace upon the Prophet and Choosen One (al-mustafa), Muhammad; and upon his Family and Companions and those who follow them in goodness until the Day of Resurrection.

Abu 'Aaliyah Surkheel ibn Anwar Sharif

2nd night of Ramadan 1419H

(19th of December 1998CE)

London, England.

The First Interview

Obligation in Times of Calamities

Question: What is the obligation upon the Muslim scholars with regard to facing the trials and calamities that have befallen the Islamic world? [From Majmu' Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi'ah (4/134-139)]

Answer: There is no doubt that sins, in both statements and actions, as well as being far removed from the correct Islamic beliefs ('aqidah), are from the greatest causes of bringing about the various crisis and calamities that have befallen the Muslims. Allah the Mighty and Majestic said:

"Whatever of good reaches you, it is from Allah; but whatever of evil befalls you, it is from your ownself." [Al-Qur'an 4:79]

Allah, the Most Perfect, the Most High, also said:

"And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. Yet He pardons much." [Al-Qur'an 42:30]

Indeed Allah is most forgiving and most merciful to His servants, sending to them clear signs and warnings in order that they may turn back to Him in sincere repentance (tawbah) so that He may forgive them. When a person turns to Allah and draws closer to Him by an arm's length, Allah draws closer to him by two arm's length. For indeed, Allah the Exalted loves those of His servants that turn to Him in repentance and is pleased with that, whilst He, the Majestic, the Most High, remains absolutely self-sufficient from His servants; the obedience of the obedient does not benefit Him, and the sins of the sinful do not harm Him. But He is most kind, ever merciful to His servants, and He grants them the ability to do acts of obedience and to leave acts of disobedience. These crises and calamities are none other than a warning to His servants, in that they should turn back to Allah in repentance and obedience. He makes this known to them by way of trying and testing them, as Allah the Most High said:

"And certainly We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruit. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere; those who, when afflicted with a calamity, say: Indeed to Allah we belong, and to Him shall we return. They are those for whom there are blessings and forgiveness from their Lord, and His Mercy. It is they who are the guided-ones." [Al-Qur'an 2:155-157]

"Evil has appeared on the land and the sea because of what the hands of men have earned. That Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may turn back from disobedience." [Al-Qur'an 30:41]

"And We shall test you by way of evil and good, and to Us will you return." [Al-Qur'an 21:35]

"And We tested them with good blessings and evil calamities, in order that they may return [to obedience]." [Al-Qur'an 7:168]

And there are many other verses which carry a similar meaning.

So the obligation upon the leaders of the Muslims - the scholars, rulers, and other than them - is to concern themselves with the various afflictions and calamities that occur, to remind and admonish the people, explaining to them what they have fallen into. Also, those in authority, from the scholars and the rulers, should set an example of righteous conduct and should discuss the reasons as to why Allah is angered and exacts retribution; and they should seek to cure this by repenting to Allah, seeking His forgiveness and correcting their affairs. The rest of the Ummah will then follow them in this, since the guidance of the scholars and the wisdom of the rulers - and both being correct and upright - has a tremendous effect with regards to the fulfillment of responsibilities. The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Each of you is a guardian, and is responsible for those whom he is in charge of." [Reported by al-Bukhari (13/100 - with al-Fath) and Muslim (no. 1829) from 'Umar ibn al-Khattab radiallahu 'anhu]

However, when the Muslims become accustomed to sinning and become content with it and if those who wield authority and power do not try to prevent them, then Allah's anger will quickly descend upon the Ummah. When His anger occurs and His punishment takes place, it covers both the sinful and the obedient; and Allah's protection is sought from this. About this Allah the Most High said:

"And beware of the trial and discord that does not affect in particular only those amongst you who are wrong-doers." [Al-Qur'an 8:25]

Likewise, the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "When the people see an evil and they do not try to change it, then Allah will cover them all with humiliation from Himself." [Sahih: Reported by Abu Dawud (no. 4338), from Abu Bakr as-Siddiq radiallahu 'anhu. It was declared to be authentic (sahih) by the leading hadith specialist (muhhaddith) of this age, Shaykh Muhammad Nasir ud-Din al-Albani, in Sahih ul-Jami' (no. 1974)]

Allah the Exalted said:

"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change themselves." [Al-Qur'an 13:11] (Please Read Note 1)

The scholars will be thoroughly questioned in front of Allah with regards to giving knowledge and guidance to the people and explaining to them what is correct and what is wrong, and also clarifying the beneficial from the harmful.

We ask Allah that He grants and favors all the Muslims with the ability to be obedient to their Lord, to cling to the guidance of their Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, that He grants their leaders the ability to fulfil their duties, that He teaches their scholars the ways of guidance so that they may all traverse its path and direct the Ummah to it, that He guides those Muslims who are misguided and corrects their affairs. Indeed, He is the Guardian of this, the One having power to do this.

Concerning Islamic Groups

Question: What is the obligation upon the Muslim scholars with regard to the large number of groups that exist in many of the Islamic lands and elsewhere, and with regard to the differences that exist between them; to the point that each group declares the others to be misguided? Do you not hold that it is fitting to enter into explaining the like of this matter and to clarify the truth concerning their differences; for fear that these differences may escalate and lead to evil consequences for the Muslims?

Answer: Our Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa-sallam made clear to us a single way, which is obligatory upon the Muslims to follow and traverse; and that is Allah's Straight Path and the methodology of His upright Religion. Allah the Exalted said:

"And this is My Straight Path, so follow it and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path. This has He ordained for you, that you may become pious." [Al-Qur'an 6:153]

Likewise, the Lord of Might and Majesty warned the nation of Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam against splitting and disunity, since that is one of the greatest causes of failure and of the enemy taking control. Allah the Mighty and Majestic said:

"And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allah and do not be divided." [Al-Qur'an 3:101]

"He has ordained for you the same religion which He ordained for Noah and that which We revealed to you, and that which We ordained for Abraham, Moses and Jesus, saying: That you should establish the Religion and make no divisions in it." [Al-Qur'an 42:13]

So this is a Divine call to unity and for hearts to be harmonized. [Imam as-Sa'di, rahimahullah, said in Siyasat ash-Shar'iyyah (p. 8): "Indeed this striving to unite the Muslims and this calling them to have reconciliation between themselves is from the best of actions. And it is, in this present time, better than being pre-occupied with [optional] Fasting and Praying, and it is from the greatest forms of jihad in the path of Allah."

Imam as-Sa'di also said (p. 13): "It is also upon the Muslims not to make the differences that they have with regards to opinions and views concerning leadership (mulk) and politics (siyasah) to be a barrier between themselves and between maintaining the religious brotherhood and ties of faith. Rather, they should make all such differences, as well as the attainment of partial goals and objectives follow on from this great principle."]

In any Islamic land if there are many groups for the purpose of righteousness and piety between being differences between the doing good and co-operating in the Muslims - without there desires of the followers - then this is good, is a blessing and produces a great benefit. However, if each of them declare the others to be misguided and attack their actions, then this harm is very great and its evil consequences very serious. What is obligatory upon the Muslims is to clarify the true state of affairs and to discuss with each group and to sincerely advise all of them that they should proceed upon the way laid down by Allah for His servants and upon that which our Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam called to. (Please Read Note 2) Those who ignore this, or continue in their opposition, due to a personal benefit or goal known only to Allah, then what is obligatory upon those who know the reality is to make this known about them and to warn against them, in order that people may avoid their path. So those who do not know the reality of their affair will not fall into it, nor be led astray, nor be turned away from the Straight Path which Allah ordered that we follow. (Please Read Note 3)

Allah said:

"And this is My Straight Path, so follow it and do not follow other paths that will separate you from His Path. This has He ordained for you, that you may become pious." [Al-Qur'an 6:153]

There is no doubt that the multitude of [differing] sects and groups in the Islamic society is, firstly, something desired by Shaytan and, secondly something desired by the enemies of Islam from amongst mankind (Please Read Note 4). Since agreement and unification of the Muslims, and their being aware of the dangers which threaten them and their beliefs, will make them active in refuting and rebutting it, and acting in a unified manner for the benefit of the Muslims - thus repelling the danger from their religion, their lands as well as their brothers (Please Read Note 5). This is something which the enemies, from amongst mankind and jinn, are not pleased with. Therefore they are very eager to split-up the Muslims, destroy their unity and to sow the seeds of enmity and discord between them.

We ask Allah that He unites the Muslims upon the truth and that He removes from their society every type of misguidance and every cause of discord. Indeed He is the One Who is able to do that, and He is the One having full power over that.

The Essential Preparation

Question: The enemies of Allah are very eager to enter into the Muslim lands by various methods. So what efforts do you believe should be exerted in order to put a stop to this surge that has threatened the Islamic societies?

Answer: This is not something strange coming from the callers to Christianity, judaism, or the other religions of unbelief. Since Allah, the Most Perfect and to Whom belongs all praise, informed us about this in His clear Revelation when He said:

"Never will the Jews and the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their ways of life. Say: Indeed the Guidance of Allah, that is the only Guidance. And if you were to follow their false desires after what you have received of the knowledge of Revelation, then you would have neither a guardian, nor any helper against Allah." [Al-Qur'an 2:120]

Allah, the Most Perfect, also said:

"And they will never stop fighting you, until they turn you away from your Religion, if they can." [Al-Qur'an 2:217]

This is why they utilize every possible means to penetrate into the Muslim lands, and use various methods and tactics to achieve this. One of their methods is to plant the seeds of doubt and uncertainty into the minds and thoughts and they continue to do so without easing-up or becoming weary, utilizing the church to spread their hatred and enmity, and directing their efforts through it. (Please Read Note 6)

Therefore it is obligatory upon the leaders and scholars to exert every possible effort in cautioning and directing the Muslims, and to oppose the efforts of the enemies of Islam with countermeasures. For indeed the Ummah of Islam is an Ummah that has been entrusted with a responsibility of carrying this Religion and conveying it to others. So when we - in the various Islamic societies - are determined to arm our sons and daughters with correct knowledge, as well as correct understanding of the Religion - beginning this process at an early age - then we will never fear the enemy, by the permission of Allah. Thus as long as we continue to cling to the Religion of Allah, glorifying and venerating Him, following His Sacred Laws (shari'ah) and fighting those who oppose Him, then the opposite will happen; it will be the enemies of Allah who will fear the Muslims. Allah, the Most Perfect, and the One to Whom belongs all praise, said:

"O you who believe. If you help Allah's cause, then Allah will help you and plant your feet firmly." [Al-Qur'an 47:7]

Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, also said:

"But if you remain patient and have piety, then no harm will their cunning plots be to you at all. Indeed Allah encompasses everything by His Knowledge." [Al-Qur'an 3:120]

And there are plenty of other verses with similar meaning.

So the most important factor in stopping this attack is to prepare a generation who truly know and understand the realities of Islam. This can be achieved by giving them the correct guidance and cultivation at home, and by utilizing the various means of education in order to develop the society. Add to this the role of guiding, which is the duty of those in authority, and their duty of being constant in undertaking beneficial works, being constant in reminding the people with what is of benefit to them, and doing that which cultivates the correct Islamic 'aqidah in the people:

"Indeed in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find tranquillity." [Al-Qur'an 13:23]

And there is no doubt that negligence is one of the causes that lets the enemies of Islam into the Muslim lands - along with their ideological attack - which gradually distances the Muslims from their Religion, step by step. So with this, evil will increase amongst them and they will be affected by the false ideologies of their enemies. And Allah, One free from all defects, the Most High, ordered the Believers to have patience, to call to patience, and to strive in His Path using every method at their disposal; as Allah, the Majestic and Exalted, said:

"O you who believe, persevere and be more patient, and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allah in order that you may be successful." [Al-Qur'an 3:200]

And Allah, the Most Perfect, said:

"And those who strive hard in Our cause, We shall surely guide them to Our Paths. Indeed Allah is with the doers of good." [Al-Qur'an 29:69]

I ask Allah by His beautiful Names and lofty Attributes that He rectifies the affairs of the Muslims, and that He grants to them the understanding of the Religion, gathers the word of their leaders upon the truth, and rectifies their close advisors.

Indeed He is the Most Generous. And may Allah extol and send abundant blessings of peace upon our Leader and Prophet, Muhammad; and upon his Family, his Companions and his followers.

The Second Interview

The Rationale Behind the Ideological Attack

Question: What in your opinion is the definition of the Ideological Attack (al-ghazwa al-fikri)? [From Majmu Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwiah (3/438-446)]

Answer: The term, "The Ideological Attack" is a modern term, which refers to a set of efforts, undertaken by a particular nation, in order to conquer or influence another nation, such that [the attacked nation] is steered in a particular course of direction because of it.

It is far more serious than military warfare, since it aims at secrecy, seeking to achieve subtle objectives initially; so that the attacked nation does not perceive it, nor prepares to halt it, nor stand in its way - thereby falling victim to it. The eventual result of this onslaught is that this nation becomes diseased in its thoughts and its senses; loving what the enemy wants it to love and hating what they want it to hate. It is a chronic disease, which attacks nations, doing away with its characteristics, removing its foundations and strength. The nation, which is struck by it, does not even feel what has hit it, or what it even is! That is why curing it becomes somewhat difficult, and making [the attacked nation] understand the ways of righteousness becomes a struggle.

This war takes place by means of school curriculums, general education, media, small and large size publications, and other such channels. Through this the enemy hopes to deviate the nation from its beliefs, becoming attached to what the enemy throws at it. We ask Allah for safety and protection from this.

Who is Subjected to this Attack?

Question: Are the Arabs generally subjected to this type of warfare, in particular the kingdom of Saudi Arabia?

Answer: Yes, the Muslims in general, including the Arabs, the kingdom, and other than them, are all subject to a great ideological attack from the various nations of unbelief (kufr); from both the east and the west. The severest and most serious of these [ideological] attacks are:-

• The attack of the Christian crusaders.
• The zionist attack.
• The communist and atheistic attack.

The attack of the Christian crusaders is today at its most intense. Since Salah ud-Din al-Ayyubi achieved victory over the Christians crusading in the Muslim lands, with their strength and weapons, the Christians realized that even though they had achieved [some] victories, nevertheless these victories were temporary ones that did not last. That is why they started thinking about the most destructive alternatives. After numerous case studies and assemblies they arrived at [something] that was far more dangerous and destructive than military warfare; which was that the Christian nations, both individually and collectively, should launch an ideological attack on those Muslims who were just beginning to grow and develop. This is because conquering the hearts and thoughts of a people is far more permanent than conquering their lands! The Muslim whose mind has not been corrupted cannot bear to see the unbelievers wielding authority, and ordering and prohibiting in his own country. Therefore such a Muslim strives his utmost to expel and distance them - even if he has to sacrifice his own life, or his most cherished possession for this cause; and this is what happened after the major conquest of the crusaders.

As for the Muslim who is exposed to this filthy attack, he becomes ill in thought and desensitized to this disease; he may not even see any danger with the presence of Christians in the lands of the Muslims. Indeed, he may even think that their presence is a source of goodness, which aids and advances civilization.

So the Christians have sufficed themselves with this ideological attack, as opposed to the military one, because it is more effective and more permanent. What need do they have of deploying troops or spending huge sums of money, when there exists amongst the children of the Muslims those who can actually fulfill their wishes, intentionally or unintentionally, with a price or without one! This is why they do not resort to openly fighting the Muslims with weapons and arms, except in rare cases when necessity dictates this. They resort to this in situations where speed is sought; such as what happened in Uganda and Pakistan. Or when there is a need to stabilize the advancement, or establish centers, or to establish bases, which engage in destructive ideological warfare; such as what happened in Egypt, Syria, Iraq, and other countries, before their expulsion.

Further Rationale Behind the Idealogical Attack

The Zionist war is just the same. The Jews strive their utmost to corrupt the beliefs, morals and manners of the Muslims. The Jews scheme and crave after possessing the Muslim lands, as well as the lands of others. They have fulfilled some of their plans and continue striving hard to implement the rest of them. Even though they do engage the Muslims in warfare involving strength and arms and have occupied some of their lands, they also fight them by spreading destructive thoughts, beliefs and ideologies; such as Freemasonry, Qadianism, Baha'ism, Tijanism and others - seeking the support of the Christians and others, in order to fulfill their objectives (Please Read Note 7).

As for the communist/atheist war, then presently it is spreading like wildfire across the Muslim lands. [This certainly was the case at the time these questions were posed to the Shaykh, fifteen years ago in 1404H] This happens as a consequence of there being a void, weakness of faith in many people, wide spread ignorance and the lack of a correct and sound [Islamic] cultivation. The communist parties from Russia and China, as well as others, have managed to ensnare every spiteful, malicious person; driven by those weak in faith or having no faith at all! They selected these types of people as being their puppets and plants in that country, spreading through them their vile ideology of atheism and communism.

They lured these puppets with promises of high positions of power and status. Through them they tore apart the Muslim Ummah since they were made [to act as] the troops of Satan.

They were aided in this by the Christians and the Jews, who sometimes assisted in their preparation, whilst at other times they offered other forms of aid and support. Thus, even though they do have differences between them, yet they become a single hand against the Muslims. They view the Muslims as their worst enemy, that is why we see them co-operating with each other as allies against the Muslims. So it is Allah's aid that is sought; He suffices us and is the best of guardians.

The Means for this Attack

Question: What are the means, which the west uses in order to spread their ideas and thoughts?

Answer: The means that the west employs in order to spread their thoughts and ideas are many; they include:

1- They attempt to conquer the minds of the Muslim children. They do this by infusing in them western values and concepts, so that they believe that the best way to adopt in any matter is that of the west - whether it is with regards to what religion or sect they believe, or with regards to the languages that they speak, or the manners, customs and values with which they adorn themselves.

2 - Custody of a large group of the children of the Muslims in every country, concern for them and bringing them up, such that when they have absorbed western thoughts, they return to their countries with a halo of praise and respect. They then acquire position and authority in their countries, by which they begin to circulate the western ideologies, establishing learning centers that conform to western curricula, or are at least directly influenced by them.

3 - Their active drive towards promoting the learning of western languages in the Muslim lands, making them compete with the Muslims' languages, especially the Arabic language, which is the language of the Qur'an - in which this Book was sent and by which the Muslims worship their Lord; in their Prayer, their rites of Pilgrimage, their forms of remembrances and glorifications, etc. From this is the encouragement of destructive propaganda that fights against [the usage and learning] of the Arabic language and attempts to weaken the conformity to it in the Muslim lands. They do this by calling to using colloquialism, and by arranging numerous studies that intend to "develop" grammar in order to corrupt it, as well as formalizing folk literature and matters of national heritage.

4 - Development of western universities and missionary schools in Muslim countries and also initiating the role of kindergarten and playschools, hospitals and clinics which serve as dens and nests for their evil aims. They encourage the higher classes to study in them, after which they help them to acquire posts of leadership and high position, until they become an aid for their teachers in following their plots and plans in the Muslim lands.

5 - The attempt to control education curriculae in Muslim lands and drawing out their politics, either directly, as occurred in some Muslim countries when the priest Dunlop undertook that task there, or by indirect methods. When the task was undertaken, most of the successful students who studied in Dunlop's schools and graduated from them, arose as a destructive pickaxe in their country, or as one of the enemies' most lethal weapons. [Such students] strive hard to influence the educational curriculum and steer it towards secularism, an ideology that does not center on having faith (iman) in Allah and His Messenger, but rather steers towards aetheism, or towards immorality and corruption.

6 - The large number of individuals amongst the Jews and Christians who have undertaken the study of Islam, Arabic language, compiling books, and taking positions of teaching in universities, until they created an ideological turmoil and confusion amongst the educated Muslims - which they hurl at those they are teaching, or with which they fill their books. This happened to such an extent that some of those books became source-works which later writers and researchers refer to in matters of ideology or history. Many people who were responsible for creating some of these [ideological] turmoil in the Muslim countries, were actually Muslims who graduated at the hands of such people. The praise and awe, which surrounded such graduates, helped them to achieve this, as well as achieve their posts and positions, such as important posts in teaching and leadership. So they completed what their teachers had initiated [of corruption] and fulfilled what they [the teachers] could not achieve, because these students were offspring of Muslims; from the same skin, ascribing themselves to them and speaking their tongue - and Allah's Help is sought.

7 - A large number of missionary workers, calling to Christianity, have gone forth amongst the Muslims performing their work upon them. [Such missionary activities are based upon] well studied principles, and upon a large scale, employing hundreds of thousands of men and women. Huge financial budgets are set aside for this task, and [they are aided in such a way that] their task is made easier and obstacles are removed for them.

"They want to extinguish the Light [the Religion] of Allah with their mouths, but Allah will bring His Light to perfection and completion, even though the disbelievers hate it." [Al-Qur'an 61:8]

Just as the efforts of the missionaries are set up and aimed mostly at the common levels, then the efforts of the orientalist are drected at the educated - as I previously mentioned. The missionaries take on huge hardships in their work in the African countries, and in the remote villages of the far extreme Muslim lands, in eastern Asia. After that, every so often, they hold conferences in order to review their accounts and their plans; then they analyse, adjust and implement. They met in Cairo in 1906, in Edinburgh in 1910, in Lucknow (India) in 1911, and in Jerusalem in 1935, and they continue to hold such assemblies, seminars and conferences - so glory be to Allah, the One in Whose Hand is the sole sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs.

8 - Spreading corruption in the Muslim societies; belittling the status of women as regards their role in life, making her transgress the limits that Allah has set for her, causing her to be satisfaction with abstaining from the [correct] Path. They do this by spreading propaganda amongst the Muslims in various ways and manners, so that women [are encouraged to] freely mix with men, and so that women [are encouraged to] work in the places of men. By this, they aim to corrupt the Muslim society, and to put an end to the chastity and purity, which is found therein. Additionally, they bring up imaginary issues and false propaganda - claiming that Islam oppresses women, and that Muslim women have very little rights. They want to take her out of her home and put her wherever they may want, even though the limits that Allah has set are clear, as are His commands [concerning these matters], and as is the Sunnah of His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Allah the Most High said:

"O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the believing women to draw their over-garment over their entire body. That will be better, that they should be known, so as not to be harassed. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful." [Al-Qur'an 33:59]

Allah the Exalted said:

"And let the Believing women draw their head-scarves over their chests, and not to display their beauty, except to their husbands, or their fathers, or their husband's fathers, or their sons, or their husband's sons ... " [Al-Qur'an 24:31]

And He says:

"And when you ask them for something, ask them from behind a screen; that is purer for your hearts and their hearts." [Al-Qur'an 33:53]

And Allah the Exalted said:

"And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of pre-Islamic ignorance." [Al-Qur'an 33:33]

The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Beware of entering into the company of women." A man from the Ansar said: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the husband's brothers and relatives?" He replied: "The husband's brothers and relatives are death!" [Related by al-Bukhari (9/289) and Muslim (no. 2172), from Uqbah ibn 'Amir radiallahu 'anhu]

He sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "A man is not alone in the company of a woman, except that the third of them is Shaytan." [Sahih: Related by at-Tirmidhi (no. 1181) and Ibn Hibban (no. 282), from Jabir radiallahu 'anhu. It was declared to be sahih by al-Albani in as-Sahihah (no. 430)]

9 - The building of churches and temples in the Muslim lands and spending great amounts of wealth on them: beautifying them, making them very conspicuous and noticeable, and building them in the largest and the best locations.

10 - Radio stations set up solely for the purpose of calling to Christianity and communism, spreading their [false] objectives.

They intend to misguide, through such false ideas, the children of the innocent and naive Muslims - who neither understand, nor did they receive a sufficient Islamic education. This is the case, in particular, in Africa where the Bible is published and distributed in many hotels, etc. [They also] send missionary and other publications containing falsehood to many of the Muslim children.

These are some of the means utilized by the enemies of Islam today - from the east and the west - in waging war against the Muslim's thought, in order to put an end to correct and righteous thought, so that they are replaced by [false and] foreign ideas; whether eastern or western. And - O noble reader - as you can see, these means involve tremendous efforts, enormous amounts of money and a multitude of soldiers. All of this is done in order to take the Muslims away from Islam, even if they do not actually embrace Christianity, judaism or socialism. Since their primary goal in doing this is to take the Muslims away from Islam, so that when this stage is achieved, whatever [misguidance] follows becomes far easier to implement.

However, despite all this, we say that Allah will frustrate them in their hopes and will nullify their plans, but only if the Muslims are sincere in their fight against them, alert to their plans and obedient and upright upon their Religion. Allah said:

"But if you remain patient and become pious and obedient to Allah, their plots will not harm you in the least. Indeed Allah encompasses all that they do." [Al-Qur'an 3:120]

Since they are spreaders of corruption, Allah will not give total facilitation to their actions. Rather Allah the Most High said:

"They plot and plan, and Allah plans, and indeed Allah is the best of planners." [Al-Qur'an 8:30]

Allah the Most Perfect said:

"Indeed they are planning a plan, but I am planning a plan, but give a respite to the disbelievers; deal gently with them for a while." [Al-Qur'an 86:15-17]

Allah the Mighty and Majestic said:

"O you who Believe! If you help the cause of Allah, He will help you and plant your feet firmly." [Al-Qur'an 47:7] [Imam as-Sam'ani said whilst explaining this verse in his Tafsir (5/170): "If you help the Prophet of Allah, or the Religion of Allah, then Allah will help you." And the help (nusrah) from Allah implies His protection and guidance. Qatadah said: "Whoever helps Allah, He will help him; and whoever asks Allah, He will give him. And it is said [that it means]: He will help you by giving you victory and dominance over your enemies."]

Allah, the One free from every imperfection, said:

"And indeed Allah will help those who help His Cause. Truly, Allah is Most-Powerful, Most-Mighty. Those who, if We give them power and authority in the land, establish the salah (prayer), give the zak'ah, command the good and forbid the evil. And with Allah rests the end of all affairs." [Al-Qur'an 22:40-41]

[Commenting upon this verse, Imam ash-Shanqiti said in al-Adwa ul-Bayan (7/104-105): "So in the saying of Allah, the Exalted: "Those who, if We give them power and authority in the earth, there is a proof that there is no promise of Allah's help, except by establishing the Salah (Prayer), paying the Zakah, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil." So it is these whom Allah will establish upon the earth and by whom He will strengthen His Word. However, those who do not establish the Salah (Prayer), nor pay the Zak'ah, nor enjoin the good, nor forbid the evil, then there is no promise that Allah will aid them or grant them victory. They are not from His party, nor are they His friends; those who have the promise of His help and victory. Rather, they are the party of Shaytan and his friends. So if they were to expect the help of Allah and the fulfillment of His promise upon them, then their example would be like that of a hired worker who refuses to do the job that he was hired for, yet he still expects to be rewarded. So whosoever is like this, then he has no intellect!"]

And there are many verses carrying this same meaning. Thus, without a doubt, the matter requires the Muslims to have some sense of awareness and contemplation (Please Read Note 8). There should be some study about the course of action that should be undertaken and about the most suitable stance they should take. They should be heedful and have some awareness that will make them capable of understanding the schemes of their enemies, and have an active program for rendering them futile. (Please Read Note 9) This shall not be accomplished for them except by adhering to Allah, adherence to His guidance, returning to Him, repenting to Him and seeking His aid. Additionally, we should bear in mind His guidance in everything, especially His guidance with regard to the relationship that the Believers should have with the unbelievers, and we should understand [the surah]:

"Say O unbelievers! ... " [Al-Qur'an 109]

Also what Allah, the Most High, mentions in His statements:

"Never will the Jews and the Christians be pleased with you until you follow their way of life." [Al-Qur'an 2:120]

"And they will not stop fighting you, until they turn you back from your Religion, if they are able." [Al-Qur'an 2:217]

I ask Allah, the Most High, that He grants right guidance to this Ummah with regards their affairs, that He grants protection to it from the plots of its enemies, and that He grants it firmness and obedience, both in speech and action, so that there can be for them might, strength and honor as Allah desires for them. Indeed He is the One having power over this. And may Allah extol and send His blessings of peace upon our Prophet Muhammad; and upon his Family, his Companions, and those who follow them.

Notes

Note 1 (back)

Shaykh Muhammad Amin ash-Shanqiti, rahimahullah, said in his valuable Qur'anic commentary, al-Adwa ul-Bayan (3/72-73): "Allah the Exalted explains in this noble verse that He never changes the blessings and well-being of a people unless they change themselves by turning away from the obedience of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic. So the meaning [of the verse] is, that the blessings which a nation receives will not be removed from them unless they change what they are upon with regards to obedience and righteous action. This meaning has been explained at another place; such as His saying:

"This is because Allah will never change the favour which He has bestowed upon a people until they change themselves." [Al-Qur'an 8:53]

And His saying:

"And whatever of misfortunes befalls you, it is because of what your own hands have earned. Yet Allah pardons much." [Al-Qur'an 42:30]

So in the noble verse: "until they change themselves," there is an affirmation that if only some people were to change themselves; as occurred on the day [of the battle] of 'Uhud, when the archers changed themselves - then because of it, all of them could be struck with a calamity. The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was once asked: 'Would we be destroyed, even though there are righteous people amongst us?' He replied: 'Yes, when evil becomes widespread.' And Allah the Exalted knows best."

Note 2 (back)

Shaykh ibn Baz, rahimahullah, was asked in Majmu' Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwi'ah (3/68-69) to comment upon the view: That this is the time to unify the various Islamic groups in order to strive against the enemies of Islam and that this is not the time to criticize the various groups, methodologies or ways, such as the sufis, or others. He responded by saying: "There is no doubt that it is obligatory upon the Muslims to unify their ranks and to unite their word upon the truth and to co-operate in goodness and piety against the enemies of Islam; as Allah, the Most Perfect, ordered them with in His saying: "And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allah and do not become divided." [Al-Qur'an 3:102]

Likewise, Allah has warned the Muslims against splitting-up, as occurs in His, the Most Perfect's saying:"And do not be like those who differed and split-up after the clear evidences came to them." [Al-Qur'an 3:105]

However, the order to unify the Muslims and unite their word upon the truth and to hold fast to the rope of Allah, does not mean they should not censure wrong beliefs and practices - whether from the sufis or other than them. Rather, what the order to hold fast to the rope of Allah necessitates is to order the good, forbid the evil, and to clarify the truth with the clear shari'ah proofs to whosoever is misguided or has a mistaken opinion; until they unite upon the truth and turn away from that which opposes it. All of this is included in His, the Most Perfect's saying:

"And help you one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression." [Al-Qur'an 5:2]

And His, the Most Perfect's saying:

"Let there arise from amongst you a group of people calling to all that is good, enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, they are the ones who are successful." [Al-Qur'an 3:110]

So if the people of truth withhold from clarifying the mistakes of those who have erred or are mistaken, then they will not have achieved that which Allah ordered them with, as regards calling to goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil. The person in error will remain upon his error, and the one acting in opposition to the truth will remain upon his mistake. And this is contrary to what Allah, the Most Perfect, prescribed as regards sincere advice, co-operation upon goodness, ordering the good and forbidding the evil; and Allah alone is the One who grants success."

The Shaykh, rahimahullah, was also asked about the view: We should unite upon that which we agree and we should excuse each other in that which we differ. Shaykh ibn Baz replied by saying (3/58): "Indeed, the answer to this is yes, it is obligatory that we co-operate with one another in that which we agree, as regards aiding the truth, calling to it and warning against what Allah and His Messenger have prohibited. As for excusing each other in that which we differ, this is not to be applied unrestrictedly, rather it has certain details. As regards issues of 'ijtihad in which the evidences are subtle, then it is obligatory not to rebuke each other. As for what opposes a text of the Book or the Sunnah, then it is obligatory to correct the one opposing the text, but with wisdom, beautiful admonition and arguing in ways that are best; acting upon the saying of Allah the Exalted:

"And help you one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression." [Al-Qur'an 5:2]

"The Believers - men and women - are friends and protectors, one to another; ordering the good and forbidding the evil." [Al-Qur'an 9:71]

"Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful admonition and argue with them in ways that are better." [Al-Qur'an 16:125]."

Note 3 (back)

The following words were endorsed by Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn Baz, as occurs in al-Furqan magazine (no. 77; p. 14): "We see that the various Islamic groups present today do not leave being in one of three categories:

Firstly: Those groups that are firmly established upon the creed ('aqidah) of the Pious Predecessors (Salaf as-Salih) - in beliefs, methodology and action. Such groups should be aided, helped and supported. They should be thanked for the good that they do and be promoted; just as it is upon us to sincerely advise them when they err and commit mistakes.

Secondly: Those groups that do not have a clear 'aqidah, nor a clear methodology that they adhere to, nor do they submit to the understanding of the Salaf as-Salih and to the Shari'ah texts. Our stance with regards to them is to sincerely advise them, along with the Shari'ah proofs and evidences, with gentleness, wisdom and beautiful manners - in accordance with the saying of Allah, the Most High: "Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and with beautiful admonition and argue with them in ways that are better." [Al-Qur'an 16:125]

Thirdly: Those groups that are established upon opposing and fighting Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, whether openly or secretly, spreading innovations and deviations. Our stance towards them is one of warning against their evil and exposing their falsehood with every means that the Shari'ah permits."

The Shaykh, rahimahullah, was asked (7/120-121): Teach us O noble Shaykh, how to unravel the discord that is happening in this time with regards to the groups; such as Jama'at at-Tabligh, Jama'at al-lkhwan, Salafis, and others. Each group claims: We are the ones who are correctly following the Sunnah. So who from these groups is correct and who should we follow? We hope that you will mention their names. He replied by saying: "The group which is obligatory to follow and whose methodology should be traversed, are the people of the Straight Path; the people who follow the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam; those who follow the Book and the Sunnah. They are those who call to the Book of Allah and to the Sunnah of His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in both statement and action. As for other groups, no one should follow them, except in that which agrees to the truth; whether it is the group Ikhwan al-Muslimin, Jama'at at-Tabligh, Ansar as-Sunnah, or those that call themselves Salafees, or Jama'at al-Islamiyyah, or Ahlul-Hadith; as well as any other group that calls itself by any other name. So they are to be obeyed and followed in that which is the truth; and the truth is that which is established by a proof. Whatever opposes the proof is rejected and it is said to them: You are mistaken in this. Thus, it is obligatory to agree with them in that which agrees with a noble verse, a noble hadith, or a consensus (ijma') from the Pious Predecessors of the Ummah ... These groups contain truth and falsehood, they are not infallible; rather each of them is fallible. However, the truth is what is established by a proof from the Book of Allah, the Sunnah of His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam or a consensus of the Pious Predecessors of the Ummah, whatever group it is from."

The Shaykh also said in an interview, recorded on the 6th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1416H; corresponding to the 24th of April 1996CE:

"We advise them all to unite upon a single way and that is the way of seeking knowledge and attaining understanding of the Book and the Sunnah, proceeding along the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. I advise them all that their goal should be to follow the Book and the Sunnah and to proceed upon the way of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, and that they should all call themselves Ahlus-Sunnah or the followers of the Pious Predecessors. But as for bigoted allegiance for the Ikhwan al-Muslimin, or Jama'at at-Tabligh, or so on, then I do not advise this; it is a mistake. Instead, we advise them that they should be together upon a single way, a single group (jama'ah), advising one another with the truth and having allegiance to Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. This is the correct way to prevent differences."

Note 4 (back)

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan, hafidhahullah, said in Maraji'at fi Fiqh al-Waqi' (p.45):

"So splitting-up and there being many [differing] groups and parties is from the plots against this Ummah, made by the shaytans from amongst mankind and the jinn. Thus the unbelievers and the hypocrites have never ceased, since olden times, injecting their poison in order to split the Ummah. The Jews previously said:

'And a party of the People of the Book say: Believe in the morning in that which is revealed to the Muslims, but reject it at the end of the day, so they may turn back.' [Al-Qur'an 3:72]

Meaning that the Muslims will leave their Religion, when they see you leaving it.

Likewise, the hypocrites said:

'Do not spend upon those who are with Allah's Messenger, until they desert him.' [Al-Qur'an 63:7]

'And as for those who erect a mosque by way of disbelief, seeking to harm and disunite the Believers.' [Al-Qur'an 9:107]."

Note 5 (back)

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan was asked in Muntaqa min Fatawa (1/417, no. 249):

As regards the dangers that the Ummah of Islam faces from every direction, then what are the greatest of these dangers and what is the path to be taken in order to prevent these dangers?

He replied: "The greatest danger that faces the Ummah of Islam is their being far away from the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam; and replacing them with man-made laws and deviated ideologies. Likewise, the greatest danger that faces the Ummah of Islam is the misguidance and deviation concerning the creed ('aqidah) and the infiltration of concepts of unbelief (kufr), shirk and innovations into it from the grave-worshippers and the sufis. Similarly, from the greatest danger that faces the Ummah of Islam is their splitting-up and enmity between themselves. The cure for this is to return back to the Book and the Sunnah; learning them, teaching them, judging by them between people and adopting what they require of morals, manners and character."

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan also said in Muntaqa min Fatawa (1/416-417, no. 248): "The most prominent issues which require the Muslims to take a stance on in these times are:- the ignorance concerning the creed ('aqidah) of tawhid which many of those who ascribe to Islam have; adherence to those ideologies and ways that oppose Islam; and the ideological attack (al-ghazwa al-fikri) that comes from the lands of the unbelievers and is directed at the Islamic lands. Each of these issues requires a firm stance and a powerful refutation. This is done by explaining the correct Islam; along with its creed and its wisely prescribed Laws, and by warning against all that opposes it - from defective teaching methods - as well as [utilizing] the media and by spreading beneficial books."

Note 6 (back)

Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan was asked (1/419; no. 252): Indeed the enemies of the Religion have embarked upon a well-calculated project, such that one of their senior devils said that by the year 2000CE all of Africa will be beaming with Christianity! So why don't the Muslims undertake a similar sort of project?

The Shaykh, rahimahullah, responded by saying:

"Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, said: 'It will not be in accordance with your wishful thinking, nor the wishful thinking of the People of the Book; whoever works evil will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allah.' [Al-Qur'an 4:123]

Thus when the People of the Book say: We will achieve such and such, or we will be victors over such and such of mankind, then this does not harm us, nor do we despair, nor do we become inactive. Rather, this spurs us on and motivates us to act, persist and strive hard in calling (da'wah) to Allah, the Most Perfect, the Most High. Allah said:

'If you patiently persevere and have piety [i.e. by doing what is commanded and keeping away from what is prohibited], not the least harm will their schemes and plots be to you.' [Al-Qur'an 3:120]

And they say things greater than this! They say:

'None shall enter Paradise except if he be a Jew or a Christian. This is their own wishful thinking. Say: Produce your proof if you are truthful.' [Al-Qur'an 2:111]

So now [they make] Paradise inaccessible! Is this the saying of a sensible person? Indeed, Allah the Mighty and Majestic refutes them in His saying:

'Indeed, whoever submits himself to Allah and does good deeds [purely for Allah], upon such there will be no fear, nor shall they grieve.' [Al-Qur'an 2:112]

And Allah the Exalted said:

'It will not be in accordance with your wishful thinking, nor the wishful thinking of the People of the Book; whoever works evil will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allah.' [Al-Qur'an 4:123]

And they say things even greater than that! They said to Moses:

'And show us Allah in public!' [Al-Qur'an 4:153]

So they say this, and they say that. They have claims and sayings - and Allah's aid is sought from being intimidated. However, all of it is thrown back upon their faces and it will not harm the people who have faith at all, as long as the people of fith remain firm, prepare, and not give up at this crucial time. At present we see the Christians spending their wealth, building buildings and schools, and sending troops and followers, but they triumph over a small number of people. Whereas we see many people accepting Islam without a single person doing da'wah to them without anything. They become Muslims either by seeing the teachings of Islam, or merely hearing the Qur'an when it is recited, or by merely reading about Islam. This is the case despite the fact that the Muslims are lazy. Where is Islam to be seen upon them. So how would it be if the Muslims were to strive hard in calling [people] to Allah, and manifesting the goodness of Islam - beginning with oneself first, becoming an example for others, and painting a correct picture of Islam. Some of the Christians say: We spend so many millions, but they gain only one follower, whereas thousands accept Islam without the Muslims spending even a single penny.

So the truth is clear, and all praise is for Allah. However, the truth requires people to carry it. Indeed, the truth is like a sword; if a courageous man carries it correctly, he will not be stopped, even in the face of the enemy. But a sword, if there is no hand to wield it, then it will not be of any benefit.

ii. This necessitates cultivating and being cultivated upon the whole of the Religion, not just some parts of it to the exclusion of others. Shaykh 'Abdul-'Aziz ibn Baz said in Majmu' Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanawwiah (1/346):

"It is upon you to adopt the whole of Islam, not just to adopt one part and leave the other. Do not adopt the beliefs ('aqidah) but leave the rulings (ahkam). Do not adopt the rulings, but leave the beliefs. Rather, take the whole of Islam; take the 'aqidah, the rulings, the worship, the jihad, the social matters, the politics, the economics, and all the rest. Accept it all, as Allah the Most Perfect said:

'O you who Believe! Enter into Islam completely, and do not follow the footsteps of Shaytan, because he is to you a clear enemy.' [Al-Qur'an 2:203]

Shaykh ul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah, rahimahullah, said in Majmu' al-Fatawa (3/421):

'Whenever people abandon a part of what Allah has commanded them with, this causes enmity and hatred to arise between them.' "

Note 7 (back)

It is appropriate here to address some of the allegations that continue to be leveled against the Shaykh, rahimahullah, with regards to his verdict (fatwa) about the peace treaty with the Jews which, even though it was first published in al-Muslimun newspaper on the 21st of Rajab 1415H, certain misconceptions still continue to be circulated about it.

From them:

1. The fatwa implied that there should be love and allegiance between the Muslims and Jews.
2. It implied that Palestine should remain permanently in the hands of the Jews.
3. It implied that the educational curricular in the Muslim lands should be altered so as not to offend or antagonize the Jews.
4. It required that all of the Muslim world abide by the treaty.
5. It stated that the peace treaty be permanent and ever-lasting.

The following are extracts taken from a clarification made by the Shaykh two months after the initial fatwa, which was published in at-Tawhid magazine (vol. 23; no. 10):

"A peace treaty with the Jews does not imply having love for them, or taking them as friends and allies. Rather it only means peace between the two sides and that each of them will not harm the other, as well as other things such as buying and selling, exchanging ambassadors, and other dealings which do not mean love for the unbelievers or taking them as friends and allies. The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam established a peace treaty with the people of Makkah, and that did not mean that they loved them or took them as friends and allies. Rather, the enmity and hatred remained between them until Allah facilitated the conquest of Makkah, in the year of the Conquest; and the people entered Allah's Religion in multitudes ...

"So all of this shows that peace treaties and truces do not necessitate love, friendship and affection for the enemies of Allah - as is thought by some of those who have scant knowledge of the Shari'ah rulings. Thus it will be clear to the questioner and others, that peace with the Jews, or other unbelievers, does not mean that we change the educational curriculae, nor any other dealings related to love and allegiance; and Allah alone grants success ...

"The peace between the Muslim leaders of Palestine and the Jews does not mean that the Jews will permanently possess the lands that they possess now. Rather, it only means that they will be in possession of them for a period of time, until either the truce expires, or until the Muslims become strong enough to force them out of the Muslim lands - in the case of an unrestricted peace. Likewise, when we have the ability, it is obligatory to fight the Jews until they enter into Islam, or until they give the jizyah (a tax levied from those non-Muslims who are permitted to live under the protection of the Muslim state) in servility ...

"The peace between the Palestinian Liberation Organization and the Jews does not necessitate what the questioner mentioned with regards to the rest of the countries. Rather each country sees what is beneficial. So if it sees that it is beneficial for the Muslims in its land to have peace with the Jews and to exchange ambassadors and to engage in trade and dealings that are deemed to be lawful by the pure Shari'ah of Allah, then this is alright. However, if it sees that the benefit for it and its people lies in cutting-off from the Jews, then it should act as the Shari'ah requires and benefit necessitates ...

"So all of this is when one is unable to fight the unbelievers, or to make them give the jizyah - if they are from the People of the Book (ahlul-kitab). However, when one does have the ability to wage jihad against them, then what is required is to call them to enter into Islam, or to be fought against, or to pay the jizyah if they are from its people. So in this case it is not permissible to seek peace with them, nor to abandon fighting, nor the jizyah ...

"Rather, seeking peace is allowed when there is a need or necessity; when you are unable to fight them, or unable to enforce the jizyah upon them, if they are from its people ... "

A Final Point: The Shaykh issued this fatwa seeking to safeguard the Religion, life and property of the Muslims in the best possible manner taking into consideration the attendant circumstances in that particular region, as well as the associated benefits and harms. The Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said in a hadith reported by al-Bukhari (13/318) and Muslim (no. 1716): "When a judge strives and judges and is correct, he receives two rewards. If he strives and judges but errs, he receives a single reward."

Thus it is hoped that what has been quoted from the words of the Shaykh suffices as a clarification for any misunderstandings and allegations. So - O fair-minded reader - let this be considered!

Note 8 (back)

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-'Uthaymin said in an interview recorded in Makkah, on Friday the 16th of Dhul-Hijjah 1416H:

"In reality, understanding the state of affairs (fiqh ul-waqi') is something essential, and judgment about the affairs cannot be passed except by understanding it and understanding the current situation ... But making this means, which is fiqh ul-waqi' (understanding the state of affairs), the actual foundation, reducing the importance of gaining understanding (fiqh) of the Religion, about which he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, 'Whoever Allah intends to show goodness to, He grants him the understanding of the Religion' [Reported by al-Bukhari] then this is a mistake ...

So we hold that pre-occupying the youths away from seeking knowledge of Allah's Religion and replacing this with fiqh ul-waqi' and a careful study of magazines, newspapers, news broadcasts, and their like, we hold that this is an error in the methodology (manhaj), not an error in intentions. Yet you must know the situation, and a person cannot be removed from what occurs in the Islamic Ummah and the plots that are made against it."

The Shaykh, rahimahullah, further said: "As I have said, there must be an understanding of the present state of affairs, each individual according to his level. The level of the young is not like that of the elders, since the young may behave rashly and their strength and enthusiasm is something that may not be safe, or properly channeled. But there must be an understanding of the situation. What is wrong, however, is that fiqh ul-waqi' is given precedence over gaining fiqh of knowledge; this is what is meant. Thus, if the youths turned towards attaining knowledge and gaining fiqh of Allah's Religion - such as explanation (tafsir) of Allah's Speech, explanation of the ahadith of the Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and an understanding of the words of the scholars in elucidation of them - then this would be good."

Note 9 (back)

So all of this is an essential part of being concerned with the affairs of the Muslims, about which the following hadith is often quoted:

"Whoever does not have concern for the affairs of the Muslims, is not from them."

This, as well as other hadith with similar wordings, have been reported by al-Hakim (4/317), at-Tabarani in as-Saghir (p. 188), and others.

However, these narrations are all either weak (da'if), as is the case above, or fabricated (mawdu'). A detailed discussion of their weakness has been furnished by Shaykh al-Albani in ad-Da'ifah (nos. 309-312).

Shaykh ibn 'Uthaymin, hafidhahullah said when asked about the authenticity of the above hadith, in Sahwatul-Islamiyyah (pp. 104-105; no. 4):

"This is from those ahadith that are well known amongst the people. But I do not know whether its wording is authentically related from the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, or not. However, its meaning is correct. Since if a person does not have concern for the affairs of the Muslims, he is in reality, deficient in Islam. Indeed the Prophet sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, in that which is authentically related from him:

'The example of the Believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is like the example of a single body; when one part of the body feels pain, the rest of it suffers in sleeplessness and fever.'

And he sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:

'The Believer to another Believer is like a single building, one part supporting the other.'

So these two ahadith are similar in meaning to this well-known hadith."

Introduction

Verily all praises are due to Allah. We praise and glorify him, we seek help from him, we ask of his forgiveness and we tum to him. We seek refuge in him from the evil within us and from our evil deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides there is no one to mislead him and whomsoever Allah misguides, there is no one to guide him. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, who is one, and he has no partner. I bear witness that Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is his servant and his messenger. May Allah bestow durud (His choicest blessings) upon him and his noble family and companions and those who followed them with excellence.

It gives me great pleasure to present to my brothers a very serious problem not only in Islamic society but in every society, and that is the problem facing the youth in this age. The hearts of the youth are sicken with psychological problems which sometimes makes them uneasy with life and they spend their energies in trying to free themselves from those difficulties and removing that sorrow. The removal of the difficulties will will never take place except with Din (Religion) and character in which there is the strengthening of society and the betterment of this world and the hereafter. With this (religion and character), goodness and blessings will descend and evil and calamities will end.

Countries do prosper except with the help of its citizens and religion does not gain strength except with its followers. When the followers of Islam will stand up for it, Allah will help them no matter how many enemies they have. Allah Ta'ala says:

"O believers, if you help Allah's cause, he will help you and make your feet firm (against your enemies) and those who disbelieved, woe unto them and their actions are in vain." [Al-Qur'an 47:7-8]

If Din (religion) cannot be strong except with it's followers, then it is necessary for us, the followers of Islam and it's flag-bearers, that we firstly stregthen ourselves so that we may become worthy of leadership and guidance. It is imperative that we learn from the Book of Allah (The Qur'an) and the Sunnah of his Rasul (Messenger) sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam which will equip us for speech, action, guiding and inviting. This will enable us to carry the weapons of the guidance of Islam to all those who seek the truth and also to wield it against all those who seek falsehood.

Then it is neccesary for us to put into practice what we have learnt from the Qur'an and Sunnah, on the basis of iman (faith), conviction and sincerity. Our characteristic should not be one of speech only because if speech is not backed up by action, it's effect will not extend beyond the speaker and this speech will have an opposite elect:

"O believers, why do you say that which you do not do. It is most hateful in the sight of Allah that you say that which you do not practice." [Al-Qur'an 61:2-3]

It is most appropriate for us that we start at the beginning and ponder over our youth and their thoughts and actions, so that we may increase those which are good and correct those who are incorrect because the youth of today are the men of tomorrow and they are the foundation on which a future nation will be built. It is for this reason that the text of the Shari'ah (Islamic Law) has encouraged giving the youth due consideration and directing them to which is good and correct. They are the basis of the 'Ummah of which it's future will be built and if their reformation is grounded upon the strong pillars of the Din (Religion) and character, there will be a brilliant future for this 'Ummah, if Allah wills.

A Glance at the Youth

If we closely exam the the youth, it will be possible for us to conclude that the youth are generally of three types: Rightly guided youth, deviated or perverted youth and youth who are confused (between evil and good).

The first type

Rightly guided youth are: Youth who firmly believe in all the implications of this Kalimah (the shahadatayn). They termly believe in their Din (Religion). Iman (Faith) is beloved to them and they are content and satisfied with their iman. They consider aquiring Imam as a profit and deprivation from it as a big loss.

Youth who worship Allah sincerely. They worship Allah alone who has no partner.

Youth who follow the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam practically in his speech and action because they believe that he is the Messenger of Allah and the leader of all messengers.

Youth who establish salah (prayer) perfectly to the best of their ability, because they believe in the benefit and the religious, worldly and social merit found in prayer and the dangerous consequences of neglecting salah for both the individual and the nation.

Youth who give Zakah in full to those who are deserving of it, because they believe that Zakah fulfils the needs of Islam and it is one of the five Pillars of Islam.

Youth who fast during the month of Ramadhan. They stop themselves from their desires and cravings, whether it is summer or winter because they believe that actions are for the pleasure of Allah. Thus they give preference to that which pleases Allah over that which they desire.

Youth who perform the compulsory duty of Hajj (Pilgrimage) to the sacred house of Allah because they love Allah. Thus they love the house of Allah and they love going to the places of his mercy and forgiveness and collaborating with his Muslim brothers who come to these places.

Youth who believe in Allah who is their creator and the creator of the skies and the each, because they see from amongst the signs of Allah that which leaves no doubt even for a moment whatsoever in the existence and being of Allah. They see in this vast unique universe, in the form and system of the universe, that which clearly indicates towards the existence of it's creator and His total power and complete wisdom, because it is not possible for this universe to come into existence on it's own, nor is it possible for it to come into existence coincidentally. The reason for this is that the universe was non-existent before it was brought into existence, and that which is non-existent cannot bring anything into existence, because it itself is non-existent.

It is not possible that the universe came into existence coincidentally because it has a unique well-arranged system, which does not change nor variate from the procedure predestined for it.

"You will never find a change in the system of Allah." [Al-Qur'an 33:62]

"You will never fmd any reversal in the system of Allah." [Al-Qur'an 35:43]

"You will not see in the creation of the most gracious any disparity, so turn your vision again. Do you see any rupture? Then turn your vision again, a second time, your vision will return to you dull an in a state of fatigue." [Al-Qur'an 67:3-4]

The fact that this universe has a unique, well-arranged system, prevents it's existence being coincidental. That which is in existence coincidentally will also have a system which is coincidental, which is likely to change or be disturbed in a short period of time.

Youth who believe in the angels of Allah because Allah has given information regarding them (the angels) in His book the Qur'an and His Messenger sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam has given information regarding to in the Sunnah (the traditions). The Qur'an and Sunnah explain their qualities, their worship and their actions to which they rigidly stick to for the goodness of the creation. This clearly points to the existence of the angels.

Youth who believe in the Books of Allah. Allah revealed these books to his Messengers as a source of guidance for the creation towards the straight path. It is not possible for the mind of man to understand the intricacies of worship and social life except with the books of Allah.

Youth who believe in the prophets and Messengers of Allah whom Allah sent to his creation to call them towards good and enjoin them with good and prevent them from evil so that people do not have any proof against Allah after the sending of prophets. The very first Messenger was Nuh 'alayhis salam and the last messenger was Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

Youth who believe in the last day in which people will be resurrected after dying, so they may be compensed for their actions. Whoever does good equal to an atom, will reap it, and whoever does evil equal to an atom, will reap it. This is the cosequence of this world, otherwise what is the benefit of life and what is the wisdom of life if there is no day for the creation in which the doer of good will be compensated for his good, and the perpetrator of evil, punished for his evil?

Youth who believe in the predestination of good and evil. Thus they believe that everything is with the decree of Allah and his divine foreordainment. This is despite their belief in causes and their related effects and that for both good and evil there are means.

Youth who adhere to the advice of Allah, His messengers, His Book, the leaders of the Muslims and the general masses. They interact with Muslims with frankness and openness - the way it is incumbent upon them. They neither mislead, deceive nor conceal anything.

Youth who call towards Allah with deep insight, in accordance to the manner Allah has laid down in His Book.

"Call towards the path of your Sustainer with wisdom and sound advice and debate with them in a manner that is befitting." [Al-Qur'an 16:125]

Youth who enjoin good and forbid from evil because they believe that in this is the success of the nation.

"You are the best of nations, taken out for the guidance of mankind. You enjoin good and forbid from evil and you have full faith in Allah." [Al-Qur'an 3:110]

Youth who strive in the changing of evil in the way established by the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "Whomsoever from amongst you see an evil he should change it with his hand. If he does not have the power to do this, then he should change it with his tongue. If he does not have the ability to do even this, then he should change it with his heart (by scheming in the eradication of this evil)." [Hadith])

Youth who speak the truth and accept the truth, because truth leads to good and good leads to paradise. A person will continue being truthful and pursue the truth until Allah records him as being a truthful person.

Youth who love good for the general Muslims because they believe in the saying of Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "None from amongst you can be a true believer until he loves for his (Muslim) brother that which he loves for himself." [Hadith]

A teenager who is cognizant of his responsiblity to Allah and his nation. He strives always for the goodness of his Din (Religion), his nation and homeland, keeping far from egoism and far from giving consideration to his own good at the expense of the good of others.

A teenager who strives for the pleasure of Allah and with the help of Allah in the path of Allah. He strives with sincerity without pride or want of reputation. He strikes with the help of Allah without being conceited and without depending on his own might and power. He strives in the path of Allah for the upliftment of his Din without exceeding the bounds and without laxity. He strives with his tongues, hand and wealth in the manner that the needs of Islam, and the Muslims demand of him.

Youth who have character and Din in them, thus they are of refined character, religion, gentle, liberal, noble-minded. clean-hearted, steadfast, enduring and resolute. They do not waste any opportunity nor do they let compassion overcome intelligence and the need for reformation.

A teenager who is systematic. He works with wisdom and silence despite being firm and excellent in his work. He does not waste any opportunity but instead occupies himself in actions which are beneficial for him and his nation.

Together with this, this teenager safe-guards his Din, character and conduct. Thus he is extremely distant from those qualities which contradict this, like kufr (disbelief), apostasy, inequity, disobedience, lowly character and evil mutual relations.

These types of youth are the pride of a nation and a symbol of it's prosperity and Din. These are the youth who will obtain the good of this world and the hereafter. They are the youth who we hope that Allah, with his grace, will use to rectify the corruption amongst the Muslims and illuminate the spiritual path of the seekers of truth.

The second type

The second type of teenager is the one who is corrupt in his beliefs, irresponsible in his conduct, himself misled, ingulfed in vice; he does not accept the truth from anyone nor does he refrain from falsehood and he is selfish in his conduct. He is a teenager who is stubborn. He does not yield to the truth nor does he renounce falsehood. He dos not care about his neglect of the rights of man nor the rights of Allah. He is a confused teenager bereft of impartiality in his thinking and in his behaviour. Likewise he lacks balance in all his affairs.

A teenager who is conceited with his own opinion as if truth flows from his tongue. He, in his opinion, is free from mishaps, while others are a source of mistakes and slip-ups as long as they contradict his option.

A teenager who has turnned away from the straight path in his din and the accepted norms of conduct. The evil of his conduct has been made alluring to him. Therefore he regards it as virtuous. Thus he is the greatest of losers in respect of his deeds. These are the ones whose efforts have been wasted in this life, while they presumed that they were doing good.

He is an evil omen upon himself and a misfortune for his society, one who is driving his nation towards the lowest stage. He is a barrier between his nation and their respect and munificence, a lethal influence, difficult to treat - except if Allah wishes. Allah has power over everything.

The third type

The third type of teenager is he who is confused and doubtful. He recognises the truth and is content with it. He lives in a guarded society except that the doors of evil have opened up for him from every direction. This has created doubt in his beliefs, deviation in his conduct, weakness in his action, a foray from known practices and an influx of diverse falsehood. Thus he is in eternal thought and inner search. Opposing this influx or movement (of falsehood) is uncertainty. He does not know whether the truth lies in the prevailing idealogies or in the way of his pious predecessors and his safeguarded society. He is thus in doubt - sometimes he accords preference to one side and sometimes the next according to the strength of the influx of these thoughts.

This type of teenager is passive in his life. He is in need of captivating strength which will guide him towards the enclosure of truth and the path of goodness. How easy will this not be Allah prepares for him a person who calls towards good, who is wise, knowledgeable and of good intentions?

These types of teenagers are found in abundance. They obtain a smattering of Islamic education but they acquire much more secular knowlege which conflicts with the basics of Din either in reality or in their presumptions. Thus they are helpless between the 2 cultures. It is possible for them to gain liberation from this helplessness by establishing themselves upon Islamic education and acquiring this education from it's original sources - the book of Allah (the Qur'an) and the Sunnah (traditions) of Muhammad sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam at the hands of devoted 'Ulama (learned men) - and this is not difficult for them.

The Digression of the Youth and their Problems

The reasons for the digression and the difficulties of the youth are many and varied. Man, during the phase of youths is to a large extent in the process of the development of the body, thought processes and the mind, because this is the phase of growth during which he undergoes rapid changes. In this stage it is of extreme importance that the tools of self-control are prepared for him coupled with wise leadership to steer him towards the straight path.

From amongst the important reasons for this retrogression are the following:

1) Idleness: Idleness is a malady which kills thought processes, the mind and the strength of the body, because the body is always in need of movement and work. Thus when the body is idle thoughts become dull and the mind weakens, body movements weaken and devilish insinuations and evil thoughts form on to the heart. Many times an exil intention is create as a result of this suppression which was a direct consequence of idleness. The cure for this problem is that the teenage should strive in the attaining of work which befits him like reading, business or writing which will then become a barrier between him and his idleness. It is necessary that he becomes a stable member of society, working in his society for himself and for others.

2) Alienation and aloofness between the youth and the elderly members of their families or between the youth and others: We see some elders witnessing deviation in their youth but they hesitate, are disconcerted, helpless to strengthen them and dependent from reforming them. The result of this is hatred is for these youth, estrangement from them and a dont-care attitude towards their condition, whether their condition is one of piety or corruption. Sometimes they pass judgement concerning all the youth which translates into a blank impression of the youth in general. This splits the community whereby the youth and their elders begin looking at one another with the eyes of contempt. This is amongst the greatest dangers that can encompass human society. The cure for this problem is that the youth and their elders should make an effort to eradicate this alienation between them and trust everyone because the society together with it's youth and elders are like one body. When one part of it decays, it leads to the decay of the whole body. It is incumbent upon the elders that they give deep thought to their responsibility concerning the reformation of the youth and dispel this contagious despondency from their hearts, because Allah has power over everything. How may corrupt people did Allah not guide, after which they became beacons of guidance and callers towards reform? It is necessary for the youths to entertain respect, regard for the opinions and acceptance of the guidance of their seniors who experienced the realities of life which these youth have not. When the wisdom of the seniors will meet with the strength of the youth, the society will attain prosperity with the will of Allah.

3) Liason with deviated and corrupt people and befriending them. This has a great effect on the mind, the thinking and ways of the youth. For this reason Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam is reported to have said: "A person is on the Din (Religion) of his companion, so each one of you should take care in the matter of who he befriends." He sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam also said: "The similitude of an evil companion is like an ironsmith using an oven. Either you will burn your clothes in his company or you will experience an offensive odour." [Hadith] The sure for this problem is that the teenager should choose for his companionship those who are good and intelligent go that he may benefit from their virtue, reformed ways and intelligence. He should weigh up their condition and reputation before befriending them. If they are people of character, virtue, correct Din and good reputation, then befriend them. If they do not possess these qualities, then it is incumbent to distance oneself from them so that one is not deceived by sweet talk and beautiful outward appearances. This is deception and misguidance. This path is traversed by evil people to allure the simple-minded in order to increase their multitude and conseal their evil condition. A poet has said it most beautifully: Test men when you intend to befriend them, Scrutinize and study their affairs.

4) Reading of destructive periodicals, booklets and magazines which create doubt in the Din of a person and in his beliefs. This draws a person towards the abrogation of virtuous character and lands him in Kufr (disbelief) and vice. This is especially true when the teenager does not possess deep Dini education and acute thinking by means of which he can differentiate between truth and falsehood, benefit and harm The reading of these types of books totally confounds the because they imbibe a false pleasure in the minds and thinking of the youth without reservation. The cure for this problem is that he should keep away from these books and read other books which will plant in his heart the love of Allah and his Rasul sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the reality of iman (belief) and good deeds. No doubt his inner self will entice him greatly towards those books which he loved previously and make him feel discontent with other beneficial woks. This is similar to the position of that person who lights with his inner self to establish the obedience of Allah in his life, but his soul rebels and becomes involved in futility and lies. The most important of beneficial books is the book of Allah and those which the people of knowledge have written by way commentary with correct transmission. In the same way the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, then that which the people of knowledge have written by extracting from these two sources or by way of deep understanding.

5) The impression of some youth that Islam is a curtailment of freedom and a repression of strength. Thus they tum away from Islam regarding it as retrogression and a barrier between them and progress. The cure for this problem is that the veil of the reality of Islam be lifted from these youth who are ignorant of it's reality because of their wrong nations, inadequate knowledge or both. Islam does not restrict freedom but it is a control and a correct chanelling for it, so much so that the freedom of one person does not clash with the freedom of the next person. General freedom leads to chaos and eruption. It is for this reason that the injunctions of Din are called Hudud (limits). If the injunction is one of prohibition Allah says: "They are the limits imposed by Allah, do not approach them." [Al-Qur'an 2:187] If it is one of consent, Allah Ta'ala says, "These are the limits imposed by Allah, do not transgress them." [Al-Qur'an 2:229] This is the difference between restriction (which is the impression of some) and control and guidance which the most wise, the All-Knowing Allah has decreed for his servants. There is no basis for this problem because systemisation is a reality in all domains and man by nature is submissive to this systematic reality. He is submissive to the pressure of hunger and thirst and to the system of his food and drink as far as quantity, quality and type is concerned so that he may safeguard his body and it's health. He is in the same way submissive to the system of his society, holding on to the customs of his city in it's dwellings, garb and modes of transport. If he does not subject himself to this, he will be considered as being abnormal and he will be treated the way extraordinary people are treated. Life is totally a submission to specified limits so that everything progresses according to it's intended aim. This subjucation is for the order of society, eg. submission which is necessary for the reformation of society and the prevention of anarchy. In the same way submission to the system of the Shari'ah entails that which is necessary for the reformation of the nation so how can some people be annoyed with it and think of it as being a restriction of freedom? Verily this is a great untruth and a baseless, evil presumption. Islam in the same way is not a suppression of capabilities. It is a wide sphere for all strengths. Islam calls towards reflection so that man contemplates and his mind and thoughts grow. Allah Ta'ala says: "Say O Muhammad, I advise you of one thing only, that you stand up in two's and singlely and then reflect." [Al-Qur'an 34:46] and Allah says: "Say O Muhammad, see what is in the heavens and the earth." [Al-Qur'an 10:101] Islam does not confine itself to calling towards contemplation and deep thought but it denounces those who do not think, observe and contemplate. Allah Ta'ala says: "Have they not considered the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and what things Allah has created?" [Al-Qur'an 7:185] Allah Ta'ala says: "Have they not pondered upon themselves? Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and that which is between them, except with truth." [Al-Qur'an 30:8] And Allah Ta'ala says: "And he who we give old age. We reverse him in creation (making him go back to weakness after strength), do you not ponder?" [Al-Qur'an 36:68]

The order of observing and pondering opens up the power of the mind and thoughts, so how can some people say; that it restricts capabilities? Dreadful is the word they utter; they only speak a lie. Islam has legalized for it's people all pleasures in which there is no harm for the individual either physically, mentally or spiritually. Islam has authorised the eating and drinking of all pure things: "O believers, eat of the good things from which we have provided you, and render thanks to Allah." [Al-Qur'an 2:172] Allah Ta'ala says: ''And eat and drink and do not waste. He does not love those who waste." [Al-Qur'an 7:31] Islam has legalised all clothing to the demands of wisdom and nature: "O Children of Adam! We have revealed unto you clothing to conceal your shame, and splendid countenance, but the clothing of piety, that is best." [Al-Qur'an 7:26] Allah Ta'ala says: "Say O Muhammed, who has forbidden the beautiful (gifts) of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the pure things (which He has produced) for sustenance? Say, they are in the life of this world for those who believe, and only for them on the Day of Judgement.'' [Al-Qur'an 7:32] He has authorised enjoyment of women by legitimate Nikah (Marriage) - Allah Ta'ala says: "Marry women of your choice, two, or three, or four but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with them, then only one." [Al-Qur'an 4:3] In the domain of economics, Islam has not suppressed the capabilities of it's people but legalized for them all business dealings which are just and emanate from mutual happiness. Allah says: "Allah has permitted trade and forbidden usury." [Al-Qur'an 2:276] And He says: "It is he who has made the earth manageable for you, so traverse through its tracks and eat of the sustenance which He provides, and He is responsible for the resurrection." [Al-Qur'an 67:15] And He says, "And when the prayer is finished, then disperse through the land, and seek of the bounty of Allah." [Al-Qur'an 62:10] After all this, is the impression or saying of some people correct, that Islam suppresses capabilities?

Problems that Recur in the Heart of the Teenager

Misgivings and evil thoughts keep recurring on a dead heart which contradicts Din. It is for this reason that when it was said to Ibn Masud or Ibn 'Abbas (Radiallahu 'anhum) that the Jews say that they do not get evil thoughts in their prayers, i.e. they do not experience apprehensions, he replied, "They have spoken the truth, what can Shaytan do with an empty heart?"

If the heart is alive and there is even a bit of iman (faith) in it, then Shaytan attacks it. His attack is devoid of leniency and sluggishness. He throws in the heart such evil thoughts which are detrimental to Din. It is most destructive if the servant accepts these evil thoughts until Shaytan induces him to create doubts in his Lord, Din and beliefs. If he finds in the heart any weakness and frustration, Shaytan overwhelms that heart until he takes it out of the confines of Din. However, if he finds in the heart strength and steadfastness, he devises a contemptible scheme to mislead the servant.

These evil thoughts that Shaytan casts in the him will not harm a person if he practices the therapy mentioned by Rasulullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam concerning it: Ibn 'Abbas (Radiallahu 'anhumanarrates than a person came to Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and said: "I am having a ce) narrates than a person came to Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and said: "I am having a certain feeling within myself which being a burning ember is more desirable to me than my uttering it." Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "All praise are due to Allah who has rejected his scheme i.e. driven away Shaytan's evil thoughts." [Hadith]

Some people from the Sahabah (companions) came and said, "O Messenger of Allah, we find within ourselves (such a feeling) which overwhelms each one of us from speaking about it i.e. he feels it imposing to speak about it." Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam asked: "Do you also experience it?" The companions replied, "Yes." Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied, "That is true faith (iman)." The meaning of having true faith is that evil thoughts and your rejection of them does not harm your iman even a bit but it is a proof that your iman is sincere and has not been affected by any loss..

Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam has said: "Shaytan (the Devil) comes to one of you and says. Who has created this? Who has created this? until he says : Who has created your Lord? When he reaches this limit, then seek refuge in Allah and in his compassion." [Hadith]

It is state in another Hadith regarding the same situation. "You should say: I believe in Allah and his messengers." And in a similar Hadith that Abu Dawud has narrated, Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Say Allah is one, Allah is independent, He does not give birth nor was he given birth to, there blow a little saliva towards the left thrice and seek refuge from the accursed Shaytan."

Once the Sahaba (radiallahu 'anhum described this ambition to Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam ) described this ambition to Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam for which he prescribed the cure in four steps:

1. The termination of evil thoughts by completely shunning and forgetting them until they do not exist and then occupying oneself away from these thoughts with balanced thinking;
2. Seek refuge in Allah from these evil thoughts and from the accursed Shaytan;
3. He should say, I believe in Allah and his Messengers; and
4. He should say, Allah is one, Allah is independent, He does not give birth nor was he given birth to, there is none comparable to Him, spit to his left side thrice and say, "I seek refuge in Allah from the cursed Shaytan."

Confusion Regarding the Issue of Predestination

From those issues which keep recurring and leaves the youth bewildered is the issue of predestination. Belief in predestination is one of the pillars of iman and iman is not complete without it. This belief entails the belief that Allah, Who is Pure, knows what is going to happen and what is predestined for the skies and earth, as Allah says: "Don't you know that Allah knows all that is in the heaven and on the earth? Indeed, it is all in a record and it is easy for Allah." [Al-Qur'an 22:70]

Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam has prevented us from quarrelling and debating in the matter of predestination. Abu Hurayrah (radiallahu 'anhu) relates that Rasullallah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam came to us while we were debating about predestination. Seeing this he became angry until his blessed face turned red with anger. Then he said: "Did I order you to do this? Is it for this that I was at to you? The nations before you were destroyed when they debated this issue. I take a firm resolution from you that you will not quarrell in this matter." [Hadith]

Engrossing oneself and quarrelling in the matter of predestination lands a person in a maize from which he does not have the ability to emerge. The path of salvation is that you should aspire to do good and strive in the doing of good as you have been ordered because Allah, who is pure, has granted you intellect and understanding, and sent to you Messengers and revealed with them. Allah Ta'ala says, "So that mankind, after the coming of the Messengers, should have no proof against Allah for Allah is Exalted in Power and Wise." [Al-Qur'an 4:165]

When Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam informed his companions that there is no person except that his abode in Jannah (heaven) and Jahannam (hell) has been foreordained, they said, "O Messenger of Allah, should we not depend upon our book (predestinations) and leave the doing of good deeds." Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "Do good deeds, everything is made easy for what is was created. Those who are from the fortunate people, the actions of fortunate people will be made easy for them, and those who are from the wretched people, for them the actions of the wretched will be made easy." Then the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam recited the verse: "He who gives in charity and fears (Allah), and in all sincerity testifies to good, We will indeed make smooth for him the path to ease, but he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient and disbelieves in good, We will indeed make his path to adversity easy." [Al-Qur'an 92:5-10]

Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam ordered them to do good deeds and did not permit them to depend upon their preordainment because those who are predestined to be from the people of Jannah will not be from amongst them except if they do the actions and deeds of the people of Jannah, and those who are predestined to be from the people of Hell will not be from amongst them except if they do their actions. Action is according to the ability of a person because he himself knows that Allah has given him a choice in the doing of action and predestined it for him. If he wishes, he can either do it or leave it.

If a man makes an intention to travel, then he will travel and if he intends halting, then he will do so. If sees a fire, he will flee from it and if he sees a thing which is beloved to him, he will go forward. Similarly with regards to obedience and sin, a person practices them by his own choice and leaves them by his own choice.

There are two objections according to some people regarding the issue of predestination:

Firstly: Man sees that he does something by his own choice and he leaves all action by his own choice without perceiving any compulsion upon the doing or leaving of an action, so how does this coincide with the belief that everything is with the decree and foreordainment of Allah? The answer to this is that if we contemplate the action and movement of man, we will fmd that it is the result of two things viz. intention i.e. the choice to do something, and ability. If these two things are not found, the action will not occur. Intention and ability are both the creation of Allah, who is Most Pure, because intention is the result of the strength of-the mind and ability is the result of the strength of the body. If Allah so wishes he can snatch away the mind of man and he would be left without any intention or snatch away his ability leaving action impossible for him. When man makes a firm intention to do an action and he executes it, it is our knowledge with conviction that Allah had intended and destined that action, otherwise his intention would have changed or he would have found a barrier between himself and ability to carry out that action. A Bedouin was asked, "How do you recognise Allah?" He replied, "By the breaking of firm intentions and the changing of resolutions."

The second objection: which recurs according to some people in the matter of-predestination is that man will be punished for his sinful deeds. How can he be punished for it when it is predestined for him and it is not possible for him to escape from something which is predestined for him. How is he rewarded for his obedience when it is predestined for him and it is not possible for him to escape from something which is predestined for him? It is unjust that you make predestination an argument for disobedience while you do not make it an argument for obedience. The second answer is that Allah has negated this argument in the Qur'an and classified it as an ignorant statement. Thus Allah Ta'ala says, "Soon the idolaters will say, if Allah willed we would not have ascribed partners to Allah nor would our fathers have, nor would we have forbidden anything. In the same way their ancestors argued falsely, until they tasted our wrath. Say, have you any (certain) knowledge? If so, produce it before us. You follow nothing but presumption and you only lie." [Al-Qur'an 6: 148]

Allah Ta'ala has explained that these objectors of predestination, have in their ranks those who were before them, who falsified (the Messengers) the way these people falsify (the Prophets), and they remained firm upon this action of theirs until they toted Allah's punishment. If their proof was correct, Allah would not have made the taste of His punishment. Then Allah ordered his Nabi to challenge them to prove the correctness of their beliefs and explain to them that they have no proof for this.

The third answer is that preordainment is a hidden secret. Nobody knows about it except Allah until it happens. How can a sinner have knowledge about the txt that Allah has predestined for him sin until he does it? Is it not possible that Allah had ordained for him obedience? So why does he not in place of going towards sin, go towards obedience and say Allah has definitely predestined for me that I obey him?

The fourth answer is that Allah has blessed man by what he has given him of intelligence and understanding, and revealed upon him books and sent to him messengers and outlined to him what is beneficial and what is non-beneficial and blessed him with intention and ability with which he has the power to traverse either path. So why does lis sinner choose the path of harm over the path of benefit?

If this sinner intended going on a journey to another place and he had two roads to choose from: one is easy and peaceful and the other difficult and frightful, he most definitely would traverse the easy, peaceful path and not the difficult, frightful path because of the argument that Allah had predestined it for him. If he traversed the path of difficulty and used the argument that Allah had predestined it for him, people would think of him as being naive and insane. In the same way are the paths of good and evil. Man will traverse the path of good and not deceive himself by traversing the path of evil on the pretext that Allah had predestined it for him. We see that every person has the ability to earn his livelihood. We see that he traverses every path in the gaining of his livelihood. He dos not sit in his house and leave earning, holding on to the excuse of predestination.

Otherwise, what is the difference between striving for the world and striving in the obedience of Allah? Why do you make divine foredainment a proof for yourself upon the leaving out of obedient and you do not make it a proof for the leaving out of worldly action? The clarity of an argument is in it's place but desires make a person blind and deaf.

Ahadith in Which there is Mention of the Youth

When these words have revolved around the problems of the youth, I would like to mention some Ahadith in which there is a mention of the youth. From amongst them are:

1. "Your Lord is pleased with that teenager who is free of youthful passion." [Narrated by Ahmad]
2. "There are seven such persons for whom Allah will provide shade from his shade on that day who there will be no other shade except his. A just ruler, a youth who was nurtured in the obedience of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the Masjid, two people who love each other only for the pleasure of Allah. They meet for the pleasure of Allah. A man who is enticed by a woman of status and beauty and he says, 'I fear Allah.' A man who given charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given and a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and tears flow from his eyes (due to the fear of Allah)." [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim]
3. "Hasan and Husayn will both be the leaders of the youth of Jannah." [Narrated by Tirmidhi]
4. "It will be said to the people of Jannah, for you is youth and you will never grow old." [Narratted by Muslim]
5. "Never does a youngster honour an elderly person because of his old age but Allah appoints somebody who will honour him during his old age." [Narrated by Tirmidhi with a weak chain of narrators]
6. Abu Bakr said to Zayd ibn Habit while 'Umar ibn al-Khattab was beside him (radiallahu 'anhum): "You are a young, intelligently. We are not suspicious of you and you used to write the revelation for the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam so pursue the Qur'an and gather it." [Narrated by Bukhari]
7. Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam came to a youngster while he was in the throes of death. Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam asked him, "In what condition do you find yourself?" He said, "I have hope in Allah, O Messenger of Allah and I fear for my sins." Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "These two things (hope and fear) do not gather in the heart of a servant at a moment like this, but Allah grants him what he hopes for and saves him from that which he fears." [Narrated by Ibn Majah]
8. Bara ibn 'Azib (radiallahu 'anhu) said concerning the battle of Hunayn, "No, by Allah, Rasullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam did not turn away, but even his young companions who were fatigued and ill equiped emerged to fight." [Narrated by Bukhari]
9. Ibn Mas'ud (radiallahu 'anhu) narrates, "We used to fight with Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam while we were young." [Narrated by Ahmad]
10. 'Anas ibn Malik (radiallahu 'anhu) narrates: "There were seventy youth from among the Ansar, who were called qurra' (reciters), who used to remain in the masjid. When evening approached, they retreated to a corner in Madinah, where they learnt, taught each other and prayed. Their families were under the impression that they were in the Masjid and the people of the Masjid were under the impression that they were with their families, until the crack of dawn. They brought fresh water and gathered firewood which they presented at the room of Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam." [Narrated by Ahmad] With this they used to buy food for the Ashab as-Suffah (people of the platform). The people of the platform were those destitutes who migrated to Madinah. They did not have any family in Madinah so they sought refuge at a platform in the Masjid.
11. 'Alqamah who is one of the companions of Ibn Mas'ud (radiallahu 'anhu) narrates, he says, "I was walking with Abdullah by Mina when he met 'Uthman. 'Abdullah stood talking with 'Uthman when he said, 'O Abu Abdir-Rahman, should we not marry you to a young girl so that she would remind you of some things which have passed during your era.' Abdullah said: 'If you say that then surely Rasulullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam told us, 'O youth. Whoever from amongst you has the means, should marry, because it is more effective in the safeguarding of the gaze and more chaste for the private parts. If one does not have the ability to do this, then he should fast because it is a shield for him (from sins).' " [Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim]
12. In the tradition concerning Dajjal reported from Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, "Dajjal will call a person who is in the prime of his youth and strike him with a sword, slicing him into two pieces, like the striking of a target. Then Dajjal will call the youth. The youth will respond, his face being radiant - laughing." [Narrated by Muslim]
13. Malik ibn Huwayrith (radiallahu 'anhu) narrates, "We came to Rasullallah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam while we were youngsters of similar age. We stayed by him for twenty days and nights. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was merciful and gentle. When he guessed that we longed for our families into difficulty, he questioned us about what we had left behind, so we informed him. Then Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, 'Return to your families, live with them, teach them, invoke them,' and he mentioned a few other things. 'Pray the way you see me performing the prayer. When the time of prayer approaches, then one of you should call out the call for prayer (Adhan) and the eldest amongst you should lead the prayer.' " [Narrated by Bukhari]

We ask Allah to grant us benefit from this treatise and praises are only for Allah who is the Lord of the Universe. May Allah shower his choicest blessings and peace upon our Nabi sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and upon all his family and companions.

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