What Shaykh Rabee' Al-Madkhaali says about Studying at Damaaj

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Muhaajir/message/10985

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Recently Sheikh Rabee' bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, answered some questions about studying in Darul Hadeeth in Damaaj. Here is the English translation done by one of the students here in Damaaj, may Allah reward him and the brothers for their questions.

In the last ten days of Ramadhaan the brother Aiman Al-Adeni, may Allah preserve him, asked As-Shaykh Al-Mujaahid Rabee' bin Haadi Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, about the one who warns against studying in Damaaj. So the brother ask 'O Shaykh do you advise to travel to seek knowledge in Damaaj these days'. So The Shaykh responded by saying'' Shame on you asking a question like this, you do not have a question other than this? How can I not advise to study in Damaaj?

The Shaykh also mentioned about those who prevent from the emigrating to seek knowledge in this immense place. He said, 'They are those who divert from the right path. It is a center where all sciences of the Deen are taught and studied, and by Allah no one warns from it except the one who wants to divert the people from the path of Allah.'

In conclusion, on the day of Eidul Fitr of this year 1429h (2008) Abu Fidaa As-Sudaani asked Al-Muhadith, Al-'Alaamah Shaykh Rabee Al-Madkhali, may Allah preserve him, the same question. So the Shaykh answered by saying 'this is a person of desires'. In addition, it was mentioned that the Shaykh said 'warning from Damaaj is a mistake, do not believe those who warn from Damaaj, do not believe them, but my sincere advice is for the one who is blessed with this blessing (studying in Damaaj) and given success in seeking knowledge in Damaaj, it is better that he occupies his time with seeking knowledge and does not interfere regarding the fitnah

Translated By: Abdul Fattah As-Somaali Al-Canadi. A present student of

Darul Hadeeth in Damaaj

For the Arabic version of this translation and more refer back to

www.aloloom.net an official website for the Dawah As-Salafiyah in Yemen.

We ask Allah for us and you to give us all firmness in his religion, Ameen

Dawah to the Word 'Salafiyyah' and Not the Concept

Alhumdulillah, I came across these questions and answers from one of the `ulama I was able to benefit from in Saudi, Ash-Shaykh Abdur Rahman Al-`Ajlan. I found it it over add my dear brother Abu `Uthman's site at http://forpeopleofunderstanding.blogspot.com/2008/01/question-answer-session-with-shaykh.html/

However, it was orginally posted at Ash-Shaykh Zahid Rashid's site at http://albaseerah.org/ .

I do not know where the exact link is at Albaseerah.Org.This post refute what maybe of the ghulat (extremists) have been purporting for years. It is true that many still do not know this blessed dawah, as if evident from those go became Salafi as part of some "movement" or some "gang-affiliation," and are not trashing Salafiyyah when they were in actuality only extremist using the Salafi name for their own self-promotion.

Khalil Al-Puerto Rikani

Question & Answer Session with Shaykh Abdur Rahman al-Ajlaan

By Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al-‘Ajlaan حفظه اللهon Thursday, December 14th, 2006

Question: A very good, committed and Inshaa Allaah sincere brother calls people to Salafiyyah but sometimes aggressively questions Muslims regarding if they are Salafi or not. This has resulted in many Muslims feeling offended and turning away from the word ‘Salafi’. This brother believes that the word Salafi must be used right away in Da’wah otherwise it is a sign that the person is ashamed of being Salafi. How should this person be advised?

Answer: It is not incumbent for one calling to the religion of Allaah تعالى to use a specific phrase such as ‘Salafiyyah’. Rather a caller to Allaah تعالى should call to the Book of Allaah تعالى and the Sunnah of His Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, or to the haqq (truth), or to the Qur'aan. So it is not incumbent for a caller to Allaah تعالى to use a specific phrase such as ‘Salafiyyah’. Why? Because using the phrase ‘Salafiyyah’ could be used in issues far from the truth and in turn the phrase may be hated and people may be chased away from it. So it is not incumbent to use that specific phrase in calling to Allaah تعالى.

We exchanged the television for a computer

http://www.fatwa-online.com/fataawa/creed/pictures/0070725.htm

Question: Allaah blessed us with guidance in exchanging the television for a computer such that we can (now) watch what we wish of beneficial films. However, I ask (you), are the likes of these pictures in these films considered to be from that which the Messenger of Allaah prohibited us from?

Response: That which I am of the opinion is that whoever Allaah protects from the (evil effects of) television is (indeed) in good (blessing), inshaa.-Allaah Ta'aala, and He suffices you with (the likes of) that which the questioner mentioned. (This is) because with a computer you have (full) control by watching videos of your choice, whether they be about the creation of Allaah 'Azza wa Jall (documentaries) or (whether) they are of sporting competitions or that which are similar to these.

However, I dislike sporting competitions as we know them today because if a young child was to watch these sporting competitions and (his interest be aroused by) someone particular (sporting personality), then it would enter his mind that there is no champion in Islaam except this (sporting) personality; And this is (indeed) a travesty. For example, Muhammad al-Faatih - his video became famous and no doubt he was indeed a champion; (Allaah blessed Islaam with) much good at his hands, however, does this compare to the championhood of the Companions (of Muhammad (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam))? Never! If a young child grows up with his mind full of (these thoughts that) the champion of Islaam is this champion (sports personality), he will be made to forget the other champions (of Islaam). Therefore, if (the contents of) these videos were directed to rectify the current affairs such that in this there will be a good education (for the young), then this is better.

As for the matter of the pictures, then these pictures (in the video) are not (regarded as) visible pictures (hard copy) because if a person was to look at the video tape itself with the naked eye then he would not see anything until he placed it in a device (video player) which (would then) project the images within the video tape (onto the screen for viewing); So (the matter of the pictures in the video) does not fall under the statement of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam):

((Indeed, the Angels do not enter a house within which there is a picture (of a living being))

Shaykh Ibn 'UthaymeenI'laam al-Mu'aasireen bi-Fataawa Ibn 'Uthaymeen - Page 377

"Let us unite upon that which we agree and excuse each other in that which we disagree"

http://www.fatwa-online.com/fataawa/worship/knowledge/0080220.htm

Question: What is your opinion regarding the one who says: "let us unite upon that which we agree and excuse each other in that which we disagree"?

Response: Our opinion regarding this statement is that it is general.
So their saying: "let us unite upon that which we agree" is true.
As for their saying "...and excuse each other in that which we disagree", then this requires explanation.

So that in which ijtihaad (independent reasoning) is admissible, then this (is permissible grounds for) excusing each other in that (which we disagree). However, it is not permissible for the hearts (of brotherhood) to differ because of this (permissible) difference (of opinion).

As for that in which ijtihaad is inadmissible, then indeed we do not excuse whoever opposes (such a matter), and it is obligatory upon him to surrender to the truth.

So (in conclusion therefore), the first part of the statement is correct, and as for the last part, then it requires explanation.

Shaykh Ibn `Uthaymeen

as-Sahwah al-Islaamiyyah - Question 77, Page 218

Two Waves That Have Struck the Salafee Da'wah
Shaykh Rabee ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee

Arabic Reference: www.rabee.net

English Translation: http://madeenah.com/article.cfm?id=1053

All praise is due to Allaah, and may the peace and prayers be upon the messenger of Allaah, his companions, family and whomsoever follows his guidance.

To proceed: To the brother, Muhammad ‘Abdul Hadee, the Imaam of Masjid As Sunnah in Marseilles, France. May Allaah grant him success, make his path firm, and increase him in guidance and foresight.

As salaamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullaahi wa barakatahu, to you as well as all your brothers in France. And I thank you for your noble and sensible thoughts as in regards to the differences that occurred between the Salaafee youth just because of a difference that occurred between so and so and so and so, which shows an improper understanding of the Manhaj of the Salaf, and how they [the Salaf] hated splitting, rather Allaah and his messenger hate splitting and differing.

The Deen of Allaah and the Manhaj of the Salaf is not on this level that a lot of the youth believe it to be: That there occurs differing, enmity and disruption for the most trivial of reasons. From them [reasons] is that so and so speaks about so and so, and so a group of brothers strongly and stubbornly defend one brother and another group likewise defends the other. Then the conflicts and battles between the two (or more) groups begin. Allaah and his messenger and the Deen of Islaam are free from this type of behavior, as it is from the handiwork of Shaytaan, who wants splitting, differing, enmity and hatred between the Muslims for the most trivial of reasons.

Just as it is from the ways of the people of desires, innovations and Hizbeeyah, those who are far from the Manhaj of the Salaf and their intelligence, their Hikmah (wisdom), their foresight, their firmness and solidarity towards different circumstances, as well as their respect towards brotherhood and love, which are from what Allaah has ordered to be respected and preserved.

And I will give you a few examples of the positions that the Salaf took towards some situations, which showed their Hikmah, insight and their strict adherence to the book of their Lord and the Sunnah of their messenger. Situations that would shake up the people of innovations and push them towards splitting, differing, enmity and conflicts. But these situations do not even shift/sway Ahlus Sunnah, rather, it only increases them in firmness, unification, and in standing firmly against Fitan (trials) and its people.

1) In the Fitnah that occurred between the Sahaabah during the battle of Al Jamal and the battle of As Siffeen. What was the position of people of desires towards it and what was the positon of Ahlus Sunnah?

As far as the people of desires, then this Fitnah exposed their evil intentions and aims. Some of them Tahazzaba (made partisanship) towards one side and disparaged the other side like the Shee’ah, they were stubbornly bias towards ‘Alee, and they disparaged Ahlul Jamal, the people of Shaam, Mu’aaweyah, ‘Amr ibn Al ‘Aas and whoever supported them.

And likewise the Nawaasib; they supported Mu’aaweyah and ‘Amr and their armies, and they disparaged ‘Aleee, his armies and supporters.

Others like the Khwaarij and the Mu’tazilah or some of their leaders; they disparaged ‘Alee and his supporters as well as Mu’aaweyah and his supporters.

As for Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah -رحمهم الله- , and at the head of them; the rest of the Sahaabah, the Tabi’een and the Imaams of guidance such as Sa’eed ibn Musayib, ‘Urwah ibn Az Zubayr, Al Qaasim ibn Muhammad, Saalim ibn ‘Abdillaah and others from the Imaams of the Tabi’een such as Maalik, Al Awzaa’ee, Sufyaan At Thawree, Sufyaan ibn ‘Uyaynah, Hamaad ibn Zayd, Hamaad ibn Salamah, and others from the Imaams of other Islaamic lands; in Madeenah, Makkah, Al Yemen, Al Basrah, Al Koofah, As Shaam, Misr, Al Maghrib, Al Andolus, All of them were upon one Manhaj, and one ‘Aqeedah towards the people of desires and towards those who disparaged the Sahaabah. And from them were those that participated in the battle of Al Jamal, and As Siffeen. They made Walaa’ of all of them, and made excuses for all of them and they considered that the Mujtahid [1] from amongst them who reached the correct opinion received two rewards, and that the one who erred received one reward;

2) There was a very strong disagreement between the two Imaams, Al Bukharee and Muhaammad ibn Yahyaa Al Dhuhalee, -رحمهم الله- , to the point that Ahlus Sunnah wal Hadeeth were about to tear apart. But because of their consciousness/awareness towards Islaam, and their deep conception of the dangers of separation and differing and their evil effects in the Dunyah and Aakhirah, they were able to extinguish this Fitnah and bury it to this day of ours;

3) And during these times of ours, there were differences between Shaykh Al Albaanee and a number of the Mashaayikh of Ahlus Sunnah such as Hamood At Tuwaygree, Shaykh Ismaa’eel Al Ansaaree, Shaykh Naseeb Ar Rifaa’ee. Differences of opinion occurred even between him and Shaykh Ibn Baaz,-رحمهم الله- . But the people, especially the Salafees, did not see any effects of this differing.

So what is it that has convinced the Salafee youth in these crucial days in which the enemies, with their different sects and methodologies, have outwardly proclaimed their enmity towards the salafee da’wah and its Imaams.

The Jews and the Christians from one angle, the Shee’ah, Rawaafid, Sufeeyah ‘Ilmaaneyoon and the Ikhwaan [from another angle] have built up fronts to wage war against the Salafee Da’wah, and have slung evil accusations on them, especially because of what is going on these days in regards to terrorism, bombings and destruction.

Don’t you think that this differing between the Salafee youth strengthens the enemies of the Salafee Da’wah, and gives them the incisive weaponry that they use to slaughter Salafeeyah and its people?

Doesn’t this differing distort the Salafee Da’wah and take away its beauty and grace as well as stop its spread and propagation? My brother and my sons, those whom Allaah has been gracious to and has guided to this magnificent Manhaj, some of the youth are ignorant of its status, and are ignorant of the bounty of Allaah upon them, and His Grace, and the fact that He guided them to this magnificent Manhaj.
I, as well as other than me, have realized that there are two waves that have struck the core of the Salafee Da’wah; a wave of harshness and extremism and a wave of excessive lenience that goes beyond the legislated bounds, and negligence/laxity. And both of these waves have been exaggerated to the point that they almost engulfed all the people of Salafeeyah.

Indeed Allaah has forbidden both extremism and negligence/laxity because of the harms and evils that they generate. And He has legislated for this ‘Umah At Tawasut (middle path) and to be just; this is the straight path of Allaah which He has ordered us to follow. In it is all that is good, happiness, and salvation from destruction.

So when I saw the dangers of these two waves, I directed advice to the Salafee youth everywhere a number of times. So I hope that this advice is welcomed and accepted by our brothers and sons and beloved ones from amongst the Salafees.

And I included in the advice, a strong encouragement to the Salafee youths to leave all kinds of separation and differing, and to have brotherhood for the pleasure of Allaah, and to love one another for His pleasure, as well as to be soft and gentle with one another, and to have Hikmah (wisdom) and to remind/advise the one who falls into error in a way that is best.

And now I strongly reaffirm this advice and I encourage you to seriously and truthfully leave off differing and its causes, and to replace it with accord and brotherhood and so on.

And I as well as all the Salafees in the Kingdom, and Yemen and other than them hope that we listen to all that has been addressed and to recognize it, in order to end this abominable differing and burry it, and proclaim affection and brotherhood, and to turn to gaining beneficial knowledge, as well as practicing pious deeds, and to co operate upon righteousness and piety, and to be serious about spreading this Da’wah, and to show its beauty in its ‘Aqeedah, Manhaj as well as its manners.

My Brother, Muhammad ‘Abdul Haadee, I hope that you seriously rush to quench this Fitnah, and that you call the intelligent ones in Paris, Leon and other cities, especially Abu Zeyaan, call them to a gathering in which you will present to them this letter of mine which I hope will be an aid to you all to end this Fitnah, remove its causes, and instill what Islaam has made obligatory upon you as in regards to brotherhood, and to exchange affection/love between you, and to co operate upon righteousness and piety in the place of separation in all fields especially in the field of Da’wah to Allaah.

My brother, it appears to me that these differences between them is not in ‘Aqeedah or in the principals of Da’wah or Manhaj, and it is only he say she say, enmity and arguing about people whom they have exceeded in elevating/glorifying, while they do not surpass the level of being a student of knowledge.

I ask Allaah that He fulfills all what they are striving to achieve in regards to unifying the ranks of the Salafees, and bringing together their hearts and souls upon truth and guidance.

And may the peace and prayers be upon our prophet Muhammad, his family and companions.

One who loves you for the sake of Allaah;
Shaykh Rabee’ bin Haadee ‘Umayr Al Madkhalee.
28/2/1425

The Passing Away of the Scholars

By, Shaykh Rabee ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee

English Translation: http://madeenah.com/article.cfm?id=1255

Arabic Reference: http://www.rabee.net/show_fatwa.aspx?id=140

Who are the remaining scholars after the passing away of the people of knowledge; [such as] ibn Baaz, al Albaanee and ibn `Uthaymeen, may Allaah have mercy upon them all?

There are plenty of remaining scholars and all praise is due to Allaah. The Messenger of Allaah - صلى الله عليه و سلم - passed away and his noble companions remained after him. Ahmad ibn Hanbal passed away and his companions remained after him. Ibn Taymiyah passed away and his companions remained after him. Ibn `Abdul Wahaab passed away and his companions remained after him. The aforementioned scholars passed away and Inshaa-Allaah their students and brothers will remain [after them].

The truth will never be lost. When `Umar ibn al Khataab was stabbed, he advised:
"Indeed Allaah will not allow His religion to be lost!"
It was said to him: `Appoint a Caliph!`

He responded:
"Indeed Allaah will not allow his religion to be lost!"
So Allaah will never allow His religion to be lost. It is upon you to roll up your sleeves and be keen on upholding the banner of the Sunnah and the truth.

"There will continue to be a group who is victorious upon the truth, unharmed by those who degrade or oppose them, until the hour is established."

By Allaah, knowledge has not died, nor have the scholars, all praise is due to Allaah; The Committee of Major Scholars [remains], there is goodness and blessing in them and to Allaah belongs all praise, our brothers in ash Sham, and our brothers in Yemen. The world is full of senior students of knowledge who will fill this void and all praise is due to Allaah, so the people of falsehood should not rejoice.

I came across an article entitled: `To Jaheem [the hell fire] O Ibn `Uthaymeen`; It is most likely that such people are hypocrites who claim to be Muslims, Ibn `Uthaymeen to the Hell fire?!! The article then affirms that he is going to the Hell fire – ma shaa Allaah. Those who insult the companions of the Muhammad- صلى الله عليه و سلم -, the messengers, trifle with the Quraan and are leaders in falsehood are martyrs according to them and Ibn `Uthaymeen is the the hell fire?!!

He and those behind him, they are the ones in Jaheem, and whoever says: `The people are destroyed!` then he is the most destroyed one amongst them.` He is the most destroyed amongst them whether the meaning of the Hadeeth is; `he is the most destroyed amongst them` or `he is the one who destroyed them,` because he gains sin by this.

These people are blind, Allaah has blinded them, we seek refuge in Allaah from blindness.

Translator: Nadir Ahmad, Abu Abdul-Waahid

Islam is the Sunnah and the Sunnah is Islam

I am creating this blog inshAllah to shed light upon the Islam as it was understood from the Salafi `ulama. The target audience are all Muslims. The theme will revolve around Islam. The point of view will be from the Salafi understanding of Islam. Many in the U.S. still do not trully know or understand this dawah. It is quite unfortunate that many have learn about Salafiyyah (and have even claimed it for a while) from some very extreme brother whose hearts are corrupted, wa a`udhubillah. I welcom all comments and criticisms.