Home Ibaadah Advice From the Salaf The Advice of Imaam Wahb Ibn Munabbih to a Man Affected by the Way of the Khawaarij | The Advice of Imaam Wahb Ibn Munabbih to a Man Affected by the Way of the Khawaarij |
|
|
| Saturday, 30 June 2007 | |
 An excellent book containing the narration of Wahb Ibn Munabbih (d.110H), along with the checking of Shaykh 'Abdus-Salaam Ibn Burjiss.
INTRODUCTION:
All praise is to Allaah. And may Allaah bless and send peace upon His Messenger, and upon his family, and upon his Companions, and he whom He has befriended.
Verily the Khawaarij [1] are an evil people, advocates of fitnah (trials/tribulations) and the standards of division. If the Muslims affairs had been settled, and they were organized collectively, the duty left to the Khawaarij is to rupture that progress, and spoil what had been accomplished.
Ever since they appeared they never ceased. There has never been a time free from them, the last of them will be with the Dajjaal (Anti-Christ). The narrations concerning them from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) are multiple. Warning from them, making known their characteristics, and the verdict of Allaah the Exalted regarding them.
As that was understood, the Companions of the Messenger and those after them of the scholars fought the Khawaarij, as time went on in Islaam. No one is safe from their slander, not ’Alee nor Mu’aawiyah, they even plotted against ’Uthmaan (radiyallaahu ’anhum). Even the Caliph ’Umar Ibn ’Abdul-’Azeez was not safe from them; they also revolted against him. So they are actually enemies to the people of Islaam. Nor are they pleased with the verdict of any of the Muslims, despite what good may be intended by it. Even the Messenger of Allaah himself wasn’t safe from their slander. In which their Imaam, Dhul-Khuwaysirah said: ‘Oh Muhammad, be fair!’ So he defamed the fairness and judgement of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).
In every time and place, among the Khawaarij, is a certain resemblance. Their hearts, tongues and deeds all have similarities. And in this writing, which I retrieved from the biography of Wahb Ibn Munabbih (rahimahullaah) is what illustrates this image exactly clearly and plainly. Since it was they who raised various well-known issues. Such as:
a) Treating the payment of zakaat (charity) to those disposed with the affairs of the Muslims as not being permissible. Supported by their opinion of them being disbelievers (kuffaar), and their claim that they do not render the zakaat to those deserving it.
b) Their deeming that seeking forgiveness for those who do not agree with their views as not being permissible. Their opinion of them being kuffaar supported this view.
So these notions affected whomever they affected, from the people who lacked knowledge. And they were also deceived by the strict devoutness, which they displayed. And from among those who the Khawaarij had an impact on was a man, both rich and elderly, from Yemen, and when Allaah desired to bestow upon him some good, he led him to Imaam Wahb Ibn Munabbih. And the Imaam advised him concerning his situation clearly, with proofs, understood by people who think. Convincing him about the corruption of the views held by the Khawaarij, and the danger they are to a man’s Religion and worldly life (dunyaa). By reading carefully, you can see that the notions and opinions of Khawaarij then, are the same today. Recall the saying of Allaah:
“…Their hearts are alike, We have made clear the signs for a people who believe with certainty.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:118]
A BIOGRAPHY OF IMAAM WAHB IBN MUNABBIH:
His name is Wahb Ibn Munabbih Ibn Kaamil Ibn Siraajud-Deen Dhee Kibaar, Aboo ’Abdullaah al-Yamaanee as-San’aanee. His father came to Yemen from Haraah, Khurasaan (Persia). He was born 34H, during the Caliphate of ’Uthmaan Ibn ’Affaan.
He narrated from numerous Companions, among them: Anas Ibn Maalik, Jaabir Ibn ’Abdullah, ’Abdullaah Ibn ’Abbaas, ’Abdullaah Ibn ’Umar, Aboo Hurayrah, and Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree. He also narrated from Taawoos Ibn Kayaan, ’Amr Ibn Deenaar, ’Amr Ibn Shu’ayb, and his own brother Hammaam Ibn Munabbih, and others. Imaam Ahmad said: ‘…He was a man of Persian decent.’
And he said, ‘Anyone from Yemen and has ‘Dhee’ in his name, then his lineage is noble. It is said: So and so has Dhee and so and so has no Dhee.’ [2]
Al-’Ijlee said: ‘He was a trustworthy Taabi’ee, and the judge over San’aa.’[3] Aboo Zur’ah, an-Nisa‘ee and others attested to his trustworthiness.
He assumed the judiciary over San’aa under the Caliph ’Umar Ibn ’Abdul-’Azeez. His narrations have been recorded in the Saheehayn [4] (al-Bukharee and Muslim). He had much knowledge regarding the people of the Book, and was counted among the pious and God-fearing, who was occupied with worship.
He died 110H in San’aa at the beginning of the Caliphate of Hishaam Ibn ’Abdul-Maalik. It is also said that he died 114H. Yaqoot agreed with the latter in his book, Mu’jamul-Udabaa.
THE ORIGINS OF THIS WRITING:
This writing comes in the biography of Wahb Ibn Munabbih, in each of the following books: Taareekhud-Dimashq (18/. . ./alif 483)by Ibn ’Asaakir.
The abridgement of Taareekhud-Dimashq (26/388) by Ibn Mandhoor. Tahdheebul-Kamaal by al-Mizzee (31/150 the published version) I had checked it with the manuscript (3/1481). Siyar A’laamun-Nubalaa (4/557) by adh-Dhahabee.
WHAT I DID IN THIS BOOK:
I used the wording of the narration found in Tahdheebul-Kamaal as the basis. I then referred it to the other wordings of the remaining texts previously mentioned. And from there I established the proper wordings. Just as I denoted brief footnotes where it was necessary.
I beseech Allaah for his success and aid, and may He shower upon our Prophet Muhammad, His blessings, and upon his family and his all of his Companions.
’Abdus-Salaam Ibn Burjiss Aal-’Abdul-Kareem 6/6/1418H
THE TEXT:
’Alee Ibnul-Madeenee said, “Hishaam Ibn Yoosuf, Aboo ’Abdur-Rahmaan, the Judge of San’aa said that Daawood Ibn Qays informed us saying,
‘I had a friend of Khawlaan, from Hadoor, called Aboo Shaamir Dhoo Khawlaan. I left San’aa headed towards his village, and as I approached I found a letter with a seal on the back reading: “To Abee Shamir Dhee Khawlaan”.
So I went to him, and discovered him franticly sad. I asked why he was in that state. He said, ‘A messenger from San’aa came and he mentioned that some friends of mine wrote to me, but the messenger had lost it. So I sent with him a servant of mine, someone who could search for it. To search between our village and San’aa, But they did not come up with it. So I have become sorrowful due to that.’
I said: ‘I have found this letter.’ He said: ‘The praise is due to Allaah who facilitated you to find it!’ He opened it. I said: ‘Read it to me.’ He said: ‘I will introduce you to something as if you were a child.’ I asked: ‘What is it?” ‘A smote on their necks’, he replied. I said: ‘Perhaps it was written to you by some of the Harooraa [5], about the zakaah (charity).’ He said: ‘From where do you know these people?’ I said, ‘My friends and I we sit with Wahb Ibn Munabbih, and he tells, “O you inexperienced ones, beware of the Harooraa. Do not allow them to submit you to their devious views. For verily, they are scabies of this Ummah”.’ So he handed me the letter and I read it. This is what it said,
“With the Name of Allaah, the Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy. To Abee Shaamir Dhee Khawlaan, may peace be upon you. We praise Allaah for you. The one whom there is nothing worthy of worship besides him. And we commend you to have taqwaa (fear/reverence) of Allaah alone He has no partners. For verily, the Religion of Allaah is sensible and guidance in this world, and a rescue and a success in the Hereafter. The Religion of Allaah is obedience to Allaah and indifference to those who deviate from the Sunnah of His Prophet and his Sharee’ah (legislation). So if this writing of ours reaches you then consider that you give – if Allaah wills - what Allaah has made obligatory upon you from his rights. Deserving from that the friendship of Allaah, and the friendship of Allaah friends, and may the peace be upon you and the mercy of Allaah”
I said, ‘I prohibit you from them’. He said: ‘How can I take your advice, and leave the advice of one older than you?’ I said: ‘Would you like me to take you to visit Wahb Ibn Munabbih, so that you can hear him yourself and he can tell you about them exactly?’ He said, ‘Yes.’
So I went to San’aa and he came with me. We left early so as to bring him to see Wahb Ibn Munabbih and Mas’ood Ibn ’Awf, a governor over Yemen, under ’Urwah Ibn Muhammad.” At this point ’Alee Ibnul-Madeenee [6] said: “’Urwah Ibn Muhammad Ibn ’Atiyyah as-Sa’dee was our governor in Yemen; appointed by Sa’d Ibn Huwaazin.” [7]
He continued: “So we entered and discovered there were already some people in his company. Some of them asked me: ‘Who is the Shaykh?’ I told them, ‘This is Aboo Shaamir Dhoo Khawlaan of Hadoor. He has a special request for Abee ’Abdullaah.’
They asked, ‘Won’t he say it, please?’ I said, ‘It is a request that he would like to consult with him about some personal matters.’ So the people left. Wahb said: ‘What is it you need, O Dhoo Khawlaan?’ So he stuttered and refrained. So Wahb went on saying to me, ‘Speak for this Shaykh of yours.’ I said, ‘Okay, Aboo ’Abdullaah, verily Dhoo Khawlaan is from the people of the Qur‘aan and goodwill, as far as I know, and Allaah knows best about that which is hidden. He told me that he made acquaintances with some Harooraa of San’aa, and they have said to him, “The zakaat you pay the leaders, goes un-rewarded. As far as what is between you and Allaah, because they don’t put it in its proper place. So render it to us, and we will see that it gets where it should, by distributing it among the needy Muslims, and establish the bounds.”
‘So I felt, O Aboo ’Abdullaah, that your speech would be more healing than mine. He has informed of how he gives them a fruit for every one hundred firaq [8], for his cattle, and how he sends it to them with his servant.’ Wahb said unto him, ‘O Dhoo Khawlaan, do you want to be from the Harooraa in your old age now, declaring that those who are better than you are lost? What will you say tomorrow when Allaah takes you? ‘He who you testified against, Allaah has attested to the faith of, he who you attested to his disbelief. And Allaah has witnessed the guidance of he who you have witnessed his deviance, so where do you fall if your opinions and testimonies are contrary to Allaah’s Decree and Testimony?
‘Tell me, Dhoo Khawlaan, what do they say to you?’ He spoke at that moment.
He said to Wahb, ‘They order me not to be charitable to anyone who doesn’t agree with them, nor seek forgiveness for them.’
Wahb said, ‘You are right, this is their phony love.’
‘As for their remark about charity, it has reached me that the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) once mentioned that a woman from Yemen entered the fire because of a kitten. She didn’t give it food, nor did she leave it to eat the dirt off the ground. [9] Isn’t a man who worships Allaah and designates him alone, and doesn’t take any partners with him in worship, more beloved to Allaah than feeding from hunger, or a kitten? Allaah says in his book,
“And they give food, in spite of their love for Him, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive. Saying, ‘We feed you seeking Allaah’s Face only. We don’t wish from you any reward or thanks. Verily we fear from our Lord a day hard and distressful, which will make the face look horrible (from extreme dislike).’” [Sooratul-Insaan 76:8-10]
‘He says, a day difficult and harsh upon the people who sinned to incur his anger,
“So Allaah saved them from the evil of that day and gave them a light of beauty and joy. And their recompense shall be paradise, and silken garments because they were patient. Reclining therein on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold. And the shade thereof is close to them and the bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and cops of crystal, crystal clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure thereof as they wish. And they will be given to drink a cup of wine mixed with ginger, A spring there is called Salsabeel. And round about them will serve boys of everlasting youth. If you see them you would think they are scattered pearls. And when you look at paradise you will see a delight and a great dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink.” [Sooratul-Insaan 76:11-22]
Wahb continued, ‘Nor will Allaah cease to disburse these attributes which He prepared for them of the bounty in paradise. ‘As for their saying, “Don’t seek forgiveness those who disagree with us.” Are they better than the Angels are? Allaah says in Soorah Haa-Meem ’Ayn-Seen-Qaaf,
“Nearly the heavens might be rent asunder from above them (by His Majesty), and the angels glorify the praises of their Lord, and ask forgiveness for those on the earth. Verily Allaah is al-Ghafoor ar-Raheem [10].” [Sooratush-Shoorah 42:5]
‘I swear by Allaah, the Angels were not given the choice to do that, nor do they do it until they had been commanded to do so, because Allaah says,
“They speak not until He has spoken, and they act on His command.” [Sooratul-Anbiyaa‘ 21:27]
‘This verse is affirmed in Sooratush-Shoorah and explained in Sooratul-Ghaafir; he says,
“Those who bear the throne of Allaah with those around it glorify the praise of their Lord, believing in Him, and asking forgiveness for those who believe saying, “Our Lord You comprehend all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who repent and follow Your way, and save them from the torment of the blazing fire! Our Lord, and make them enter the ’Adn, Paradise, which you have promised them – and to the righteous among the fathers, their wives, and offspring! Verily you are al-’Azeez, al-Hakeem. [11] And save them from the evil deeds, and whomsoever You save from the evil deeds that day, then You have had mercy upon him.” And that is the supreme success.” [Sooratul-Ghaafir 40:7-9]
Don’t you see, O Dhoo Khawlaan, that I have arrived at the heart of Islaam?
By Allaah the Khawaarij were never a jamaa’ah (united body), except that Allaah split them up into their worse condition. Nor has anyone of them opened his mouth except that Allaah smote him on his neck. Never has the Ummah united under a man from the Khawaarij.
If Allaah had given the Khawaarij authority then the world have certainly been corrupted, the roads would be closed, thus the Pilgrimage (hajj) would cease. Then what was once Islaam would end as jaahiliyyah (ignorance). Until the people would wind up beseeching the mountaintops as they did in the time of Jaahiliyyah. And at that time there would arise more than ten or twenty men, where would not be one among them, except he would claim to be the Caliph. Each one of them would possess ten thousand fighting men, fighting each other, attesting to one another’s disbelief. A believing man will become fearful for himself, his Religion, blood, family, and money; not knowing where he will be, or with whom he is with.
Except that Allaah, out of His Wisdom, Knowledge, and Mercy, looked at this Ummah and made good His consideration of it. So he gathered them and united them in their hearts under one man, not of the Khawaarij. So Allaah injected him in their blood, covered them and their children with him, gathered their sects together with him, secured their roads with him, fought the enemy with him with the Muslim Cavalry, established with him the legal boundaries, was just to their oppressed with him, and opposed their oppressors with him. As a mercy from Allaah he was merciful to them with him. He said in his book,
“…And if Allaah did not check one set of people by means of another the earth would indeed be full of mischief, but Allaah is full of bounty to all that exists.” [Sooratul-Baqarah 2:251]
“And hold fast to the rope of Allaah together, and don’t divide among yourselves. And remember Allaah’s favor upon you, for you were enemies of one another, but he joined your hearts together, so that by his grace you became brethren, and you were on the brink of a pit of fire, and he saved you from it. Thus Allaah makes clear His signs to you, that you may be guided.” [Soorah Aali-’Imraan 3:103]
And Allaah said:
“Verily we will indeed make victorious our Messengers and those who believe, in this world’s life and on the day when the witness will stand forth.” [Sooratul-Ghaafir 40:51]
So where are they in the light of this statement? If they were true believers, they would have triumphed, and He said, “And verily, Our word has gone forth of old for Our slaves, the Messengers, That they verily would be made triumphant, and that Our hosts! They verily would be victors.” [Sooratus-Saaffaat 37:171-173]
So if they were the soldiers of Allaah, they would have triumphed, even if it were just once in Islaam. Allaah says,
“And indeed we did send Messengers before you to their own peoples. They came to them with clear proofs, then, We took vengeance on those who committed crimes, and as for the believers it was incumbent upon us to help them.” [Sooratur-Room 30:47]
If they were true believers, they would have been triumphant. And He said,
“Allaah has promised those among you who believe and do righteous good deeds, that He will certainly grant them succession to the present rulers in the land. As he will grant them the authority to practice the religion which he has chosen for them (i.e. Islaam). And he will surely, give them in exchange a safe security after their fear, provided that they worship me and do not associate anything with me…” [Sooratun-Noor 24:55]
‘So where are they in the light of this statement? Has anyone of them ever been more informed of Islaam with no Caliph, nor jamaa’ah, nor nadhr [12] from the days of ’Umar Ibnul-Khattaab, and Allaah said,
“It is he who sent His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth to make it superior over all religions…” [Sooratut-Tawbah 9:33]
And I bare witness that Allaah already bestowed upon them what He had promised them what He had promised them of success, and triumph over their enemies and those who deviated from the way of the jamaa’ah.
O Dhoo Khawlaan, aren’t the people of Tawheed, and the Qiblah, and those who affirm the Laws of Islaam, its Sunnahs, and obligations more sufficient for you than what Nooh could handle of the idol worship and disbelievers of his time? As his people said to him,
“They said, “Shall we believe in you and the meanest of people follow you?” He said, “And what do I know of what they used to do? Their account is with my Lord if you only knew.”” [Sooratush-Shu’araa 26:111-113]
Or don’t they suffice for you more than what Allaah’s Prophet and Beloved, Ibraaheem, could take of the afflictions he suffered of idol worship. Allaah said,
“And remember when Ibraaheem said, “O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security, and keep me, and my offspring away from idol worship. O my Lord! They have indeed led many astray. But whoever follows me, then he is of me. And whoever disobeys me, then still You are Ghafoor, Raheem…”” [Soorah Ibraaheem 14:35-36]
Or don’t they suffice more for you than what was enough for ’Eesaa of the disbelievers who took him as an object for worship without Allaah. Verily Allaah has been pleased with Nooh, Ibraaheem, and ’Eesaa. Saying until the Day of Resurrection, the believers will hold fast to this statement:
““If you punish them, then they are your slaves and if you forgive them, then verily, You, only You are al-’Azeez, al-Hakeem.”” [Sooratul-Maa‘idah 5:118]
And neither will they differ a saying, or the opinion held by the Prophets. So whom will he follow if he won’t follow the Book of Allaah, or the statement of His Prophets and the opinion they held?
And know that your visiting me has been a mercy for you, if you heard my advice and took it. If you abandon it and return to the Harooraa however, it will be a held against you in the future when you meet Allaah.’ Dhoo Khawlaan said, ‘What do you order me to do?’
Wahb said unto him, “Consider the zakaat, which has been made upon you obligatory, and give it to the one who Allaah has placed in authority over this Ummah. And unified the Ummah together, under him. For verily all sovereignty is from Allaah, and it is in His Hand alone. He bestows it to whom He wills and he takes it from whom He wills. So whomever Allaah has made sovereign, then none can take it from him except Allaah. So if you gave your zakaat to the one in charged, then you have relieved yourself of this burden. If it is excess, then relatives, bondsmen, neighbors, those in need of it, or a man who may have hosted you, allow them to benefit.”
So Dhoo Khawlaan arose to his feet, and said, ‘Bear witness that I have relinquished my dealings with the Harooraa. And have affirmed what you have said.’ After this Dhoo Khawlaan didn’t live but a short while, until he died.”
Footnotes:
[1] Translators Note: The Khawaarij: They are the people who revolted against the Leader of the Believers (Ameerul-Mu‘mineen), ’Alee Ibn Abee Taalib (radiyallaahu ’anhu) after the dispute of tahkeem (judgement). They are sects well spread out, they are united upon the takfeer of ’Alee and ’Uthmaan and the two judges (’Amr Ibnul-’Aas and Aboo Moosaa al-Ash’aree) and those who participated at the battle of al-Jaml. And they are united upon the disbelief of the one who has committed a major sin, and that he is in the fire eternally. And they are united upon the revolting of our leaders if they had been oppressive or committed an act of ill. Some of the names which they are known by are: al-Khawaarij, al-Harooriyyah, al-Qa’adiyyah, and al-’Ibaadiyyah. Refer to at-Tabseer fid-Deen (p. 26); at-Tanbeeh war-Radd (p. 47); and Maqaalaatul-Islaamiyyeen (p. 86) [2] al-’Illaal (2/52) [3] Thiqaatul-’Ijlee (no. 476) [4] Translators Note: Literally, ‘the two saheehs’. [5] Translators Note: The singular form is ‘Harooree’ (A man from the Harooriyyah), see footnote (no. 1). [6] Translators Note: The narrator of this story. [7] The one who appointed him was the Caliph, Ameerul-Mu‘mineen (leader of the Believers), ’Umar Ibn ’Abdul-’Azeez (rahimahullaah). Refer to at-Tabaqaat by Ibn Sa’d (5/341). [8] It is said to be three handfuls. According Muslim’s narration on the authority of Sufyaan Ibn ’Uyaynah. [9] Related by al-Bukhaaree (6/254), Muslim (no. 2242), upon the authority of Ibn ’Umar, and Muslim related it upon the authority of Aboo Hurayrah. [10] Translators Note: Literally, ‘Oft Forgiving, the Most Merciful’. [11] Translators Note: Literally, ‘All Mighty, All Wise’. [12] Just like this in all of the texts, nor was I able to read the sentence accurately.
|
|
| Last Updated ( Saturday, 30 June 2007 ) |
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
