A prime example of the work and effort of Abū ʿUways ʿAbdullāh Aḥmad ʿAlī (raḥimahullāh) to not only decimate knowledge but hammer-down issues of manhaj for the clarity of his community and the benefit of the Salafīs in America at large (the antithesis of what some speakers would like to introduce of cooperation and ease with Ahl al-Bidʿah, look to his efforts, Uṣūl al-Thalāthah, Kitāb al-Tawḥīd, ʿAqīdah, Uṣūl, Manhaj, directness with issues of fitnah). This was his daʿwah, clear and direct – conveying the statements of the scholars. Now this lecture (entitled: “The Deception of Abū Usamah Khalifah”) may be in reference to the activities of a specific individual but pay close attention to the manhaj principles in this talk – they apply to all times, modern and olden. Gems and jewels – take heed! From the points obtained: The manhaj is nothing if not practised, nor acted upon! How do we respect the scholars and their critical statements of a man? A Scholar refutes an individual (jarh), do we look for a ta’deel (praise) and move forward in our cooperation with him?
How easily we become emotionally affected; all the books of Ahl al-ʿIlm (principles) out the window – when a person simply claims ‘rectification’ or ‘tawbah’, not lending one’s ears to the innovator (this was the way of the Salaf)! The distinguishing sign of Ahl al-Sunnah: they are CLEAR from Ahl al-Bidʿah; the Banner of Sunnah never mixes with the Banner of Bidʿah. What is the benefit of the Scholars if we don’t follow their word, instructions and warnings? Avoid Ahl al-Bidʿah! The Scholars do not speak in Jest! The ranks of the Muslims are weakened when we are silent about innovation and its people (like the guard who leaves his post)! Giving the innovator a position to speak is aiding the enemy!!! Allāh is the changer of the hearts (and He changes them as he wills) – do not love someone so much so that you cannot leave them (if/when they speak against ahl al-sunnah). Athar of the Salaf: “He who beautifies the status of an innovator has aided in the destruction of Islām.” How many articles, audios on the topic of bidʿah but when will we take notice?
The refutation of an ʿĀlim is not negated with the ta’deel of another ʿĀlim or student of knowledge. Sincerity (on the part of the criticized one) is to return to the Scholar who criticized him and seek to fix his problems! Returning to the Kibār (major Scholars) in times of fitnah and regarding people of fitnah. Do not let personal discretion interfere with the ruling of a scholar (on a man). It is forbidden to listen to the mubtadiʿ. “It is as if we are tied up with the dunyā – so much so that we don’t pay attention to manhaj.” (Don’t drift in/out of issues of the dīn – it will lead to your confusion; safeguard your dīn and be diligent, following up issues not isolating yourself). Be thābit; be upright; don’t be emotional (speaker mentions, “if not at Masjid Raḥmah, then some other men…” i.e. anyone of us can be replaced if we aren’t going to stand up and defend the sunnah). Abū ʿUways mentioned “…We study ahl al-bidʿah all day in a book and then when one is physically in front of you you don’t know what to do? That means your knowledge is theoretical, nothing to do with your real life…what’s the benefit of studying it if we aren’t going to act upon it…a matter of just studying something, sitting somewhere to pass the time?!” Keep up on issues; do not be ignorant! Do not separate based on personal issues (frivolity). Don’t become astonished with yourself (your ‘knowledge/judgement in matters’?) for you will destroy yourself. Not recognising the mistakes of the refuted one is not an excuse to continuing following him! al-Uṣūl al-Daʿwah al-Salafīyyah is constant, generation upon generation, as for Ahl al-Bidʿah, they are constantly innovating/evolving, new tricks, new schemes. Take note and protect yourself!
