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The Disposition of the Salaf in Handling The People of Innovation

Al-ʿAllāmah Ḥammūd al-Tuwayjirī

The callers to innovation in this day falsely claim that the People of Sunnah are harsh-hearted and shadīd (severe). A look at the position of the Imams of the Salaf towards innovation and its callers. Compare and contrast.

Shaykh Hammūd al-Tuwayjirī [d. 1413 AH] said: “Shaykh Ismāʿīl ibn ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Ṣābūnī said in [the book] ʿAqīdah Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamāʿah: ‘ They [Ahl al-Sunnah] stay far away from the people of innovation and misguidance, and take the companions of desire and innovation as enemies. They hate the companions of innovation who have attempted to add to this religion that which is not from it. They do not have love for them, neither do they take them as companions, or hear their words, or sit with them, or argue with them concerning the dīn, or debate with them. [Rather], they prefer to maintain the integrity of their ears from having to hear their assorted falsehood which, if heard, may find a home and settle within their hearts. Thus, it harms [them] as the whispers [of shayṭān] begin to trickle in leading to corrupt thoughts.’

He also said: ‘They agree with the opinion of subjugating the people of innovation, humbling them, shaming them, relegating them [away from the people], lessening [their numbers], and attempting to make people stay away from them, keeping their company, or cohabitating with them. [They see] gaining closeness to Allāh through their avoidance of them, and in their abandonment of them.’

Ibn Waḍḍāḥ narrates from Ibrāhīm [ibn Yazīd al-Nakhaʿī] who said: ‘Do not sit with the companions of innovation and do not speak with them. For, truly, I am in fear of the apostation of your hearts.’ He also narrates from al-Awzāʿī who said: ‘Your predecessors’ discourse concerning them [the people of innovation] was harsh, their hearts would recoil [at mention of them], and they would consistently warn the people from their innovation.’


Source: Al-Qawl al-Balīg: 31

Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī

Published: June 8, 2022
Edited: September 8, 2022

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