Islam

Indispensableimplication
Of Sunna
and
cautionagainstinnovation
By
His EminenceSh€ikh:
ABDT'I {ZI7 BI {BTITI I.{H BI B{7
Trrnslrlrdby:
Mtrh!mmadRaquibuddinHussain,
SuhaibH. AbdulGhallar.
I'ritrred xrd publi!hcd
hy:
Pr€sid€n.! of Islamic Reserrch.
Iflo ProDr8.tior, otrd Guiddce
ASSISTANT AGENCY
IoR
PRTITINGAND TRANSLATION
Riyrdh,Xingdomof SrudiArabi,
Wrlf (EDdo*metrt- Grrllr)
1992/l4t3
Indispensable implication
Of Sunna
and
cau tion against innovation
By
Hi~ Eminence Sheikh:
ABDU. AZIZ 81: ARDlJLLAH BIN BAZ
Translated by:
Muhammad Raquibuddin Hussain,
and
Suhaib H. Abdul GhaHar.
l'rimed llnd publi~hcd
h}':
Prl'sidenQ uf Islamic Research.
Uta Propagation, lind Guidance.
ASSISTANT AGENCY
"'OR
PRI~TI!'IG AND TRANSLATION
Ri}'adh, Kinlldom (If Saudi ~rabia
Wakf (Endowment· Grali0
1992/1413

Of Sunna
and
crution rgeinst innovation
Of Sunna
and
caution against innovation

Of Sunna
and
caution againstinnovation
By
His EminenceSheikh:
ABDUL AZIZ BIN ABDULLAH BIN BAZ
Translatedby:
MuhammadRaquibuddinHussain,
and
SuhaibH. Abdul Ghaffar.
Printed and published
by:
Presidency of Islrmic Research,
Iftr Proprgrtion, rnd Guidrnce.
ASSISTANT AGENCY
FOR
PRINTING AND TRANSLATION
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
lVakf (Endowment - Gratif)
r99?,/1413
Of SUDDa
and
caution against innovatioD
By
His Eminence Sheikh:
Translated by:
Muhammad Raquibuddin Hussain,
and
Suhaib H. Abdul Ghaffar.
Printed and published
by:
Presidency of Islamic Research,
Ifta Propagation, and Guidance.
ASSISTANT AGENCY
FOR
PRINTING AND TRANSLATION
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Wakf (Endowment - Gratif)
1992/1413

In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful
Indispensableimplication of Sunna
and caution against innovation
All praisebe to Allah who completedthe religion for us,
perfectedthe blessingon us and choseIslam as our religion.
May the blessingsand peacebe upon His servantand Apostle,
who calledupon peopleto obeyhisLord and cautionedagainst
extravagance,innovation and disobedience;And may Allah
blesshis posterity,his companionsand thosewho follow his
footstepstill the Day of Judgement.
I havebeenacquaintedwith the article publishedin the first
pageof the weeklymagazine<Edarat>>of the Kanpur, Industrial
city of Utter Pradeshin India, which containsan impliedcam-
paign againstthe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its adherenceto
the Islamiccreed,andits oppositionto innovations.The writer
allegesthat the creedof the Salaf (Early adherentsto Islam)
whichis heldby SaudiKingdomdoesnot agreewith theSunna.
By this, the writer aimsat creatingdivisionamongstthe Ahl'l
Sunnaandencouragingtheinnovationsand superstitions.This
attitude, no doubt, is most abominableand dangerousand aims
at offending the Religionof Islam and spreadinginnovations
and deviations from the truth. Furthermore, the article
concentratesclearlyon the subjectof celebratingthe Prophet's
birthday asan excuseto discussthe creedof the Kingdom and
its rulers.Therfore,I considerit necessaryto enlightenthePeo-
Ple on this subject.So seekinghelp of Allah, I say:
It is not permissibleto celebratethe birthdayof the Apostle,
(May the blessingsand peaceof Allah be upon him) or some-
body else.In fact, it mustbe stopped,asit is an innovationin
In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful
Indispensable implication of Sunna
and caution against innovation
All praise be to Allah who completed the religion for us,
perfected the blessing on us and chose Islam as our religion.
May the blessings and p~ace be upon His servant and Apostle,
who called upon people to obey his Lord and cautioned against
extravagance, innovation and disobedience; And may Allah
bless his posterity, his companions and those who follow his
footsteps till the Day of Judgement.
I have been acquainted with the article published in the first
page of the weekly magazine «Edarat» of the Kanpur, Industrial
city of Utter Pradesh in India, which contains an implied cam-
paign against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its adherence to
the Islamic creed, and its opposition to innovations. The writer
alleges that the creed of the Salaf (Early adherents to Islam)
which is held by Saudi Kingdom does not agree with the Sunna.
By this, the writer aims at creating division amongst the AhPI
Sunna and encouraging the innovations and superstitions. This
attitude, no doubt, is most abominable and dangerous and aims
at offending the Religion of Islam and spreading innovations
and deviations from the truth. Furthermore, the article
concentrates clearly on the subject of celebrating the Prophet's
birthday as an excuse to discuss the creed of the Kingdom and
its rulers. Therfore, I consider it necessary to enlighten the Peo-
Ple on this subject. So seeking help of Allah, I say:
It is not permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Apostle,
(May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) or some-
body else. In fact, it must be stopped, as it is an innovation in
3

the religion. The Apostle of Allah (May the blessingsand
Peaceof Allah be upon him) neithercelebratedit, nor com-
mandedothersto do this for himself.or for any one who died
beforehim amongstthe Prophets,for his daughtershis wives,
or his other relatives. The rightly guided Caliphs the
Companionsof the Prophet(May Allah be pleasedwih them)
or the successorswho rightly followed them did not celebrate
thisevent,nor did anyoneof themuslimscholarsin thecenturies
before.
They knew the Sunnah of the Prophet (May the peaceand
blessingsof Allah beupon him) best,they loved him more, and
followedthe Shari'abetterthan thosewho cameafter them. if
celebratinghis birthday was a good deed, they would have
done it.
We are commanded to follow and forbidden to innovate.
This is becauseof the perfectionof the Islamicreligionand the
Sufficiencyof what Allah and His Messengerhave given us
and are acceptedby Ahl'al-Sunna wal-jama'at-. The Muslim
communityof thecompanionsand thosewho followedthemin
the bestway.
It is relatedto the prophet(May the blessingsand peaceof
Allah beupon him) that hesaid:<He who innovatessomething
in this matter of ours that is not of it, will have it rejected>.
(Transmitted by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). According to
Muslim who reported: <<whoeverdoes an act which is not in
agreementwith our matter, will have it rejected>In another
traditiontheProphetsaid:<<Youmustkeepto my Sunnaandof
the Sunna of the rightly-guidedCaliphs, cling to it firmly>.
<<Bewareof newlyinventedmatters,for everynewmatteris an
innovationand everyinnovationis misleading>He usedto say
in every Friday sermon: <The best discourseis the Book of
Allah and the bestguidanceis the guidanceof Muhammadthe
the religion. The Apostle of Allah (May the blessings and
Peace of Allah be upon him) neither celebrated it, nor com-
manded others to do this for himself. or for anyone who died
before him amongst the Prophets, for his daughters his wives,
or his other relatives. The rightly guided Caliphs the
Companions of the Prophet (May Allah be pleased wih them)
or the successors who rightly followed them did not celebrate
this event, nor did anyone of the muslim scholars in the centuries
before.
They knew the Sunnah of the Prophet (May the peace and
blessings of Allah be upon him) best, they loved him more, and
followed the Shari'a better than those who came after them. if
celebrating his birthday was a good deed, they would have
done it.
We are commanded to follow and forbidden to innovate.
This is because of the perfection of the Islamic religion and the
Sufficiency of what Allah and His Messenger have given us
and are accepted by Ahl-al-Sunna wal-jama'at-. The Muslim
community of the companions and those who followed them in
the best way.
It is related to the prophet (May the blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) that he said: «He who innovates something
in this matter of ours that is not of it, will have it rejected».
(Transmitted by AI-Bukhari and Muslim). According to
Muslim who reported: «whoever does an act which is not in
agreement with our matter, will have it rejected» In another
tradition the Prophet said: «You must keep to my Sunna and of
the Sunna of the rightly-guided Caliphs, cling to it firmly».
«Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an
innovation and every innovation is misleading» He used to say
in every Friday sermon: «The best discourse is the Book of
Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad the
4

Apostle of Allah, and the worst matter is that of innovation and
every innovation is misleading>. Thus, thesetraditions contain
a strong caution againstinnovations and a warning that suchan
act is a deviation from the right course. The Prophet (May the
blessingsand peaceof Allah be upon him) warned the people
of the gravity of theseinnovations and of their bad consequenc-
es. There are many traditions adduced in this connection. And
the Almighty has said:
{trosti e;l ,,.(* tr-9o.zjetiJ.rJl nK;r, LtF
.Iv-o 1]
<So take what the Messengergivesyou, and refrain from what
he prohibits you> (59:7). Allah, Mosr High said:
r ' l - s t
Jl ;,:i
Fr.r"J rri o.l"i f JJrJtit jJ$l Jir..JiF
.[rr:Yr]{di +l.io war"
<<Thenletthosebewarewho withstandtheMessenger'sorder,
Lest sometrial befall them. or a grievousChastisementbe
inflicted on them))(24:63.
Allah, the Almighty said.
-,rJ 06.it Ak' 6-fi nr J-r-.rd n^(J05 -riJF
.rY:rrt {U{ a' -{ts rrlt edl.ldltl
<Ye have indeed in the Messengerof Allah an excellent
exemplerfor him who hopesin Allah and the final day, and who
rememberAllah much.>>(33:21)And Allah the Almighty said.
itiJl: ;La;Trj a;4alr U OjJ.glrO3iJhb
Apostle of Allah, and the worst matter is that of innovation and
every innovation is misleading». Thus, these traditions contain
a strong caution against innovations and a warning that such an
act is a deviation from the right course. The Prophet (May the
blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) warned the people
of the gravity of these innovations and of their bad consequenc-
es. There are many traditions adduced in this connection. And
the Almighty has said:
«So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what
he prohibits you» (59:7). Allah, Most High said:
Ji 6 ~ -:.>i o.;oi ~ ~yil~ ~..ul )~t
.[ir:"tJ ~~i Y,J&. ~
«Then let those beware who withstand the Messenger's order,
Lest some trial befall them. or a grievous Chastisement be
inflicted on them» (24:63).
Allah, the Almighty said.
y;.;!. -:.>~ ~ ~ 0J-'i .i», JJ-') ~ ~ ~~ ..lQJt
.[" :rr] 4'.# ~, .J'~J .r~' ~JoJ'J ~,
«Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent
exempler for him who hopes in Allah and the final day, and who
remember Allah much.» (33:21) And Allah the Almighty said.
5

dr" d *i.l e l-tosy
f
dll
sreJ t'--,tt F^J'dl
r..-1r{di,,tr;drcJrii+ihrord *r' h* qrr+
<<Thevanguredof Islam the first of thosewho forsook their
homesand of thosewho gavethem aid, and also thosewho
followed them in all good deeds,well - Pleasedis Allah with
them asaretheywith Him. For them hath He preparedgardens
under which rivers flow, to dwell therin forever, that is the
supremeTriumph> (9:100).And Allah, the Almighty said:
,j"-, *SJt c.".ei3nftr F c-lJi fClF
.[r:o14r*, f)t-]l F tPs1
<This day have I perfectedyour religion for you, completed
My favour upon you and havechosenfor you Islam as your
religion>(5:3).This versedecisivelyindicatesthat the Almighty
Allah has completed the religion for this Ummah, and has
showeredHis blessingson them.
His Prophet(May the peaceand blessingsof Allah be upon
him) passedaway only after he had imparted the complete
messageof Allah to the Ummah as well ashis legislationsco-
ncerningsayingsand deeds.He also stressedthat all things in-
vented by people and then attributed to the religion of Islam
are innovations and to be rejected,evenif their inventors did
so in good faith.
It is establishedthat the Companionsof the Prophet (May
theblessingsand peaceof Atlah beupon him) and the righteous
successorsafter them warnedthe peopleagainstinnovations as
theyadd to Islam and legistatewhat is not permittedby Allah,
in line with the enemiesof Allah such as the Jews and the
Christianswho addedto their religionand innovatedwhat was
t
FArt
,~ '
~ ~ ..toIJ ~ 'J""')J ~ ~I~) ~~4 ~~I
[' ··-'] ~~, JJAJ' ~~ J.!t1J~..u:.t ~'J' ~'-i';'
«The vangured of Islam the first of those who forsook their
homes and of those who gave them aid, and also those who
followed them in all good deeds, well - Pleased is Allah with
them as are they with Him. For them hath He prepared gardens
under which rivers flow, to dwell therin forever, that is the
supreme Triumph» (9: 100). And Allah, the Almighty said:
~ ~ ~J ~~ ~ ~ ~~"
.[",:oJ ~~~ ~~~, ~ ~)J
«This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed
My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your
religion» (5:3). This verse decisively indicates that the Almighty
Allah has completed the religion for this Ummah, and has
showered His blessings on them.
His Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him) passed away only after he had imparted the complete
message of Allah to the Ummah as well as his legislations co-
ncerning sayings and deeds. He also stressed that all things in-
vented by people and then attributed to the religion of Islam
are innovations and to be rejected, even if their inventors did
so in good faith.
It is established that the Companions of the Prophet (May
the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the righteous
successors after them warned the people against innovations as
they add to Islam and legislate what is not permitted by Allah,
in line with the enemies of Allah such as the Jews and the
Christians who added to their religion and innovated what was
6

not allowed by Allah. Moreover, to admit innovation in Is-
lam is incompleteand imperfect.Sucha belief is not only.an
evil but contradicts the following verse:<This day have I per-
fectedyour religion for you>. And the sayingsof the Prophet
which warn us againstinnovations.
To celebratethe anniversaryof the birth of Prophet and the
others, meansthat the Religion is not perfectedby Allah (the
Galorious,the Almighty) for this <Ummah>, and the Apostle
did not impart to the peoplewhat wasnecessaryregardingtheir
religiousduties,till theselateonesappearedand inventedin the
religionwhat is not permittedby Allah, thinking that this would
bring them nearerto Allah.
Undoubtedly, this is a great danger and is tantamount to
criticzing Allah the Almighty and the Prophet (Peacebe upon
him): whereasAllah the Almighty has already completedthe
religion and perfectedHis grace,and the Prophet (peacebeupon
him) hasconveyedthe messageopenly and informed the Ummah
of atl suchways that will leadthem to the Paradiseand save
them from Hell-fire.
According to an authentic Hadith, on the authority of
Abdullah ben Amr ben Al-As the Messengerof Allah (Peace
be upon him) said:Allah Ta'ala <theAlmighty> did not send
a Prophet but obliged him to lead his people to the best way
whichis known to him, and warn themagainstthe worstwhich
is known to him. (Transmitted by Muslim).
It is well-knownthat our Prophet(peacebeupon him) is the
bestof all the prophets,the last and the most perfectof them
regarding the way he conveyedthe messageand advised his
people.
Had the celebrationof Milad beenan act of Religion chosen
by Altah for His servants,the Prophet would have either
explainedthat to his people,would havecelebratedit during his
not allowed by Allah. Moreover, to admit innovation in Is-
lam is incomplete and imperfect. Such a belief is not only.an
evil but contradicts the following verse: «This day have I per-
fected your religion for you». And the sayings of the Prophet
which warn us against innovations.
To celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Prophet and the
others, means that the Religion is not perfected by Allah (the
Galorious, the Almighty) for this «Ummah», and the Apostle
did not impart to the people what was necessary regarding their
religious duties, till these late ones appeared and invented in the
religion what is not permitted by Allah, thinking that this would
bring them nearer to Allah.
Undoubtedly, this is a great danger and is tantamount to
criticzing Allah the Almighty and the Prophet (Peace be upon
him): whereas Allah the Almighty has already completed the
religion and perfected His grace, and the Prophet (peace be upon
him) has conveyed the message openly and informed the Ummah
of all such ways that will lead them to the Paradise and save
them from Hell-fire.
According to an authentic Hadith, on the authority of
Abdullah ben Amr ben AI-As the Messenger of Allah (Peace
be upon him) said: Allah Ta'ala «the Almighty» did not send
a Prophet but obliged him to lead his people to the best way
which is known to him, and warn them against the worst which
is known to him. (Transmitted by Muslim).
It is well-known that our Prophet (peace be upon him) is the
best of all the prophets, the last and the most perfect of them
regarding the way he conveyed the message and advised his
people.
Had the celebration of Milad been an act of Religion chosen
by Allah for His servants, the Prophet would have either
explained that to his people, would have celebrated it during his
7

life, or his Companionswould havedone it. As thesedid not
happen,it becomesclearthat Islamhasno concernwith Milad.
On the contrary, it is one of the innovationsagainstwhich the
Prophet has warned his people as mentioned earlier.
A host of scholarshave not only rejectedthe celebrationof
Milad but havewarned againstit in view of the evidencesgiven
above.
According to the rule of the Islamic Shari'a all matters
regardinglegalization or prohibition and all disputesamong the
people,shouldbereferredto theBook of Allah and the Sunnah
of His Messenger(Peacebe upon him) in line with the sayiqg
of Allah:
diii i *tT i-*i i'irri;"uiiii;r;'u"{d-qX
. [ o 1 : t ]
(,.isofJ.hltj+lJTJIuIIt# r,ri&
-pi.u
iq irrt c (
e
A. (O yewho believeobeyAllah and obeythe Messengerand
thosechargedwith authority amongyou. If yediffer in anything
among yourselves,refer it to Allah and his Messenger,if ye do
believein Allah and the Last Day: That is bestand most suitable
for final determination>>(4:59).
And Allah The Almighty said:
.r.-ryr{+itTJt lB,Ai,,? u E F}l't}tuj}
B. <<Whateverit be whereinye differ, the decisionthereof is
with Allah> (42:10).
Referring this issueback to the Book of Allah, we find it
ordaining upon us to follow the Messengerof Allah (peacebe
upon him) in his Commandmentsand warns us against what
everheprohibits. Furthermoreit tellsusthat Allah hasperfected
ou.3;-ji{r^*;L;;;ii
life, or his Companions would have done it. As these did not
happen, it becomes clear that Islam has no concern with Milad.
On the contrary, it is one of the innovations against which the
Prophet has warned his people as mentioned earlier.
A host of scholars have not only rejected the celebration of
Milad but have warned against it in view of the evidences given
above.
According to the rule of the Islamic Shari'a all matters
regarding legalization or prohibition and all disputes among the
people, should be referred to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah
of His Messenger (Peace be upon him) in line with the saying
of Allah:
j 0, J' J ~tr, ~~ t..' wr i ~~ t.. "~',~ -: jj, A~G~FJ J J-'f .r::*: J ~ J*4 iJ., ~ ..r
~ 6J} J~;'j ~rJloJSJ ~~J~jJ ~~~ ~ ;~,
.[O~:t] ~~~~ ~ij, ~~ ~~, ,~jJrj ~..~ ~~jf
A. «0 ye who believe obey Allah and obey the Messenger and
those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything
among yourselves, refer it to Allah and his Messenger, if ye do
believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is best and most suitable
for final determination» (4:59).
And Allah The Almighty said:
._ '.LJlr" ~ 0'10. 4..i ~ii.' .0 ' ~.[' t",] '1(.. 4$. ~~ ~ ,.... JT
B. «Whatever it be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is
with Allah» (42:10).
Referring this issue back to the Book of Allah, we find it
ordaining upon us to follow the Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him) in his Commandments and warns us against what
ever he prohibits. Furthermore it tells us that Allah has perfected
8

the religion for the people. So, as long as Milad is not among
the teachingsof the Prophet (peacebe upon him), it cannot bea
part of the religion which Allah has perfected for us and asked
us to adhereto by following the Prophet.
Again when we refer this issueback to the Sunnah, of the
Messengerof Allah (peacebe upon him), we do not find either
the Prophet or the companions doing it by themselvesor ask-
ing others to do it, So it becomesevident that Milad, is not a
part of religion, rather one of innovations and blind immitation
of the peopleof the book, i. e. the Jewsand the Christians in
their festivals.with this argumentin mind, it becomescrystal-
clear for everyonehaving the leastinsight and inclination to-
wardstruth andjustice, that celebratingany birthday hasnoth-
ing to do with Islam. It is rather among the innovations which
Allah and His Messenger(peacebe upon him) warned against
emphatically.
A wiseman must not be deceivedby seeinga large number
of people doing it throughout the world becausethe truth is
known and recognizedby the evidencesof Shari'a and not by
the acts of a great number of people.
Allah Ta'ala <theAlmightyD saysregardingthe Jewsand the
Christians:
i|"r ti rstl jtrijF
.r'Tr{&i* F ol&;i-rt,i ji ni}-ois!
<<Andthey say:None shallenterParadiseunlesshebe a Jew,
or a Christian, thoseare their vain desires.Say: Produce your
proof if ye are truthful> (2:l I l).
And the Almighty also said:
'tti
u {r rqii,trx I
&r,p,f
'!jd
u,j,iie u fi'g oLjF
the religion for the people. So, as long as Milad is not among
the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), it cannot be a
part of the religion which Allah has perfected for us and asked
us to adhere to by following the Prophet.
Again when we refer this issue back to the Sunnah, of the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we do not find either
the Prophet or the Companions doing it by themselves or ask-
ing others to do it, So it becomes evident that Milad, is not a
part of religion, rather one of innovations and blind immitation
of the people of the book, i. e. the Jews and the Christians in
their festivals. With this argument in mind, it becomes crystal-
clear for everyone having the least insight and inclination to-
wards truth and justice, that celebrating any birthday has noth-
ing to do with Islam. It is rather among the innovations which
Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) warned against
emphatically.
A wise man must not be deceived by seeing a large number
of people doing it throughout the world because the truth is
known and recognized by the evidences of Shari'a and not by
the acts of a great number of people.
Allah Ta'ala «the Almighty» says regarding the Jews and the
Christians:
«And they say: None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew,
or a Christian, those are their vain desires. Say: Produce your
proof if ye are truthful» (2:111).
And the Almighty also said:
$I ,.. " ;/. l. 0,.. 0 l.
.uJ L".. ." ~.1 ..~ . 0'1 . j ." "U:--I ~ ~"~
" ~ ~ ~".I'J ~.:.Y'.r ~ ~r
9

. [ 1 : 1 ] fuok[ {l e
'oV
ir:'{l oie o!
(wert thou to follow the common run of thoseon earth, they
wilt leadtheeawayfrom the way of Allah. They follow nothing
but conjecture:They do nothing but lie> (6:l16).
Most of theseinnovations, in addition to their innovatory
nature,alsodo not usuallyescapefrom a numberof other evils,
suchas mixed gatheringsof men and women, songsaccompa-
nied by musical instruments. drinking intoxicants, narcotics
and the like. They may also involve the worst thing i. e. the
greatestShirk, through showingexaggerationin the Messenger
of Allah (peacebe upon him) and other saints and through
praying to him, invoking his help or believing that he knows
what is hidden and all similar claimswhich rendera believeras
an infidel. It is authenticallyreportedthat the Messengerof Atlah
hassaid:<<Bewareof extravagancein the Religion:It hascaused
the peoplebefore you to perish>.He also said: <Do not lavish
praiseon me as the Christians did with the son of Maryam. I
am just a bondman. So Simply say:The bondman of Allah and
His Messenger>(Transmitted by Bukhari).
It is curiousto notethat a greatmany peoplepartcipatemost
activelyin thesecelebrationsand defendthem vehemently,while
they sit back from attending the obligatory forms of worship
suchasdaity and friday prayers.They are not evenashamedof
this, nor do they realizethat they are committing a great evil.
Undoubtedly, this showsthe weaknessof their faith, their
short-sightedness,and the deeplyingrainedrust on their hearts
becauseof sinsand disobedience.WeaskAllah's protection for
us and for all the Muslims.
It is evenmore astonishingto note that somepeoplebelieve
that the Messengerof Allah (peacebe upon him) is presentat
Milad. Consequentlythey standto greetand Welcomehim. That
l0
«wert thou to follow the common run of those on earth, they
will lead thee away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing
but conjecture: They do nothing but lie» (6: 116).
Most of these innovations, in addition to their innovatory
nature, also do not usually escape from a number of other evils,
such as mixed gatherings of men and women, songs accompa-
nied by musical instruments. drinking intoxicants, narcotics
and the like. They may also involve the worst thing i. e. the
greatest Shirk, through showing exaggeration in the Messenger
of Allah (peace be upon him) and other saints and through
praying to him, invoking his help or believing that he knows
what is hidden and all similar claims which render a believer as
an infidel. It is authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah
has said: «Beware of extravagance in the Religion: It has caused
the people before you to perish». He also said: «Do not lavish
praise on me as the Christians did with the son of Maryam. I
am just a bondman. So Simply say: The bondman of Allah and
His Messenger» (Transmitted by Bukhari).
It is curious to note that a great many people partcipate most
actively in these celebrations and defend them vehemently, while
they sit back from attending the obligatory forms of worship
such as daily and friday prayers. They are not even ashamed of
this, nor do they realize that they are committing a great evil.
Undoubtedly, this shows the weakness of their faith, their
short-sightedness, and the deeply ingrained rust on their hearts
because of sins and disobedience.We ask Allah's protection for
us and for all the Muslims.
It is even more astonishing to note that some people believe
that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is present at
Milad. Consequently they stand to greet and Welcome him. That
10

is not only a sheerlie but a worst form of ignorance, as the
Prophet(peacebeupon him) shallniethercomeout of his grave
before the Day of Resurrection,nor shall he meet the people
or attend their meetings.Instead, he shall remain in his grave
till the Day of Resurrectionwhile his soul restsat the highest
of the high with his Lord in the most exaltedand highestplace.
Allah Ta'ala <The Almighty> Says:
. . t . - l t z c t
4a-Jlrl | .,
J -
.[ 1- o:Yr]
.*t
'"C
* JJtiJEuliJ;,i.#t
a l r
FF
{i;+
<After that at length ye will die,.againon the Day of Judg-
ment, will ye be raisedup> (23: 15, 16).
And the prophet (peacebe upon him) said:
<I am the first one to rise from the grave on the Resurrec-
tion Day and I will bethe first intercessorand the first onewhose
intercessionis to be accepted>.
The aforesaid evidencesfrom the Quran and Hadith prove
beyond doubt that the deadpeoplewill comeout of their graves
only on the Day of Resurrection. All the scholars of Is-
lam agreeupon this. A Muslim shouldbe awareof thesethings
and must not be easilymisledby the innovationsand the super-
stitions createdby the ignorant peoplewith no authority from
Allah at all.
As for offering the blessingsand greetings(Salatand Salam)
to the prophet (peacebe upon him), they are among the most
prefered and virtuous deedsin accordancewith the saying of
Allah:
,v ut+ r6Jx'iairii1b- ',t- ,l
trstt3r#Tg,r:
l l
is not only a sheer lie but a worst form of ignorance, as the
Prophet (peace be upon him) shall niether come out of his grave
before the Day of Resurrection, nor shall he meet the people
or attend their meetings. Instead, he shall remain in his grave
till the Day of Resurrection while his soul rests at the highest
of the high with his Lord in the most exalted and highest place.
Allah Ta'ala «The Almighty» Says:
0,. ~'/. " , " , , , " ~'"'' '~~, "0,, 0 or, .. :. ~ 4J.:::: t ~~.lIU Of," :.
" .." ~.J!. ~ ~ r:; " . ~ ~
'" --. /" o~
.[' "-, 0:"Y"] ""{4J~
«After that at length ye will die,.again on the Day of Judg-
ment, will ye be raised up» (23: 15, 16).
And the prophet (peace be upon him) said:
«I am the first one to rise from the grave on the Resurrec-
tion Day and I will be the first intercessor and the first one whose
intercession is to be accepted».
The aforesaid evidences from the Quran and Hadith prove
beyond doubt that the dead people will come out of their graves
only on the Day of Resurrection. All the scholars of Is-
lam agree upon this. A Muslim should be aware of these things
and must not be easily misled by the innovations and the super-
stitions created by the ignorant people with no authority from
Allah at all.
As for offering the blessings and greetings (Salat and Salam)
to the prophet (peace be upon him), they are among the most
prefered and virtuous deeds in accordance with the saying of
Allah:
p~ ~~r ~4 ~r Js. ~),,~ ~:j.j wr ~l»
"'~ ,.~r".."~ i.1"A
.[0" :Y"Y"] ""{ .." .r-:-J ,," ~
11

<Allah and His Angels sendblessingson the Prophet, O ye
that believe,sendye blessingson him, and salutehim with all
respect>(33:56).
The Prophet (peacebe upon him) has said:
<Whosoever sendsblessingson me one time, Allah sends
blessingson him ten times>.
It is prescribedon all times, particulary at the end of each
prayer. It is held obligatory at last <Tashahud>of eachprayer
by most of the scholars.It is strongly required at a number of
occasionssuch as immediately after <<Adhan>>,at the mention
of the name of the Prophet (Peacebe upon him), during the
day of Friday and the night precedingit accordingto a host of
Ahadith.
This is what I wantedto emphasizeregardingthis issue.I hope
it will satisfy everyonewhom Allah has shown the light.
How sadit is to seesomedevotedMuslims, known for their
strenghtof faith and love for the Prophet (peacebeupon him).
organizing such innovatory celebrations.
Let us ask such people: Tell us, if you belong to Ahl - as -
Sunnaand follow the Prophet (peacebe upon him), whetherhe
himself or one of his Companionsor their Successorsdid this
or is it no more than a blind following of the enemiesof Islam
from among the jews and the Christians and the like?>>.
The love of the Prophet (peacebe upon him) is not reflected
by the celebrationon his birthday, but by obeying him, believ-
ing in his teachings,keepingawayfrom what he prohibited and
by worshipping Allah in the way he prescribedfor us.
It is also reflected through offering Salat and Salamto him
from time to time, particularly at the mention of his nameand
during prayers.
The Wahhabiyya, as the writer tends to put it, are not new
t2
«Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet, 0 ye
that believe, send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all
respect» (33:56).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
«Whosoever sends blessings on me one time, Allah sends
blessings on him ten times».
It is prescribed on all times, particulary at the end of each
prayer. It is held obligatory at last «Tashahud» of each prayer
by most of the scholars. It is strongly required at a number of
occasions such as immediately after «Adhan», at the mention
of the name of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), during the
day of Friday and the night preceding it according to a host of
Ahadith.
This is what I wanted to emphasize regarding this issue. I hope
it will satisfy everyone whom Allah has shown the light.
How sad it is to see some devoted Muslims, known for their
strenght of faith and love for the Prophet (peace be upon him).
organizing such innovatory celebrations.
Let us ask such people: Tell us, if you belong to Ahl - as -
Sunna and follow the Prophet (peace be upon him), whether he
himself or one of his Companions or their Successors did this
or is it no more than a blind following of the enemies of Islam
from among the jews and the Christians and the like?».
The love of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is not reflected
by the celebration on his birthday, but by obeying him, believ-
ing in his teachings, keeping away from what he prohibited and
by worshipping Allah in the way he prescribed for us.
It is also reflected through offering Salat and Salam to him
from time to time, particularly at the mention of his name and
during prayers.
The Wahhabiyya, as the writer tends to put it, are not new
12

in rejectingall suchinnovations.Their creedis to hold fast to
the Book of Allah and the Sunnahqf His Messenger(Peacebe
upon him): to follow hisfootstepsandthoseof hisrightly guid-
ed successors:to believeand practisewhat waspropoundedby
the virtuous predecessorsand the Imams of learning and guid-
ancewho werecapableto issuereligiousinjunction concerning
the knowledgeof Allah, and His attributesof perfectionand
dignity asshownin the Glorious Book and the authentictradi-
tions of the Prophet and as wholeheartedlyacceptedby his
companions.The Wahhabiyyabelievein them, theway they are
reported without any alteration, personification,examplify-
ing or negationof suchattributes.They stickto the way of suc-
cessorsand their followersfrom amongthe peopleof learning,
faith and piety. They believethat the foundation of the faith
is to bearwitnessthat thereis noneto beworshippedexceptAllah
and that Muhammadis the Messengerof Allah. To them, this
is the root of faith and oneof its mostexaltedbranchesaswell.
They know in accordancewith the consensusof the mus-
lims, that this root requiresknowledge,acknowledgementand
practice.
It implies that none is to be worshippedexceptAllah the
Almighty. Who has no associatesat all. lt further implies the
negationof worshippingany other exceptHim. It showswhy
jinn and mankind werecreated;why the Messengersweresent
and why the Books were revealed.
In addition, Ibada(worship)is not only completesubmission
and love but also completeobedienceand veneration as well.
Islam is the only religion prescribedby Alrah and disseminated
by the prophets and nothing, saveit, is acceptableto Allah
whetherin thepastor the present.The onewho submitshis will
to Allah as well as to someoneelsebesideHim is a Mushrik
l 3
in rejecting all such innovations. Their creed is to hold fast to
the Book of Allah and the Sunnah Qf His Messenger (Peace be
upon him): to follow his footsteps and those of his rightly guid-
ed successors: to believe and practise what was propounded by
the virtuous predecessors and the Imams of learning and guid-
ance who were capable to issue religious injunction concerning
the knowledge of Allah, and His attributes of perfection and
dignity as shown in the Glorious Book and the authentic tradi-
tions of the Prophet and as wholeheartedly accepted by his
companions. The Wahhabiyya believe in them, the way they are
reported without any alteration, personification, examplify-
ing or negation of such attributes. They stick to the way of suc-
cessors and their followers from among the people of learning,
faith and piety. They believe that the foundation of the faith
is to bear witness that there is none to be worshipped except Allah
and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. To them, this
is the root of faith and one of its most exalted branches as well.
They know in accordance with the consensus of the mus-
lims, that this root requires knowledge, acknowledgement and
practice.
It implies that none is to be worshipped except Allah the
Almighty. Who has no associates at all. It further implies the
negation of worshipping any other except Him. It shows why
jinn and mankind were created; why the Messengers were sent
and why the Books were revealed.
In addition, Ibada (worship) is not only complete submission
and love but also complete obedience and veneration as well.
Islam is the only religion prescribed by Allah and disseminated
by the prophets and nothing, save it, is acceptable to Allah
whether in the past or the present. The one who submits his will
to Allah as well as to someone else beside Him is a Mushrik
13

<potytheist>.The sameis true for the one who prays to Allah
and someoneelsebesideHim. As for the one who does not
submit to Him, heis arrogant concerninghis dutiestowardshis
Creator.
Allah the Almighty Says:
r,+r; rtrirrcroi.tpi yirf e w;
.[r1: 1]
<For we assuredlysentamongsteverypeoplea Messenger,
(with the Command) <ServeAllah and eschewEvil> (16:36)'
Thus the creedof the wahhabiyyais baseduqon fulfillment
of witnessingthat Muhammad is the Messengerof Allah and
completelyabandoningall innovations,superstitionsand what-
ever goesagainstthe Shari'a.
This is what ShaikhMuhammad ben Abdul Wahhab - may
Allah havemercyupon him - believedand invitedothersto be-
lieve.Whoeveraccreditsto him anything contrary to it, does
not only lie but commitsa greatsin and claimswhat is totally
unfounded.He will, no doubt, receivewhatAllah haspromised
to all the fabricatorsof lies.
The Shaikhhasshown- through a seriesof his well - known
treatisesand scholarlybookson thetopic of the <Declarationof
unity: La ilahaill' Allah. - that no onedeservesworshipexcept
Allah the Almighty and that this type of worship should be
devoidof all sortsof SHIRK whetherbig or small.Anyonewho
is aware of thesewritings, his way of preachingand calling
peopleto Allah and of the way of his pupilsand disciples,can
easilyfind out that his approachwasnot different from that of
our virtuouspredecessors,thegreatImamsof learningandguid-
ance.Indeed,hehaspropoundedwhat theydid throughouttheir
lives concerning the worship of Allah Alone and Ieaving all
iitjF
4er-ili
t4
«polytheist». The same is true for the one who prays to Allah
and someone else beside Him. As for the one who does not
submit to Him, he is arrogant concerning his duties towards his
Creator.
Allah the Almighty Says:
;#j Wi 'J~T ~ ~~J ~i i J ~ .tiJj»
.[~i:'i]~~~i
«For we assuredly sent amongst every people a Messenger,
(with the Command) «Serve Allah and eschew Evil» (16:36).
Thus the creed of the wahhabiyya is based u~on fulfillment
of witnessing that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and
completely abandoning all innovations, superstitions and what-
ever goes against the Shari'a.
This is what Shaikh Muhammad ben Abdul Wahhab - may
Allah have mercy upon him - believed and invited others to be-
lieve. Whoever accredits to him anything contrary to it, does
not only lie but commits a great sin and claims what is totally
unfounded. He will, no doubt, receive what Allah has promised
to all the fabricators of lies.
The Shaikh has shown - through a series of his well - known
treatises and scholarly books on the topic of the «Declaration of
Unity: La ilaha ill' Allah. - that no one deserves worship except
Allah the Almighty and that this type of worship should be
devoid of all sorts of SHIRK whether big or small. Anyone who
is aware of these writings, his way of preaching and calling
people to Allah and of the way of his pupils and disciples, can
easily find out that his approach was not different from that of
our virtuous predecessors, the great Imams of learning and guid-
ance. Indeed, he has propounded what they did throughout their
lives concerning the worship of Allah Alone and leaving all
14

innovationsand superstitionsaside.
This is the foundation of the Saudi regimeand this view is
heldby the scholarsof SaudiArabia. The hard attitudeshown
by the Saudi governmentis directedonly againstthe supersti-
tions and innovations in contradication with Islam, or the ex-
treme type of extravagancewhich is totally prohibited by the
Prophet(Peacebeupon him). All Muslims,Scholarsand rulers
of Saudi Arabia hold great respectand love for everyMuslim
regardlessof hisaffiliation to anygroup or countryin theworld.
They do reject all typesof celebrationor gatheringswhich are
based on innovation, with no authority from Allah or His
Prophet. They opposethem becauseevery new matter in the
religion is an innovation and becausethe Muslims are com-
mandedto follow, not to innovate. Islam is perfect and com-
plete by itself.
It is in no needof any addition after what Allah and His
Prophet have ordained and what the Ahl-al-Sunnah Wal'
Jama'at, from amongthe Companions,theSuccessorsandtheir
followers have already received. To forbid celebrating the
birthday of the Prophet dueto its innovative nature in addition
to the singsof extravaganceandShirknormally associatedwith
it, is not un-Islamicorderogatoryto the Prophet (peacebeupon
him). Instead, it is an act of obedienceas the Prophet (peace
be upon him) himself said: <<Beware of the extravagancein
mattersof religion. Thosebeforeyou haveperishedbecauseof
extravagancein the matters of religion>.
Again he said:Do not lavishpraiseon me asthe Christians
did with the sonof Maryam. I am but a bondman.So simply
say: <Slaveof Allah and His Messenger>.
This is what I wanted to point out regarding the aforesaid
article.
May Allah help us and all the Muslims to understandHis
l 5
innovations and superstitions aside.
This is the foundation of the Saudi regime and this view is
held by the scholars of Saudi Arabia. The hard attitude shown
by the Saudi government is directed only against the supersti-
tions and innovations in contradication with Islam, or the ex-
treme type of extravagance which is totally prohibited by the
Prophet (Peace be upon him). All Muslims, Scholars and rulers
of Saudi Arabia hold great respect and love for every Muslim
regardless of his affiliation to any group or country in the world.
They do reject all types of celebration or gatherings which are
based on innovation, with no authority from Allah or His
Prophet. They oppose them because every new matter in the
religion is an innovation and because the Muslims are com-
manded to follow, not to innovate. Islam is perfect and com-
plete by itself.
It is in no need of any addition after what Allah and His
Prophet have ordained and what the Ahl-al-Sunnah Wal'
Jama'at, from among the Companions, the Successors and their
followers have already received. To forbid celebrating the
birthday of the Prophet due to its innovative nature in addition
to the sings of extravagance and Shirknormally associated with
it, is not un-Islamic orderogatory to the Prophet (peace be upon
him). Instead, it is an act of obedience as the Prophet (peace
be upon him) himself said: «Be ware of the extravagance in
matters of religion. Those before you have perished because of
extravagance in the matters of religion».
Again he said: Do not lavish praise on me as the Christians
did with the son of Maryam. I am but a bondman. So simply
say: «Slave of Allah and His Messenger».
This is what I wanted to point out regarding the aforesaid
article.
May Allah help us and all the Muslims to understand His
15

religion, to continually confirm us on it, stick to Sunnahand
keepawayfrom theinnoVation.IndeedHe isGenerousandKind.
And May Allah ShowerHis blessingsand mercy upon our
prophet Muhammad, his posterityand his Companions.
CENERAL PRESIDENT,
THE PRESIDENCY OF ISLAMIC RESEARCH,
IFTA, DAWA AND INSTRUCTION.
Translatedfrom Arabic by: MuhammadRaquibuddinHussain,
and Suhaib HasanAbdul Ghaffar.
l 6
religion, to continually confirm us on it, stick to Sunnah and
keep away from the innovation. Indeed He is Generous and Kind.
And May Allah Shower His blessings and mercy upon our
prophet Muhammad, his posterity and his Companions.
GENERAL PRESIDENT,
THE PRESIDENCY OF ISLAMIC RESEARCH,
IFTA, DAWA AND INSTRUCTION.
Translated from Arabic by: Muhammad Raquibuddin Hussain,
and Suhaib Hasan Abdul Ghaffar.
16

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itlgll -i rts;]t1 bjt -t
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j1J'1'~ / ~.AJ' ~ JoU-lJ UI ~Jj ..."y:J
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It t ,,' )UJ1'J i~"""J ,,1:j1'J .,.wI
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