Sayyid Al-Badawy the Moroccan Sufi
Q 5: It is said that the ancestral
line of As-Sayyid Al-Badawy is traced back to Ahl-ul-Bayt (members of the
Prophet's extended Muslim family). Is this correct? Is As-Sayyid Al-Badawy one
of the Awliya' (pious people)? Is it permissible to celebrate his birthday or
that of any other person by any means; or to speak about his memory and point
out his outstanding traits and virtuous deeds on the radio or television?
A: As-Sayyid Al-Badawy, whose full
name was Ahmad ibn `Aly ibn Ibrahim Al-Husayny, was a Moroccan Sufi who lived
in the seventh century. Many ignorant and Mubtadi` (innovative) Sufis and other
people exceed the proper limits in revering As-Sayyid Al-Badawy in a way that
takes them out of the fold of Islam. Some people, for example, make Du`a'
(supplication) to him, seek his protection and help, or make Tawaf
(circumambulation) around what they believe to be his grave. It is not
permissible to celebrate the anniversary of As-Sayyid Al-Badawy or anybody
else, for doing so is considered Bid`ah (innovation in religion). It may be
worth mentioning that if a person peruses the biography of As-Sayyid Al-Badawy,
they will not find any distinguished contributions that merit much concern.
Therefore, Muslims have to beware of
those who invent new matters in religion and self-seeking people who follow
their whims, lest they should mislead them. A Muslim must hold fast to the
Qur'an and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). They lead to
salvation and success in this world and in the Hereafter.
May Allah grant us success. May
peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
The Permanent Committee for
Scholarly Research and Ifta'
