Common-Folk Being Involved in the Affairs of Da'wah
Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee on the Common-Folk Being Involved in the Affairs of Da'wah
Translation by Abul-Hasan Maalik Ibn Aadam
[Q]: What is your advice to some of the common folk who are in charge of some of mosques and who are entering into the affairs of the da'wah (call) and they do not possess the expertise to deal with [these issues]? For example, one of them says, "I do not permit so-and-so to teach in this mosque because he has a problem with such-and-such a student."
[A]: These ones (i.e. the common folk) have no right in this matter. If it is such that they have built these mosques, then their reward is with Allaah. And it is upon them to continue with the likes of this good and righteousness, and that is with the building of mosques and spending [their wealth] on them and seeing to their upkeep, tidiness, purification and establishing those people who will be responsible for supervising it and what is like this. And there is a reward for them in that; as for entering into matters that do not concern them, and that which they have no knowledge of saying 'such and such' as we have just heard, then this does not return to them; this is only for the people of knowledge, and the people should be referring these affairs back to the people of knowledge, as for them (the common folk), then they should not enter into these matters.
These ones (the common folk), their affair ends with the construction of the mosque, its management and upkeep. As for making himself a Scholar or Muftee, then this is not for him and it is not permissible for him to do this, and it is not permissible for him to prevent one who the people can benefit from, from teaching in the mosque as long as he (the teacher) is upon the correct Manhaj (methodology) and sound 'Aqeedah (creed). It is not permissible for him to prevent the people from sitting with him under the pretext that he accompanies so-and-so from the people or that he is upon the methodology of so-and-so, and it is also impermissible for him to allow a person who is unsuitable on the pretext that he does not speak about so-and-so or doesn't show enmity to so-and-so or that he doesn't speak out against anyone. This is not permissible, nor is it for him [to speak in these matters]; rather these matters are only for those who establish affairs based upon knowledge. So if they proceed from knowledge, then they will have done what is right and benefited, and Allah will bring about benefit by them.
Source: http://www.sunnahpublishing.net/audio/binhadiawam.mp3
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[Q]: Perhaps it has reached you that from the problems we face in our land (America) are that those who are in charge of many of the affairs of the da'wah are from the common folk. And in many instances, we see them contradicting the students of knowledge in our country in statement and action. So what is your advice to both parties: the students of knowledge and the common folk who are upon these administrations concerning the charge and direction of the Da'watus-Salafiyyah in America?
[A]: Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee replied,
Our advice is that we say that these unlearned individuals have no right to lead the da'wah, because Allaah has said to His Messenger:
Say: "This is my way; I invite unto Allýh with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allýh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikýn.ý [Yusuf 12:108]
And "baseerah" here [in this aayah] is knowledge, in the most correct of the Scholars' sayings [regarding this aayah]. So no one can be a caller except a Scholar or a well-grounded student of knowledge. These are the people who implement the call to Allaah. As for the unlearned, then they should not involve themselves in this because Allaah has said to His Prophet,
So stand (ask Allâh to make) you (Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)) firm and straight (on the religion of Islâmic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (unto Allâh) with you, and transgress not (Allâh's legal limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do.
Here Allaah commanded him to stand firm and straight. So those who don't know the Islaamic legislation, the command, in this aspect, [will not know] whether it is a command to implement something or a command to desist. So if it is a command to do something, by way of obligation, a definitive command, then it is obligatory. If it is less definitive in the command, then it is mustahabb (preferred). And if the command is a prohibition, if the prohibition is a definitive injunction, then it is impermissible. If it is not definitive, then it is disliked. So this is not known except by those who have studied. Therefore, it is incumbent to seek knowledge; and so the unlearned have no right to direct the da'wah. Yes, he may be utilized in other areas where he has some expertise, like financial or administrative matters, if there is an office to organize the affairs of the da'wah. As for leading the da'wah and what is connected to teaching, guidance, the rearing of the people and their education of their Lord's Legislations, then this is not for these individuals from the unlearned. It is obligatory upon them to understand this and avoid entering into these matters.
And what is upon our brothers from the students of knowledge is to give them understanding of these affairs with gentleness, leniency and kindness, so as to win them over and not lose them. So if they are successful in this, then praise is for Allaah, and if not, and they are determined to dictate to the students of knowledge their opinions and desires in these affairs, then it is a must that they be abandoned, and that [the students of knowledge] establish the correct call to Allaah independent of them. This is what I advise my brothers. But I say, it is incumbent upon the one who does not possess knowledge to take benefit from those who do, and that they understand that affair of da'wah is not established except with knowledge. Allaah says,
So know (O Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)) that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allâh knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).
So He began with knowledge before statement and action. Therefore, one must have knowledge first and foremost. Allaah says,
And it is not (proper) for the believers to go out to fight (Jihâd) all together. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islâmic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil).
So the da'wah cannot be established amongst the people until a group of individuals go and learn for themselves. Therefore, it is upon those from the unlearned to accept the speech of their brothers from the Salafee students of knowledge who are known for truthfulness, advice, sincerity in the call to Allaah and steadfastness upon the command of Allaah and following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah. And it is upon them not to be prideful or arrogant, but rather to accept from them (i.e. the students of knowledge).
And if they differ in any matter, then they raise it to the Scholars, and they, praise be to Allaah, are present and can be contacted with ease. So they should get in touch with any of the Salafee scholars, and by Allaah's permission, they will clarify the matter for them. Therefore, we say that what is incumbent upon our brothers from the students of knowledge is to instruct the people with gentleness as much as they are able, but if the affair reaches the level of obstinance, then there is nothing you can do with the obstinate. And also it is incumbent upon the other brothers to fear Allah within themselves and to submit to the command of Allaah and His Messenger and to comply with their brothers from the students of knowledge because they have learning. And if they doubt in anything or differ and are not convinced, then let them contact one of the Scholars, so by Allaah's permission, they can clarify that which is unclear to them from these issues, and the matter is easy. And whoever is obstinate after the affair has been clarified, then there is nothing that can be done. And the likes of this individual, you can only hope for his guidance.
Our advice is that we say that these unlearned individuals have no right to lead the da'wah, because Allaah has said to His Messenger:
Say: "This is my way; I invite unto Allýh with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows with sure knowledge. And Glorified and Exalted be Allýh (above all that they associate as partners with Him). And I am not of the Mushrikýn.ý [Yusuf 12:108]
And "baseerah" here [in this aayah] is knowledge, in the most correct of the Scholars' sayings [regarding this aayah]. So no one can be a caller except a Scholar or a well-grounded student of knowledge. These are the people who implement the call to Allaah. As for the unlearned, then they should not involve themselves in this because Allaah has said to His Prophet,
So stand (ask Allâh to make) you (Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)) firm and straight (on the religion of Islâmic Monotheism) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (unto Allâh) with you, and transgress not (Allâh's legal limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do.
Here Allaah commanded him to stand firm and straight. So those who don't know the Islaamic legislation, the command, in this aspect, [will not know] whether it is a command to implement something or a command to desist. So if it is a command to do something, by way of obligation, a definitive command, then it is obligatory. If it is less definitive in the command, then it is mustahabb (preferred). And if the command is a prohibition, if the prohibition is a definitive injunction, then it is impermissible. If it is not definitive, then it is disliked. So this is not known except by those who have studied. Therefore, it is incumbent to seek knowledge; and so the unlearned have no right to direct the da'wah. Yes, he may be utilized in other areas where he has some expertise, like financial or administrative matters, if there is an office to organize the affairs of the da'wah. As for leading the da'wah and what is connected to teaching, guidance, the rearing of the people and their education of their Lord's Legislations, then this is not for these individuals from the unlearned. It is obligatory upon them to understand this and avoid entering into these matters.
And what is upon our brothers from the students of knowledge is to give them understanding of these affairs with gentleness, leniency and kindness, so as to win them over and not lose them. So if they are successful in this, then praise is for Allaah, and if not, and they are determined to dictate to the students of knowledge their opinions and desires in these affairs, then it is a must that they be abandoned, and that [the students of knowledge] establish the correct call to Allaah independent of them. This is what I advise my brothers. But I say, it is incumbent upon the one who does not possess knowledge to take benefit from those who do, and that they understand that affair of da'wah is not established except with knowledge. Allaah says,
So know (O Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)) that Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), and ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women. And Allâh knows well your moving about, and your place of rest (in your homes).
So He began with knowledge before statement and action. Therefore, one must have knowledge first and foremost. Allaah says,
And it is not (proper) for the believers to go out to fight (Jihâd) all together. Of every troop of them, a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may get instructions in (Islâmic) religion, and that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may beware (of evil).
So the da'wah cannot be established amongst the people until a group of individuals go and learn for themselves. Therefore, it is upon those from the unlearned to accept the speech of their brothers from the Salafee students of knowledge who are known for truthfulness, advice, sincerity in the call to Allaah and steadfastness upon the command of Allaah and following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah. And it is upon them not to be prideful or arrogant, but rather to accept from them (i.e. the students of knowledge).
And if they differ in any matter, then they raise it to the Scholars, and they, praise be to Allaah, are present and can be contacted with ease. So they should get in touch with any of the Salafee scholars, and by Allaah's permission, they will clarify the matter for them. Therefore, we say that what is incumbent upon our brothers from the students of knowledge is to instruct the people with gentleness as much as they are able, but if the affair reaches the level of obstinance, then there is nothing you can do with the obstinate. And also it is incumbent upon the other brothers to fear Allah within themselves and to submit to the command of Allaah and His Messenger and to comply with their brothers from the students of knowledge because they have learning. And if they doubt in anything or differ and are not convinced, then let them contact one of the Scholars, so by Allaah's permission, they can clarify that which is unclear to them from these issues, and the matter is easy. And whoever is obstinate after the affair has been clarified, then there is nothing that can be done. And the likes of this individual, you can only hope for his guidance.
