How To Deal With The Innovators
Indeed the people of innovations nowadays are many, filling the earth — refuge is sought with Allāh! Thus we do not boycott all of them, but rather they are the objective (target) of our call. We call them to Allāh with wisdom and fair preaching. As for the leaders and callers to falsehood in their (i.e., Ahlul Bida’) newspapers, magazines, books, articles, lectures, seminars and websites — these are the ones who are to be warred against and warned from. And they are not to be sat with, read from, or benefited from.
As for their poor (of understanding), misled laymen, we call them to Allāh with wisdom and fair preaching. This is supported by the statements and dealings of many of the Imāms of the Sunnah. They used to call the general masses to Allāh (Blessed and Exalted), and they didn’t used to boycott them as they would boycott the leaders of evil and misguidance.
Understand this! Perhaps some of you don’t understand that not everyone who falls into innovation is to be boycotted, (such that) one does not speak to him or give da’wah to him or anything else. No! Rather the da’wah is to be established even to the kuffār, and the Jews and Christians. And the da’wah is likewise established towards Ahlul Bida’. However, the person should not be lenient (to the point) that he goes and enters into their ranks, and he gives into them until he himself becomes ruined.
Be sincere to Allāh (‘Azza wa-Jal) and try to rescue the one who fell into misguidance, with the book and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allāh (sallal lāhu ‘alaihi wasallam) by presenting it well, coupling it with proofs and evidences. This indeed is a cause from the causes of guidance, and this has led to the guidance of many in many of the countries…
Source: Majmū’ Kutub wa-Rasā`il wa-Fatāwā of Shaykh Rabee’, vol. 2, p. 351-352
Translation by Masjid Nur Allah Staff
Checked by Abu Yusuf Khaleefah
24th of Rabee’ ath-Thaani, 1436 H (02-14-2015)
Masjid Nur Allah, Queens, NYC
