Ahlul-Bidah Wal Hawa

Shaykh Muhammad al-Madkhalî about al-Arifi

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Note : Muhammad Al-’Areefi is the author of the popular book “Enjoy Your Life!“

Scholar: Shaykh Muhammad bin Hâdî al-Madkhalî
Source: http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=129153
Reference: Darulhadith.com
http://aFatwa.com

What was said by al-’Arifi (or al-’Urayfî):

Host: How do we combine between the command of the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to hear and obey the leader even if he flogs your back and takes your property(1) and what the people are doing today?

al-’Arifi: “There is of course a difference if the ruler attacks one individual. Muslim reports that the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Hear and obey even if he flogs your back and takes your property.”

This is regarding if the ruler attacks one individual that he has a problem with. Otherwise the ruler is good. But in this case he comes to one person and flogs his back and takes his property. It should be said to this person not to rise up and incite towards rebellion or rebel with armor against him. For the disadvantage of this deed is greater than him having flogged you. Look whether you can take your money from him in a different way. What we are speaking of is if the ruler takes money from the entire population.

1: “…You should hear and obey the ruler, even if he flogs your back and takes your wealth, then still hear and obey.”" [Reported by Muslim (Eng. trans. 3/1029/no.4554).]

Shaykh Muhammad al-Madkhalî:

Question: [the beginning of the question is missing]: … ["Hear and obey even if he flogs your back] and takes your property.” is specific and how should one advise the people in these conditions?

Shaykh Muhammad bin Hâdî al-Madkhalî: I know who this person is. I have heard him say this. He lies about Allâh and His messenger (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He is ignorant and follows his desire. He should be ignored. Allâh’s messenger’s (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) multiple Hadiths all say that it is obligatory to hear and obey the leaders of the Muslims even if they are unjust. That is how those who believe and [those who] know the Sunnah of Allâh’s messenger (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) speak. He (‘alayhi salâtu wa salâm) ordered us to hear and obey them. The clearest [evidence] that refutes this ignorant liar who follows his desire are the words of the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when it was said to him:

“O messenger of Allâh! What should we do if we are ruled by leaders who ask of us their right — that is, to hear and obey — and hinder us from our right?”

He answered:

“Give them their right and ask Allâh for your right.”

It was said to the prophet (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam):

“Should we not fight them?”

He answered:

“No, not as long as they are performing the prayer amongst you.”

Imâm Ahmad (rahimahullâh) discussed with the scholars in Bagdad during al-Ma’mûn’s, al-Mu’tasim’s and al-Wâthiq’s dynasties. He discussed with them regarding rebelling against them when they started to try the people with the creation of the Qur’ân [I.e. this false belief of Kufr that the Qur'ân is created]. When they said that they would neither hear nor obey them [these rulers], he said to them:

“It contradicts the reports that say that one should not do it as long as they pray. Fear Allâh and do not spill the blood of the Muslims.”

He laid great importance on the lives of the Muslims. He discouraged them and clarified for them the correct understanding in the matter.

There is no doubt that these deviate from that which was followed by Allâh’s messenger’s (sallâ Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) companions, the followers and the Imâms who followed them in a correct way. His statement is a false statement. Knowledge is not taken from him.

We are pleased that great scholars refute these astray people such as this person and his likes. An example of them is Muftî ['Abdul-'Azîz Âl ash-Shaykh], may Allâh reward him well, and the noble Shaykh and ‘Allâmah Sâlih bin Fawzân al-Fawzân. They have refuted him and clarified his ignorance and all praise is due to Allâh.