In our last article, an indication was made to the efforts and struggles which the early scholars of Islam made in preserving the blessed teachings of Islam so that it may be transmitted from one generation to another in its pristine purity.

While this was so, it is important to understand that although the majority of Muslims in the early eras of Islam stood firm upon the true and unadulterated teachings of Islam and the righteous scholars of these times stood with might and force to protect the true religion of Islam, misguided teachings, ideologies and thoughts crept into the minds of some who then became the instruments of great disunity and disharmony among the Muslims over the passage of time.

Many books of Islamic history have given an account of the earliest group who moved away from the path of the true teaching of Islam. This group was known as the ‘Khawarij’ and was an outcome of the political struggles which took place during the rule of Ali (R.A.), the fourth Caliph.

The term khawarij (literally means ‘rebels’) first referred to a group of dissidents who rebelled against the leadership of Ali (R.A.) following the inconclusive Battle of Siffin (37 A.H), and later evolved into a distinct anti-establishment tendency. The Khawarij had neither a unified leadership nor a settled doctrine, and was primarily a militant political movement with an uncompromising attitude. The core of their views revolved around the nature of legitimate leadership and the condition for salvation.

They openly denounced Ali (R.A.) as the Caliph and chose their own leader. Although Ali (R.A.) invited them to unite with the Muslims and return to the right path, they bluntly refused and instead, called him a kafir (unbeliever). In this manner, they coined their own opinions regarding many issues and held on to a principle which they implemented as their ‘motto’. ‘There is no command except of Allah’, was their speech, guiding rule and rallying cry. They gave their personal interpretation to this verse of the Holy Quran and used it as their tool to oppose the rule of the righteous Caliph, Ali (R.A.).

They dissociated themselves from the rule of Ali (R.A.) and all the other governors who were placed above them. They became open enemies to Ali (R.A.) and taunted him in his khutbahs, sermons, speeches and other matters. Even in the matter of performing Salaah, they opposed him.

In this regard, the following incident has been narrated, ‘On one occasion, following an event, Ali (R.A.) ascended the pulpit of the mosque to deliver his address, a kharji (from the Khawarij) sounded in a loud voice from a corner, and ‘There is no command except of Allah’. Ali (R.A.) remarked, ‘Behold, these people extract untruth from the word of truth’. He then resumed his address and the same voice came again interrupting him, ‘There is no command except of Allah’. (Tareekh Al Islam Vol. 1 Pg. 487).

Having detached themselves from the rule and allegiance to any of the established authorities, they formed themselves into groups and moved away from the main cities of Iraq and then settled in Naharwan. At Naharwan, they consolidated their position and issued an edict of blasphemy against Ali (R.A.), and in a short time their number rose to twenty five thousand.

Although Ali (R.A.) tried his best to bring them back to the right path, they remained firm on their position and declared him to be blasphemous. Ali (R.A.) also sent Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A.) to preach to them, however this also was in vain. While highlighting Ibn Abbas’s (R.A.) visit to them, Abul Abas Al Mubarid writes in his famous work Al-Kamil, ‘When Ibn Abbas met them, he saw that their foreheads bore marks of excessive and long prostration. He saw that they were firm and staunch upon that which they believed in, however, their lack of proper understanding of the true teachings of Islam destroyed their sincerity and devotion and had thrown them upon a deviated path. He saw that they considered the killing of a Muslim permissible but would go at any length to protect a ‘dhimmi’ (a non muslim living under the protection of the Islamic state)’. (Al Kamil by Mubarid).

This was the state of the Khawarij. They thought that their actions brought them closer to Allah and they considered themselves to be upon the truth. They gave their own interpretations of many verses of the Holy Quran and thus developed their own ideologies and thoughts.

In this regard, Abul Abas Al Mubarid writes that when the companion, Abdullah bin Khabbab bin Al Arat (R.A.) passed through Naharwan on a journey, a group of Khawarij came to know that he was a companion and confronted him. At this time, Abdullah bin Khabbab (R.A.) had a copy of the Quran hanging around his neck and with him were his pregnant wife and fellow travelers. The group of Khawarij approached him and said, ‘That which you have around your neck orders us to kill you’. Having said this, they asked Abdullah (R.A.), ‘What do you say about Abu Bakr and Umar’? Abdullah (R.A.) said, ‘Both of them were very pious and true servants of Allah, the Almighty’. They then inquired of the first and last parts of the Caliphate of Uthman (R.A.). Abdullah (R.A.) said, ‘He (Uthman) was truth loving from the beginning to the end’. They then wanted to know his opinion about Ali (R.A.) before and after the appointment of the arbitrators. He (Abdullah) said, ‘Ali knows and understands the injunctions of Allah and his Messenger more than you all’. Hearing this, the Khawarij became angry and killed Abdullah bin Khabbab (R.A.), his wife and his fellow travelers.

On being informed of this, Ali (R.A.) asked Harith bin Murrah to make an inquiry into the matter. The Khawarij killed him also. Along with this, it was reported to Ali (R.A.) that they were killing all those who disagreed with them. (Al Mubarid, Tareekh Al Islam Vol. 1 Pg. 489).

With this situation, Ali sent a message demanding that they hand over the murderers so that the law of Qisas will be taken. They bluntly refused, saying that they (the Khawarij) were the murderers. Ali (R.A.) sent numerous companions to preach to them, but all in vain. The situation worsened and when they paid no heed, Ali (R.A.) was forced to go to battle with them in order to destroy this fitna (mischief). However, before this, Ali (R.A.) gave them a final chance and he appointed Abu Ayub Ansari (R.A.) to issue a general call while holding the flag of peace, saying, ‘Those who come to us without a fight will get peace, and those who go to Kufah or Mada’in will also enjoy peace’.

With this announcement, approximately two thirds of those who joined the Khawarij separated themselves and either went to Kufah, Mada’in or joined the troops of Ali (R.A.). The remaining ones, who were about one third in number stayed upon their deviation and vowed to fight Ali (R.A.). Upon this, Ali (R.A.) launched a massive attack and put the rest to death. However, a few fled the scene and having remained alive, boldly and courageously began to propagate their deviated teachings again. (Tareekh Al Islam Vol. 1 Pg. 490).

A look into the emergence and formation of the Khawarij, reveals that although they originated as a movement upon political opposition, they eventually digressed from the true teachings of Islam and thus became a deviated faction.

In this manner they fabricated teachings which were meant to protect their party and they distorted the meanings of the Holy Quran in order to prove that they were upon the truth. They continued to change their ideologies and teachings to that which suited them and thus created a path that was convenient to them.

This, however, did not work well for them and their constant changes brought about great divisions in the group. Eventually, they fell into disputes with each other which then resulted in the formation of parallel groups and sub-groups.

Although each group, had its own leader, they generally adopted the same teachings and preached the same ideologies. Some of their beliefs were:

- Every Muslim who commits a sin is an unbeliever (kafir), whether one intended the sin or not. Whether it was a mistake, error or misunderstanding, in all cases it would be the same.

- All the common Muslims (that is, those who are not from the Khawarij) are mushrik (polytheists).

- Those who oppose them are mushrik and it is permissible to kill them, their women and their children.

- The law of stoning to death for an adulterer is abrogated.

- Major and minor sins can occur from the Prophets.

In short, the path of the Khawarij was based upon strictness, severity, harshness and extremism.

Their understanding of Islam was far from Islam itself and their conduct and behavior were based upon their own harshness and extremism.

Their thoughts, principles and creeds which they firmly held on to in opposition to the ways and teachings of the Sahabahs (companions), were all fabricated and concocted and had no relation to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.

It is for these reasons, the scholars from the earliest centuries until present have unanimously considered them as being deviated.

Alhamdulillah, through the grace of Allah, with their extermination at the time of Abdul Malik bin Marwan (76 A.H) the Khawarij do not exist today in form or shape, however, their tendencies, traits and ideologies are still to be found among some Muslims.

The attitude of condemning Muslims as kafirs and mushriks is from the practice of the Khawarij.

The practice of using verses which have been revealed about the unbelievers against the Muslims is from the traits of the Khawarij.

Condemning and criticizing other Muslims to be on the wrong path is from among the trends of the Khawarij.

To show hatred and utter dislike to Muslims whilst regarding them to be outside the fold of Islam is from the behavior of the Khawarij.

In this regard, we have seen in the recent past the uprising of a group of people who have actually adopted these trends as their practices. They openly condemn anyone who commits a sin or does not tread the path they propagate as ‘kafir’. Such people speak without knowledge and they conveniently take from the writings and statements of scholars and non scholars, that which reflects their thoughts.

While inviting to their own concocted ways and trends, they behave in a very harsh and arrogant manner, openly declaring anyone who does not accept their ways and teachings to be deviated and misguided. In this manner, these who propagate and affiliate themselves with this group have openly criticized and condemned great and righteous scholars through the Islamic world who have been accepted as authentic and upright scholars. ‘No one but them is on the right path’, ‘They alone must be followed’, are a few statements that have become principles of their sect, conveniently taking from a scholar when it suits them and then condemning the same scholar as deviated and misguided when it opposes them, has been the practice of these dissidents.

This is truly a great fitna (mischief) which has erupted in the world today and while Muslims are struggling for survival in their respective lands, these people are bent on dividing and destroying the togetherness and unity of Muslims under the guise of ‘reaching the truth’.

This destructive and satanic behavior has not only brought about bad relations and ill feelings among Muslims, but have also created enmity, hatred and malice amongst them. The result of this mischief (fitna) propagated under the name of Islam has sown such discord and dissension among Muslims all over the world that communities and families have been broken apart.

Muslim should therefore take heed and beware of this group and their teachings. These are naught but a revival of the behaviour and conduct of the Khawarij who were unanimously declared as deviated. Do not be deceived by the fact that such people use the term ‘Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah for themselves’, in fact their attitude and conduct shows that they are ‘Ahlul Fitna Wal Jahalah’ (People of Fitna and Ignorance).

Therefore be alert to these traits and avoid being incited to such teachings which may be propagated under the heading of true and authentic teachings of Islam.

Remember! The Khawarij firmly believed they alone were upon the truth and all other Muslims were upon falsehood. This was their firm belief which took a deep root in their hearts and caused them to murder many innocent Muslims.

As I said before, the ‘Khawarij’ may be non existent, however, the remnants of their teachings and ideologies are still found today. So, beware of the resurgence of deviated thoughts.

THE MONTH OF SAFAR

Al hamdu lil-laah, all praise is due to Allah, the Owner of time, the Omnipotent and Wise. Salutations are for the Prophet Muhammad (SA) who was sent as the complete messenger, sufficient for mankind.

The month of Safar is the second month of the lunar Islamic calendar. The Islamic months have been established by Allah from the beginning of the creation of the heavens and the earth.      

The meaning of the name ‘Safar’ as was used by the Arabs has been mentioned  by Shaykh `Alam ad-Din As-Sakhawi,  in a booklet entitled, Al-Mashhur fi Asma' Al-Ayam wash-Shuhur. The author said, "...and Safar is so named because they (the pagan Arabs) used to leave their homes during that month for fighting and traveling. When saying `Safir' a place, it means to leave it”. (Tafseer ibn Katheer)

In the days of Jahiliyyah the Arabs used to sometimes consider the month of Safar as one of the four sacred months. Allah mentions about this in the Quraan:

“They make it lawful one year and forbid it another year in order to adjust the number of months forbidden by Allah, and make such forbidden ones lawful.” (9:37)

Therefore, they would still sanctify four months every year, but would one year sanctify the third from the three consecutive Sacred Months, Muharram, and postpone and delay it another year to Safar.

The month of Safar is usually considered by some people as an unlucky, ill-fated or inauspicious month. It is even thought of being a month riddled with superstitious beliefs. Those who hold such beliefs have adopted a narration which comes in the books of Sufism that the Prophet (SA) said:

“Whosoever gives me the glad tidings of the passing of Safar I shall give them the good news of entering Jannah.”

From this narration they allude that the Prophet (SA) did not like this month because of ill-fate and bad luck. As a result of this belief they would not engage in noble acts and happy occasions such as marriages, entertainment of guests and other similar social gatherings.

The understanding of the mentioned Hadith is that the Rasool (SA) was informed during the month of Safar that he would be passing away in the next month, Rabiul Awwal. The Hadith therefore indicates that the Prophet (SA) was anxious to meet Allah and that the month of Safar and what came in Rabiul Awwal stood as a separation between him and his Lord. This in no way signifies that the month is ill-fated.

Such superstitious beliefs existed with the Arabs even before the advent of Islam. After journeys the Arabs would not enter their houses from the proper doors because it was considered as bad luck.

Al-Hasan said, "When some people during the time of Jahiliyyah would leave home to travel, and then decide not to travel, they would not enter the house from its door. Rather, they would climb over the back wall”. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

Another example of such practices was that if they wanted to embark on a project or travel they would let loose a bird or a deer and if it turned right it was a good omen and if it turned left it was an ill omen. (Ar Raheeq al Makhtum with reference to Sahih Bukhari)

Muslims must always put their trust in Allah and avoid all superstitious actions. The prophet (SA) has warned:

“He is not of us who seeks for evil omens or for whom evil omens are sought, who divines or for whom divination is made, who practices magic or for whom magic is practiced.” (At Tabrani)

He (SA) also warned: “Augury (art of taking omens/superstitions) from drawing lines in the sand, from the flight of birds, and from throwing stones pertains to Shirk (ascribing partners to Allah).” (Abu Daud, Nasai, Ibn Hibban)

When Allah tried the disbelievers with calamities they would say: “Indeed, we augur an evil omen from you.” (36:18) The reply of the messenger to them was: “Your superstitious consideration of evil omens is with yourselves (i.e. as a result of your lack of faith)” (36:19)

These Ahaadith and Ayahs inform us of the deficiency of true faith for one who entertains these practices.

Dear Muslims, Safar is another month of Allah, it is another period of time, another opportunity to do good deeds. Time is such a gift from Allah which one would regret if not used properly even after entering the Paradise. Therefore to avoid virtuous actions like marriages or other permissible social gatherings with the assumption that it is an unlucky month would not be proper. Similarly, to entertain superstitious beliefs in Safar or at any other time and place or upon any occurrences can even lead to Shirk. Therefore to believe that the sound of a bird, twitching of a muscle, howling of a dog, flicking of an eyelid, seeing a black dog or cat, etc, are all associated with something bad is to actually denying the Qadr (pre-destiny) and the complete power of Allah. May Allah protect us from falsehood and keep us firm upon Imaan.

Some events of History in Safar:

• the beginning of the Hijrah of the Prophet (SA) and Abu Bakr;
  
• the expedition to Waddan or Abwa
  
• the incident of Bir Mauunah and Raji’
  
• the Prophet’s marriage to Safiya (RA) and Umm Habiibah (RA)
  
• the conversion of Khalid bin Walid and Amr bin al Aas to Islam

Alhamdulillah, from this month we will make our halaal update a regular feature in our Sabeelur Rashaad.

This month we want to begin the disscussion on Multivitamins. There are many brands of multivitamins on the market today. All of these brands are produced in foreign countries and therefore the information we present is based largely on what has been supplied to us by the manufacturers themselves.

Centrum - The following brands contain either beef or pork gelatin and are not permissible:

Centrum Tablets:
• Chewables
• Silver
• Performance
• Cardio
• Kids
• Spongebob
• Rugrats

Centrum Liquid does not contain gelatin but does contain alcohol and is not permissible.

Wellwoman, Wellman and Ladytone multivitamins contain gelatin which the manufacturer says comes from halaal beef. Certification is given, according to the company by the Islamic Dissemination Centre for Latin America. We are unable to contact them at this time.

Some permissible brands include:
• Halvit
• Nutrilite Double X multivitamins
• Seven Seas Multivitamin plus Minerals for Vegetarians and Vegans
• Himalaya Ayuvedic Products
• Multibionta (Halaal Beef Gelatin)

Please note that the above list does not mean that only these multivitamins are permissible to use. We are presently researching many other brands and will provide more information in our next update.

THE DARUL ULOOM

The Darul Uloom T&T is an Islamic institution disseminating primary to tertiary Islamic Studies and secondary academic education. We are a non-profit organization whose objective is to educate Muslims about the Sacred Deen of Allah.

To achieve this end the Darul Uloom offers many programmes and courses on a full-time and part-time basis for brothers and sisters separately.

In addition to these programmes, services such as Counseling, the issuing of Islamic legal opinions, and collection of Zakaah and Sadaqah are done at the Darul Uloom.

Through the Grace and Mercy of Allah (S.W.T) the Darul Uloom is able to conduct these various programmes and courses only through the kind and generous donations of the Muslim Community.

As a service to Islam you are humbly requested to contribute to these efforts as we strive together to establish the Deen of Allah (S.W.T).