The Response to Those Who Call for Establishing an Islamic State and Disdain Knowledge

The Shaykh : So how is it possible to establish a Muslim state without first knowing Islam, or at least tawhid (the oneness of Allah)? As for if we enter into matters below tawhid, or into the details of tawhid, and then into what is below that, there is great wonder in that. For you find these people who say, "You are occupied with da'wah (calling others to Islam) and not with establishing the Muslim state." Those who are occupied with da'wah are the very ones who are occupied with establishing the Muslim state, but they do not constantly repeat this talk or exploit people's emotions. Rather, they teach with patience and silence. These are the ones who want to establish a Muslim state. If you ask one of them, "Do you know how to pray as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to pray?" he might say to you, "These are secondary issues. These are trivial matters. What concerns us now is establishing the Muslim state." Fine. Are you able to perform Hajj to the House of Allah the Sacred as the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) performed Hajj, and as he commanded in his Sunnah (the Prophet's way) regarding Hajj to the House of Allah the Sacred? You hear no answer. You hear nothing except that we want to establish the Muslim state. The Muslim state is named after Islam. What is Islam, O people? One who lacks a thing cannot give it...