A question regarding the accusation by some of Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah have mercy on him) concerning his creed.

The questioner : Naturally, I advised us not to mention names. Let us not mention the names of some of those who deviated from the straight path, if that is the correct expression in Arabic, who accused the Shaykh al-Islam in some matters of the creed. Naturally, we have studied, or everyone knows, that every Muslim hits the mark and makes mistakes. For example, the jurist hits the mark and makes mistakes; there is no one but hits the mark and makes mistakes. But to reach the level of the creed, which is the life of the Muslim, that he makes a mistake in his creed, we cannot imagine that. So I ask you: does the Shaykh al-Islam really have some errors that enter into or touch the creed?

The Shaykh : I mean, you could not imagine that a man who is a scholar, a noble, a Muslim, pious, and righteous could be deviant in the creed. You could not imagine that.

The questioner : No, it is not like that, Shaykh al-Islam.

The Shaykh : No, it is like that. Stay with me like this. You said, you said one of two things: either you said, or I misunderstood, so repeat the words.

The questioner : I mean, some accused the Shaykh al-Islam that he brought things that touch the creed. I mean, is this statement true?

The Shaykh : No, this is some of the words I said that hour. I said something extra.

The questioner : I said, did he bring something that touches the creed?

The Shaykh : I did not say, my dear, that you could not imagine that a Muslim would deviate in the creed.

The questioner : I mean, it is possible for a person to deviate in the creed. As for the Shaykh al-Islam, it is a specific matter concerning the Shaykh al-Islam.

The Shaykh : I know about the Shaykh al-Islam, you, because you are asking about the Shaykh al-Islam. I said you could not imagine that he...

The questioner : I did not imagine, as some claimed, that the Shaykh al-Islam, for example, brought matters that touched the creed and deviated in them.

The Shaykh : This is it. So first, I said it like this. Second, when I told you to repeat the words to see if I misunderstood in hearing or understanding, or if you forgot what you said, now you returned a second time, a third time, correcting the first words. Now I tell you: it was said about Ibn Taymiyyah. Do you imagine Abu Hanifah would deviate from a correct creed?

The questioner : By Allah, according to him, he did not deviate.

The Shaykh : The best speech is what is brief and instructive.

The questioner : Any person is possible.

The Shaykh : Is it permissible or not permissible? Well, what is the problem? What is the difference between Abu Hanifah and Ibn Taymiyyah?

The questioner : I mean, regarding what was written about him, is this statement really true?

The Shaykh : No, that is not what you intend, if it were...

The questioner : It is possible I erred in expression.

The Shaykh : No harm. We want to clarify, to remove the thorns from the path.
Al-Halabi : The Shaykh : When you search with him, you are not searching with just anyone. You need to be careful with...

The Shaykh : My brother, if you said, "It is true that it is said about Ibn Taymiyyah such and such," I would give you the answer.

The questioner: This is my question.

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. But when you say you cannot imagine, I can hardly believe that a scholar, a noble man, would fall into an error. Even you mentioned something you mentioned now, that in rulings he makes mistakes, but in the creed he also makes mistakes? Is that not your statement?

The questioner : Yes, that is my statement. I admit it.

The Shaykh : There is no difference. The one who makes a mistake here makes a mistake there. Rest your mind with my rest for your mind. I want to return you. Take your time. I know you want me to say, "No, Ibn Taymiyyah is not infallible." I have not finished my statement. When will your mind rest? When I tell you with a comprehensive and exclusive answer: Is Ibn Taymiyyah infallible? Ibn Taymiyyah is not infallible. Did you take the answer? If I told you like this or like that, would you be at peace, yes or no?