Is it in the interest of the da'wah to agree with the Sufis not to mention the issues of istiwaa' and istighathah, citing what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did?
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The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah reward you, we have some of our brothers who are da'iyah (callers) to Allah the Exalted in our lands who have seen it in the interest of the da'wah to agree with the Sufis not to speak in lectures and sermons about istiwaa', for example, and istighathah, and other matters of worship. They cited the agreement of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with the Jews. Is this citation correct, Shaykh? What is your guidance?
The Shaykh : No, this citation is not correct, because what you are referring to is the saying of Allah the Exalted:[Al-Qalam 68:9]. Compromising in religion is not permissible. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) only made a truce with the Jews on the condition that no one would transgress against another, not that we would accept their religion. It is impossible for the Messenger to accept their religion. And what you are referring to is accepting the falsehood they are upon. Therefore, reconciliation in this manner is, in reality, compromising, and compromising is forbidden. It is not permissible for anyone to compromise with anyone in the religion of Allah. Rather, it is obligatory to clarify the truth, whatever it may be.
However, it is possible that if they see, for example, it in the interest not to start with refutation before everything else, and to start first with the correct explanation. For example, if he speaks about istiwaa' as you mentioned, he explains the meaning of istiwaa' and clarifies its reality without saying, "There are people who interpret it thus," until the people settle down, know the truth, and it becomes easy for them to move from falsehood to truth.
The Shaykh : No, this citation is not correct, because what you are referring to is the saying of Allah the Exalted:
They wish that you would soften [in your position], so they would soften [toward you].
وَدُّوا لَوْ تُدْهِنُ فَيُدْهِنُونَHowever, it is possible that if they see, for example, it in the interest not to start with refutation before everything else, and to start first with the correct explanation. For example, if he speaks about istiwaa' as you mentioned, he explains the meaning of istiwaa' and clarifies its reality without saying, "There are people who interpret it thus," until the people settle down, know the truth, and it becomes easy for them to move from falsehood to truth.