What is the importance of studying 'aqidah and the misguided schools of thought?
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Question:
Is studying 'aqidah and the books of deviant schools of thought one of the causes of the division of the Ummah? And how can the Ummah be united given the diversity of ijtihad, beliefs, and ideas?
Answer:
Studying 'aqidah and adhering to the Salafi 'aqidah is one of the causes of uniting the Ummah, not one of the causes of its division. Studying 'aqidah, gaining insight into it, calling to it, and criticizing defective 'aqidahs; this is one of the causes of uniting the Ummah upon the truth. The intention is not to unite the Ummah upon falsehood: "This is so-and-so, and this is a Rafidi, and this is a Khariji." Is this unity? No, it is not. Unity is uniting the Ummah upon the truth and guidance, as Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Imran: 103], and He said: [Al-Imran: 110], and He the Exalted said: [Al-Anbiya: 92].
So calling people to the sound 'aqidah: the tawhid of Allah, and believing in His names and attributes in the manner befitting Him, and refuting those who contradict that; this is the call to the community and to uprightness. As for being with so-and-so and so-and-so, with the wicked and the good, just so that we are all together, this is a mistake. It is not said by one who understands what he says, nor is it said by the people of the Sunnah and the community. Rather, the unifying call is: the call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and uprightness upon the path of the Salaf al-Salih from the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and those who followed them with excellence. This is the path of unity, and refuting those who contradict that, such as the Rafidah, the Khawarij, the Asha'irah, and others. Every one who contradicts the path of the Companions is to be refuted, but with wisdom, knowledge, and insight, not with bad speech, cursing, insulting, and violence. No, but with knowledge. Except for one who oppresses; one who oppresses has another remedy, as Allah the Exalted said: [Al-Ankabut: 46]. One who oppresses and transgresses against us is dealt with as the Shari'ah ruling requires in repelling his aggression. But as long as he seeks knowledge, seeks benefit, and seeks insight; he is shown the way, called to it, and taught with good words, a good manner, and gentleness; perhaps he will be guided, and perhaps he will accept the truth and follow the methodology of the community of the people of the Sunnah.
Is studying 'aqidah and the books of deviant schools of thought one of the causes of the division of the Ummah? And how can the Ummah be united given the diversity of ijtihad, beliefs, and ideas?
Answer:
Studying 'aqidah and adhering to the Salafi 'aqidah is one of the causes of uniting the Ummah, not one of the causes of its division. Studying 'aqidah, gaining insight into it, calling to it, and criticizing defective 'aqidahs; this is one of the causes of uniting the Ummah upon the truth. The intention is not to unite the Ummah upon falsehood: "This is so-and-so, and this is a Rafidi, and this is a Khariji." Is this unity? No, it is not. Unity is uniting the Ummah upon the truth and guidance, as Allah the Exalted said:
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided
وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُواYou are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.
كُنْتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِIndeed this, your religion, is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.
إِنَّ هَذِهِ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةً وَاحِدَةً وَأَنَا رَبُّكُمْ فَاعْبُدُونِSo calling people to the sound 'aqidah: the tawhid of Allah, and believing in His names and attributes in the manner befitting Him, and refuting those who contradict that; this is the call to the community and to uprightness. As for being with so-and-so and so-and-so, with the wicked and the good, just so that we are all together, this is a mistake. It is not said by one who understands what he says, nor is it said by the people of the Sunnah and the community. Rather, the unifying call is: the call to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), and uprightness upon the path of the Salaf al-Salih from the Companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and those who followed them with excellence. This is the path of unity, and refuting those who contradict that, such as the Rafidah, the Khawarij, the Asha'irah, and others. Every one who contradicts the path of the Companions is to be refuted, but with wisdom, knowledge, and insight, not with bad speech, cursing, insulting, and violence. No, but with knowledge. Except for one who oppresses; one who oppresses has another remedy, as Allah the Exalted said:
And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best, except for those who commit injustice among them
وَلَا تُجَادِلُوا أَهْلَ الْكِتَابِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ
Source
binbaz.org.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.