- Celebrating the Prophet's birthday is an innovation not found in Islam's early history and is therefore forbidden. - The Prophet, his companions, and early scholars did not celebrate birthdays to avoid innovations. If it was good, they would have done it. - Muslims must follow the Quran, hadiths, and ways of the righteous early Muslims and avoid new matters, as every innovation is misleading.

1. implication
Indispensable implication
Indispensable
Sunna
Of Sunna
andd
an
caution againstinnovation
cau tion against innovation
By
By
Hi~ Eminence Sheikh:
His Eminence Sh€ikh:
A B D T ' { Z I 7 B I { B T I TI I . { H B I B { 7
ABDU. I AZIZ 81: ARDlJLLAH BIN BAZ
Trrnslrlrd by:
Translated by:
Mtrh!mmadRaquibuddin Hussain,
Muhammad Raquibuddin Hussain,
and
Suhaib Abdul Ghallar.
H.
Suhaib H. Abdul GhaHar.
l'rimed llnd publi~hcd
I'ritrred xrd publi!hcd
h}'::
hy
Prl'sidenQ u f Islamic Research.
Pr€sid€n.! of Islamic Reserrch.
Uta Propagation, lind Guidance.
Iflo ProDr8.tior, otrd Guiddce
ASSISTANT AGENCY
ASSISTANT AGENCY
IoR
"'OR
PRI~TI!'IG AND TRANSLATION
PRTITING TRANSLATION
Ri}'adh, ,Kinlldomm f Saudi i ~rabia,
R i y r d h X i n g d o (If S r u d A r a b i
o
Wrlf (EDdo*metrt- Grrllr)
Wakf (Endowment· Grali0
1992/l4t3
1992/1413

2. Indispensableimplication
Indispensable
Of Sunna
Of Sunna
and
crution rgeinst innovation
caution against

3. Indispensable implication
Indispensable implication
Of Sunna
Of SUDDa
and
and
caution against innovation
caution against innovatioD
By
By
His Eminence
His Eminence Sheikh:
Sheikh:
ABDUL ABDULLAH
ABDUL AZIZ BIN ABDULLAH BIN BAZ
Translatedby:
Translated by:
MuhammadRaquibuddinHussain,
Muhammad Raquibuddin Hussain,
and
and
Suhaib Abdul Ghaffar.
Suhaib H. Abdul Ghaffar.
Printed and published
by:
Presidency of Islrmic Research,
of Islamic
Ifta Propagation, and Guidance.
Iftr Proprgrtion, rnd Guidrnce.
ASSISTANT AGENCY
FOR
PRINTING AND TRANSLATION
PRINTING AND TRANSLATION
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
lVakf (Endowment -- Gratif)
Wakf (Endowment Gratif)
r99?,/1413
1992/1413

4. In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful
In the name of Allah the most the most Merciful
Indispensable of Sunna
Indispensableimplication of Sunna
and caution against innovation
against
All praise be to Allah who completedthe religion for us,
All praise completed religion us,
perfectedthe blessingon us and chose Islam as our religion.
perfected blessing us chose Islam as religion.
blessings and peacebe upon His servant and Apostle,
May the blessings p~ace servant Apostle,
who calledupon peopleto obey his Lord and cautionedagainst
called people obey his and cautioned against
innovation and disobedience; And may Allah
extravagance, innovation and disobedience;
extravagance,
bless his posterity, his companionsand those who follow his
bless his posterity, his companions and those his
footsteps till the Day of Judgement.
footsteps the of Judgement.
I have been acquainted with the article publishedin the first
have been acquainted the article published the first
pageof the weeklymagazine<Edarat>> the Kanpur, Industrial
page of the weekly magazine «Edarat» of the Kanpur, Industrial
of
Pradesh India, which containsan implied cam-
city of Utter Pradesh in India, which contains an implied cam-
Saudi Arabia, its adherence
paign against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its adherence to
paign againstthe Kingdom
the Islamiccreed,and its opposition innovations.The writer
the Islamic creed, and its opposition to innovations. The writer
allegesthat the creed the Salaf (Early adherents Islam)
alleges that the creed of the Salaf (Early adherents to Islam)
which is held SaudiKingdom does agree the Sunna.
which is held by Saudi Kingdom does not agree with the Sunna.
By this, the writer aims at creatingdivision amongstthe Ahl'l
By this, the writer aims at creating division amongst the AhPI
Sunna and encouraging the innovations and superstitions. This
Sunnaand encouraging innovationsand superstitions.
the This
doubt, is most abominableand dangerousand aims
attitude, no doubt, is most abominable and dangerous and aims
attitude,
Islam and spreadinginnovations
at offending the Religion of Islam and spreading innovations
at offending the Religion
truth. Furthermore, the article
and deviations from the truth. Furthermore, the article
and deviations from the
clearlyon the subject celebrating Prophet's
the
concentrates clearly on the subject of celebrating the Prophet's
concentrates
birthday as an excuse discuss creed the Kingdom and
birthday as an excuse to discuss the creed of the Kingdom and
the
its rulers.Therfore, consider necessary enlightenthe Peo-
to
its rulers. Therfore, I consider it necessary to enlighten the Peo-
help of Allah, I say:
Ple on this subject. So seeking help of Allah, I say:
Ple on this subject.So seeking
It is not permissible celebrate birthday of the Apostle,
It is not permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Apostle,
to the
and peaceof Allah be upon him) or some-
(May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) or some-
(May the blessings
body else.In fact, it must be stopped,as it is an innovationin
body else. In fact, it must be stopped, as it is an innovation in
3

5. the religion. The Apostle of Allah (May the blessingsand
the religion. The Apostle of the blessings and
Peaceof Allah be upon him) neither celebratedit, nor com-
Peace of be neither celebrated com-
mandedothersto do this for himself. or for any one who died
manded others this himself. anyone died
before him amongstthe Prophets,for his daughtershis wives,
before amongst the Prophets, his daughters his wives,
or his other relatives. The rightly guided Caliphs the
his relatives. The guided Caliphs the
Companions of the Prophet (May Allah be pleasedwih them)
Companions the Prophet be pleased them)
or the successors who rightly followed them did not celebrate
the successors who followed them celebrate
this event, nor did anyone of the muslim scholars in the centuries
this event, any one of the muslim scholars the centuries
before.
before.
They knew the Sunnah of the Prophet (May the peaceand
They knew Sunnah of peace
blessings of Allah be upon him) best, they loved him more, and
blessings of Allah best, loved more,
followed the Shari'a better than those who came after them. if
followed the Shari'a better than those cameafter them. if
celebratinghis birthday was a good deed, they
celebrating his birthday was a good deed, they would have have
done it.
done
We are commanded to follow and forbidden to innovate.
are commanded and forbidden innovate.
This is because the perfection the Islamic religion and the
This is because of the perfection of the Islamic religion and the
of
Sufficiency of what and Messenger have given us
Sufficiency of what Allah and His Messenger have given us
and are accepted Ahl'al-Sunna wal-jama'at-. The Muslim
and are accepted by Ahl-al-Sunna wal-jama'at-. The Muslim
community of the companions and those who followed them in
community the companionsand those followed them
the best way.
the best way.
is related the prophet and peace
It is related to the prophet (May the blessings and peace of
the blessings
Allah be upon him) that he said: «He who innovates something
be upon him) he said: <He who innovatessomething
in this matter of ours that is not of it, will have it rejected».
this matter ours is have rejected>.
(Transmitted
(Transmitted by AI-Bukhari and Muslim). According to
Al-Bukhari and Muslim). According
reported: <<whoever
Muslim who reported: «whoever does an act which is not in
does an act is
agreement with our matter, will have it rejected» In another
agreement matter, have rejected> another
tradition the Prophet said: «You must keep to my Sunna and of
tradition the Prophetsaid: <<You must keep Sunnaand
the Sunna of the rightly-guided Caliphs, cling to it firmly».
the Sunna the rightly-guided Caliphs, cling firmly>.
«Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an
<<Beware newly inventedmatters, every new matter is an
innovation and every innovation is misleading» He used to say
innovation and everyinnovation is misleading> used say
in every Friday sermon: «The best discourse is the Book of
every Friday sermon: <The best discourseis the Book
and the bestguidanceis the guidance Muhammad the
Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad the
4

6. Apostle of Allah, and the worst matter is that of innovation and
Apostle of Allah, and the worst matter is that of innovation and
every innovation is misleading>. Thus, these traditions contain
every innovation is misleading». Thus, these traditions contain
a strong caution against innovations and a warning that such an
a strong caution against innovations and a warning that such an
act is a deviation from the right course. The Prophet (May the
act is a deviation from the right course. The Prophet (May the
blessingsand peace of Allah be upon him) warned the people
blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) warned the people
of the gravity of theseinnovations and of their bad consequenc-
of the gravity of these innovations and of their bad consequenc-
es. There are many traditions adduced in this connection. And
es. There are many traditions adduced in this connection. And
the Almighty has said:
the Almighty has said:
{trosti e;l ,,.(* tr-9o.zjetiJ.rJl nK;r, LtF
.Iv-o 1]
<So take
«So take what the Messenger gives you, and refrain from what
Messengergives
he prohibits you> (59:7) Allah, Mosr High said
he prohibits you» (59:7). . Allah, Most High said: :
Ji 6 ~ -:.>i o.;oi ~ ~yil~ ~..ul )~t
r'l-st
Jl ;,:i Fr.r"J rri o.l"i f JJrJtit jJ$l Jir..JiF
.[ir:"tJ ~~i
.[rr:Yr] {di Y,J&. ~
+l.io war"
<<Then thosebeware
let withstandthe Messenger's
«Then let those beware who withstand the Messenger's order,
order,
Lest some trial befall them. or a grievousChastisement be
Lest some befall them. a grievous Chastisementbe
inflicted them» (24:63.
inflicted on them)) (24:63).
Allah, the Almighty said.
Allah, the Almighty said.
y;.;!. -:.>~ ~ ~ 0J-'i .i», JJ-') ~ ~ 05 -riJF
~~
-,rJ 06.it Ak' 6-fi nr J-r-.rd n^(J ..lQJt
.[" :rrt
4'.#
.rY :rr] {U{ a' .J'~J rrlt edl.l dltl
~, -{ts .r~' ~JoJ'J ~,
<Ye have indeed in the Messengerof Allah an excellent
«Ye have indeed the Messenger of excellent
exemplerfor him who hopesin Allah and the final day, and who
exempler hopes day,
remember much.» (33:21)
remember Allah much.>> (33:21) And Allah the Almighty said.
the Almighty said.
itiJl: ;La;Trj a;4alr U OjJ.glrO3iJhb
5

7. ,~ ' t
dr" d *i.l e l-tosy f~ ArtsreJ F
~ ~ ..toIJ ~ 'J""')J dll
~I~) t'--,tt F^J'dl
~~4 ~~I
r . .-1r{di,,tr;drcJri 1J~..u:.t *r' h* qrr+
[' · ·-'] ~~, JJAJ' ~~ i+i hrord ~'J' ~ '-i';'
J.!t
«The vangured of Islam the first of those who forsook their
<<The vangured of Islam the first of those who forsook their
homes and of those who gave them aid, and also those who
homes of those gave also those
followed them in all good deeds,well - Pleasedis Allah with
followed deeds, - Pleased
them as are they with Him. For them hath He prepared gardens
as with Him. prepared gardens
under which rivers flow, to dwell therin forever, that is the
rivers flow, forever,
supremeTriumph> (9:100). And Allah, the Almighty said:
supreme Triumph» (9: 100). the said:
~ ~ ~J ~~ ~ ~ ~~"
,j"-, *SJt c.".ei3nftr F c-lJi fClF
.[r:o1 ~~~ ~~~, ~ tPs1
.[",:oJ 4r*, f)t-]l F ~)J
<This day have I perfectedyour religion for you, completed
«This have perfected completed
My favour upon you and have chosen for
favour upon and have chosen you Islam as your
Islam as
religion» (5:3). This verse decisively indicates that the Almighty
religion> (5:3). versedecisivelyindicates the
Allah has completed the religion
has completed the religion this and has
for this Ummah, and has
showered His blessings on them.
showered blessings them.
Prophet (May the peaceand blessings
His Prophet (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon be upon
he had imparted the complete
him) passed away only after he had imparted the complete
passed away
the Ummah as well as his legislations
message of Allah to the Ummah as well as his legislations co-
message co-
all things
ncerning sayings and deeds. He also stressed that all things in-
ncerning sayingsand deeds.He also stressed
vented by people and then attributed
vented by people and then attributed to the religion of Islam
the religion Islam
be rejected, even if their inventors did
are innovations and to be rejected, even if their inventors did
are innovations and
so in good faith.
so in good faith.
that the Companions of the Prophet (May
It is established that the Companions of the Prophet (May
It is established
and peaceof Atlah be upon him) and the righteous
the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) and the righteous
the blessings
after them warned the people againstinnovations as
successors after them warned the people against innovations as
successors
what is not permitted by Allah,
they add to Islam and legislate what is not permitted by Allah,
they add to Islam and legistate
in line with the enemiesof Allah such as the Jews and the
in line with the enemies of Allah such as the Jews and the
Christianswho addedto their religion and innovatedwhat was
Christians who added to their religion and innovated what was
6

8. allowed Moreover, innovation
not allowed by Allah. Moreover, to admit innovation in Is- Is-
incomplete and imperfect. Such
lam is incompleteand imperfect. Such a belief is not only.an
evil but contradicts the following verse: <This day have II per-
contradicts verse: «This have
fected you». And sayings of
fected your religion for you>. And the sayingsof the Prophet
us against innovations.
which warn us against innovations.
To celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Prophet and the
celebrate anniversary of birth of
others, means that the Religion is not perfected by Allah (the
others, means perfected Allah
Galorious, the Almighty) for this <Ummah>, and the Apostle
Galorious, the «Ummah», and Apostle
did not impart to the peoplewhat was necessary
people was necessary regarding their
regarding
religious duties, till these late onesappearedand inventedin the
religious duties, till theselate ones appeared invented
religion what is not permitted by Allah, thinking that this would
religion is permitted
bring them nearer to Allah.
them nearer
Undoubtedly, this is a great danger and is tantamount to
Undoubtedly, great danger
criticzing Allah the Almighty and the Prophet (Peacebe upon
criticzing the and Prophet (Peace be
him): whereas Allah the Almighty has already completed the
whereas the Almighty has already completed
religion and perfected His grace, and the Prophet (peacebe upon
religion and perfected grace, (peace be
him) has conveyed the message openly and informed the Ummah
has conveyedthe message openly
of all such ways that will lead them to the Paradise and save
atl such ways that lead them the Paradiseand save
them from Hell-fire.
them
According an authentic the authority of
According to an authentic Hadith, on the authority of
Abdullah ben Amr ben AI-As the Messenger of Allah (Peace
ben ben Al-As the Messenger (Peace
be upon him) said: Allah Ta'ala «the Almighty» did not send
be upon him) said: <the Almighty> send
a Prophet obliged lead his people the best
a Prophet but obliged him to lead his people to the best way
which is known him, and warn them againstthe worst which
which is known to him, and warn them against the worst which
(Transmitted
is known to him. (Transmitted by Muslim).
is
Prophet (peacebe upon him) is the
It is well-known that our Prophet (peace be upon him) is the
It is well-known that
best all the prophets,the last and the most perfect them
best of all the prophets, the last and the most perfect of them
regarding the way he conveyed the messageand advised his
regarding the way he conveyed the message and advised his
people.
people.
Had the celebration beenan act Religion chosen
Had the celebration of Milad been an act of Religion chosen
by Altah for His servants, the Prophet would have either
by Allah for His servants, the Prophet would have either
explainedthat to his people, would have celebrated during his
explained that to his people, would have celebrated it during his
7

9. life, or his Companions would have done it. As these did not
life, or his Companionswould have done it. As thesedid not
happen, it becomes clear that Islam has no concern with Milad.
happen,it becomes clear that Islam hasno concernwith Milad.
On the contrary, it is one of the innovations against which the
On the contrary, it is one of the innovationsagainstwhich the
Prophet has warned his people as mentioned earlier.
Prophet has warned his people as mentioned earlier.
A host of scholars have not only rejected the celebration
A host of scholars have not only rejected the celebration of
Milad but have warned againstit in view of the evidences
Milad but have warned against it in view of the evidences given
given
above.
above.
According to the rule of the Islamic Shari'a all matters
According to the rule of the Islamic Shari'a matters
regarding legalization or prohibition and
regarding legalization or prohibition and all disputes among the
disputes among
people, should be referred to the
people, should be referred to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah
and the Sunnah
of His Messenger(Peacebe upon
of His Messenger (Peace be upon him) in line with the saying
line the sayiqg
of
of Allah:
j0, i *tT -*i wr ;"uiiJ*4 -: jj, d-qX
dii J'J-'f~tr,i.r::*: Ji'irri~ "~',~ iJ., A~G~
i
FJ J J ~~ t..' ~~ t.. ii;r;'u"{ .. r
~
(,.is J.hlt JI uIIt# r,r -pi.u irr
~ 6J} J~;'j ~r Jl oJSJ ~~J~jJ ~~~ ~ ;~,
of j+lJT i& iq
.[O~:t]] ~~~~ ~ij, ~~ ~~, ,~jJrj ~..~ ~~jf
;;;ii e ou.3;-ji
tc(
.[o1:t
{r^*;L
(O ye
A. «0 ye who believe obey Allah and obey the Messenger
believeobey obey Messenger and
thosecharged
those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything
among If ye anything
among yourselves,refer
among yourselves, refer it to Allah and his Messenger,if ye do
his Messenger, if ye
believe and
believe in Allah and the Last Day: That is bestand most suitable
Last best and most suitable
determination>> (4:59).
for final determination» (4:59).
And Allah The Almighty said:
Almighty said:
.r._t",] '.LJlr" ~ ,,? u E F}l't}t JT
.['.-ryr{+itT lB,Ai ~ 4..i ~ii.' uj}
'1(.. Jt
4$. ~~ ,.... .0 ' ~
0'10.
B. <<Whatever be wherein ye differ, the decision thereof is
«Whatever itit wherein differ, decision
with Allah> (42:10).
Allah» (42:10).
Referring this issue back to the Book of Allah, we find it
issue to of Allah, find it
ordaining upon us to follow the Messengerof Allah (peacebe
us follow Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him) in his Commandments and warns us against what
Commandments us against what
everhe prohibits. Furthermoreit tells us that Allah has perfected
ever prohibits. Furthermore it tells us that Allah has perfected
8

10. the religion for the people. So, as long as Milad is not among
the religion for the people. So, as long as Milad is not among
the teachings of the Prophet (peacebe upon him), it cannot be a
the teachings of the Prophet (peace be upon him), it cannot be a
part of the religion which Allah has perfected for us and asked
part of the religion which Allah has perfected for us and asked
us to adhere to by following the Prophet.
us to adhere to by following the Prophet.
Again when we refer this issue back to the Sunnah, of the
Again when we refer this issue back to the Sunnah, of the
Messengerof Allah (peacebe upon him), we do not find either
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), we do not find either
the Prophet or the companions doing it by themselves ask-
the Prophet or the Companions doing it by themselves or ask-
or
ing others to do it, So it becomesevident that Milad, is
ing others to do it, So it becomes evident that Milad, is not a a
part of religion, rather one of innovations and
part of religion, rather one of innovations and blind immitation
immitation
of the people of the book, i. e. the Jews and the Christians
of the people of the book, i. e. the Jews and the Christians in
their festivals. with this argument
their festivals. With this argument in mind, it becomes crystal-
becomescrystal-
clear for everyonehaving the least insight and
clear for everyone having the least insight and inclination to-
wards truth and justice, that celebratingany
wards truth and justice, that celebrating any birthday has noth-
has
ing do Islam. It is rather among the innovations
ing to do with Islam. It is rather among the innovations which
and Messenger(peacebe upon
Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) warned against
warned against
emphatically.
emphatically.
wise man must
A wise man must not be deceived by seeing a large number
be deceived seeing large number
of people doing
of people doing it throughout the world because the truth is
the because
known and recognized by the evidences of Shari'a and not by
and recognized the evidencesof
the acts of a great number of people.
the acts of a great number of people.
Allah Ta'ala «the AlmightyD saysregarding the Jewsand the
<the Almighty» says regarding Jews
Christians:
Christians:
'tti
i|"r ti rstl u {r rqii ,trx I jtrijF
{&i* F ol&;i-rt,i ji ni}-oi
.r'Tr s!
<<And
«And they say: None shall enter Paradiseunlesshe be a Jew,
say: enter Paradise unless he be Jew,
or a Christian, those are their vain desires.Say: Produce your
those desires. Say: your
proof if ye are truthful> (2:l I l).
proof if are truthful» (2:111).
And the Almighty also said:
And Almighty said:
.uJ L".. ." '!jd
$I ,.. " ;/. l. l.
&r,p,f~ ~.1 ..~ u,j,iij u fi'g~ oLjF
0,.. 0
. 0'1 . ." "U:--I ~ ~"~
" ~ ~".I'J e ~.:.Y'.r ~r
9

11. 'oV
.[ 1:1] fuok[ {l e ir:'{l oie o!
(wert thou to follow the common run of those on earth, they
«wert to follow run of those on earth, they
wilt lead thee away from the way of Allah. They follow nothing
will thee from of Allah. follow nothing
but conjecture:They do nothing but lie> (6:l16).
conjecture: nothing lie» (6: 116).
of these innovations, in to
Most of these innovations, in addition to their innovatory
nature, also usually escape from a number of other evils,
nature, also do not usually escape from of evils,
such as mixed gatheringsof men and women, songsaccompa-
such as gatherings of songs accompa-
nied by musical instruments. drinking intoxicants, narcotics
nied musical instruments. drinking intoxicants, narcotics
and the like. They may also involve the worst thing i. e. the
also
greatest Shirk, through showing exaggerationin the Messenger
greatest showing exaggeration Messenger
of Allah (peace be upon him) and other saints and through
of Allah (peace be saints
praying to him, invoking his help or believing that he knows
believing
what is hidden and all similar claims which render a believeras
what is hidden and claims render believer as
an infidel. It is authentically reported that the Messenger Atlah
It authentically reported Messenger of Allah
of
has said: «Beware of extravagance in the Religion: It has caused
has said: <<Beware extravagance the Religion: It has caused
of
the people before you to perish». He also said: «Do not lavish
the people before perish>. also said: <Do lavish
praise on me as the Christians did with the son of Maryam. I
praise me as the Christians son of
am a bondman. So say: of
am just a bondman. So Simply say: The bondman of Allah and
Messenger>(Transmitted
His Messenger» (Transmitted by Bukhari).
a great many people partcipate most
It is curious to note that a great many people partcipate most
It is curious note
actively thesecelebrationsand defend them vehemently,
actively in these celebrations and defend them vehemently, while
they sit back from attending the obligatory forms of worship
they sit back attending the worship
prayers.They are even ashamedof
such as daily and friday prayers. They are not even ashamed of
suchas daity and
they are a great evil.
this, nor do they realize that they are committing a great evil.
this, do they realize
Undoubtedly, this shows the weakness
Undoubtedly, this shows the weakness of their faith, their
short-sightedness, the deeply ingrained rust
and
short-sightedness, and the deeply ingrained rust on their heartshearts
ask protection
because of sins and disobedience. We ask Allah's protection for
because sins and disobedience.We
of
us and for all the Muslims.
us and for all the Muslims.
It is even more astonishingto note that some people believe
It is even more astonishing to note that some people believe
that the Messengerof Allah (peacebe upon him) is presentat
that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is present at
Milad. Consequentlythey stand to greet and Welcome him. That
Milad. Consequently they stand to greet and Welcome him. That
l0
10

12. sheer form of ignorance, as the
is not only a sheer lie but a worst form of ignorance, as the
Prophet (peacebe upon him) shall niether come out of his grave
Prophet (peace be shall niether come of grave
before the Day of Resurrection, nor shall he meet the people
before of Resurrection, meet people
or attend their meetings. Instead, he shall remain in his grave
attend meetings. Instead, in grave
till of Resurrection rests highest
till the Day of Resurrectionwhile his soul rests at the highest
of the high with his Lord in the most exalted and highest place.
of his Lord exalted highest place.
«The Almighty» Says:
Allah Ta'ala <The Almighty> Says:
~' '"C 4J.:::: t ~'"'' l:.r
Of," '~
r:; EuliJ;,i. ~ FF
a
~,
. . t . - l t 0,. z ct or,
/.
.. :. * JJtiJ
" ,
~ ",,,
~~.lIU
"
.*t ~ . #t ~
"0,, 0
4a-Jlrl
" .." ~ .,
| .J!.
J- ~ "
o~
{i;+
' " --.
.[' 1 - o : Y r ] ""{4J~
. [ "-, 0:"Y"]
/"
«After that at length ye will die,.again on the Day of Judg-
<After length ye will die,. again of Judg-
ye be raised up> (23: 15, 16).
ment, will ye be raised up» (23: 15, 16).
ment,
And the prophet (peace be upon him) said:
(peace
<I am the one rise grave
«I am the first one to rise from the grave on the Resurrec-
Resurrec-
tion Day and I will be the first intercessor and the first one whose
be the intercessor whose
intercession is to be accepted».
intercessionis be accepted>.
The aforesaid evidences from the Quran and Hadith prove
aforesaid evidences Hadith
the dead people will come
beyond doubt that the dead people will come out of their graves
beyond of graves
only on the Day of Resurrection. All the scholars of Is-
the Resurrection. All scholars of
lam agree upon this. A Muslim should be aware of these things
lam agree this. should be aware thesethings
and must not be easily misled by the innovations and the super-
and must be easilymisled the innovations and the super-
stitions created the ignorant people
stitions created by the ignorant people with no authority from
Allah at all.
at
As the blessings and greetings(Salat and Salam)
As for offering the blessings and greetings (Salat and Salam)
prophet (peacebe upon they are among the most
to the prophet (peace be upon him), they are among the most
the
the saying
prefered and virtuous deeds in accordance with the saying of
prefered and virtuous deeds accordance
Allah:
',t-
p~ ~~r ~4 ~r Js. ~),,~ ~:j. j wr ~l»
g,r: ,v ut+ r6Jx'i i1b airi
- ,l
trstt3r#T
"'~ ,.~r" . J ~ i~
.[0" :Y"Y"] ""{ .." .r-:- " ,," .1" A
11
ll

13. <Allah and His Angels send blessingson the Prophet, O ye
«Allah and His Angels send blessings on the Prophet, 0 ye
that believe, send ye blessingson
that believe, send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all
and salute all
respect> (33:56).
respect» (33:56).
The Prophet (peacebe upon
The Prophet (peace be upon him) has said:
has said:
<Whosoever sends blessingson me one time,
«Whosoever sends blessings on me one time, Allah sends sends
blessings
blessings on him ten times».
ten times>.
It is prescribed times, particulary at the end
It is prescribed on all times, particulary at the end of each
each
prayer. It is held
prayer. It is held obligatory at last «Tashahud» of each prayer
at last <Tashahud> each prayer
most
by most of the scholars. It is strongly required at a number of
the scholars. is strongly required at a number
occasionssuch as immediately
occasions such as immediately after «Adhan», at the mention
<<Adhan>>, the mention
the name the Prophet (Peacebe upon
of the name of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), during the
during the
day and the preceding according a host
day of Friday and the night preceding it according to a host of
Ahadith.
is wanted emphasizeregarding this issue. hope
This is what I wanted to emphasize regarding this issue. I hope
satisfy everyone
it will satisfy everyone whom Allah has shown the light.
has shown the
sad is seesome devoted Muslims,
How sad it is to see some devoted Muslims, known for their
strenght of the Prophet (peacebe
strenght of faith and love for the Prophet (peace be upon him).
organizing such
organizing such innovatory celebrations.
celebrations.
us ask such people:
Let us ask such people: Tell us, if you belong to Ahl - as -
us, if belong Ahl as
Sunna (peace
Sunna and follow the Prophet (peace be upon him), whether he
whether he
himself or one of his Companions or their Successors did this
one of his Companions Successors
or is it no more than a blind following of the enemies of Islam
of enemiesof
from among the jews and the Christians and the like?».
among the jews the Christians like?>>.
The love of the Prophet (peacebe upon him) is not reflected
of Prophet (peace be reflected
by the celebration on his birthday, but by obeying him, believ-
celebration obeying believ-
ing in his teachings,keepingaway from what he prohibited and
teachings, keeping away from he
by worshipping Allah in the way he prescribed for us.
Allah the he prescribed for us.
It is also reflected through offering Salat and Salam to him
It also reflected Salat Salam
from time to time, particularly at the mention of his name and
from of name
during prayers.
prayers.
The Wahhabiyya, as the writer tends to put it, are not new
Wahhabiyya, as tends are new
t2
12

14. in rejectingall such innovations.Their creedis to hold fast
in rejecting all such innovations. Their creed is to hold fast to
the Book of Allah and the Sunnahqf His Messenger
the Book of Allah and the Sunnah Qf His Messenger (Peace be
(Peacebe
upon him): to follow his footsteps and those of his rightly guid-
upon him): to follow his footstepsand those his rightly guid-
ed successors: believeand practisewhat was propoundedby
ed successors: to believe and practise what was propounded by
to
the virtuous predecessors the Imams
the virtuous predecessors and the Imams of learning and guid-
and learning and guid-
ancewho werecapable issuereligiousinjunction concerning
ance who were capable to issue religious injunction concerning
the knowledgeof Allah, and His attributes perfection and
the knowledge of Allah, and His attributes of perfection and
dignity as shown in the Glorious Book and the authentictradi-
dignity as shown in the Glorious Book and the authentic tradi-
tions the Prophet and as wholeheartedlyaccepted his
tions of the Prophet and as wholeheartedly accepted by his
companions.The Wahhabiyya believe them, the way they are
companions. The Wahhabiyya believe in them, the way they are
reported without any alteration, personification, examplify-
reported without any alteration, personification, examplify-
ing or negation suchattributes.They stick the way suc-
ing or negation of such attributes. They stick to the way of suc-
cessors and their followers among the people learning,
cessors and their followers from among the people of learning,
and piety. They believe
faith and piety. They believe that the foundation of the faith
the the
is bear witness there is none be worshippedexcept
is to bear witness that there is none to be worshipped except Allah
and that Muhammad is the Messenger
and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. To them, this
them, this
is the root faith and one its most exaltedbranches well.
is the root of faith and one of its most exalted branches as well.
as
They accordance
They know in accordance with the consensus of the mus-
the consensus the mus-
of
lims, that this requiresknowledge,acknowledgement
lims, that this root requires knowledge, acknowledgement and
and
practice.
practice.
implies that none is be worshipped except
It implies that none is to be worshipped except Allah the
has associates
Almighty. Who has no associates at all. It further implies the
lt implies
negation worshipping any other except
negation of worshipping any other except Him. It shows why
shows
jinn and mankind were created;
jinn and mankind were created; why the Messengers
the Messengers were sent
were sent
and the Books were revealed.
and why the Books were revealed.
addition, Ibada (worship)is
In addition, Ibada (worship) is not only completesubmission
complete submission
and love also complete obedience
and love but also complete obedienceand veneration as well.
veneration as
Islam
Islam is the only religion prescribedby Alrah and disseminated
prescribed Allah disseminated
by the prophets and nothing, save it, is acceptable to Allah
the prophets and save acceptable Allah
past present. one submits will
whether in the past or the present.The one who submits his will
whether
to Allah as
to Allah as well as to someoneelse beside Him is a Mushrik
as someone else beside Him Mushrik
l3
13

15. <potytheist>. The same is true for the one who prays to Allah
«polytheist». The same is true for the one who prays to Allah
and someone else beside Him. As for the one who does not
and someone else beside Him. As for the one who does not
submit to Him, he is arrogant concerninghis duties towards his
submit to Him, he is arrogant concerning his duties towards his
Creator.
Creator.
Allah the Almighty Says:
Allah the Almighty Says:
r,+r; rtr i'J~T oi.tpi yi rf e w; iitjF
;#j Wi rrcr~ ~~J ~i i J ~ .tiJj»
..[~i:'i]~~~i
[r1: 1]
4er-ili
<For we assuredlysent amongst every people a Messenger,
«For assuredly sent amongst every people Messenger,
(with the Command) <ServeAllah and eschewEvil> (16:36)'
the Command) «Serve and eschew Evil» (16:36).
Thus the creed of the wahhabiyya is baseduqon fulfillment
Thus the creed of wahhabiyya based u~on fulfillment
of witnessingthat Muhammad is the Messenger Allah and
of witnessing Muhammad is the Messenger of of and
completely abandoning all innovations, superstitions and what-
completelyabandoning innovations, superstitions
ever goesagainst the Shari'a.
ever goes againstthe Shari'a.
This is what Shaikh Muhammad ben Wahhab - may
This is what Shaikh Muhammad ben Abdul Wahhab - may
- believed and invited others to be-
Allah have mercy upon him - believedand invited others be-
have mercy upon
lieve. Whoever accredits to him anything contrary to it, does
lieve. Whoever accredits anything contrary does
commits a great sin and claims
not only lie but commits a great sin and claims what
not only lie is totally
what is totally
unfounded. will, doubt, receive haspromised
unfounded. He will, no doubt, receive what Allah has promised
what
to all the fabricators of lies.
all the fabricators lies.
The Shaikh has shown through a series his well - known
The Shaikh has shown - through a series of his well - known
and scholarlybooks on the topic the <Declaration
treatises and scholarly books on the topic of the «Declaration of
treatises
unity: La ilaha ill' Allah. - that no one deserves worship except
Unity: La ilaha ill' Allah. - that no one deserves worship except
Allah the Almighty and that this type of worship should be
Allah the Almighty and that this type of worship should be
devoidof all sortsof SHIRK whetherbig or small. Anyone who
devoid of all sorts of SHIRK whether big or small. Anyone who
is aware of these writings, his way of preachingand calling
is aware of these writings, his way of preaching and calling
peopleto Allah and of the way of his pupils and disciples,
people to Allah and of the way of his pupils and disciples, can can
easilyfind out that his approach was not different from that of
easily find out that his approach was not different from that of
our virtuous predecessors, great Imams of learningand guid-
our virtuous predecessors, the great Imams of learning and guid-
the
ance.Indeed,he has propoundedwhat they did throughout their
ance. Indeed, he has propounded what they did throughout their
lives concerning the worship of Allah Alone and Ieaving all
lives concerning the worship of Allah Alone and leaving all
t4
14

16. innovations and superstitions aside.
innovations and superstitionsaside.
the Saudi regime and this view is
This is the foundation of the Saudi regime and this view is
is the
held by the scholars of Saudi Arabia. The hard attitude shown
held the scholars Saudi Arabia. The hard attitude shown
Saudi government is directed
by the Saudi government is directed only against the supersti-
against the supersti-
tions and innovations in contradication with Islam, or the ex-
and innovations contradication Islam, the ex-
treme type of extravagance which is totally prohibited by the
treme type of extravagancewhich is the
Prophet (Peace upon him).
Prophet (Peace be upon him). All Muslims, Scholars and rulers
be Muslims, Scholars and rulers
Saudi great respectand love
of Saudi Arabia hold great respect and love for every Muslim
every
regardless his any country the
regardless of his affiliation to any group or country in the world.
types of celebration gatheringswhich are
They do reject all types of celebration or gatherings which are
reject
based on innovation, with no authority from Allah or His
based innovation,
Prophet. They oppose them because every new matter in the
Prophet. They oppose them becauseevery new matter the
religion is an innovation and because the Muslims are com-
religion is an innovation and becausethe Muslims are com-
manded to follow, not to innovate. Islam is perfect and com-
manded innovate. is and com-
plete
plete by itself.
It is in no need of any addition after what Allah and His
is need any addition after what and
Prophet have ordained and what the Ahl-al-Sunnah Wal'
Prophet have ordained and what the Ahl-al-Sunnah
Jama'at, from among the Companions, the Successors and their
Jama'at, among the Companions,the Successors their and
followers have already received. To forbid celebrating the
followers have already received. celebrating the
birthday of the Prophet due to its innovative nature in addition
the Prophet due its innovative nature
to the sings of extravagance and Shirk normally associated with
the singsof extravagance and Shirknormally associated
is un-Islamic orderogatory Prophet (peacebe upon
it, is not un-Islamic orderogatory to the Prophet (peace be upon
obedienceas the Prophet (peace
him). Instead, it is an act of obedience as the Prophet (peace
Instead, is an act
be upon him) himself said: «Be ware of the extravagance in
be said: <<Be ware of extravagance
matters of religion. Those before have perishedbecause
matters of religion. Those before you have perished because of of
extravagance the matters
extravagance in the matters of religion».
religion>.
Again he said: lavish praise
Again he said: Do not lavish praise on me as the Christians
me as the Christians
the son Maryam. am a bondman. So simply
did with the son of Maryam. I am but a bondman. So simply
say: «Slave of Allah and His Messenger».
say: <Slave and Messenger>.
is wanted regarding the aforesaid
This is what I wanted to point out regarding the aforesaid
article.
article.
May Allah help us and all the Muslims to understand His
help us and the Muslims understand
l5
15

17. religion, to continually confirm us on it, stick to Sunnah and
religion, continually us stick Sunnah and
keep away the innovation. Indeed is Generous and Kind.
keepaway from the innoVation.IndeedHe is Generous and
Shower blessings and mercy upon our
And May Allah Shower His blessings and mercy upon
prophet Muhammad, his posterity and his Companions.
prophet Muhammad, his posterity and his Companions.
ABDUL AZIZ ABDULLAH
ABDUL AZIZ BIN ABDULLAH BIN BAZ
GENERAL PRESIDENT,
CENERAL
THE PRESIDENCY OF ISLAMIC RESEARCH,
PRESIDENCY ISLAMIC RESEARCH,
DAWA AND INSTRUCTION.
IFTA, DAWA AND INSTRUCTION.
Translatedfrom Arabic by: Muhammad RaquibuddinHussain,
Translated Arabic Muhammad Raquibuddin Hussain,
and Suhaib Hasan Abdul Ghaffar.
and Suhaib Hasan Ghaffar.
l6
16

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