Understanding the definition of Emaan laid down
by the Salaf in relation to the reality of 'al-Emaan', it becomes clear that
their position was balanced in between two other extreme (either radical or
negligent) deviant sects; the Wa'eedeeyyah and the other, the Murji'ah.
The Wa'eedeeyyah sect is made up of two
sub-sects, the Khawaarij and the Mu'tazilah. They believe that those who commit
any major sin have nullified all Emaan from themselves and deserve to reside in
the Hellfire for eternity.
The Khawaarij slightly differed from the
Mu'tazliah and declared the committers of major sins as being Kaafir (non
believers). On the hand the Mu'tazilah coined a term known as, “Being in a State
Between Two States” (meaning the person is neither a believer or a
non-believer, but a classification in between).
What is strange from all of this is that the
Mu'tazilah self-proclaim themselves as being the people of al-'Adl (justice)
but then argue that those who commit major sins, even if it was merely on one
occasion, all of their righteous deeds would be nullified, though plentiful.
This school of thought of the Wa'eedeeyyah is
clearly incorrect. The texts of the Sharee'ah clearly describes the believer
not having his faith completely nullified if they were to commit a major sin.
Rather, capital punishment found within the laws of Sharee'ah has been
legislated for those who commit major sins, such as murder, theft, slander and
intoxication. Had al-Emaan been completely nullified from those who commit
major sins then such stern punishments would not be connected to the major sins
they had committed, rather they would be punished for apostasy and disbelief. As a result it would mean all major sins would be penalised by the death
penalty without exception. Specified punishment for different sins would not even
exist.
For example, lets take the example of the sin
of murder, which is a major sin. The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be
upon him] said about it, "A Muslim remains being a Muslim upon his
religion as long as he does not spill blood which has been sanctified.[1]"
Despite this stern warning, the texts of the
Sharee'ah continuously describes the one who kills another without right as
still being a believer with al-Emaan. When Allaah, the Most High, obligated the capital punishment upon killer, addressing the family of the victim He Said:
“Oh you who believe! Al-Qisas (the Law of Equality in
punishment) is prescribed for you in case of murder: the free for the free, the
slave for the slave, and the female for the female.”
He Said thereafter:
“But if the killer is forgiven by the brother”
[al-Baqarah 2:178]
Here, the prosecuted is still deemed as
possessing al-Emaan, moreover, religious brotherhood is reinforced.
Likewise, He Said:
“And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting” [al-Hujaraat 49: 9]
Here, despite two parties fighting one another they
have been described as believers. Up until Allaah, the Most High, Said:
“The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic
religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that
you may receive mercy.” [al-Hujaraat 49:
10]
From the most clearest of evidences that
refutes the concept of the Wa'eedeeyyah is the Statement of Allaah, the Most
High:
“Then We gave the Book the Qur'an) for inheritance to such of Our
slaves whom We chose (the followers of Muhammad
). Then of them are some who
wrong their ownselves” [Faatir:
32]
In this Aayah, a portion of this Ummah have
been described as being sinners.
Allaah, the Most High, Said:
“Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with him
in worship, but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He pleases, and
whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a
tremendous sin.” [an-Nisaa
4: 48]
This Ayaah is not talking about repentance from
major sins because repentance includes an expiation from all sins that comes
before it, even it be Shirk.
We may also present to the Wa'eedeeyyah the
Hadeeth of Jundub [May Allaah be Pleased with him] where the Prophet [Peace and
Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, "A man once said, “By Allaah! He
Will not Forgive such and such a person.” So Allaah, the Glorified and the
Exalted, Said, “Who is the one that can make it binding upon that I do not Forgive
such and such a person. Verily, I have Forgiven this person and I have Nullified
your deeds.”[2]"
In another narration the wording appears,
"You have said a word which has nullified your deeds in the Dunyaa and the
Aakhirah.[3]"
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