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Monday, April 18, 2016

When is a Person Declared as an Innovator? [Part 16]

If it is asked, "Are those who have the belief of the Murji'ah not considered as being followers of the belief of the Salaf?"

We would say in response that they, in a general sense, are following the school of the Salaf however have been mistaken on this issue and thus not following the way of the Salaf in this regard. If a person errs in an issue or two, it does not necessarily mean that they are deemed as innovators and thus labelled with a label.

This is even the case if one sins (i.e. they are not labelled as sinners if they make a mistake), because the mistakes that a person may be guilty of is not deemed as being sinful mistakes up until the evidences have been presented to that person. As long his beliefs are based on understanding of the texts, even if they are wrong in their understanding, then they are considered as those who are generally seeking the truth. This was the methodology of the Salaf in this regard, even if the mistake occurred in an 'Aqeedah issue.

This is based on the Statement of the Most High:

So keep your duty to Allah and fear Him as much as you can” [at-Taghaabun 64:16]                      
                          
And His Statement, the Glorified:

And there is no sin on you if you make a mistake therein, except in regard to what your hearts deliberately intend” [al-Ahzaab 33: 5]

These Ayaat prove a negation of sin on those who make a mistake from the Muslims. These Ayaat must be understood in their general sense without specifically looking into the specifics into the detail as to why they were revealed, which is a well-known principle when understanding the texts. Therefore, all forms of mistakes are overlooked, whether it be mistakes in 'Aqeedah or otherwise, until the evidence of their mistake is clarified.

Allaah, the Most High, Said:

And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad  ) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers' way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell - what an evil destination.” [an-Nisaa 4:115]

A point of benefit from this Aayah is the mannerisms used when addressing. Allaah does not Punish a people except after their error has been made clear to them, thus realising the truth after it has been definitely explained to them.

As for those who have been exposed to the texts, and were able to understand and implement the texts correctly yet despite this opted to differ from the texts, whether it be out of negligence of acts of obedience or transgressing the bounds of disobedience, then there is no doubt that this person is sinful and at fault. More-so, this type of resolve is the reason for the Punishment of Allaah to afflcit this person in the Dunyaa and the Aakhirah[1].



[1] For further detail: al-Qat' wa ath-Thunn 'Ind al-Usooliyeen (2/458)

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