Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
By Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq
Sahib (Daamat Barakatuhu)
We live in a time where we face a tsunami of fitan and a great
onslaught on our Imaan. Sadly, we find so many learned people have been
persuaded to jump onto the interfaith bandwagon and they present spurious and
worthless arguments in its favour.
Some mix Da’wah with interfaith. These are two different
invitations. Da’wah is inviting others to Islam – to the perfection, purity and
beauty of Islam. On the other hand, interfaith is joining with other
‘religions’ on equal terms – which is Kufr. …We should be wary not to moderate
Da’wah with the call of interfaith – by combining two very different ideas and
calling them the same thing. Doing so will lead a person far off the path of
Islam.
During the time of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam the efforts made to address the Kuffaar, engage in discussion with
them and answer their questions was on the basis of Da’wah and never
interfaith. The superiority of Islam was always focal. At no stage was anyone
given the platform in the Masjid to laud the virtues of his religion, to offer
prayers according to his faith or praise his idols or 'gods'. …Because Islam is
meant to dominate, overcome and conquer all religious systems, not accommodate
them.
“He it is Who sent
His Messenger with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), that He might
cause it to prevail over all religions, though the polytheists may detest it.”
[Surah
At-Taubah 9 : 33]
Yes, in our interaction with non-Muslims, we show good
character, fulfil the rights of employers, employees, neighbours and others. We
interact with them as per the requirements of Islam. We should take these as
opportunities to present the beautiful teachings of Islam.
Moreover, it is acceptable to debate them in the matter of
religion and expose the falsehood they stand on. However, there is no
concession to join with them in candlelit vigils, in readings from their
scriptures, bowing to their idols, visiting their places of worship, etc. –
happy that all unite in harmony. - Na'uzu Billah.
Allah Ta’ala warns us that the Kuffaar – the Jews,
Christians, idol-worshippers and hypocrites – conceal within their hearts,
great animosity for the Believers:
“O you who
believe! Take not as (your) bitanah (advisors, consultants, protectors, helpers, friends, etc.) those outside your religion (pagans, Jews, Christians and
hypocrites) since
they will not fail to do their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you
severely. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, but what their hearts
conceal is far worse. Indeed, We have made plain to you the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses) if you understand.”
[Surah Aal-Imraan
3 : 118]
Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Rahmatullahi alayh)
explained in his Tafsier, Ma’ariful Qur’aan, that while Islam gives
instructions to treat non-Muslims with good conduct and justice, we are also
given mandatory instructions so that we, the Ummah as well as the hallmarks and
features of Islam remain protected. Boundaries have been set and we are not
allowed to go beyond these boundaries lest we open doors that will endanger us.
Interfaith is such a door that has been opened and which threatens our Imaan.
It is falsehood and destruction for the one who follows it.
Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “I
have left you with two matters. You will never go astray as long as you hold
fast to them: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Nabi.” …Islam is
clear. It is our salvation. Do not unwittingly sacrifice the hereafter by
following blindly anything and everything that comes into vogue. The majority
on the face of the earth have rejected Allah Ta’ala; they are astray. They,
being the majority, should not influence us to follow their ways and destroy
ourselves:
“If you obey the
majority of the people on earth, they will take you astray from Allah’s
Path. They follow nothing but conjecture
and do nothing but lie”.
[Surah An’aam 6 : 116]
May Allah Ta’ala guide and protect us all from all fitan.
