. I '/ } (cont.)

However, he never punished them simply based on that knowledge which was given to him by Allah. As long as they outwardly showed themselves to be Muslims, they were accepted as part of the Muslim community. Only when such people violate the rights of Islam may they be executed. Other Points Related to This Hadith • Some people have tried to doubt the authenticity of this hadith. They claimalthough their claim does not seem to be correctthat after the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), neither Abu Bakr nor Umar referred to this hadith when discussing what to do about the Arab tribes who refused to pay the zakah to the leader of the Muslims. After the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), when Abu Bakr was chosen as the leader of the Muslims, some tribes refused to pay the zakah to him that they used to pay to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Abu Bakr argued that they must be fought. Umar was of the opinion that they could not be fought because they make the testimony of faith. Abu Bakr argued that the zakah is a right that is due on the wealth and he would fight them. Finally, Umar agreed with Abu Bakr's view. Neither of them, it is claimed, referred to this hadith at any time in their discussion. Assuming that this argument is true, which it does not seem to be, this does not mean that any doubt should be cast on this hadith. It is well-known that no individual Companion was knowledgeable of all of the hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Indeed, there are explicit examples where both Abu Bakr and Umar were not aware of some hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It could have been the case that ibn Umar and the numerous others who knew this hadith were unaware of the discussion taking place between Abu Bakr and Umar. Otherwise, they could have presented this hadith and brought a quicker resolve to the dispute. • Al-Tabari has an interesting view concerning the different narrations of this hadith that were presented earlier. It will be recalled that some narrations simply state that one must make the profession of faith. Al­ Tabari states that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said that in reference to the polytheists and idol-worshippers who rejected the concept of tauheed. 1 The Malikis still say that he is to be killed. However, it is also narrated from Malik that if the person comes himself and admits his wrong and openly repents, then it is accepted from him. See al-Shanqeeti, vol. 2, p. 57. Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi As for this hadith of ibn Umar, he says that it is in reference to those who accept tauheed but refuse to accept the prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Finally, as for the other narrations that explicitly mention the prayer, facing the qiblah and slaughtering of animals, according to al-Tabari, they were in reference to those who had embraced Islam but they did not fulfill its fundamental aspects of praying in congregation and praying the Friday Prayers. Hence, they were to be continued to be fought until they submitted to those deeds.1 • According to ibn Hajr, al-Shanqeeti and Sultaan, one can conclude from this hadith that a heretic who accepts tauheed and outwardly shows his adherence to the shareeah is not to be declared a disbeliever.2 Summary of the Hadith • This religion of Islam is one that must be spread to the people. Indeed, people must even be fought in order to spread this religion. This is how important it is to spread this religion. • Once the people embrace Islam, they are no longer to be fought; their wealth and lives become protected. • A person could possibly perform such a heinous crime that calls for his life to be taken. • Allah is the One who knows the Unseen and what is in the hearts. In this world, people are to treated according to their outward appearance. However, Allah knows who are the true Muslims and who are the insincere and the hypocrites. Hence, Allah will judge them accordingly on the Day of Judgment. 1 Al-Shanqeeti, vol. 2, p. 54. 2 lbn Hajr, Fath, vol. 1, p. I 08; Al-Shanqeeti, vol. 2, p. 55; Sultaan, p. I 03. Hadith #9: "What I have Forbidden You, Avoid ... " Hadith #9 "What I have Forbidden You , Avoid . . . " "J J#' $'JJ On the authority of Abu Huraira Abdul Rahman ibn Sakhr (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saying, "What I have forbidden you, stay away from. What I have ordered you [to do], do as much of it as you can. Verily, the people before you were destroyed only because of their excessive questioning and their disagreeing with their Prophets." Recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim.