Part 2

Undoubtedly, this shows the weakness of their faith, their shortsightedness, and the deeply ingrained rust on their hearts because of sins and disobedience. We ask Allah's protection for us and for all the Muslims.

It is even more astonishing to note that some people believe that the Messenger of Allah () is present at Milaad. Consequently they stand to greet and Welcome him. That is not only a sheer lie but a worst form of ignorance, as the Prophet () shall neither come out of his grave before the Day of Resurrection, nor shall he meet the people or attend their meetings. Instead, he shall remain in his grave till the Day of Resurrection while his soul rests at the highest of the high with his Lord in the most exalted and highest place.

"After that, surely, you will die. Then (again), you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurection." (23:15-16)

"I am the first one to rise from the grave on the Resurrection Day, I will be the first intercessor, and the first one whose intercession is to be accepted."

The aforesaid evidences from the Qur`an and Hadith prove beyond doubt that the dead people will come out of their graves only on the Day of Resurrection. All the scholars of Islam agree upon this. A Muslim should be aware of these things and must not be easily misled by the innovations and the superstitions created by the ignorant people with no authority from Allah at all.

As for offering the blessings and greetings (Salaat and Salam) to the Prophet (), they are among the most preferred and virtuous deeds, in accordance with the saying of Allah:

"Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [as well ask him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace. (33:56)

"Whosoever sends blessings on me one time, Allah sends blessings on him ten times."

It is prescribed on all times, particularly at the end of each prayer. It is held obligatory at last Tashshahud of each prayer by most of the scholars. It is strongly required at a number of occasions such as

immediately after Adhaan, at the mention of the name of the Prophet (), during the day of Friday and the night preceding it according to a host of Ahadith.

This is what I wanted to emphasize regarding this issue. I hope it will satisfy everyone whom Allah has shown the light.

How sad it is to see some devoted Muslims, known for their strength of faith and love for the Prophet () organizing such innovatory celebrations.

Let us ask such people: "Tell us, if you belong to Ahl-us-Sunnah and follow the Prophet (), whether he himself or one of his Companions or their Successors did this or is it no more than a blind following of the enemies of Islam from among the Jews and the Christians and the like?"

The love of the Prophet () is not reflected by the celebration on his birthday, but by obeying him, believing in his teachings, keeping away from what he prohibited and by worshipping Allah in the way he prescribed for us.

It is also reflected through offering Salaat and Salam to him from time to time, particularly at the mention of his name and during prayers.

The Wahhabiyyah, as the writer tends to put it, are not new in rejecting all such innovations. Their creed is to hold fast to the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger (): to follow his footsteps and those of his rightly guided successors: to believe and practice what 14

was propounded by the virtuous predecessors and the Imams of learning and guidance who were capable to issue religious injunction concerning the knowledge of Allah, and His attributes of perfection and dignity as shown in the Glorious Book and the authentic traditions of the Prophet () and as wholeheartedly accepted by his companions. The Wahhabiyyah believe in them, the way they are reported without any alteration, personification, or giving example or negation of such attributes. They stick to the way of successors and their followers from among the people of learning, faith and piety. They believe that the foundation of the faith is to bear witness that there is none to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad () is the Messenger of Allah. To them, this is the root of faith and one of its most exalted branches as well.

They know in accordance with the consensus of the Muslims, that this root requires knowledge, acknowledgement and practice.

It implies that none is to be worshipped except Allah the Almighty. Who has no associates at all. It further implies the negation of worshipping any other except Him. It shows why jinn and mankind were created; why the Messengers were sent and why the Books were revealed.

In addition, 'Ibadah (worship) is not only complete submission and love but also complete obedience and veneration as well. Islam is the only religion prescribed by Allah and disseminated by the prophets and nothing, save it, is acceptable to Allah whether in the past or the present. The one who submits his will to Allah as well as to someone

else beside Him is a Mushrik (polytheist). The same is true for the one who prays to Allah and someone else beside Him. As for the one who does not submit to Him, he is arrogant concerning his duties towards his Creator. Allah the Almighty Says:

"And verily, We have sent among every Ummah (community, nation) a Messenger (proclaiming): 'Worship Allah (alone), and avoid (or keep away from) Taghoot (all false deities etc).' " (16:36)

Thus the creed of the Wahhabiyyah is based upon fulfillment of witnessing that Muhammad () is the Messenger of Allah and completely abandoning all innovations, superstitions and whatever goes against the Shari'a.

This is what Shaikh Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab - may Allah have mercy upon him - believed and invited others to believe. Whoever accredits to him anything contrary to it, does not only lie but commits a great sin and claims what is totally unfounded. He will, no doubt, receive what Allah has promised to all the fabricators of lies.

The Shaikh has shown - through a series of his well-known treatises and scholarly books on the topic of the Declaration of Unity: La ilaha ill-Allah. - that no one deserves worship except Allah the Almighty and that this type of worship should be devoid of all sorts of Shirk (associating partners with Allah) whether big or small. Anyone who is aware of these writings, his way of preaching and calling people to Allah and of the way of his pupils and disciples, can easily find out

that his approach was not different from that of our virtuous predecessors, the great Imams of learning and guidance. Indeed, he has propounded what they did throughout their lives concerning the worship of Allah Alone and leaving all innovations and superstitions aside.

It is in no need of any addition after what Allah and His Prophet have ordained and what the Ahl-al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah, from among the Companions, the Successors and their followers have already received. To forbid celebrating the birthday of the Prophet () due to its innovative nature in addition to the signs of extravagance and Shirk normally associated with it, is not un-Islamic, nor is it or derogatory to the Prophet (). Instead, it is an act of obedience as the Prophet () himself said:

"Beware of the extravagance in matters of religion. Those before you have perished because of extravagance in the matters of religion."

"Do not lavish praise on me as the Christians did with the son of Maryam. I am but a bondman. So simply say: 'Slave of Allah and His Messenger.' "

This is what I wanted to point out regarding the aforesaid article.

May Allah help us and all the Muslims to understand His religion, to continually confirm us on it, stick to Sunnah and keep away from the innovation. Indeed He is Generous and Kind.

And May Allah Shower His blessings and mercy upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Abdul-Azeez bin Abdullah bin Baz President, The Presidency of Islamic Research, Ifta, Da'wah and Gudance.