Monday, December 5, 2011

The Defense of the Sunnah: An Analysis of the Theory and Practices Of Tasawwuf (Sufism)




The Defense of the Sunnah: An Analysis of the Theory and Practices Of Tasawwuf (Sufism) by Ibrahim Muhammad Hakim ash-Shaghouri


The purpose of this book is to educate the reader about some of the beliefs of Sufis and their practices, and to demonstrate how they are in full accordance with the Sharia.

Tasawwuf from the very beginning has always been integral to the Din, functioning as the realization and implementation of the pillar of Ihsan in the being of the Muslim.

Tasawwuf is not a madhhab, nor a sect, nor an ideology, nor a cult, nor a foreign import, nor an heretical invention. It is nothing other than a science concerning the reality of AllahHis Messenger, and the self, transmitted faithfully and without interruption from the Prophet (sallAllahu `aleihi wa sallam) himself. It is the belief of the writer that the current corruption of the Ummah and its degradation is a direct result - of among other things - the crumbling away of the pivotal pillar of Ihsan as realized through the practice of Tasawwuf and its principles.

In the words of one Muslim leader:

Syed Zayn al-Abedin: "Many calamities have befallen the Ummah during the last 200 years, but one of the worst has been the rejection of Tasawwuf. We find ourselves without coherent leadership and following self-proclaimed scholars who teach a dry, literalist and legalistic religion cut off from its traditional and spiritual heritage. In some cases this develops into a harsh and uncompromising political ideology, with violent results. While we understand the sources of this ideology, we cannot condone its methods or attitude. Islamic civilization, which was remarkably stable and united for over 1200 years, is now in a crisis of disunity."

It is unfortunate, then, that something as essential as Tasawwuf should have enemies, whether they be from within (those who believe that Tasawwuf can be divorced from Islam) or without (those who believe Tasawwuf never belonged to Islam). It is my hope that with an honest and thorough study of this book and others like it, the reader will come to an understanding of the integral place of Tasawwuf as one of the sciences of Islam, not just due to simple acceptance of my words, but based on authentic knowledge from the Quran and Sunnah and rightly guided scholars. The Din will be revived in its fullness by the return of Tasawwuf to its rightful place in the lives of the Muslims. It is hoped that this will aid in the spreading and rooting of Islam in the hearts of Muslims and non-Muslims alike, in accordance with the promise of Allah:{ He is the One Who has sent His messenger with the Din of Truth, to have it overcome all other religions and ways of life, and Allah is sufficient as a Witness. } (Quran, Sura Al-Fath (Victory) 48, vers 28)

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Tawassul


Regarding Ibn Taymiyya



Quote: “Even Ibn Taymiyya, who throughout his life wrote against Tawassul, changed his mind at the end of his life and agreed that it is permissible.”
"Documented by: Ibn Kathir (Bidaya wa Nihaya14:45), Ibn Rajab (Dhayl Tabaqat al-Hanabila 4:515), and others."

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Ibn Taymiyya About

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IBN KATHIR ON TAWASSUL
HERE
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Edited by ADHM