Excessiveness and Terrorism

Today is Sunday corresponding 21st Ramadan 1427 AH.          
 
Family and society: General Issues  
 
Crimes and accidents: Society issues.  
 
Saleh ibn 'Abdullah ibn Humaid  
 
Makkah Al-Mukarramah  
  
26/2/1425
 
The Sacred Mosque  

Summary of the Sermon 

1- The virtue of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the envious look of its enemies.
2- Assaulting policemen. 
3- Forms of corruption on earth and their damage.
4- The criminalization of acts of vandalism.
5- Crimes of the outlaws.
6- Reasons of the outlaws' deviation. 
7- Danger of excessiveness.
8- Blocking the routes of excessiveness
9- Nation's standing against the excessive and corruptors on earth.
10- Steadiness of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in hardships and trials.
11- The responsibility is common.
12- Steadiness of policemen and their courage. 

 
The First Sermon: 

O people, I commend myself and you to fear Allah (Exalted be He). Fear Allah (May Allah bestow mercy upon you). Whoever feared Allah will be elevated to the highest seats of the truthful. With piety, a servant avoids the traces of afflictions "And the Hereafter is better for him who fears Allah." [Surah An-Nisa', 4:77]. Compete to attain the highest ranks and overcome your desires because winning is for him who does so. "Certainly, your efforts and deeds are diverse (different in aims and purposes); “As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, And believes in Al-Husna. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness)." [Surah Al-Lail, 92:4-7] 

Dear Muslims, praise be to Allah, this country; The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is the fort of Islam, the source of the call to Allah, a secure place for the frightened, a supporter of the weak and it is the kind hand which treats Muslims' wounds. There, from acts of charity and good emerges and it is the source of all types of good. When its faith is pure, its actions are true, its acts are fruitful, its men are powerful and the attitudes of its Emirs are solid, enemies aimed their arrows to it in order to destruct its buildings, mess with its security and plunder its wealth. They falsely accused it in order to force it to change, shift or deviate from (its attitudes) but how impossible this is. 

We do not say that out of passion or as a compliment -God forbid! - But out of sincerity, assertion and consideration to history and traditions. Those who keep the ties of kinship, unite uterine relations, help the poor and the needy, entertain the guest and assist the afflicted will not be failed by Allah. Those whose good deeds are abundant, their end will be good and safe in the world and in the Hereafter and Allah will protect their religion and families. We are sure of the good end and we know that the plotting of the enemy will not harm us. "But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqun [the pious], not the least harm will their cunning do to you." [Surah Al-'Imran, 3:120]. 

The modern conditions, the misleading trials, and the gathering enemies and invaders call the sincere Muslim who cares for his brothers to disassociate himself from being a tool for demolition in the hands of enemies – knowingly or unknowingly -  by deeming his Muslim brothers "disbelievers" or "innovators in religion" or he may go further and kill and shed their blood. 

The assaults which are happening these days against our policemen are sinful assaults; reckless acts and flagrant crimes that lead to this straying course. It is an assault, aggression, killing, terrifying and spreading chaos with the aim of making everything confused and for the sake of destruction and sabotage. It is killing innocent inviolable souls and shedding a fallible blood. It is a cheap, abnormal, aggressive and criminal way emerging from embracing misleading ideas, weird opinions and deviated principles.

How can we approve of those who spread chaos, waste rights and dare to kill souls?! Those people combined between killing the inviolable souls and killing themselves. Allah (Exalted be He) says in His Book: "And do not kill yourselves (nor kill one another). Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you. And whoever commits that through aggression and injustice, We shall cast him into the Fire, and that is easy for Allah." [Surah An-Nisa', 4:29-30] Allah (Exalted be He) also says: "And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is hell to abide therein; and the wrath and the curse of Allah are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him." [Surah An-Nisa', 4:93] It is related in the authenticated Hadith: "A believer continues to guard his faith (and thus hopes for Allah's mercy) so long as he does not shed blood unjustly." [1] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The removal of the world is easier in the sight of Allah than killing a Muslim." (Related by An-Nasa'i and At-Tirmidhi) [2]. 

These are great corruptions, numerous evils, corruption on earth, terrifying believers and secured people, breaching covenants and transgressing on the jurisdictions of the Muslim ruler. They are horrible crimes that contain abominable acts, evils and bad acts which cause trials, create discrimination, destroy energies and waste efforts. These acts threaten the gained values, delay the reformation, fail the call and the callers and open the gates of evil before different types of struggles. It may even open the way for foreign interference. Allah's help is sought; for there is neither Might nor Power save in Allah. 

The clear unanimously agreed attitude is the denial of these horrible acts, disapproving, denying, criminalizing and prohibiting them. Let those who want good only for themselves beware of short-sightedness and Satan’s adornment of matters until they see the truth as falsehood and vise-versa. 

It is known that Kharajites were worshipers, who showed examples of piety and virtuousness as in the Hadith: "Your prayers will be insignificant in compare to theirs; they recite the Qur'an which would not go beyond their throats." [3]. 

Those Kharijites appeared in the best centuries; in the time of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) until they fought Companions and Muslims. They even killed the two truly guided caliphs ‘Uthman and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them both). Is it not enough falsity and aberration that the Kharijites called the Prophet's Companions "Ignorant people" and "Disbelievers" and fought against them?!  

Those Kharijiites had enthusiasm and devotion but they neither had correct knowledge nor sound Fiqh. They fought the Companions and killed two caliphs, claiming it was the way for reformation. 

Dear Muslims, the major reasons for their deviation are ignorance, isolation from the community, taking knowledge from other than the scholars and negligence of families, in addition to their self-conceit. All of these are reasons to turn away the sights from the truth, Fiqh and receive knowledge from the scholars. 

Dear Muslims, there is another major factor for deviation which is falling into the circle of excessiveness. 

Excessiveness in religion is the reason of destruction. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Beware of excessiveness because the reason of destruction for the people who were before you was excessiveness." [4]. 

Excessiveness is a true trouble facing the guidance of Islam that leads to turning away from its moderate methodology, mercy, easiness and leniency.  Excessiveness is oppression to people as well as to oneself. It is turning away from Allah's Path because it causes distortion, trial and repulsion.

Exaggerators side with their group, make it the source of the truth, overestimate their leaders and chiefs, disavow Muslim communities, name Muslims "unbelievers" for committing minor sins and deem Muslim leaders as unbelievers. They call to fighting Muslim leaders, retire from Muslim communities, disavow them and do not to pray behind Muslim leaders in mosques. The Prophet (peace be upon him) described them with two apparent and dangerous qualities when he said: "They recite the Qur'an but it would not go beyond their throats. They kill the people of Islam and leave the idolaters." [Related by Bukhari and Muslim] [5]. 

The first description: They recite the Qur'an but they don't understand it or know its objectives. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "They interpreted Ayat revealed about the disbelievers as referring to the believers." [6]. 

The second description: Legalizing Muslims' blood-shed: "They kill Muslims and leave the idolaters." Ibn Taymiyyah (may Allah bestow mercy upon his soul) said: "They call people "unbelievers" for just committing (minor) sins and bad deeds and thus legalizing their blood-shed and their properties. They think that the Muslim community is unbeliever while their community is believer." [7]. Abu Qilabah said: "Whoever innovated something in religion, it is lawful to shed his blood." [8] There is neither Might nor Power save in Allah. They combine between their ignorance of religion and oppression to people and those are the worst qualities that come together. The final end of the exaggerators is destruction as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:  "Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of Faith." He repeated it thrice. [9]. 

Dear Muslims, ways of extremism and violent methods such as bombing, destroying, plundering, exploding and blood-shedding do not defeat the great values, break down the high achievements, liberate people, impose doctrines or support a group over another. Violence, terrorism and blood-shed can't constitute a respectful law or an acceptable route, let alone a creed or a religion. Excessiveness, violence and terrorism do not bear but destruction and corruption. Excessiveness and violence didn't succeed worldwide in achieving its goals but it rather eradicated its people. Excessiveness and terrorism won't change a policy, or gain sympathy but they confirm the hostile nature and bloody spirit of their owners. All feelings and reasons disapprove, deny and disavow it and its people; hence, it becomes a sign of abnormality and a proof of individuality and isolation. 

The onlooker will appreciate this stand against the disdained behavior and criminal act. The nation stood as one row behind its leaders and emirs to disapprove this act, disdain and deny any reason or justification and disavow its affectivity. The nation believes in its Lord, firmly holds its religion, gathers around its emirs and stick to its customs. We are all keepers of faith and protectors of lands who are jealous about religion and sanctities. It is obligatory upon everyone to report any criminal act or act of sabotage and it is not permissible to cover for him. 

This country will not be shaken before any kind of threats or blackmail that tries to attack its Islamic fundamentals, policy and dominion. The nation and country are confident of their firm steps adorned with courage, patience, forbearance, balance and far sightedness and vision. 

Dear Muslims, this country was established on firm foundations and fundamentals of religion, experience, knowledge, work and huge efforts in foundation and construction that can't be shaken, not to mention, destroyed with these irresponsible behaviors. 

The country's entity reflects its approach to combine between preservation of religion embodied in its faith and rites and the process of development and modernization in education, economy and sociology, planning and decision-making. 

It is not right for such a country to mix between true Islam and deviation under the name of Islam and it will not accept that Islam is attacked or distorted on the hands of some extremists. 

Its methodology is to stop the abnormal behavior to keep Islam as the only truth and keep these accidents in a small range to let the people of this country feel secured about their families, properties and rights. 

The people of this country and everyone who loves it is looking forward to adhering to Allah's religion and supporting religion, its people, knowledge and its scholars, the price controllers and every devoted worker in any site or in any establishment in the society as whole. 

Dear Muslims, the responsibility is great and all people are in the same ship and whoever punches it, all people will drown. 

Underestimation and leniency lead only to disturbance and chaos but a serious consideration of the responsibility and dangerous results will cause every sensible and loyal person to refuse such acts, not to accept any justification to it and the to expose its people, results and consequences. Let every Muslim beware of doing anything that may cause suspicion or justify for those and the like their straying, ignorance and crimes. 

The believers are certain that Allah will preserve His religion, lift His word and make the plot of the cunning go astray but still the responsibility is great.  There should be an honest stand in order to put things in their place and call them by their names. Islam is Islam and criminality is criminality. Reformation is unlike corruption and harming Muslims and shedding their blood is unlike legal Jihad. 

I seek refuge with Allah against the cursed Satan. Allah says: "And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad peace be upon him), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents. And when he turns away (from you “O Muhammad peace be upon him”), his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief." [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:204-205] 

May Allah benefit me and you with the Glorious Qur'an and with the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This is my word to you and I seek Allah's forgiveness to you, me and all Muslims from every fault. Seek His forgiveness for He is the Oft-Forgiving and the Merciful.
 
  
[1] Al-Bukhari related the Hadith in the chapter of wergild (6862) from the Hadith of 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him)  

[2] Sunnan At-Tirmidhi: Chapter of wergild (1315) – Sunan An-Nasa'i: Chapter about Warriors from the Hadith of 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (may Allah be pleased with him).  At-Tirmidhi said: "It is related in the same chapter from Sa'd, Ibn 'Abbas, Abu Sa'id, Abu Hurairah, 'Uqbah ibn 'Amir, Ibn Mas'ud and Buraidah." He indicated that the Hadith is related by a Companion and not related by the Prophet and Al-Baihaqi outweighed this opinion in his book Al-Sunan Al-Kubra (8/22). As-Siyouti referred to it as authentic and Al-Albani authenticated the Hadith in Ghayat Al-Maram (439).  

[3] Al-Bukhari related the Hadith in the merits of Qur'an (5058) and Muslim in the chapter of Zakah (1064) from the Hadith of Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him)  

[4] Related by Ahmad (1/215), An-Nasa'i in the Rites (3057), Ibn Majah in the Rites (3029), Ibn Al-Jarud (473), Ad-Diya' in Al-Mukhtarah (10/30-31) from Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). Ibn Khuzaymah authenticated the Hadith (4/274), Ibn Hibban (3871), Al-Hakim (1/466) and Ad-Dhahabi. Ibn Taymiyyah said in the Al-Iqtida' (p.106): "It is a sound narration on the conditions of Muslim." Al-Albani related its chain of narrators in the authenticated series (1283).  

[5] Sahih Al-Bukhari: Chapter of Monotheism (7432) – Sahih Muslim, Chapter of Zakah (1064) from the Hadith of Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him).  

[6] Al-Bukhari mentioned it without the whole chain of narrators in the form of positivism in the chapter of asking apostates for recantation; section: Killing the Kharijites and infidels after setting the proof against them. Al-Hafiz said in Al-Fath (12/286): "At-Tabari mentioned the full chain of narrators in Musnad 'Ali of correcting the narrations… and its chain of narration is authenticated".  

[7] Majmu' Al-Fatawa (19/73)  

[8] Ad-Darimi related the Hadith in his introduction of his Sunan (99).  

[9] Related by Muslim in the book of knowledge (2670) from the Hadith of Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) 
   
The Second Sermon:

Praise be to Allah. He enlightened with the light of His guidance the hearts of guided people, who are obedient to their Lord. I praise and thank Him, who promised the grateful with more bliss. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah alone Who has no partner. It is a testimony for truth, monotheism and certainty and it is the greatest certificate. I bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad is Allah's servant who is noble, perfect and superior. May Allah send His peace and blessings upon him, his family and Companions, whose love is a part of faith and an act of worship that draws nearer to him, the followers and those who followed their steps until the Day of Recompense. 

Dear Muslims, these sinful attacks, irrational acts and criminal actions will not stop our policemen from continuing their heroism in fulfilling their duty and their heroic actions with devotion, self-denial, precision and efficiency  because they are sure they are on the right path and guidance. With their actions and their wakefulness, this country will remain dignified and preserved, holding the banner of religion and safeguarding Islam with Allah's will, favor and gifts.
 
They are the source of pride and glory and they are the safety valve for protecting the country of Islam, the country of the two Sacred Mosques and the cradle of Muslim sanctities. They are the protector of religion and the descent of revelation and they will continue to be the head crowns and source of self-peace. 

Dear Muslims, the responsibility of facing those deviants does not lie only on policemen but it is the responsibility of every one according to his place. 

Everyone should feel the threat on religion, family and country and beware of division and chaos in order to be more alert, careful and sharp and in order to be more aware and take more wise actions against the plots woven against this nation, religion, families, security and leaders. 

Although Muslims should remain alert and cautious, let them - native and foreigners - in this county live happily enjoying their religion and security.  Let the country - may Allah save it - enjoy its good men and its loyal courageous soldiers. Let the nation be sure of the awareness of its leaders and their great attitudes in necessary situations. Praise be to Allah for His countless blessings. He gathered our word on the truth, overwhelmed us with His blessings apparent or hidden and He gathered us under the leadership of a single man in a single country. We ask Him to increase our security, stability, graces, integrity and success and to push away the plotting of the spiteful and sly people against our country, leaders, emirs, scholars and families. We ask Allah to provide those watchful over us keeping our security and safety with His help and success, to make their opinions and plans successful, bless their efforts, fix their hearts, reveal every mysterious matter to them and give them victory over every corrupter and fighter, for He is All-Hearing, All Responding.

Send your blessings and peace upon the Prophet of mercy, the chosen and the selected. Allah commanded you in His Book to do so when He says: "Allah sends His Salat (Graces, honors, blessings, mercy) on the Prophet (Muhammad peace be upon him), and also his angels (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salat on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad peace be upon him), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation i.e. As-Salamu ‘Alaikum)." [Al-Ahzab: 56] 

O Allah send your peace and blessings upon Your servant and Messenger Muhammad, the one with bright-face, white forehead and the complete moral, his good and pure family and his wives, mothers of the believers. May You be pleased with the four rightly guided caliphs.