Hamoudeh
08-09-05, 02:48 AM
Assalamu alaikum wa-rahmatullah
To us, Muslims there is only one Islam that is not subject to classification or division; it is the Islam of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It is the Islam that was understood and practiced by all those great Companions, Successors and many great Muslim generations who participated in building up and promoting this world. –Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi
Islamic Political System - Shaykh al-Qaradawi (http://www.islam-online.net/fatwa/english/FatwaDisplay.asp?hFatwaID=57486)
The opinions that are expressed in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and maintained by the generations after the Prophet and preserved up to this day, can be considered as orthodox; that is, for as far as this term is translated from Greek to mean correct opinion. The purpose of using this term is to express the collective implications of the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a in a foreign language. It is essential to grasp an understanding of such orthodoxy in order to observe heterodoxy or lack within any application of Islam. How such opinion is formed, maintained and accepted is the subject of this thread.
Orthodoxy in Islam is defined as the doctrine of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jama`ah, the People of the Sunna and the Community. –Shaykh Abdel Hakim Murad.
Who are the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a? - Sayf ad-Din Ahmed ibn Muhammad (http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/ahlsunna.htm)
The Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a are the people of the traditional way and of the congregation, which is defined through the schools of various disciplines in Sunni Islam:
Sunni Islam, or Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a, understands the Islamic religion as it has been passed down in an unbroken chain of transmission from teacher to student from the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) until today. The way of Sunni Islam is to take the branch of Islam from living jurists who follow one of the four Sunni schools of fiqh: the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools; the branch of Iman from living scholars belonging to one of the two Sunni schools of ‘aqida: the Ash‘ari and Maturidi schools; and the branch of Ihsan from living masters of one of the many Sufi orders that have emerged over the centuries, such as the Qadiri, Naqshbandi, Shadhili, Chishti, and Rifa‘i tariqas.
Sunni Path.Com (http://www.sunnipath.com/Resources/PrintMedia/Articles/AR00000168.aspx)
It is the accepted schools of Fiqh, Aqida and Tasawwuf as a collective that form the orthodoxy of Islam, and that what fundamentally exceeds its boundaries and lacks its recognition is considered a deviation from Sunni Islam.
A common orientalist as well as secterian misconception is expressed in the following article:
There is no papal figure or ruling synod in Islam that can impose its views. "In Islam religious truth is a matter of argument and conviction, a cause in which everybody is entitled to contend and everybody is entitled to convince and be convinced."
Daniel C. Maguire – Sacred Choices Ch. 9 (http://www.religiousconsultation.org/islam_contraception_abortion_in_SacredChoices.htm)
Clearly there are many fundamental differences in structure with the Catholic Church, but it is not so that there is no main centre of thought: this centre is defined by collective of the orthodox schools. Difference of opinion within orthodoxy is limited to details and methodology, and does not concern fundamental matters.
Isma'il al-Faruqi's statement as Daniel Maguire has presented it is incorrect: "In Islam religious truth is a matter of argument and conviction, a cause in which everybody is entitled to contend and everybody is entitled to convince and be convinced." This description only applies within the context of Islamic scholarship, as it is a matter of consensus and qualification before any actual argument can take place; as such, not just everyone is credible in his potential attempt to convince someone of just anything, regardless of the rhetorical qualities in their arguments. Those that do not find themselves sufficiently qualified and exceed the boundaries of their qualifications in their conclusions, are not considered credible. An argument depends on several premises to be met, and is regulated in a comprehensive fashion. If individuals hopelessly fail to comply in terms of Ijaza, Ijma or Ijtihad then any extreme conclusions or presentations of argument are in lack of credibility.
To know whether a doctrine or practise is orthodox or heretical, the Muslim is required to find out whether it is recognised by the majority of Muslim scholars–Shaykh Abdel Hakim Murad.
Sunni Islam is the majority, the mainstream and the orthodoxy; it fulfills all that is necessary to be considered as such.
'Ahl as-Sunnah Wa'l Jama'ah are those ulama who keep on the right path of Rasullullah (Peace and blessings be upon him) and as-Sahaba al-Kiram. As-Sawad al-Azam, that is, the majority of Islamic scholars, have followed this right path. Imam Najm al-Din al-Ghazzi
The quantity of scholars is not popularity fallacy, rather it is a sign of obidience to the many verses and traditions that command to remain a unity and not seperate. It is the majority that has experienced disagreement as a mercy, and it is the majority that did not unite upon error. It is also the majority that has preserved the transmitted teachings, and that has followed the Mujatihid Imams. As such, the majority is consistently complies with all aspects that define orthodoxy.
One who descents from fuqaha (scholars of fiqh) as much as a span falls into heresy, becomes deprived of Allah's help and deserves Hell, because the fuqaha have been on the right path and have held on to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Peace and blessings be upon him) and on to the path of al-Khulafa ar-Rashideen, the Four Khaliphs (may Allah be pleased with them). As-Sawad al-Azam, that is, the majority of the Muslims, are on the path of fuqaha. Those who depart from their path will burn in the fire of Hell. O believers! Follow the unique group which is protected against Hell! And this group is the one that is called Ahl as-Sunnah Wa'l Jama'ah. For, Allah's help, protection and guidance are for the followers of this group, and His wrath and punishment are for those who dissent from this group. Today, this group of salvation comes together in the Four Madhhabs, namely the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali." - Imam Ahmad al-Tahtawi
Who are the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a? - Sayf ad-Din Ahmed ibn Muhammad (http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/ahlsunna.htm)
There is only one group that follows the 4 schools of Fiqh, the 2 schools of Aqida and the numerous ways of the Tasawwuf in unity; it is the majority of Muslims, and it is called al-Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a.
I hjave written this in response to the claim that Islamic theology and legislation is characterized by anarchy and free opinion based on personal interpretation. The entire discussion can be found in:
Sunni Islam, Orthodoxy of al-Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a (http://www.forumforfree.com/forums/index.php?mforum=ahadunahad&showtopic=494)
Ma`salam
To us, Muslims there is only one Islam that is not subject to classification or division; it is the Islam of the Qur’an and Sunnah. It is the Islam that was understood and practiced by all those great Companions, Successors and many great Muslim generations who participated in building up and promoting this world. –Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi
Islamic Political System - Shaykh al-Qaradawi (http://www.islam-online.net/fatwa/english/FatwaDisplay.asp?hFatwaID=57486)
The opinions that are expressed in accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah as understood and maintained by the generations after the Prophet and preserved up to this day, can be considered as orthodox; that is, for as far as this term is translated from Greek to mean correct opinion. The purpose of using this term is to express the collective implications of the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a in a foreign language. It is essential to grasp an understanding of such orthodoxy in order to observe heterodoxy or lack within any application of Islam. How such opinion is formed, maintained and accepted is the subject of this thread.
Orthodoxy in Islam is defined as the doctrine of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-l-Jama`ah, the People of the Sunna and the Community. –Shaykh Abdel Hakim Murad.
Who are the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a? - Sayf ad-Din Ahmed ibn Muhammad (http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/ahlsunna.htm)
The Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a are the people of the traditional way and of the congregation, which is defined through the schools of various disciplines in Sunni Islam:
Sunni Islam, or Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a, understands the Islamic religion as it has been passed down in an unbroken chain of transmission from teacher to student from the time of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) until today. The way of Sunni Islam is to take the branch of Islam from living jurists who follow one of the four Sunni schools of fiqh: the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, and Hanbali schools; the branch of Iman from living scholars belonging to one of the two Sunni schools of ‘aqida: the Ash‘ari and Maturidi schools; and the branch of Ihsan from living masters of one of the many Sufi orders that have emerged over the centuries, such as the Qadiri, Naqshbandi, Shadhili, Chishti, and Rifa‘i tariqas.
Sunni Path.Com (http://www.sunnipath.com/Resources/PrintMedia/Articles/AR00000168.aspx)
It is the accepted schools of Fiqh, Aqida and Tasawwuf as a collective that form the orthodoxy of Islam, and that what fundamentally exceeds its boundaries and lacks its recognition is considered a deviation from Sunni Islam.
A common orientalist as well as secterian misconception is expressed in the following article:
There is no papal figure or ruling synod in Islam that can impose its views. "In Islam religious truth is a matter of argument and conviction, a cause in which everybody is entitled to contend and everybody is entitled to convince and be convinced."
Daniel C. Maguire – Sacred Choices Ch. 9 (http://www.religiousconsultation.org/islam_contraception_abortion_in_SacredChoices.htm)
Clearly there are many fundamental differences in structure with the Catholic Church, but it is not so that there is no main centre of thought: this centre is defined by collective of the orthodox schools. Difference of opinion within orthodoxy is limited to details and methodology, and does not concern fundamental matters.
Isma'il al-Faruqi's statement as Daniel Maguire has presented it is incorrect: "In Islam religious truth is a matter of argument and conviction, a cause in which everybody is entitled to contend and everybody is entitled to convince and be convinced." This description only applies within the context of Islamic scholarship, as it is a matter of consensus and qualification before any actual argument can take place; as such, not just everyone is credible in his potential attempt to convince someone of just anything, regardless of the rhetorical qualities in their arguments. Those that do not find themselves sufficiently qualified and exceed the boundaries of their qualifications in their conclusions, are not considered credible. An argument depends on several premises to be met, and is regulated in a comprehensive fashion. If individuals hopelessly fail to comply in terms of Ijaza, Ijma or Ijtihad then any extreme conclusions or presentations of argument are in lack of credibility.
To know whether a doctrine or practise is orthodox or heretical, the Muslim is required to find out whether it is recognised by the majority of Muslim scholars–Shaykh Abdel Hakim Murad.
Sunni Islam is the majority, the mainstream and the orthodoxy; it fulfills all that is necessary to be considered as such.
'Ahl as-Sunnah Wa'l Jama'ah are those ulama who keep on the right path of Rasullullah (Peace and blessings be upon him) and as-Sahaba al-Kiram. As-Sawad al-Azam, that is, the majority of Islamic scholars, have followed this right path. Imam Najm al-Din al-Ghazzi
The quantity of scholars is not popularity fallacy, rather it is a sign of obidience to the many verses and traditions that command to remain a unity and not seperate. It is the majority that has experienced disagreement as a mercy, and it is the majority that did not unite upon error. It is also the majority that has preserved the transmitted teachings, and that has followed the Mujatihid Imams. As such, the majority is consistently complies with all aspects that define orthodoxy.
One who descents from fuqaha (scholars of fiqh) as much as a span falls into heresy, becomes deprived of Allah's help and deserves Hell, because the fuqaha have been on the right path and have held on to the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Peace and blessings be upon him) and on to the path of al-Khulafa ar-Rashideen, the Four Khaliphs (may Allah be pleased with them). As-Sawad al-Azam, that is, the majority of the Muslims, are on the path of fuqaha. Those who depart from their path will burn in the fire of Hell. O believers! Follow the unique group which is protected against Hell! And this group is the one that is called Ahl as-Sunnah Wa'l Jama'ah. For, Allah's help, protection and guidance are for the followers of this group, and His wrath and punishment are for those who dissent from this group. Today, this group of salvation comes together in the Four Madhhabs, namely the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali." - Imam Ahmad al-Tahtawi
Who are the Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a? - Sayf ad-Din Ahmed ibn Muhammad (http://www.masud.co.uk/ISLAM/misc/ahlsunna.htm)
There is only one group that follows the 4 schools of Fiqh, the 2 schools of Aqida and the numerous ways of the Tasawwuf in unity; it is the majority of Muslims, and it is called al-Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a.
I hjave written this in response to the claim that Islamic theology and legislation is characterized by anarchy and free opinion based on personal interpretation. The entire discussion can be found in:
Sunni Islam, Orthodoxy of al-Ahl al-Sunna wa-l-Jama`a (http://www.forumforfree.com/forums/index.php?mforum=ahadunahad&showtopic=494)
Ma`salam