Introduction

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Introduction

 

After Islam spread east and west, it encountered many belief-systems which were prevalent in different regions, and in spite of this, Islam came like a rushing torrent, sweeping away all the illusions and superstitions with which these belief-systems were filled. Those who clung dearly to these belief-systems saw that deceptively feigning Islam could be a useful tactic, so some of them professed Islam outwardly and joined under the banner of Shi’ism and “love for the Ahlul Bayt radiya Llahu ‘anhum”. They started promoting their claims, aiming to master the art of corrupting the beliefs of Muslims, confuse their thoughts, and undermine their unity. In this way, they would take revenge for their outdated beliefs and for their defeated and subjugated peoples. Among the most prominent of these who exploited the name of Islam under the garb of Shi’ism and whose only concern was to demolish Islam and attack it from the very foundations are the Nusayriyyah/Nusayri Shia sect.

It was the will of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala that I should mingle with some of the members of this sect where they live and in the institutes of knowledge. In so doing, I learned something about their corrupt doctrine. I then referred to many historical sources and books of Heresiology to find mention of this misguided sect. I have developed a bevy of findings which, although still sparse, will provide one with a somewhat clear picture of this sect. Thus, I did not want to keep it to myself, but I want my brothers in Islam—to whom this is of primary concern—to share in this knowledge with me, taking heed from the saying of the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

 

‏من سئل عن علم فكتمه ألجم يوم القيامة بلجام من نار

He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection.^[1]

 

And acting upon the saying of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

 

أنت على ثغر من ثغور الإسلام فلا يؤتين من قبلك

[While] you are defending the frontiers of Islam, do not be attacked from your side!^[2]

 

Therefore, I saw from the truth that I must openly proclaim, that I should unveil the true state of this sect and show those willing to see a glimpse of their mockery and nonsense, so that Muslims may stand shoulder to shoulder in confronting them. I do not claim that I have supplied the perfect solution, but this is an attempt made to the extent of my effort. Perhaps there is someone who will elaborate on my contribution, thereby doing his duty in refuting their claims, revealing their falsehood, and showing clearly how to protect from their evil and uproot their falsehood from its roots.

We ask Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala to make us among the du’at^[3] who struggle for the truth and its people, those who resist falsehood and its partisans. And Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will perfect His light even if the disbelievers hate it.

10 Ramadan 1399 AH

Corresponding to 2 August 1979

 

NEXT⇒ Foreword

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^[1]  Sunan al Tirmidhi, vol. 4, pg. 387, Hadith: 2649.

^[2]  The author cites this statement as a hadith, but it is more likely a statement made by al Imam al Awza’i.

^[3]  Plural of da’i – someone who calls to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.

BACK⇒ Return to Table of contents

 

Introduction

 

After Islam spread east and west, it encountered many belief-systems which were prevalent in different regions, and in spite of this, Islam came like a rushing torrent, sweeping away all the illusions and superstitions with which these belief-systems were filled. Those who clung dearly to these belief-systems saw that deceptively feigning Islam could be a useful tactic, so some of them professed Islam outwardly and joined under the banner of Shi’ism and “love for the Ahlul Bayt radiya Llahu ‘anhum”. They started promoting their claims, aiming to master the art of corrupting the beliefs of Muslims, confuse their thoughts, and undermine their unity. In this way, they would take revenge for their outdated beliefs and for their defeated and subjugated peoples. Among the most prominent of these who exploited the name of Islam under the garb of Shi’ism and whose only concern was to demolish Islam and attack it from the very foundations are the Nusayriyyah/Nusayri Shia sect.

It was the will of Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala that I should mingle with some of the members of this sect where they live and in the institutes of knowledge. In so doing, I learned something about their corrupt doctrine. I then referred to many historical sources and books of Heresiology to find mention of this misguided sect. I have developed a bevy of findings which, although still sparse, will provide one with a somewhat clear picture of this sect. Thus, I did not want to keep it to myself, but I want my brothers in Islam—to whom this is of primary concern—to share in this knowledge with me, taking heed from the saying of the Messenger salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

 

‏من سئل عن علم فكتمه ألجم يوم القيامة بلجام من نار

He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection.^[1]

 

And acting upon the saying of the Prophet salla Llahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

 

أنت على ثغر من ثغور الإسلام فلا يؤتين من قبلك

[While] you are defending the frontiers of Islam, do not be attacked from your side!^[2]

 

Therefore, I saw from the truth that I must openly proclaim, that I should unveil the true state of this sect and show those willing to see a glimpse of their mockery and nonsense, so that Muslims may stand shoulder to shoulder in confronting them. I do not claim that I have supplied the perfect solution, but this is an attempt made to the extent of my effort. Perhaps there is someone who will elaborate on my contribution, thereby doing his duty in refuting their claims, revealing their falsehood, and showing clearly how to protect from their evil and uproot their falsehood from its roots.

We ask Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala to make us among the du’at^[3] who struggle for the truth and its people, those who resist falsehood and its partisans. And Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala will perfect His light even if the disbelievers hate it.

10 Ramadan 1399 AH

Corresponding to 2 August 1979

 

NEXT⇒ Foreword

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^[1]  Sunan al Tirmidhi, vol. 4, pg. 387, Hadith: 2649.

^[2]  The author cites this statement as a hadith, but it is more likely a statement made by al Imam al Awza’i.

^[3]  Plural of da’i – someone who calls to Allah subhanahu wa ta ‘ala.