The Virtues of Shaikh Rabee' ibn Hadee al-Madkhalee, and Salafee Scholars; A Warning against Attacking, Belittling the Scholars

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah
Amma-ba'd

The Virtues of Shaikh Rabee' ibn Hadee al-Madkhalee, and Salafee Scholars; A Warning against Attacking, Belittling the Scholars


The Virtues of The Scholars

Allaah, The Most High, said (what means): It is only the 'Ulemma among His slaves who fear Allaah... (Fatir, ayah 28) The people of knowledge explain that this fear is a complete fear, meaning as He (Allaah) should be feared.

Abu Darda (radiallaahu 'anhu) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) say: Whoever follows a path to seek knowledge, Allaah will show him the way to Paradise. The angels lower their wings being pleased with the one who seeks knowledge. Whoever is in the heavens and on earth, even the fish in the sea, ask for forgiveness for the scholar. The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like that of the moon over all other heavenly bodies. The scholars are the heirs of the Prophets, for the Prophets did not leave behind Dinars and Dirhams, but they left behind knowledge; and whoever receives it, receives an abundance of good fortune. (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

The Virtues of Shaikh Rabee' bin Hadee al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullaah)

When asked about his students, Shaikh Muhammad 'Abdul-Wahhab Marzooq al-Banna (rahimahullaah) said:

"Shaikh Rabee' ibn Hadee al-Madkhalee, the best of them..."

In the footnote under this is the following:

Shaikh Muhammad al-Banna used to say that Shaikh Rabee' ibn Hadee was the Imam Yahyah Ibn Ma'een of this era, meaning he was the one to refer to regarding the affairs of knowing the innovators and their misguidance. Shaikh 'Abdul-'Aziz Bin Baaz (rahimahullaah) would write to Shaikh Rabee' asking him concerning the affairs of individuals. Shaikh Muhammad al-Banna had so much love and respect for Shaikh Rabee', and would invite him to his house in Makkah regularly for dinner and would say, "I used to be Shaikh Rabee's teacher, but now Shaikh Rabee' is my teacher."

Source: The Book Until You Return to Practising Your Deen, by Shaikh Muhammad 'Abdul-Wahhab Marzooq al-Banna, pg. 4; translated by 'Abdul-Ilah Lahmami

And Shaikh Muhammad al-Banna (rahimahullaah) also said: "Who is in this time similar to him? He knows the reality of most of the callers. Who is like him? He knows with proof and evidence. He doesn't speak about anyone except with the proof. That is why I say about Rabee' Haadee is similar to Yahyah ibn Ma'een in this time. You must forgive me, son, I have become old. I forget, now I am 90 years (old). Shaikh Ibn Baz - rahimahullaah - is the 'Umar ibn 'Abdul-Aziz of this era. And Shaikh Nasrud-Deen al-Albaani - rahimahullaah - is the Ibn Taymiyyah of this era, and Shaikh 'Uthaimeen - rahimahullaah - is the Shafi'ee of this era.

By Allaah, the most knowledgeable of our scholars in this time (is) Ibn 'Uthaimeen, rahimahullaah, and the most generous is Shaikh 'Abdul-Aziz ibn Baz - rahimahullaah - and the most knowledgeable of those differences between people and knowing the truth is Shaikh al-Albaani, rahimahullaah, and the most knowledgeable ones of Rijaal (men) with proof and evidence is Shaikh Rabee' Haadee. May Allaah protect him. And May Allaah protect his intellect.

When Shaikh al-Albaani, rahimahullaah, showed the errors of Sayid Qutb, and 'Abdullah Dawaish rahimahullaah [also showed the errors of Sayid Qutb], no one moved. But when Shaikh Rabee', may Allaah be pleased with him, showed the misguidance of Sayid Qutb and he clarified it from his (Sayid Qutb's) books and his situation in the past, the world was against Rabee'. He said it with openness and evidence. So may Allaah reward him and make him firm and may Allaah keep him alive to remove those who wear the clothes of Salafiyyah in order to fight it. We ask Allaah to show their state and clarify them, and keep their evil away from us."

Shaikh Muqbil (rahimahullaah) said concerning Shaikh Rabee' bin Hadee (hafidhahullaah):

"...from amongst the individuals who are very knowledgeable about parties and groups during present times is the brother Rabee'a bin Hadee al-Madhkalee (hafidhahullaah). The person who Rabee'a informs is a hizbee, his affair will eventually become apparent and exposed after some time, and you will remember (that Shaikh Rabee'a warned of him).

A person's affair initially is unknown and that individual doesn't want to expose himself, but if he becomes more popular and gains a following and he no longer is worried about what is said concerning him, he exposes what he holds (his true beliefs and methodology)."

Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee - may Allaah aid him - said: The refutations that Shaikh Rabee' has taken on the task of carrying out are striving and fighting to make the truth uppermost. They are also an advice and concern for Muslims, especially beginning students of knowledge and those similar to them who are not meticulous in the field of creed (al-'aqeedah), methodology (al-manhaj) and refutations. His efforts deter the beginning students and those similar to them from falling into perils and cautionary matters.

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin Baaz [d. 1420 AH, rahimahullaah] said: "Shaykh Rabee' is well-known to me to have knowledge, virtue and the correct creed."

Question to Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullah): What is your advice concerning the one who forbids the cassettes of Shaikh Rabee' bin Haadee [from being distributed] with the claim that they cause fitnah and that they contain praise of the Wullaat ul-Umoor of the Kingdom, and that his praise of them emanates from nifaaq (hypocrisy)?

Answer from Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullah): "We consider this to be a great error and mistake. Shaikh Rabee' is from the 'Ulamaa of the Sunnah, and from the people of goodness. His 'aqidah is sound and his manhaj is strong and sound. However, when he began to speak about some of the symbolic figureheads of some of the people, from amongst the latecomers they began to tarnish him with these faults. Do you know [this] now?"

A Warning against Attacking, Belittling the Scholars; Do Not Be Deceived: Those who find fault with the scholars of Tawheed - the scholars of the Sunnah - are the people of plotting and deceit

Student of knowledge Abu Uwais relayed:

Hafidh Ibn As-Saakir (rahimahullaah) said: The flesh of the scholar is poison...and Allaah (exposing) removing the cover from the one who belittles the scholar, this is well known. And talking about them in a manner in which they are innocent is a tremendous (horrendous) affair. And to eat of their honor with lies is a matter that is shameful.It is known that Allaah causes the heart (of the one who does this) to die before their body dies.

And they only harm themselves, and they acquire humiliation, because Truly, Allaah defends those who believe. (Al-Hajj, ayah 38) And Verily, Allaah does not set right the work of Al-Mufsidoon (the evil-doers, corrupts, etc.). (Yunus, ayah 81)

Those who find fault with the scholars of Tawheed - the scholars of the Sunnah - are the people of plotting and deceit. If they are not able to say directly (out loud) what they want to say, they will say it indirectly. So pay attention to this, ya 'ibadullaah, so you will not be deceived."

Imam Ibn Mubarak (rahimahullaah) said: He who belittles the scholars, he will lose his hereafter.

Imam Ahmad (rahimahullaah) said: The flesh of the scholars is poisonous (to eat [by slandering]).

Imaam Ahmad (d. 241H, rahimahullaah) said: "Whoever speaks ill of the (righteous) scholars, Allaah will give death to that person's heart before He will give death to that person."

Shaikh Zayd al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullaah) said: "...The one who belittles the righteous scholars, criticizes them, and describes them with that which they are free from, then he has been afflicted with the disease of doubt and the disease of lust. And the distinguishing sign of the people of bid'ah was that they would find fault with the righteous scholars..."

Furthermore, Shaikh Saalih al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) said there is a purpose to deviants slandering scholars.

"...There are people who have renounced the study of 'Aqeedah and they have renounced the books of the Salaf (Prophet Muhammad and his companions, and second and third generations) and they have renounced the writings of the Imams of Islam. And they want to direct the people to their own writings and to their likes from the juhaal (ignoramusus) and the du'aat-u-dalaal (callers to misguidance)."


Related Links:

Shaikh Rabee' ------> http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/categ...aykh-rabee.cfm

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymin: The People Began to Tarnish Shaykh Rabee' with Faults After He Spoke About Some of Their Symbolic Figureheads -----> http://www.themadkhalis.com/md/artic...igureheads.cfm

The Scholars praise of Shaykh Rabee' bin Haadee al-Madkhalee -------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmes...m=6&Topic=5527

Shaikh Rabee' Striving & Fighting To Make Truth UpperMost ------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmes...32&Topic=12540

Scholars Who have Given Shaykh Rabee' (hafidhahullah) Tazkiyah ------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=6&Topic=3231&sortby=asc

The Scholars of Ahl-us-Sunnah, by Shaikh Rabee' Ibn Haadee Al-Madkhalee------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=32&Topic=12546

Shaikh Rabee's love for Shaikhs Al-Luhaydaan and Al Fawzaan
------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=32&Topic=12573

In Defense of the Scholars ------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewtopics.cfm?Forum=32

The Excellence of the Scholars ------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmessages.cfm?Forum=32&Topic=11673

Shaikh Rabee's highly beneficial book Methodology of the Prophets in calling to Allaah ------> http://www.troid.ca/media/pdf/methodology.pdf

Here is Shaikh Rabee's official website -----> http://www.rabee.net/

and other beneficial Shaikh Rabee links ------> http://www.rabee.co.uk/

[Aboo.Soufyaan.Ammaar.Zubayr]

Assalamu Alaykoum..

BarakAllaahu feek akhi fillaah for this great post defending our Shaikh

akhi, can you pleased give me the reference of the sayings of Shaikh al-Banna rahimahullaahu ta'ala (in which book or lecture):

" And Shaikh Muhammad al-Banna (rahimahullaah) also said: "Who is in this time similar to him? He knows the reality of most of the callers. Who is like him? He knows with proof and evidence. He doesn't speak about anyone except with the proof. That is why I say about Rabee' Haadee is similar to Yahyah ibn Ma'een in this time. You must forgive me, son, I have become old. I forget, now I am 90 years (old). Shaikh Ibn Baz - rahimahullaah - is the 'Umar ibn 'Abdul-Aziz of this era. And Shaikh Nasrud-Deen al-Albaani - rahimahullaah - is the Ibn Taymiyyah of this era, and Shaikh 'Uthaimeen - rahimahullaah - is the Shafi'ee of this era. "

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah

Wa 'alaykum u salam wa rahmatullaahi wa baarakatu, ya Abu Soufyaan,

It was recorded on the 29th of Rajab, 1423 (corresponding with 10/6/2002) and posted on SalafiTalk a few days later by student of knowledge 'Abdul-Ilah Lahmami here -------> http://www.salafitalk.net/st/viewmes...um=6&Topic=322. And as you'll read in the latter posts, a brother named Aboo Ibraheem said he recorded this talk on MP3, in response to someone asking if anyone had recorded it.

As for the name of the lecture or tape it was recorded on, Allaah knows best.

Baarak Allaahu feek, ya Abu Soufyaan.

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah
Amma-ba'd

Some of the Abundant Scholarly Tazkiyaat of Shaykh Rabee' bin Haadee al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullaah)


Shaykh Muqbil Ibn Hadee Waadi'ee (rahimahullaah) said in Damaaj: "And I advise you [to return to] Rabee' Ibn Hadee! For he sees the Hizbis before they become apparent."

Shaykh Muqbil (rahimahullaah) also said: "If Shaykh Rabee' makes Jarh of me, then accept his Jarh."

al-'Allaamah Ahmad ibn Yahya An-Najmee (rahimahullaah) said: "He who speaks ill of Shaykh Rabee', then he is an Innovator."

Shaykh Ahmad ibn 'Umar Bazmool (hafidhahullaah) said: "If anyone makes a statement against Shaykh Rabee', [then] he has removed himself from Salafiyyah in totality...Because Shaykh Rabee' is known for defending the Sunnah."

al-'Allaamah 'Abdul-MuHsin ibn Hammad al-'Abbaad (hafidhahullaah) said: "Shaykh Rabee' is from those who are busy with [the spread of] knowledge in these times, and he has exerted great efforts in service of the Sunnah; he also has brilliant and beneficial writings. We ask Allaah, 'Azza wa Jall, to grant us and him success in all that is good and to grant every person success in that which will safeguard his 'Aqeedah (creed). I do not discredit him or warn against him; rather, I say that he is from the firmly-established people of knowledge. We ask Allaah, 'Azza wa Jall, to grant everyone success."

al-'Allamaah Saalih al-Luhaydaan (hafidhahullaah) said about Shaikh Rabee': "He is known for CONFRONTING the callers to FITNAH."

Shaykh Muqbil (rahimahullaah) also said: "...from amongst the individuals who are very knowledgeable about parties and groups during present times is the brother Rabee'a bin Hadee al-Madhkalee (hafidhahullaah). The person who Rabee'a informs is a hizbee, his affair will eventually become apparent and exposed after some time, and you will remember (that Shaikh Rabee'a warned of him)..."

Shaykh Muqbil (rahimahullaah) also said: "We learnt some issues by the books of Shaykh Rabee', may Allaah reward him, which we were ignorant of..."

al-'Allaamah Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee (rahimahullaah) said: "I say that the flag bearer of Jarh wal Ta'deel today - in this present time, rightfully so is - our brother Dr. Rabee'."

al-'Allaamah Muhammad al-Bannah (rahimahullaah) said: "The Imam of Jarh wal Ta'deel is Rabee' ibn Hadee.."


Imam 'Abdul-'Azeez Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah) said: "[Rabee'] excellent man, sound 'aqeedah."

al-'Allaamah Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) said: "[Rabee'] a good man. A SCHOLAR."

al-'Allaamah Ahmad An-Najmee (rahimahullaah) also said: "Yes, knowledge is taken from Shaykh Rabee'."

May Allaah reward the students at Daarus-Sunnah and also 'Abdul-Ilah and Abul-Hasan Malik and Raha Batts and Abu 'Abdis-Salaam and others (may Allaah preserve them), who relayed the above scholarly tazkiyaat of Shaykh Rabee' (hafidhahullaah).

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah
Amma-ba'd

An Najmee: The one who attacks Shaykh Rabee' in reality desires Bid'ah to Spread, and the Sunnah to be lost!

Shaykh Ahmad Ibn Yahya An-Najmee (rahimahullaah) said about those who attack Shaykh Rabee' bin Haadee Al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullaah):

"Verily the Shaykh that was spoken about [i.e Shaykh Rabee'] is a Shaykh from the people of the Sunnah, someone who propagates the Sunnah and one who wages war against innovation. Whoever says contrary to this, and seeks to disparage him, then in reality he desires for innovation to spread and for the Sunnah to be lost - and refuge is sought with Allaah."

Translated by: Abu 'Abdillaah Hassan as-Somali (hafidhahullaah)


Source: From upcoming book of IIIN Publications Al-Fataawa Al-Jaliyyah of Shaykh Ahmad An-Najmee, p. 30.

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah
Amma-ba'd

Question to Al-'Allaamah Shaikh Saaleh Al-Luhaydaan (may Allaah preserve him): "Why is there so much speech about Shaikh Rabee (may Allaah preserve him) and why do they speak ill of him?"

Answer:
How excellent a man he is in his creed and jealousy for the Sunnah! And there is no doubt that those who speak against him do so because he refutes those who oppose the Sunnah. They hate him because he refutes the opposers. And perhaps the one who does not oppose (the Sunnah) envies him because he cautions against what that person does not realize. How excellent a man in knowledge and religion! [Partly paraphrased... Download audio here: http://www.sahab.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=141370]


Source: http://salaficentre.com/2013/12/a-si...utable-answer/

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah
Amma-ba'd

Shaykh Rabee' bin Haadee's Advice Regarding Da'wah and Cautioning Against Exaggeration: http://www.salafiebooks.com/se/dld.cfm?a=egahqu

[Maher.ibn.Ahmad.Attiyeh]

Bismillaah Al-Hamdulillaah wa salatu wa salaamu 'ala rasulullaah
Amma-ba'd

Is Shaikh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee A Great Scholar Of This Era?

By Abu Khadeejah Abdul-Wahid •12-19-2013 Manhaj, Scholars

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In the name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.

Is Shaikh Rabee’ Ibn Haadee A Great Scholar Of This Era?

The Shaikh, the ‘Allaamah Rabee’ b. Haadee al-Madkhalee (hafidhahullaah) is from the leading scholars of Salafiyyah and Sunnah of this era. He is, however, humble and does not like to be praised. This was the way of his teachers and the Salaf who preceded him. They would not see themselves except as students of knowledge, striving in the Path of Allaah, in pursuit of knowledge.
However, the scholars of this Ummah did praise him, commending his efforts and his work in clarifying the truth. Here are just a few of the comments in praise of Shaikh Rabee’ b. Haadee ‘Umayr al-Madkhalee:

1. The Praise of the Noble Faqīh, al-‘Allāmah, Shaikhul-Islām, ‘Abdul-‘Azīz Ibn Bāz (rahimahullaah)

Shaikh Ibn Bāz (rahimahullaah) said to Shaikh Rabī’ al-Madkhalī:

“O Shaikh Rabī’, refute anyone who errs! Even if Ibn Bāz errs, refute him. If Ibn Ibrāhīm (rahimahullaah) errs refute him..”

Shaikh Abdullāh al-Ahmarī said: I asked our Shaikh Ibn Bāz (rahimahullaah) over fourteen years ago, “O our Shaikh! Shaikh Rabī’ criticises so-and-so and so-and-so and he criticises the callers.” So Shaikh Ibn Bāz responded:

“Fear Allāh! The man is an Imām in the Sunnah!” [1]

On an occasion Shaikh Rabī’ delivered a lecture to the students of Shaikhul-Islām Ibn Bāz (rahimahullaah), entitled Holding Fast to the Salafi Manhaj. After the lecture, Shaikh Ibn Bāz himself delivered a short lecture beginning by saying [2]:

“We have just heard this blessed and excellent lecture from the Noble Shaikh Rabī’ bin Hādī al-Madkhalī in the subject of holding fast to the Book and the Sunnah and warning from opposing them – and a warning from the causes of division, differing and fanaticism towards following of desires. So the Shaikh has done well, and has excelled in virtue and has benefitted [the people], so may Allāh reward him with good and multiply his reward.”

2. The Praise of the Noble Shaikh, al-‘Allāmah, al-Muhaddith, Muhammad Nāsir ad-Deen al-Albānī (rahimahullaah)

Shaikh al-Albānī (rahimahullaah) said:

“In summary I say: The flag-bearer today in this era in the arena al-Jarh wat-Ta’dīl [3] in truth is our brother, Doctor Rabī’. And those who refute him, do not do so upon based upon knowledge, ever!..”

3. The Praise of the Noble Shaikh, al-‘Allāmah, al-Faqīh, Muhammad bin Sālih al-‘Uthaimīn (rahimahullaah)

Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimīn (rahimahullaah) stated:

“Indeed we praise Allāh, free is He from all imperfections, the Most High, that He makes it easy for our brother, the Doctor, Rabī’ bin Hādī al-Madkhalī to visit this region, [so that] the one to whom certain matters are not apparent may come to know that our brother, may Allāh grant us and him success, is upon Salafiyyah, the way of the Salaf. And I do not mean here that Salafiyyah is a hizb (partisan group) which is set up to oppose the Muslims outside of it, but I mean by Salafiyyah, that he (i.e. Shaikh Rabī’) is upon the path of the Salaf in his methodology. Especially in the field of actualising Tawheed (Monotheism) and throwing aside what opposes it. And all of us know that Tawheed is the basis for which Allāh sent the Messengers, upon them be peace and prayers. The visit of our brother, Shaikh Rabī’ bin Hādī to this region, our city, Unaizah, no doubt will have a good effect and it will also become clear to many of the people what used to be hidden from them due to the scare-mongering and rumour-mongering and also letting loose the tongues [of discord]. And how numerous are those who are remorseful about what they said concerning the scholars, when it becomes clear to them that they (the scholars) are upon the truth.”

Then Shaikh Ibn ‘Uthaimīn was asked: “There is a question concerning the books of Shaikh Rabī’? (i.e what is your opinion concerning them?)” So the Shaikh (rahimahullaah) responded:

“It is apparently clear that this question is not in need of my answer. And just as Imām Ahmad (rahimahullaah) was asked about Ishāq bin Rāhawaih (died 238AH, rahimahullaah) and he replied, ‘Someone like me is asked about Ishāq?! Rather, Ishāq is to be asked about me.’ And I spoke at the beginning of my speech about that which I know about Shaikh Rabī’, may Allāh grant him success, and what I mentioned has never ceased to be what I hold about him in my soul, up until this time. And his arrival here and his words that have reached me, then no doubt, they are such that they will increase a person in his love for him and in his supplication for him.” [4]

4. The Praise of the Noble Shaikh, al-‘Allāmah, al-Muhaddith, Muqbil bin Hādī al-Wādi’ī (rahimahullaah)

Shaikh Muqbil (rahimahullaah) stated:

“I advise you to ask Shaikh Rabī’ bin Hādī, may Allāh preserve him. A great deal of his life has passed with [dealing with] al-Ikhwān al-Muslimīn. He is the most knowledge person concerning them and their realities, and the true nature of the Jama’āt (misguided groups). I do not ask from you that you blindly follow Shaikh Rabī’, but that you should benefit from his knowledge. I do not say to you: Seek fatāwā from Mahmūd al-Haddād, nor from Farīd Mālik – rather seek fatāwā from a righteous man (i.e. Shaikh Rabī’), a scholar from the noble scholars – one who has made considerable inroads [in exposing] al-Ikhwān al-Muslimīn.” [5]

He (rahimahullaah) also said:

“From the most insightful of people concerning the [misguided] groups and their taints in this era is the brother, Shaikh Rabī’ bin Hādī, may Allāh preserve him. Whomever he declares to be a hizbī, then it will be unveiled [and made clear] for you after some days that he is indeed a hizbī. So remember this..” [6]

When Shaikh Muqbil al-Wādi’ī (rahimahullaah) was asked regarding the speech of Shaikh Rabī’ al-Madkhalī against ahlul-Bid‘ah, he responded:

“[Even] if I am disparaged by Rabī’, then take his speech!” [7]

5. The Praise of the Noble Shaikh, al-‘Allāmah, al-Muhaddith, al-Faqeeh, Ahmad bin Yahyah an-Najmī (rahimahullaah)

Shaikh Ahmad an-Najmī (rahimahullaah) stated regarding Shaikh Rabī’:

“He is a Shaikh from ahlus-Sunnah, from those who propagate the Sunnah and wage war against innovations. He is man who is a carrier of the Sunnah, from those who defend the Sunnah and Tawhīd. Whoever hates him, indeed hates the Sunnah and whoever flees from him, flees from the Sunnah.” [8]

6. The Praise of the Noble Shaikh, al-‘Allāmah, al-Faqīh, ‘Ubaid bin Abdillāh al-Jābirī (hafidhahullaah)

Shaikh ‘Ubaid, may Allāh preserve him, was asked: “What is your opinion concerning the one who says: Shaikh Rabī’ attacks the shaikhs, the scholars and the callers to Islām?” Shaikh ‘Ubaid responded:

“Shaikh Rabī’ is a standard-bearer, strong, elevated – a flag-bearer of the Sunnah. The great scholars and Imāms have born witness for him, commended him and praised him. So it is not befitting that the likes of me are asked concerning him, may Allāh preserve him. However since now I have been asked, then I am compelled to answer.
So his eminence, al-Imām, the father, the great Scholar, al-Atharī, the Jurist, Shaikh ‘Abdul-‘Azīz bin Bāz (rahimahullaah) commended him. Al-Imām, al-Faqīh (the Jurist), al-Mujtahid, al-‘Allāmah Shaikh Muhammad bin ‘Uthaimīn (rahimahullaah) commended him. Al-Imām, the Scholar of hadīth of this era without dispute, Nāsirud-Deen al-Albānī (rahimahullaah) commended him and and described him by saying that he is the carrier of the banner of al-Jarh and at-Ta’dīl in this age. And the banner that Shaikh Rabī’ raises high is his Jihād for ahlus-Sunnah and his defense of the Sunnah and its people – and this is a thorn in the chests of the innovators till this day, and all praise is for Allāh – the banner has not become lowly, or become soft and weak, nor has it relapsed. So with this it will become clear to you that this statement that was encompassed in the question emanates from two types of people. [Firstly] a group that has no insight, knowledge or expertise regarding what takes place around them – this one merely utters what is said to him. As for the other group, they are the heads of this misguided, deviant ideology that opposes the Sunnah – Shaikh Rabī’ splits them open! Their throats are choked. That which Shaikh Rabī’, may Allāh preserve him, has written has choked their throats – his refutation upon the Qutubees and other than them; from that which he has written regarding Sayyid Qutb – his exposition of Qutb’s deviations, ignorance and misguidance – and that which he has clarified of the truth for one who seeks the truth. So do not be surprised or shocked by what they say [regarding Shaikh Rabī’]. Indeed Shaikh Rabī’ never ever criticises a caller to Allāh who is upon sure-sighted knowledge, and he is not harmed by him in the least. Rather Shaikh Rabī’ is alongside his brothers and his children from the Muslims in general, and the students of knowledge in particular, he guides them, advises them and keeps them upon the right way – he teaches and removes doubts for the one who is presented with them. This is what is known to me regarding him up until now, may Allāh preserve him.” [9]

FOOTNOTES:
[1] See Siyānatus-Salafī min Waswasati wa Talbisāt ‘Alī al-Halabī of Shaikh Ahmad Bāzmūl (p.317); an-Naqulāt as-Salafiyyah fir-Radd ‘alat-Tā’ifatil-Haddādiyyah, (51).
[2] See Majmū’ Kutb wa Rasā’il wa Fatāwā Shaikh Rabī’ bin Hādī al-Madkhalī, vol. 1, p. 501.
[3] Al-Jarh and at-Ta’dīl is the science of “Disparagement and Praise” of individuals and sects for the purpose of preservation and protection of the Religion from corrupt sayings, false ascriptions and alien doctrines. It involves distinguishing the people from those whom knowledge and narration can be accepted and from those whom it cannot, and if not, why not. Imām Muslim Ibn al-Hajjāj (died 261AH, rahimahullaah), the author of the well-known sahīh Muslim stated in the beginning of this book:

“Chapter: The obligation of narrating from the trustworthy and abandoning the liars – and warning from telling lies upon Allāh’s Messenger (salallaahu ‘alaihi wassallam).”

Then he went on to write:

“You should know, may Allāh grant you success, that it is obligatory upon everyone to know the difference between the authentic and weak reports – and between the trustworthy narrators and accused narrators – not to narrate any report except if it’s authenticity is known and the honesty of the narrators established. And to avoid those reports that are carried by those who have been accused and those are obstinate and stubborn upon innovations.”

He then narrated from Ibn Seereen (rahimahullaah):

“Indeed, this knowledge is Religion, so look [and investigate] from whom you are taking your Religion.” (no. 26).

He further narrated from Ibn Sīrīn (rahimahullaah):

“They used not to ask concerning the chain of narration, but when the tribulations struck, they would ask: Name us your men! So they would look towards ahlus-Sunnah and take their reports – and they would look towards ahlul-Bid‘ah and not take their reports.” (No. 27).

So the science of al-Jarh and at-Ta’dīl stretches back to the time of Prophethood and it is established in the Religion as a means of preservation and protection from the imprecise, the liars, the untrustworthy, the forgers and the innovators. May Allāh reward the Imāms of this noble science.
[4] This audio recording of this statement and the previous one with English translation can be found at www.themadkhalis.com.
[5] See Fadā’ih wa Nasā’ih of Shaikh Muqbil, (p. 126).
[6] Cassette: al-As’ilah as-Sunniyyah li ‘Allāmah ad-Diyār al-Yamaniyyah – questions from the young men of Tā’if.
[7] Narrated by Abul-Hasan ar-Ramlī from Shaikh Muqbil in his second article in refutation of ‘Alī al-Halabī. See Siyānatus-Salafī (pg. 323).
[8] See al-Fatāwā al-Jaliyyah (1/30).
[9] See Siyānatus-Salafī min Waswasati wa Talbisāt ‘Alī al-Halabī of Shaikh Ahmad Bāzmūl (p.327).