A False And Evil Claim: “The Manhaj of The Salaf Is Not Suitable For The Present Era”

Question to Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah):

Some of the people claim that the manhaj of Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaa’ah is not suitable for this time, and they cite (as “proof” for their argument) that the precise regulations of the Sharee’ah held by Ahlus Sunnah cannot be actualized in this present era.

Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (hafidhahullaah) answered:

“The one who holds that ‘the manhaj of the Salafus Saalih [the Prophet and his sahaabah] is not suitable for the rectification of the (affairs) in this time’ is one to be considered misguided and misguiding others, because the manhaj of the Salafus Saalih is what Allaah commanded us to follow till the establishment of the Hour.

He (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Verily those of you who live long after me will see a lot of differences, so hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly-Guided Khulafaah after me. Cling to it tightly and bite unto it with your molar teeth.

This is an address to the ummah till the establishment of the Hour. It demonstrates that the Manhaj of the Salaf must be followed and that it is suitable for rectifying the (affairs) in every time and place.

Allaah (Subhaanah) said:

<<And the first to embrace Islaam of the Muhaajroon (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansaar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhaajiroon) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him>> (At-Tawbah 9:100)

And also those who followed them exactly (in faith): this includes the entire Ummah till the establishment of the Hour. Therefore, it is obligatory upon the Ummah to follow the manhaj of the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar.

Imaam Maalik (rahimahullaah) said:

The later part of this ummah will not be rectified except by that which rectified its earlier part.

The one who wishes to isolate the Ummah from the Salaf-us Saalih is one who wishes evil for the Muslims. He is one who wishes to change Islaam, and he is one who wishes to initiate innovations and Mukhaalafaat (things that are in opposition to the pure Religion). It is obligatory to reject this one, cut off his argument and warn against his evil, because the Manhaj of the Salaf must be followed and the Salaf must be taken as examples. The Manhaj of the Salaf must be followed and that is what is in the Book of Allaah and in the Sunnah of His Messenger as we have mentioned. The one who wishes to cut off the Khalaf of the Ummah from its Salaf is one who works corruption in the earth. It is obligatory to reject, refute his statement and warn against him. The shee’ah and those in agreement with them are the ones known for uttering such statements, so they are not be to be given any consideration.”

[Source: Al-Muntaqaa Min Fataawaa Ash-Shaikh Saaleh Al Fawzaan: page:11-12]
Translated by: Abu Mu’aawiyyah (‘Abdullaah Al-Gambi)
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