Question
I have a few questions about aqeeda. Are all ashariah, maturidiyah, and sufiah considered ahl sunnah? And do we really take hadith ahad as proof for aqeeda or does it need to be mutawatir? How should we react to our oppressive rulers, do we try to get them out of the office, or do we stand still and be patient especially when they have not committed any type of kufr?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
- The term Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamat refers to those who follow the Prophet (SAW) and his Sahaba (RA). Imam Abu Hasan Al-Ashari and Imam Abu Mansoor Al-Maturidi are the two imams and representatives of Ahlus Sunnah, thus Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamah comprises two groups: The Ashairah and Maturdiah. However, one should not occupy himself with these technical terms. Regarding the belief of Ahlus Sunnah, we advise you to study Al-Aqidah At-Tahawiya. You may also refer to the following fatwa for more details on the Asharia and Maturidis: https://daruliftabirmingham.co.uk/questions-about-aqeeda-matrudi-hanafi-and-taqleed-in-aqeedah/
Regarding the word ‘Sufi’, it is a term that has been misunderstood and misrepresented. In essence, a true Sufi is one who adheres to the Quran and Sunnah. However, if a person’s beliefs and practices deviate from the Quran and Sunnah, then despite calling oneself a ‘Sufi’, they would not be considered from Ahlus Sunnah. (Fatawa Darul Uloom Deoband: v. 18, 402-403 [Darul Isha’at])
- Ahadith Aahaad cannot be used to establish fundamentals of Iman, i.e. those integral beliefs upon which Iman is dependent. Matters of belief are based on certainty, hence mutawatir texts are required to establish such indispensable beliefs. However, Ahadith Aahaad do establish secondary beliefs (those beliefs upon which Iman is not dependent), e.g. certain descriptions of Jannah and Jahanum. Nevertheless, to reject Ahadith Aahaad is sinful and to reject Mutawatir is disbelief. (Sharhul Aqaaid Al-Nasafia: p. 324-325; Usul Al-Fiqh [Abu Zahra]: p. 109 [Darul Fikr Al-Arabi])
- Regarding tyrant rulers, one should be patient and avoid doing anything that would create chaos and make matters worse. Make dua to Allah (SWT) to guide them, and in a legal manner, address any wrongdoing and make an effort to solve the problem. In addition, always consult the people of knowledge for guidance. (Raddul Muhtar: v. 2, p. 282-283 [Maktaba Imdadia]; Fatawa Darul Uloom Haqqania: v. 2, p. 326 [Jamia Darul Uloom Haqqania Akora Khattak])
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham