9. Al-Ṣaḥwah (the Saudi “Islamic Awakening” of the 1990s)
In their words
During the first Gulf War with Iraq from 2nd August 1990 till 28th February 1991[1], many radicals from the Ikhwān al-Muslimeen sect and their offshoots condemned the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for seeking and accepting help from the United States and the West against the army of Saddām Hussain that invaded Kuwait and had threatened the Kingdom. Till this day, the Khawārij (and followers of Sayyid Qutb) declare the rulership and scholars of Saudi Arabia to be apostates due to their permitting the American military onto Arabian soil.
Salman al-Awdah is the carrier of the fikr (thought) of Hasan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb and he was outed as a liar back in the 90s. There is an abundance of material on the tube (with documented audio evidence) establishing and proving that al-Awdah is a calculated liar, and the reader can research that independently. In the 90s he was part of a group (including Nasir al-Umar, Safar al-Hawali and others) that used the affliction of the first Gulf War (in 1991) as a means bring out the Ikhwani agenda into the open. They spread the doctrine of takfir amongst the youth, tore the youth from the scholars by denigrating the scholars and spread many innnovated principles that were aimed at legitimizing the two main strains of Ikhwani thought (gathering everyone into a mass and revolution against the authorities). The Scholars of Madeenah, at the head of them Shaykh Rabee', exposed and refuted this new band of Ikhwani Kharijites and though much confusion ensued through the mid to late 90s, by the turn of the new century all the Major Scholars (Shaykhs Ibn Baz, al-Albani, al-Uthaymeen) had spoken against them and vindicated Shaykh Rabee' and his brothers who exposed their treachery, deception, hypocrisy (in speech and deed) and their evil intentions.
The Muslim Brotherhood appear as rectifiers and righteous people but they manifest the greatest of deceptions and machinations. They do not desire the truth but only what agrees with their desires. They are "callers at the gates of Hellfire, whoever responds to them will enter therein." They call the people of Hadeeth, the Salafis, the Firqah al-Naajiyah as being "the people of 'even if he beats your back and takes your wealth'," (a derogatory term) because they (the Salafis) stick to the Prophetic ahaadeeth in this regard. Satan dominated the hearts and intellects of a sect that appeared and gained some ground between 1405H (1985) to 1415H (1995) and they tried to overturn what Allaah has blessed this land with of Tawhid, love and a united word for no other reason except to implement plots for the domination of the Qutbiyyah, Surooriyyah and the Ikhwaan over this land and its people. This has become abundantly clear in the past few years. This sect and its helpers have come to us with the label "al-Sahwah" (Awakening, Revival), and they are by Allaah, Kharijites (Khawaarij).
Safar al-Hawali is from the Extremist Qutbiyyah (followers of the doctrines of Sayyid Qutb) (see SayyidQutb.Com) who emerged in the early 1990s (after the Gulf War) attempting to push the doctrines of Sayyid Qutb to the Saudi masses. He along with others (Salman al-Awdah) spread the ideology of takfir to the youth and were inciting the masses against the Scholars and the rulers. They belittled the Scholars (Shaykh Ibn Baz, Shaykh al-Albani and others) and accused them of ignorance, and also propagated takfir of the rulers and of the Saudi government. They managed to rouse a segment of the society, however, when their affair was brought to the Scholars and they were advised, but continued upon their path, and the Scholars realized they were propagating the ideology of the Khawarij, they were apprehended and imprisoned in 1997 by order of Shaykh Abd al-Azeez bin Baz (rahimahullaah). As a result, the followers they had put on this path and nurtured upon the manhaj of Sayyid Qutb, moved onto other more extreme elements such as Abu Muhammad al-Maqdisi, Abu Qatadah, Nasir al-Fahd and their likes. There is no doubt that these Qutbiyyah (Safar al-Hawali, Salman al-Awdah, Aa'id al-Qarnee etc.) were responsible for misguiding a large share of the youth and pushing them in this disastrous direction.
What is quite astounding is the fact that even after this and other discussions with the great scholars of the era, the likes of al-`Awdah, al-Qarnee, Safar al-Hawaalee, and even Ibn Jibreen did not take on board the guidance of these eminent scholars. So they became well-known for their defence of the Jihadist ideologues such as Sayyid Qutb, and embraced these false doctrines, teaching that to the youth. The end result of which was mayhem and chaos amongst the Muslim youth; the proliferation of street demonstrations, rebellious speeches from the pulpits, increase in terrorist plots, open belittlement and disrespect towards the Rulers, little attention paid towards teaching the youth the basics of Tawheed and Sunnah and great exaggerated emphasis placed upon entry into the political arena, parliaments and democratic elections. The fruits of this false doctrine we see in full fruition today within Muslim communities. This also shows the immense insight of the Scholars of the era that is not seen by the hasty agitators who seek to cajole the youth into wasting their lives in futile causes whilst those who direct them sit comfortably in their homes watching the anarchy unfold on the news channels.
Answer by Shaikh Al-Fawzān: I have some reservations regarding the usage of the term ‘Aṣ-Ṣahwah al-Islāmiyyah’ (The Islamic Awakening)—which has become widespread in publications and writings. This is due to what the term implies in denying the efforts of the scholars who bring about rectification continually in every era—and likewise what the term indicates in denying the efforts of the other righteous people of this Ummah which the earth will not be absent of until the Hour is established.
Those who constantly refer to the term ‘Islamic Awakening’ are those who take their history from the inception of the political sect founded in Egypt known as ‘Al-Ikhwān al-Muslimoon’ by its founder and first leader, Hasan Al-Bannā. Muhammad Qubt (brother of Sayyid Qutb) stated: “We are only studying this phenomenon of the ‘Islamic Awakening’—its [idea] began in the heart of one man, and he is Hasan al-Bannā—Allah bestowed upon him radiance and illumination of his soul, and a pure connection with Allah.” (Wāqiʿunā al-Muʿāṣar, p. 401, i.e., ‘Our Current State of Affairs’)
When the Shaykh stood up to these Ikhwani stooges and opposition was shown to these mischief-makers by other Shaykhs and by Ahl al-Sunnah in general, they invented the label of 'Jaamiyyah' meaning followers of this Shaykh, and this was intended as a derogatory label. They did the same with Shaykh Rabee' bin Haadee al-Madkhali, he was also instrumental, in fact the most instrumental, in exposing these Ikhwani stooges and their evil plots and designs for the Saudi society (takfir and revolution). Alhamdulillaah, due to the efforts of these scholars, these Ikhwani stooges were apprehended and some of them spent a stretch in prison upon the recommendation of Shaykh Abd al-Aziz bin Baz (rahimahullaah). These two terms 'Jaamiyyah' (Jaamis) and 'Madkhaliyyah" (Madkhalis) are used negatively to malign and attack the people of the Sunnah. These people have simply followed the way of the Ahl al-Bid'ah throughout history who attack Ahl al-Sunnah with names they devise themselves in order hinder people from the truth.
In the 1990s the Qutbiyyah used the Gulf War as an ideal opportunity to come out and call to their da'wah and claim that the Scholars do not really know what is going on began to mobilize the youth against the Scholars and rulers. This is one tact.
Heads
Ṣafar al-Ḥawālī
However, when the chicken came home to roost, as in, the effects and results of that takfiri, Qutbi, Khariji nurturing became manifest (in the form of terrorist incidents), Safar al-Hawali - when confronted - outed himself as a liar and tried to absolve himself of any blame. Listen to the discussion below:
Musa Abd al-Aziz speaks first (0:40) and he explains that the doctrines of takfir and hakimiyyah, this ideology is what is behind these activities, and it was the fikr of Sayyid Qutb that was brought into the Saudi Kingdom that led to this, and this was imported by the ad-du'at al-mutahazzibeen (partisan callers). Safar al-Hawali is listening to all of this and he knows in his soul that he is the one responsible for this, he (along with other Qutbiyyah) was responsible for this fikr - and he was actually a student of Mohammad Qutb (the brother of Sayyid Qutb). So al-Hawali knows he is guilty, a hundred percent, and he knows he is in a sticky situation.
Endnote: Safar al-Hawali is from a group of callers who were pushing the ideology of Sayyid Qutb (a Rafidee, takfiri, Khariji, Jahmee in his aqidah) (see SayyidQutb.Com) and they were mobilizing the youth against the scholars and rulers. They taught softness, lenience towards these deviants from Egypt who are the main figureheads of al-Ikhwan al-Muslimeen whilst nurturing hate, separation, distrust and aversion from the scholars of Tawhid and Sunnah, all of which indicates their treachery. By Allaah's praise they were unsuccessful in their attempts in the 90s to precipitate a revolution. To date, they have not declared their tawbah (repentance) from their crimes and atrocities and continue with their deception and hypocrisy, hoping that the light is not shined on them in incidents like this one.
Salmān al-ʿAwdah
This saying is falsehood, passing general rulings upon people that they are disbelievers and secularists. That is mass Takfir, and Allaah's refuge is sought. Amongst the people are the believers, and amongst them are the disbelievers, and amongst them are the munaafiqoon (hypocrites), so we do not make generalized rulings upon them.
That's absolutely not permissible, to generalize kufr upon the people hence it be said, All of the people are Muslims. That is not true. Or that it be said; all of the people are disbelievers. That's not true. Or that it be said; all of the people are munaafiqoon. That is futile speech. Rather, we say: amongst the Muslims are truthful ones, and amongst them are hypocrites, and amongst them are disbelievers.
The saying that the Muslim Ummah is absent, then Takfir of all of the Islamic nations is necessitated from it, since its meaning is that there is no Islamic state, and this is in opposition to the saying of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam), "There will never cease to be a group from my Ummah upon the truth, uppermost. They will not be harmed by those who desert them or those who oppose them, until the affair of Allaah - the Blessed and Exalted - arrivs, and they are in this state."
So regardless of how much misguidance, differing, and disbelief might occur, then this safe and secure group will always remain.
Over a year ago, Salman al-Awdah began giving an explanation to the hadeeth of the Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), the hadeeth related by Hudhaifah bin al-Yamaan (radiallaahu anhu) in which the Messenger advised hearing and obeying the ruler (وإن ضرب ظهرك واخذ مالك), "Even if your back is beaten and your wealth is confiscated." So Salman al-Awdah came out with a bid'iyy, khaarijiyy interpretation, that this command is only in relation to a sole individual when the ruler oppresses him specifically in a matter that is between him and the ruler, he is ordered to hear and obey.
ʿĀʾiḍ al-Qarnī
So the one who introduced the lecture of Shaikhul-Islaam Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah) was `Abdullaah Ibn Jibreen. This whole debate was orchestrated by those affected by ideas of Sayyid Qutb in the hope that they could convince or overpower Shaikh Ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah). From this discussion you will see how this Imaam of the Sunnah was not swayed by some of these heads of hizbiyyah, Qutbiyyah, and misguided political ideologies. Those most ardent here in front of Shaikh Ibn Baaz were the likes of Salmaan al-`Awdah, `Aa’id al-Qarnee, and others. The Shaikh remained steadfast, firm and resolute as they threw question after question knowing that his position was the truth, may Allaah have mercy upon him.
Salman al-Awdah, Aa'id al-Qarnee and Muhammad Hassan are all upon this fikr. They combine between Irjaa' towards the innovators and Khaarijiyyah towards rulers and Scholars, and some of them do so deceptively under the banner of Salafiyyah which is free of them and they of it. When they show such indifference to the zandaqah present in the books of Sayyid Qutb (of Takfir of the Companions, statements of kufr, the doctrines of the Jahmiyyah, Mu'tazilah, Marxists and others) and raise him as an "Imaam of Guidance" and treacherously put him alongside Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Abd al-Wahhaab (as is done by Safar al-Hawali in one of his works) then what else is left but to open their arms to saint-worshippers? That's why you see all the innovators and deviants finding refuge, sanctuary, friendship and accommodation with these Ikhwanis, whilst in their hearts (of these Ikhwanis) there is detectable aversion and resentment towards the Scholars and rulers of Tawhid and Sunnah - as is clear from their outward actions, dealings and behaviour.
Nāṣir al-ʿUmar
The Salafi Ameer, Mamdooh bin Abd al-Azeez exposed these stooges and has pursued them (from a few months ago) by demanding them to answer certain questions openly and in public. When these questions were sent to them, a large Twitter movement put pressure on these stooges to answer these questions put to them by the Ameer. Whilst Areefee addressed one or two of these questions (in a tweet!), these Ikhwanis as a whole have not dared to give truthful, sincere, open answers to all of the questions put to them. In this article we will translate the short request from Ameer Mamdooh and add relevant comments and notes so that the reader has a wider context within which to appreciate the true realities of these mischief-makers.
Questions from Mamdooh bin Abd al-Azeez to the Heads of the Ikhwan in Our Land and at the Head of them Salman al-Awdah, Nasir al-Umar, Muhammad al-Areefee and Others From Their Likes
Muḥammad al-ʿArīfī
Salman al-Awdah and Muhammad al-Areefee are two Ikhwani stooges upon the methodology of Hassan al-Banna, Yusuf al-Qardawi and others from the Ikhwan. The Muslim Brotherhood is an organization set up to accommodate all the enemies of Tawhid and the Sunnah, from the Raafidah, Jahmiyyah, Quburiyyah, Communists, Mu'tazilah, Ash'ariyyah and others and to mobilize the masses against those in authority with the goal of toppling them and wrestling power from them in order to establish "social justice", "equality" and "freedom" all under the slogan of "Islamic da'wah." There are two major strains of thought represented by Sayyid Qutb and Hassan al-Banna. The strain of takfir and haakimiyyah (Qutb) and the strain of pluralism (Banna). Salman al-Awdah, al-Areefee and others are callers to this way. Just like the Ash'aris and Ahl al-Kalaam make ta'weel of and distort the Sunnah that clashes with their innovation (and likewise the Qadariyyah, Murji'ah, Khawaarij and all the other sects), these Ikhwanis have taken the same approach, to distort and make ta'weel of that which relates to the issue of rulers, rulership, hearing and obeying and related issues. They wish to undermine these foundations of the Sunnah so they are left to nurture the youth upon their ideologies which clash with the Sunnah. What follows below is a clear, lucid illustration of these types of attempts.
Articles
Abu Iyaad Amjad Rafiq
- A Gift to Salman al-Awdah and Safar al-Hawali: Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan: Being Labelled with 'Jaamiyyah' is a Praise and a Tazkiyah (opens in a new tab)
- Abdullaah al-Farsee, Sajid Kayum (Slanderhouse Master), Salman al-Awdah al-Ikhwaanee, Muhammad al-Areefee al-Ikhwaanee and Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan al-Salafee and Ta'weel of the Hadeeth of Hudhayfah bin al-Yamaan (opens in a new tab)
- Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan on Salman al-Awdah's Saying 'The Absent Ummah': This Necessitates the Takfir of the Whole Ummah (opens in a new tab)
- Shaykh Salih al-Fawzan's Refutation of Salman al-Awdah's Generalized Mass Takfir of All the Muslims (opens in a new tab)
- Ikhwanis Salman Al-Awdah and Muhammad Al-Areefee Exposed: Lying Upon the Messenger and Lying Upon Imaam Al-Nawawi (opens in a new tab)
- Al-Ameer Mamdooh Bin Abd Al-Azeez: The Ikhwaan Are Kharijites and Devoted Servants (Of the Interests Of) World Freemasonry (opens in a new tab)
- Al-Ameer Mamdooh Bin Abd Al-Azeez: Exposes the Stooges of the 'Muslim Brotherhood' - Salman Al-Awdah, Muhammad Al-Areefee and Nasir Al-Umar (opens in a new tab)
- Ikhwani Qutbi Salman Al-Awdah and Rafidi Baatinee Hasan Al-Saffar: Genuine Smiles, Positive Hopes (opens in a new tab)
- Extremist Qutbi Safar Al-Hawali Outed as a Lying Deceptive Coward by Musa Abd Al-Azeez in Interview (opens in a new tab)
- Saint-Worshipper Habib Ali Al-Jifri on the Qutbiyyah Salman Al-Awdah, Aa'id Al-Qarnee and Muhammad Hassan (opens in a new tab)
Abu Khadeejah Abdul-Wahid
- The Enthusiasm of the Youth of the ‘Islamic Awakening’ (Sahwah) for Da’wah that Quickly Dies―and the Attributes of a Caller to Allah. (Shaikh Sālih al-Fawzān) (opens in a new tab)
- The Tears Of Ibn Bāz: When Ibn Jibreen and Salmaan al-Awdah Debated Ibn Bāz (opens in a new tab)
- Why is there American Military Presense in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia? Seeking Assistance from Non-Muslims: A Discussion in Light of Shariah Proofs. (opens in a new tab)