In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
Many brothers have contacted us regarding a brother by the name of AbdulAziz Al-Haqqan.
The stance of a Salafi is always to refer back to the scholars and mashayikh for guidance on matters of uncertainty, as Allah, the Almighty, says: {So ask the people of remembrance (i.e., of knowledge) if you do not know} [16:43].
After several discussions with our beloved Sheikh Usama Al-Utaybi, the position of Abu Mundhir, Abu Zakariyya, and Abu Haytham is that we do not warn against AbdulAziz Al-Haqqan as a person, but rather, we warn against the mistakes he has fallen into. The Sheikh explained that there is a difference between حذر (cautioning) and التحذير (warning). Regarding those who fall into these mistakes, we exercise caution (حذر) concerning their errors, and we ask Allah to grant us and him insight into the religion.
After presenting AbdulAziz’s case to Sheikh Usama, he informed us that some mashayikh and students of knowledge hold similar incorrect positions on certain points mentioned in the lecture below. He emphasised that it is hypocritical and contrary to the Salafi methodology to warn against small students of knowledge while ignoring the mistakes of the mashayikh. The Sheikh said that as long as AbdulAziz does not fall into clear-cut fisq (open sin) or innovation and is merely following these mashayikh in their stances, then he should be treated the same as the mashayikh who made these errors.
We also asked the Sheikh: “O Sheikh, some people may attack us and call us ‘mumayi’ah’ for following your advice. What should we do in such cases?” The Sheikh responded, “Do not pay attention to these people. They are ignorant Sa’afiqah, and we have been greatly afflicted by them.”
Furthermore, we free ourselves from those who seek out the mashayikh with the aim of declaring Salafi brothers as innovators over some mistakes.
Indeed, Allah has said:
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted” [4:135].
May Allah guide us all to the straight path, grant us clarity in matters of the religion, and protect us from falling into error. O Allah, bless us with sincerity in our words and actions, and help us to stand firm upon the truth. We ask You, O Most Merciful, to increase us in knowledge and righteousness, and to unite us upon the correct understanding of Your religion. آمين.
And may peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.