10 nullifiers of Islam by Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab

THE FIRST NULLIFIER




Setting Up Partners in the Worship of Allah, the Most High
Allah, the Most High, says: “Verily, Allah does not forgive that partners be set up with Him (in worship), but
He forgives whatever is less than that, to whomever He wills. And whoever sets up
partners with Allah, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.”

And He, the Most High, says: “…Verily, whoever sets up partners with Allah (in worship), then Allah has forbidden paradise to him, and his final abode will be the Fire. And the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers, polytheists) will have no helpers.

EXPLANATION

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem (In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most
Merciful)
The author starts his book with Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem as it is in the Qur’aan
and as the Messenger of Allah used to do when he wrote letters. It is preferred to
start with it whenever writing a letter, as found in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree, regarding
the letter the Messenger wrote to Heraqil
. Imam An Nawawi said:
“In this hadeeth [when the Messenger wrote to Heraqil], there is proof that it is
preferred to start the letter with Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem even if the letter's
recipient is a non-Muslim.”
Know that the Nullifiers of Islam are ten.
The author now brings up the verb ‘know’ as an imperative, attracting the
attention of the reader so he will understands the importance of learning these
nullifiers and avoids falling into them. The Nullifiers of Islam are the actions that ruin
one’s faith and lead to a lost of good deeds and a final abode in the Hell-fire. The
Nullifiers of Islam could be less or more than ten. Some scholars have counted the
Nullifiers of Islam to be ninety and others up to four hundred, but the theme is based on
the following ten.
The First Nullifier: Setting Up Partners in the Worship of Allah, the Most High.
Allah, the Most High, says: “Verily, Allah does not forgive that partners be set up
with Him (in worship), but He forgives whatever is less than that, to whomever He
wills. And whoever sets up partners with Allah, he has indeed invented a
tremendous sin.” And He, the Most High, says: “…Verily, whoever sets up partners
with Allah (in worship), then Allah has forbidden paradise to him, and his final abode will be the Fire. And the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers, polytheists) will have no
helpers.” From this (shirk) is offering a sacrifice (Dhabh) for other than Allah ,
like the one who sacrifices to the Jinn or to (the one in) the grave.
The author starts the nullifiers with shirk (polytheism) for two reasons. Firstly,
because many people are falling into this great sin. Allah says: Verily, Allah does not forgive that partners be set up with Him (in worship), but
He forgives whatever is less than that, to whomever He wills.”
The Messenger of Allah , also defined shirk (polytheism) to be the greatest sin
made by man. Abdullah Bin Mas’aud narrated:
“I asked the Messenger of Allah , 'Which sin is the gravest in the eye of Allah
?' He replied: ‘that you associate a partner with Allah [despite the fact]
that He has created you.' He (the reporter) said, ‘I told him [the Prophet ],
'Verily it is indeed grave.' He (the reporter) said, 'I asked him what the next
(gravest sin) was.' He [the Prophet ] replied, 'That you kill your child out of fear
that he shall join you in food.' He (the reporter) said, 'I asked (him) what the next
(gravest sin) was.' He [the Prophet ] said, 'Then (the next gravest sin) is
that you commit adultery with the wife of your neighbour’”.
Abdur-Rahman Bin Abu Bakra narrated that his father said:
“We were in the company of the Messenger of Allah and he said: ‘Should I
not inform you about the most grievous of the grave sins?' The Prophet
repeated it three times and then said, 'Associating anyone with Allah ,
disobedience to parents, false testimony or false utterance.' The Prophet was reclining, then he sat up and he repeated it so many times that we wished that he
should become silent”.

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Avoid the seven obnoxious things." It was said (by the hearers), "What are they,
Messenger of Allah ?" He (the Prophet ) replied; "Associating anything with
Allah , magic, killing of one whom Allah has declared inviolate without
a just cause, consuming the property of an orphan, and consuming of usury,
turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are
believers, but unwary”.
Shirk (polytheism) is defined as “holding false gods as equals with Allah in His
Attributes (Characteristics)”. Or one could say shirk (polytheism) is “devoting or
awarding any act of worship to others than Allah "..
Falling into shirk (polytheism) can be practiced in many ways. Abdullah Bin Mas’aud
(S) narrated, the Messenger of Allah said:
“Shirk (polytheism) is of seventy-some types”.
This hadeeth means that falling into shirk (polytheism) could happen in many ways
and not only by practicing one violation of Tawheed (monotheism), as many people
mistakenly believe. Shirk could be practiced by associating others with Allah in His
Ulooheeyah (the duties of the creation to the Creator. i.e. to supplicate Him, praying to
Him, etc), Ruboobeeyah (the duties of the Creator to the creation i.e. to create them, give
them provision, etc) or Names and Attributes.
Associating others with Allah in His Ulooheeyah is by praying to others,
supplicating to them, prostrating before them, slaughtering in their name, seeking their
help in things which only Allah can do, calling on them in their absence or
devoting any type of worship to others than Allah .Associating others with Allah
in His Ruboobeeyah is by ascribing to any of the creation management or
control of the universe to others. For example: believing that someone or something can
create or resurrect as only can Allah .Or believing that someone or something can
bring down the rain. Associating others with Allah in His Names is by calling
someone by any of the Names of Allah , such as naming someone Allah, Ar-Rahman
or Al-Khaliq (The Creator). Associating others with Allah in His Attributes is to
equate the creation with The Creator in His Attributes, such as believing that a certain
person knows the future.





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Next topic : "TYPES OF SHIRK" , In sha Allah.

TYPES OF SHIRK
•MAJOR SHIRK







There are two types of shirk (polytheism). Major shirk (As-shirk Al-Akbar) and Minor
shirk (As-shirk Al-Asgar). Some scholars add a third kind, which is the Unseen Shirk
(As-shirk Al-Khafy), but it is actually included in within the second type:
A: Major shirk
Major shirk consists of many types, but all fall under the following four major types:
1. Shirk of Love (Shirk Al-Mahabah): This type means to love a creation as you love Allah , or even more so. Allah says in the Qur’aan: “And of mankind are some who take [for worship] others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe, love Allah more (than anything else)”.
Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said:
“Whosoever loves a creation equal to his love to Allah , he is a Mushrik
(polytheist); and there must be a difference between loving for the sake of Allah
and loving with Allah ”.
Many people who claim to be Muslim have fallen into this type of shirk
(polytheism) by loving their leaders, or awleeya (plural of walee, [a pious Muslim]),
as they love Allah , or even more so. When you ask one of them to take a false oath
by Allah [swearing in Allah while lying] they will. But when you request from
them to take a false oath by their walee, they refuse. This is Shirk (polytheism) of Love.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said :
“A part of Shirk (polytheism) of Love; is loving a creation equal to loving
Allah . This is a part of shirk (polytheism) of which Allah will not forgive (if
someone dies on it). It is the type of shirk (polytheism) of which Allah says: 'And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to
Allah). They love them as they love Allah. But those who believe love Allah more
(than anything else)'.

Those involved in this shirk (polytheism) will say to their gods when they are in the
Hell-fire as stated in the Qur'aan: By Allah, we were truly in a manifest error when we held you (false gods) as equals
(in worship) with the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)'.
It is obvious that they did not equate them to Allah in creation, death,
resurrection, kingdom and capability, but they equated them to Allah in
love, lordship, obedience and servility”.

There are four different types of love: Firstly, loving for the sake of Allah and loving
what Allah and His Messenger love. This is how a Muslim should be.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said about this type of love:
“There are four types of love where one must differentiate between them and
there were some people who have been misguided because they were unable to
differentiate between them. They are:
A. Loving Allah only, which is not enough for surviving Allah’s
punishment and winning His reward. Indeed, Al-Mushrikeen (polytheists),
the worshippers of the cross, the Jews and others love Allah .
B. Loving what Allah loves. This leads him to enter Islam and depart kufr
(infidelity). The most beloved ones by Allah are those with much of this
type of love.
C. Loving for the sake of Allah and loving for Him. This is a requirement of
loving what Allah loves. And loving what Allah loves will not be
complete except loving in Him and for Him.
D. Loving with Allah , which is the Shirk (polytheism) of Love. Everyone
who loves something with the love of Allah, not for the sake of Allah ,
neither for Him nor in Him, then he has associated a partner with Him.
This is the love of Al-Mushrikeen (the polytheists).”
Secondly, loving lawful things, such as food, clothes or drinks. This is normal
love. Thirdly, sympathetic loving, such as loving your children or wife. This is
normal love. Fourthly, loving others equal or more than the love of Allah .
This is major shirk (polytheism).
2. Shirk of Supplication (Shirk Ad-Du’aa): Allah says in the Qur’aan: “And when they embark on a ship they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure
for Him only. But when He brings them safely to land, behold they give a
share of their worship to others”.
And He says: And when harm touches you upon the sea, those that you call upon vanish from you except Him (Allah Alone). But when He brings you safely to land, you turn
away (from Him). And man is ever ungrateful”.
Ibn Katheer says in his book of tafseer (explanation of the Qur'aan) in regards to this
verse: “Ikrimah Bin Abi Jahl fled from Allah’s Messenger at the time, when Makkah
was conquered. He rode over the (Red) Sea to cross over to Ethiopia, but (as they
proceeded) a heavy storm wind overtook their boat, and huge waves came to them
from all sides, and they thought that they were encircled therein. The people of
the boat said to one another, ‘None can save you except Allah . So invoke Him(Alone) to deliver you safely.' Ikrimah said to himself, 'By Allah if none can
benefit in the sea except Allah , then no doubt none can benefit over the land
except Allah . O Allah , I promise You that if You delivered me safe from
this, I will go and put my hands in the hands of Prophet Muhammad , and
surely I will find him full of pity, kindness and mercy.' So, they were delivered
safely (by Allah) and returned to their seashore and came out of the sea. Ikrimah
then proceeded to Allah’s Messenger and embraced Islam and became a perfect
Muslim.”
So, invoking others than Allah is major shirk. Ad-Du’aa (supplication) is an act of
worship and devoting an act of worship to other than Allah is shirk (polytheism). The
Messenger of Allah said:
“Ad-Du’aa (supplication) is the worship”.
3. Shirk of Intentions and Will (Shirk An-Niah wa Al-Ea’radah): Allah says in
the Qur’aan: “Whosoever desires the life of the world and its glitter, to them We shall pay in full (the wages of) their deeds therein, and they will have no diminution therein. They
are those for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter but Fire, and vain are deeds
they did therein. And of no effect is that which they used to do”.
Ibn Al-Qayyim said:
“As for Shirk (polytheism) of Intentions and Wills, it’s the sea without a shore
and few are among people who survive it. Whosoever intends for his deeds to be
for other than Allah and intends other than worshipping Him and seeking His
reward, thereby he has fallen into shirk (polytheism) in his intention and will”.

Rendering Shirk (polytheism) of Intention to be a major shirk (polytheism) is subject
to one whose all of his good deeds (acts of worship) are intended for others than Allah
. Whereas having Riyyaa (showing off) occasionally in his deeds is considered
as minor shirk
4. Shirk of Obedience (Shirk At-Ta’ah), which is obeying others in disobeying Allah
. In other words, when someone tells you to prostrate to other than Allah , you
obey him and disobey Allah , as Allah forbids prostrating to others than Him. Or
we could say if someone legalizes the actions made illegal by Allah , or forbids what
Allah has legalized, then that is considered Shirk (polytheism) of Obedience. Allah
says in the Qur’aan:
They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their
lords besides Allah (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful
according to their own desires without being ordered by Allah). And (they also
took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and
Christians) were commanded (in their books) to worship none but One Ilah (God
– Allah). La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Praise
and glory is to Him (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with
Him)”.20
Adi Bin Hatim narrated:
“I heard the Prophet read this verse [9:31]. So, I said to him, ‘Verily, we did not
worship them’. The Messenger of Allah replied : ’Did they not make illegal
what Allah made legal so you then made it illegal? And [did they not]
make legal what Allah made illegal and you therefore made it legal?’ I
said ‘Yes’. The Messenger said, ‘That is worshipping them’”


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Next topic : Minor shirk , in sha Allah

MINOR SHIRK

Minor Shirk (polytheism) consists of three types:

1. Taking oaths by others than Allah : It is shirk (polytheism) to swear by others
than Allah. Abdullah bin Umar Bin Al-Khattab narrated that Allah’s Messenger
said :
“Whoever swears by other than Allah has disbelieved or committed shirk”(at tirmidhi)

Swearing by others than Allah such as a prophet, an angel, etc is considered
minor shirk (polytheism). But if the one sworn by is glorified, then it is considered a
major shirk (polytheism).


2. Saying “What Allah may will and you may will”: Abdullah Bin Abbas
narrated:
“Once a man came to the Prophet and said ‘With the Will of Allah and
[also] with your will.’ The Prophet then said: ‘Have you made me an associate
with Allah ? Rather it is what Allah alone wills’”.(An nasai)
The same applies here as in swearing by others than Allah . If one says, "with Allah’s
will and someone’s will" while glorifying that someone, then this is considered
major shirk (polytheism); otherwise it is minor shirk.


3. Riyyaa (showing off): Riyyaa is practicing an act of worship in order to please the
creation instead of the Creator. Riyyaa can be major or minor shirk (polytheism). If the
person practices all of his good deeds in order to please others than Allah , then
this is considered to be major shirk (polytheism). But if the person intends to
please others than Allah in some of his good deeds, then this is considered to be a
minor shirk (polytheism). Allah says-

“Say [O Muhammad]: I am only a man. It has been inspired to me that your
illah (God) is One illah. So whosoever hopes for the meeting with his Rubb
(Lord), let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship
of his Rubb”.(18:110)

Imam Ahmed reported a marfu hadith [elevated; a narration from the Prophet
, e.g. “I heard the Prophet saying…”] from Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri , that the
Prophet said:
“Shall I not tell you what I fear for you more than the false Messiah?” The
companions said, “Indeed, O Messenger of Allah .” He said, “Inconspicuous
shirk, as when a person improves his rendering of the Salat (daily five
prayers) when he knows that others are watching”.

SECOND NULLIFIER OF ISLAM

Whoever makes between himself and Allah Intermediaries (al -Wasaa’it),
Supplicating them (ad-Du’aa), Asking them for Intercession (Shafaa’a) and Relying upon
them (Tawakkul) - In that case he/she has already become a Kaafir (Unbeliever). This is
the Consensus (Ijmaa’a) of the Muslim communities past and present

This nullifier is a part of the first one shirk (polytheism), but for the importance of this
action and because many people have fallen into it, the author chose to earmark it. Many people who claim to be Muslims practice this false action. They believe that one must
take mediators between them and Allah to answer their calls, grant them their
requests or remove hardships off them. They claim that one must have a mediator
between Allah and themselves, as you would have if requesting something from a
king or president. Those people have disbelieved because Allah has sent Books and
Messengers commanding people to worship Him Alone and direct their requests and calls to Him. Allah does not need anyone as a mediator to call upon Him. Allah says:

Say [O, Muhammad to the pagans] call upon those whom you assert [to be
associate gods] besides Allah; they possess not even an atom’s weight either in the heavens or on the earth, nor have they any share in either, nor there is for Him
any supporter from among them. Intercession with Him profits not except for
him whom He permits".(Surah saba:22-23)

And He says:

And invoke not besides Allah any such that will neither profit you nor hurt you,
but if [in case] you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Thalimeen [polytheists
and wrong-doers]. And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none whom can
remove it but He, and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can
repel His Favor which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He
wills. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful".(Surah yunus:106:107)


Next topic: Types of intermediation, in sha Allah.

TYPES OF INTERMEDIATION

There are many verses in the Qur’aan proving that one must direct his request to Allah
and worship Him sincerely without associating any partners with Him.
Intermediation is of two kinds:
1. Intermediation informing on behalf of Allah :
This is the duty of the Prophets because no one has knowledge of what has come from
Allah except through the Prophets who were sent by Allah . Allah says:

"Allah chooses Messengers from angels and from men. Verily, Allah is All-Hearer,
All-Seer".(22:75)

2. Intermediation requesting help, intercession, dependence and relief:

This type consists of five sections:
• Obligatory (wajib): Seeking help from Allah at times of hardship and trusting
Him in every aspect of your life. Allah says in the Qur’aan:
"And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed".(5:23)

Narrated Abdullah Bin Abbas:
“One day I was riding behind the Prophet when he said: ‘Lad, be
mindful of Allah and He will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and
you will find Him before you. When you ask [for anything] ask it from
Allah , and if you seek help, seek help from Allah ’”.(at tirmidhi)

Narrated Umar Bin Al-Khattab :
“I heard Allah’s Messenger say: ‘If you all relied on Allah with due
reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who
issue forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk’”.(at tirmidhi)

• Mustahabb (order without obligation, preferred): Invoking Allah more
frequently as this increases one’s sincerity to Him.
• Halal (permissible, legal, and lawful): Seeking help from the creation or requesting
their intermediation to Allah . This is permissible with two conditions: The
presence of the one being asked, and his ability to do what he has been asked to
do (i.e. not asking them to send down the rain or resurrect the dead, etc.).
• Makrooh (disliked, but not forbidden): Asking people for favours more often.
Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said:
“Asking favours from the creation is originally forbidden, but it was made
legal for necessity and avoiding requesting favours from others while
depending on Allah is better. Allah says:


‘So when you have finished [your occupation], devote yourself for Allah’s
worship. And to your Rubb [Lord Alone] turn [all your] intentions and hopes'.(94:7-8)


•Muharram (forbidden): Ascribing mediators between Allah and oneself by
supplicating to them or seeking their help in things only Allah can do. This type
is from what the author is warning Muslims against. Allah says in the
Qur’aan:

“And who is more astray than one who calls on [invokes] besides Allah, such
as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection and who are [even]
unaware of their calls [invocations] to them. And when mankind is
gathered [on the Day of Resurrection], they [false deities] will become their
enemies and will deny their worshipping”.(46:5-6)




Next topic: Types of intercession in hereafter, in sha Allah

THE THIRD NULLIFIER


Whoever does not declare the Kufr (disbelief) of the pagans; or has doubts about their Kufr (disbelief); or considers their madh-hab (way of life/religion) as correct or valid. Such a one has fallen into disbelief by Consensus.




This nullifier consists of three parts: Firstly, whosoever does not agree that the pagans, atheists, etc are disbelievers, when Allah announces in the Qur’aan in many verses that they are indeed kuffar (infidels). Allah says in the Qur’aan,

“Verily, those who disbelieve [in the religion of Islam, the Qur’aan and Prophet Muhammad (N)]from among the people of the Scripture [Jews and Christians] and Al-Mushrikeen, will abide in the Fire of Hell”.(98:6)

Secondly, whosoever hesitates in the status of the kuffar (infidels) (i.e. he is not sure they are disbelievers or not). Thirdly, whosoever praises the path of the kuffar (infidels) and believes that their religion is correct and that they are on the right path; this type is even worse than the first two. There are two points that must be mentioned here:

• When we say the kuffar (infidels) here, we mean those for whom there is no doubt they are disbelievers (i.e. Jews, Christians, Hindus, etc.) and those who claim to be Muslims, but who are believed by the majority of the Muslim scholars to be disbelievers (i.e. Qadianies, An-Nosairiah, Al-Baha’aih, Ad-Drowze, Al-Batiniah, etc.) Sheikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said:
“Whosoever hesitates in the disbelief of those groups after having knowledge of what they say and having knowledge of the religion of Islam, then he is a kaafir (infidel); just as having doubt in the disbelief of the Jews, Christians, and the atheists”.(Al fatawa, vol. 2, page 368)

But for those for whose kufr (infidelity) the scholars dispute, such as the one who abandons As-Salat (the five daily prayers without rejecting its obligation); this does not fall under this nullifier.

• In regards to praising the kuffar (infidels), the Muslim must take great care. If praising them in their faith, this is considered as kufr (infidelity). Whereas praising their behaviour (such as their courage or their generosity) is permissible. But one thing the Muslim must avoid, which is considered sinful, is to call a kaafir (infidel) “Mister” as the Messenger said: “When you call the hypocrite ‘Mister’, you have made your Lord angry”(An nasai)

THE FIFTH NULLIFIER

“Whoever Hates Anything of What the Prophet (N) came with Has Committed Kufr (Disbelief), even if he practices it [i.e. that thing which the Prophet (N) has come with].”


The ‘ulamaa (scholars) agree on this nullifier as reported in the book Al-Iqna’a. This includes disliking or rejecting anything the Prophet brought to this ummah (nations, followers, etc) including any verbal or practical action, whether an obligation or a forbiddance. For example, if a wife dislikes or rejects the ruling that gives her husband the right to marry another woman, she will fall under this nullifier. However, if she accepts the ruling but dislikes for him to do that because she does not want to share her husband with another woman, it is permissible. Also, those who say it is oppressive having slaves because it is unfair owning humans or that struggling or fighting (jihaad) in Islam raising the Word of Allah in places where it is suppressed is wrong, fall under this nullifier. Allah says in the Qur’aan:

“But those who disbelieve (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), for them is destruction, and (Allah) will make their deeds in vain. That is because they hate that which Allah has sent down (this Qur’aan, Islamic laws, etc.), so He has made their deeds fruitless”.(47:8-9)

There are two conditions of this nullifier:
• The person must know that the action they reject or dislike is an affirmed Islamic rule in the Qur’aan and Sunnah (i.e. As-Salat).
• There must be ‘ijma’a’ (consensus of the Muslim scholars) on this ruling. If one dislikes a ruling that has Ikh-tilaaf (disputation) among the scholars, then this is not kufr (infidelity).

If a Muslim does not practice an action prescribed by Allah and His Messenger , he is not included in this nullifier.

THE SIXTH NULLIFIER

Whoever Ridicules, Scorns or Makes Mockery of Anything of the Religion of the Prophet , Its Reward or Its Punishment, Has Committed Kufr (Disbelief). Allah, the Most High, says:

“…Say: Was it Allah, and His Ayaat (proofs, signs, and revelations) and His Messenger that you were mocking? Make no excuse; you have disbelieved after you had believed…”( 9:65-66)


Anyone who mocks at Allah , the Messenger or the religion of Islam has committed kufr (infidelity) even if they were joking and not serious.
Abdullah Bin Umar narrated: A man during the battle of Tabuk said, “We have seen no people with greater appetite (bigger stomachs), more lying and more cowardly in battle than those people” [He was referring to the Qur’aan reciters with the Prophet ]. Awf bin Malik rose and said, “In fact, you are a liar and a hypocrite and I will inform Allah’s Messenger about your words”. So he went to Allah’s Messenger , but by then he was already informed by the above revelation. At the same time, the hypocrite approached Allah’s Messenger while he was starting his journey already on his camel. He pleaded, “O Messenger of Allah ! We were only joking and trying to pass the time while travelling”. Ibn Umar said, “It’s as if I see him now that he was clinging to the saddle belt of the Messenger of Allah’s camel as it ran while his legs were being battered by the rough ground, and even then he continued pleading”. Allah’s Messenger said : “Was it at Allah and His ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and His Messenger (that you were mocking? Make no excuse. You have disbelieved after you have believed”(9:65-66). He did not look towards them nor spoke anything further.(Reported by Ibn jarr, ibn abi hatim)

Allah announced those hypocrites as kuffar (infidels) for mocking the Messenger and his companions after being believers. So, mocking Allah , His Messenger or the religion of Islam is considered kufr (infidelity) and hypocrisy.
The Muslim must fear hypocrisy and falling into it as Abin Aby Mulaikh said: “I have met thirty of the companions of the Messenger and all of them feared hypocrisy in themselves”.
Mocking is not only made by words, but by other means such as winking the eye, sticking out the tongue, pointing with the finger, etc. For example, if a Muslim grows his beard [an obligatory sunnah of the Prophet ] and someone makes a joke about it (the idea of growing the beard because it is an Islamic issue), then this is kufr (infidelity). But if the joking is done towards the person himself without pointing out the religion, then this is not kufr (infidelity), but the major sin, gheebah (talking about someone in their absence regarding something they don’t like).

THE SEVENTH NULLIFIER

Sorcery or Magic, which includes as-Sarf (causing alienation) and al-‘Ataf (causing affection or attachment). He who practices it or is pleased with it is a disbeliever. And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most High:
“…but neither of these two (angels Haaroot and Maaroot) taught anyone (such things) till they had said, ‘we are only a fitnah (trial, test) so do not disbelieve (by learning this magic from us)...’”(2:102)

Magic is defined in many ways by the scholars. But the closest definition is “ruqa’a” (words said by magicians, and knots which effect the heart and body of someone leading to sickness and/or death, or separating a husband and wife). Magic is of two kinds:

1. Magic by using ruqa’a and knots: This type is done with the help of shayaateen (evil beings) by worshipping them so that they provide their services to the magician. This type is shirk (polytheism) and whoever practices it is a kaafir (infidel).

2. Magic by using herbs and medicine: This may have some effect on people's vision. There is a dispute among the scholars with regard to this type of magic and whether it constitutes apostasy or not. Imam Muhammad Ashinqity said in his tafseer Ath’wa Al-Bayan: “If the magic is for seeking help with some special materials such as oils, etc., then this type is highly forbidden but does not constitute apostasy”.(Athwa al bayan)



There is another issue here. Does the magician deserve capital punishment or not? There are two opinions of the scholars:
1. Yes, he does, by practicing any kind of magic. This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars and it is the choice of Imam Malik and Ahmad .

2. No, he does not, unless he practices some actions that constitute apostasy. This is the choice of Imam Shaafi’i . How do we cure magic? There are two ways:
1. An-Nushrah: The act of seeking a cure from magical spells/incantations, which means going to a magician to undo the magic. This way is haraam (forbidden) and could lead to kufr if the person practices some kufr actions the magician might request from him. Jabir narrates Allah’s Messenger was asked about An-Nushrah. He said: “It is of the deeds of Shaytaan (evil)”.(Ahmad) Also, asking a magician and believing him is kufr (infidelity). Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger said: “Whoever goes to fortuneteller or a soothsayer and believes in his words has disbelieved in what was revealed to Muhammad ”.(Reported by al hakim).
2. Ruqyah: Reciting the Qur’aan (any verses from the Qur’aan will do although some are more likely to be more effective such as chapter 1, 112, 113, 114, verse 255 of chapter 2) and supplications from the Sunnah then blowing on the effected body. This is the legal way.

THE EIGHTH NULLIFIER

Backing or supporting the polytheists and aiding them against the Muslims. And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most High:
“O you who believe! Take not the Jews and the Christians as Auliyaa’ (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.), they are but Auliyaa’ to one another. And if any amongst you takes them as Auliyaa’, then surely he is one of them. Verily, Allah guides not those people who are the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers and unjust).(5:51)



Helping the kuffar (infidels) against the Muslims is a very important issue now days since there is a great mix of the Muslims and the kuffar (infidels). This action constitutes apostasy. Shaykh Bin Bazz in his Fatawa, said: “The Muslim scholars have agreed that whomsoever aided (supported) the kuffar (infidels) against the Muslims and helped them in any way, then he is a kaffir (infidel) just as they are.”

The meaning of helping the kuffar (infidels) against the Muslims is to be their aid against the Muslim by joining them and defending them by every mean (words, writing articles, physical protection, etc).Helping the kuffar (infidels) against the Muslims can be done by protecting them, defending them, loving their ‘Aqeedah (false faith), imitating them (in their religion, customs, etc.). Also helping them against the Muslims even though the person dislikes their faith, is considered as kufr (infidelity). The outcome of helping the kuffar (infidels) against the Muslims is, weakening the Religion of Islam, the rising of the kufr (infidelity) and leading the false faith of the kuffar (infidels) to overpower the Islamic ‘Aqeedah (creed).

THE NINTH NULLIFIER


Whoever believes that some people are exempted from abiding by the Sharee’ah (Laws) of Muhammad - just as al-Khidhr was exempted from the Sharee’ah (Laws) of Moses - is a Kaafir.


This nullifier points out the actions of some Sufis who believe that the Wali (a pious Muslim) does not have to follow the religion of Prophet Muhammad and he (the Wali) has the right to stop practicing this religion by abounding As-Salat (prayer) and other actions when he reaches the state of certainty (Al-Yaqean). Allah said in the Qur’aan:
“And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and do not follow (other) paths, for they will separate you from His Path”(6:153).
The proof is what the Prophet Al-Khidhr did with Prophet Moses when he did not follow what Prophet Moses came with. But for Al-Khidhr , he was a Prophet and was been inspired to by Allah. The proofs that Al-Khidhr was a Prophet are:

• What Allah said in the Qur’aan:

“Then they found one of Our slaves, on whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us. Moses said to him (Al-Khidhr): May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?”(18:65-66)


Here we see how a Prophet is trying to learn from someone who is taught by Allah , who must be a Prophet and not just a normal person because the inspiration is only inspired to a Prophet.

• When Al-Khidhr did the three acts mentioned in chapter 18 (drilling a hole in the ship, building the falling wall and killing the young man), Prophet Moses asked him why he did these actions. Al-Khidhr replied as stated in chapter 18:

“And I did them not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience”.(18:82)

So, he did them because Allah inspired to him to do so which means he is a Prophet. There is an issue which I should mention here. Many people claim that Al-Khidhr is still alive, this is incorrect and the proof is as it was reported in Saheeh Muslim: Abdullah Bin Umar reported that Allah’s Messenger led us 'Isha’ prayer at the latter part of the night and when he had concluded it by salutations he stood up and said: “Have you seen this night of yours? At the end of one hundred years after this none would survive on the surface of the earth (from amount my Companions)”. Abdullah Bin Umar said: ‘People were (not understanding) these words of the Messenger of Allah which had been uttered pertaining to one hundred years. Allah’s Messenger in fact meant (by these words) that on that day none from amongst those who had been living upon the earth (from amongst his Companions) would survive (after one hundred years) and that would be the end of this generation’.(Muslim). So, from this hadeeth we see that Al-Khidhr is dead and not alive, as some people claim.

THE TENTH NULLIFIER

Total Disregard or Turning Away from the Religion of Allah , by neither Learning It nor Acting upon It. And the evidence of this is the Saying of Allah, the Most High:

And who does more wrong than he who is reminded of the Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of his Lord, then he turns away there from? Verily, We shall exact retribution from the Mujrimoon (disbelievers, polytheists, sinners, etc.(32:22)




Every Muslim must study his/her Religion in order to worship Allah the correct way and practice what has been ordained on them from Allah .So, avoiding learning the major actions of Islam such as At-Tawheed, As-Salat (daily five prayers), Az-Zakat (annual charity), etc is Kufr (infidelity). Some people say they believe in the Oneness of Allah and the Message of Muhammad but they neglect the rest of their religion, this is what the author means. But avoiding learning only the minor actions of Islam, this is not included in this nullifier because abandoning those actions is not considered Kufr (infidelity).

There is no difference – in respect of (the commission of) these nullifiers - between the al-Haazil (joker), al-Jaadd (the serious person) and al-Khaa’if (the one who fears). The exception to this is al-Mukrah (the one who is under duress/coercion). All of these (nullifiers) are of the most dangerous matters and the most common in occurrence. Hence, a Muslim should be cautious about them and fear for himself (from falling into them). We seek refuge with Allah from the causes of His wrath and severe punishment. May the peace and blessing of Allah be on the best of His creatures, Muhammad and on his family and companions.


The author , at the end, points out that the person is not excused for falling in Kufr (infidelity) by practicing any of the above mentioned Nullifier whether he was mocking, serious or afraid. Except for whosoever was being forced to say or practice an action which makes him fall into kufr (infidelity) as long as he is a believer in his heart. Imam Muhammad Bin Abdul-Wahhab said in his book “Kashf ush-Shubuhaat” (Removal of the Doubts) [summarized]:
“There is no dispute that At-Tawheed must be doctrinal (in the heart), verbal (by the tongue) and practical (by the organs) and if one of the three is missing, the person is not considered a Muslim. And If the person knows At-Tawheed (monotheism) but does not implement it, then he is a kaffir (infidel) and stubborn like Pharaoh and Ibleas (Evil) and alike. But if the person practices At-Tawheed outwardly, without understanding it or without believing in it by heart, then he is considered a hypocrite who is worse than a kaffir (infidel)”.


Allah knows best. Wa Sala Allah Wa Salam Ala Nabi’yna Muhammad.