Saudi Arabia wrong in targeting the Muslim Brotherhood as a terror org
It is regrettable, wrong and a grave mistake for the Haiat Kibar Al Ulama Al Suudiyah to declare Jamaah the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
Ikhwan al Muslimun or the Muslim Brotherhood’s beginnings in the modern age was pioneered by al syahid Imam Hasan al Banna in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
This was a time when the Muslim world was at its worst period in history and suffering untold backwardness.
“Egypt was under British colonial rule and the Muslim ummah was weak and its leadership helpless,
“They lost their will and sense of direction, hopelessly demotivated and their practices straying away from their true religion.
“The Ikhwan al Muslimun (the pioneering Islamic movement of that period) managed to break this inferiority complex, rekindled awareness and rebuilt theummah’s self confidence,” says the media release from Wadah.
Wadah, Movement for an Informed Society Malaysia, is a group of progressive Islamic, social and intellectual activists promoting mutual understanding, social justice and peaceful coexistence.
It says the MB liberated and educated the community, reforming society to the point that Egypt gained independence.
The Islamic movement served the ummah well in the early wars against the establishment of Israel.
TRAGIC PERSECUTION
The grouping says the Ikhwan al Muslimun affirms the Qur’an and the Sunnah as revered guidance, staunch reference, commitment and the cause of their struggle.
Despite the tragic and cruelly persecution by subsequent Egyptian and Arab regimes, the Ikhwan steadfastly maintained moderation. They totally rejected violence and insurrection, it says.
“It was the Ikhwan that managed to moderate enthusiastic youth to follow the peaceful path of dakwah and islah, outreach and reform, to nurture the self, family, society and nation towards the mission of Islam, to uphold noble principles where changes for the better and Islamic solutions are attainable.
“They remained influential and still played a role in the development of Muslim societies in Egypt and the rest of the world until this day.”
It made a significant contribution to the development of a model for the reconstruction of Islamic thought and pioneering the movement for Islamic reform, revival and renewal until it spread across the globe, the phenomenon sometimes called “the Islamic Resurgence”.
Among their contributions is the revitalization of the ummah, raising its consciousness and the continuation of the mission and message of dakwah.
The mission and message which is none other than the mission and message brought by the Prophets, culminated by the Final Prophethood of Muhammad s.a.w., continued by the companions, the mujahidin, the salihin. The message of inviting all of mankind to worship only Allah, truthfully and sincerely.
Ikhwan and Islamic movements like them have been in the forefront to defend Islam and empower Muslims faced with the onslaught of various ideologies and forces challenging religion and values of humanity and decency.
The model of the usrah – family circle or study group – introduced by Ikhwan is one of their greatest contributions for Islamic revival and resurgence, is used and became widespread by the Muslim movements in all parts of the world.
It is now a standard and is commonly practised in universities, colleges, educational institutions, schools, departments, offices, musallas and other organisations.
The usrah is the part that complements Islamic consciousness and is the spirit that brings alive and rejuvenates formal Islamic education, its related fields and studies and also makes possible organised Islamic work, welfare and charity.
It is pertinent that the present Saudi Ulama’ High Council graciously and sincerely refer to the earlier edict – fatwa concerning Jamaah al Ikhwan al Muslimun.
From kitab Fatwa Lajnah ad-Daimah Lil Buhuts wa Al-Fatwa, a compilation of commissioned edicts and research of the Haiat Kibar Al Ulama Al Suudiyah , fatwa 6250 mentioned:
أقرب الجماعات الإسلامية إلى الحق وأحرصها على تطبيقه: أهل السنة: وهم أهل الحديث، وجماعة أنصار السنة، ثم الإخوان المسلمون, وبالجملة فكل فرقة من هؤلاء وغيرهم فيها خطأ وصواب، فعليك بالتعاون معها فيما عندها من الصواب، واجتناب ما وقعت فيه من أخطاء، مع التناصح والتعاون على البر والتقوى. وباG التوفيق وصلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله وصحبه وسلم.
Muslim organizations closest to the truth and most consistent with the practices of the Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah are the ahl al hadith, Jamaah Ansar al Sunnah, followed by al Ikhwanul Muslimun.
Basically, in these organizations, there are right things and then there are errors.
“So we should cooperate and work with them as long as they are right and steer clear from them when they err, keep counselling them and be with them in doing good. May Allah grant guidance and salutations of Salawat and peace upon our Prophet, Muhammad, his family and his Companions.
This earlier Fatwa was signed by the chairman of Lajnah Ad-Daimah then, Syekh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, his deputy Syekh Abdurrazzaq Afifi, as well as members Abdullah bin Ghadyan and Abdullah bin Qu’ud.