The PDF of the below document is available : Prasing Ahmed al-shara
On 8th December 2024, it was solely through the grace, mercy and assistance of Allah Taʿala that Syria, together with its capital Damascus, was liberated by the Mujahideen under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa. After fifty-four long years of oppressive Assad rule, the people of Syria finally regained their independence. This victory was undoubtedly and truly an occasion of immense joy for the entire Ummah.
However, with every conquest comes a test. Allah Taʿala wishes to see how the people — especially those entrusted with authority — will conduct themselves. When the Bani Israel complained to Musa Alaihis Salaam of the immense suffering they endured at the hands of Fir‘awn, Hazrat Musa Alaihis Salaam consoled them with the words:
It is likely that your Rabb will destroy your enemy and appoint you as successors upon the earth, then He will see how you behave and conduct yourselves. (Surah Aaraaf: 51)
Hence, after this conquest, the true test begins — to see how the rulers will behave, govern, and conduct themselves. Allah Taʿala makes clear what He desires from those whom He grants authority in the land:
“Those who, when We grant them authority in the land, establish Salaah, give Zakah, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong.” (Surah al Hajj:41 )
Hence, upon the conquest, it was naturally expected that the Sunnah would become more evident in the leaders and firmly established in practice. However, it is deeply sad and unfortunate that the opposite occurred. The outward appearance of the very leader who had attained control changed almost immediately. The full beard was shaved off, and the Islamic attire was abandoned for a suit and tie — the dress of the enemies of Allah Taʿala.
Thus, the moment power was secured, the Sunnah appearance of Hazrat Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam was forsaken and replaced with the Western appearance.
Some argue in his favour, saying that since he had now entered the political arena, he was compelled to dress accordingly — and that his new appearance was purely for political reasons. However, this argument is completely flawed.
In the 6th year after Hijrah, Hazrat Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam deputed Hazrat Uthman Radhiyallahu anhu to the Quraysh as the ambassador of the Muslims. When he arrived, he was hosted by his cousin Abān bin Saʿīd, who at that time was not a Muslim. Upon seeing him, his cousin noticed that the trousers of Hazrat Uthman Radhiyallahu anhu were halfway between his knee and ankle. He remarked, “O my cousin! Why do you appear in such an undignified manner? Lower your garment below the ankles.”
This was a delicate moment, as the manner in which Hazrat Uthman Radhiyallahu anhu presented himself could have influenced the Quraysh’s decision regarding whether to allow Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam and the Sahabah to perform Umrah. Yet Hazrat Uthman Radhiyallahu anhu, according to the dictates of true love, neither lowered his garment nor was he apologetic. Instead, he simply replied, “This is how Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam wears his lower garment.”
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In doing so, he impressed upon the Ummah that wherever you may be, and whatever position you may hold, you must do as Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam did, and appear as Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam appeared. The Sunnah is not to be adjusted to suit one’s circumstances or political standing.
Furthermore, once the door is opened to compromising Deen for political expediency, there is no clear boundary as to where it will end — and at times it may even lead to the same deviations that befell the Jews.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas Radhiyallahu anhu narrates that after the Battle of Uḥud, Ḥuyayy ibn Akhṭab, Kaʿb Bin Ashraf, and a group of Jews went to Makkah to ally with the Quraysh against Hazrat Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam.
The Quraysh, suspicious of their motives, demanded that Kaʿb prostrate to their idols if he truly sought alliance. Shockingly, He agreed and did so.
Later, Abu Sufyaan said to him: “You read the Scripture and have knowledge, while we are unlettered. Tell us — are we more rightly guided, or Muḥammad Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam?”
Ka’b replied: “By Allah, you are more rightly guided than what Muḥammad Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam is upon.”
On that occasion, the following verse was revealed:
“Have you not seen those who were given a portion of the Scripture? Yet they believe in idols and false deities, and they say regarding the disbelievers (polytheists): ‘These are more rightly guided than the believers.’” (Sūrat al-Nisāʾ, 4:51)
Thus, despite being from the Ahl al-Kitāb (People of the Book), and despite knowing full well the falsehood of shirk, they compromised their faith in pursuit of political gain.
Moreover, the commands of Allah Taʿala and the way of Hazrat Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam must govern every aspect of our lives, including our positions and politics.
As Hazrat Maulana Masheehullah Rahmatullahi alaihi would often say:
“True politics cannot exist without Deen, and true Deen is not complete without proper administration”
The second argument presented is that his intentions are noble, his Imaan is strong, and that one can only truly understand his position after going there; therefore, we should not sit from afar and be judgmental.
However, this too is flawed, for the ḥadith clearly states:
“We will judge according to outer state, while Allah takes charge of what is hidden in the hearts.”
The matter of intentions and the state of the heart rests solely with Allah Taʿala, while our duty is to judge according to the apparent.
Hence, it is the responsibility of the Ulama to pass judgment based on the outward state and not to praise him. Such praises are creating the impression in the minds of people that:
1. Being good at heart is the main requirement, even if the outward appearance is not in accordance with the Sunnah.
2. Adjustments and compromises in Deen may be made for political reasons.
Therefore, one should refrain from praising him, even if his intentions may be noble, for such praise only creates confusion in the minds of the unwary. A person may begin to feel that it is not necessary to keep a beard or adopt the Sunnah attire, so long as the heart and Imaan are good.
Furthermore, the ḥadith states:
“When an open sinner is praised, Allah Ta’ala becomes angry, and the Throne trembles because of it.”
At the same time, we should not cease making duʿā for his guidance as well as for our own.
