Summary:

1. It is reported that someone asked Sheikh Wasee'ullah Abbas about the Fitnah in Yemen. The nature of the inquiry raises some suspicion regarding this questioner. 2. According to the questioner's reports, Sheikh Wasee'ullah Abbas provided advice and mentioned that there are scholars in Yemen whom he recommends to study under, such as Sheikh Muhammad Al-Imam and Sheikh Al-Bura'ee. He encouraged the individual to seek knowledge from them and continue his studies. However, when asked about studying with Sheikh Al-Hajoori, Sheikh Wasee'ullah raised his voice and responded strongly, saying: "No, I do not advise you to study with him. He is involved in fitnah and divides the Salafis." 3. This is an unjust accusation, resulting from those who spread rumours and cause division. If these troublemakers were ignored, peace and unity would be restored. 4. We do not busy ourselves like those who go from one place to another, asking, "What is the condition of so-and-so?" We, along with our Sheikh, are focused on learning and teaching knowledge. We have no time for such matters. We are not involved in fitnah, and we advise others to avoid it. How can we engage in fitnah when we know that the Prophet ﷺ said, "The fortunate one is the one who avoids fitnah," a saying we repeatedly quote? How can we engage in fitnah when we know that happiness lies in avoiding it? Yet, we are wrongly accused of being involved in fitnah and dividing the Salafis! 5. The ones who divide the Salafis are those who spread rumours and ask divisive questions. They are the ones creating confusion and division, along with those who issue the likes of these Fatwas. 6. If you ask the fair-minded in Yemen, they would respond justly, acknowledging that the call to seek, teach, and implement knowledge is with Sheikh Al-Hajoori and his students. They would testify that his centres are filled with beneficial knowledge, his classes are flourishing, and his masājid are well-attended. His efforts are a source of good, whether in Yemen or elsewhere. 7. I do not understand how these opinions reach Sheikh Wasee'ullah, as he speaks in a manner that is unfounded and unsupported by evidence. 8. Sheikh Yahya was in Makkah with you; he would have clarified the reality to you had you visited him. If you are sincere in your love for the Salafi da’wah and in uniting the word, you would have sat with him and listened to what he has to say. 9. Our Sheikh, may Allāh preserve him, is a sincere advisor and reformer, unjustly criticised by people like you, who spread division without knowledge. Those who listen to such rumours and speak about fitnah are the ones responsible for spreading it. Unfortunately, some claim to unite the Salafis, but they are the ones who spread fitnah. 10. The Salafi community is not small, as some may have you think. They claim that those with Sheikh Al-Hajoori are few, but in reality, they are in their thousands, calling to goodness and advising Muslims, opening their doors and masājid for anyone seeking knowledge and goodness. 11. Rather than listening to rumours, come and see for yourself. Look at where the true Salafi Da’wah is and where goodness is spreading. You will see the love and unity among those who follow the correct path. 12. As for your companions, they are scattered, divided, and in conflict with one another, throwing accusations at each other. In Yemen, we have multiple groups who were once united against Sheikh Yahya, but now they have divided into factions, each accusing the other. 13. You should advise these factions to unite and return to what they were upon during the time of their teacher, the late Sheikh Muqbil, may Allāh have mercy on him, when the Da’wah to truth and goodness was united. The only ones remaining true to this path are those you claim have divided the Muslims and are involved in fitnah. By Allah, those are the ones teaching the children of the Muslims, striving for knowledge, encouraging scholars, guiding with kindness, fostering brotherhood, and promoting love.