BENEFIT 323: Ahlus-Sunnah Establish Their Judgments on Clear Evidence

Question: Is it true that if someone disagrees with Ahlus-Sunnah, they consider him to be a disbeliever, a hypocrite, or an innovator? Sheikh Yahya hafidahullah: All praise is due to Allāh, and may peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah, his family, his companions, and those who follow his guidance. To proceed: Ahlus-Sunnah, all praise is due to Allāh, are the best and most just of people. If justice is not found among Ahlus-Sunnah, then where else can it be found? When they declare someone an innovator, they do so with evidence. When they deem someone immoral (a fasiq), they do so with evidence. When they declare someone a disbeliever, they do so based on what clearly warrants disbelief; [as the Prophet ﷺ said] “Unless you see open disbelief for which you have clear proof from Allāh.” They are not people of whims and desires, all praises belong to Allāh. Speaking about Ahlus-Sunnah [is incorrect]; as the Prophet ﷺ said, “this knowledge is carried in every generation by the trustworthy ones among them.” This hadith has a basis. It makes it clear that the claim that they might declare someone a disbeliever, an immoral person, or an innovator out of mere taste and desire is baseless. Such claims originate from accusations against Ahlus-Sunnah, which are not harmful but stem from suspicion, ill will, and attempts to defame them as acting out of whim. In reality, the opposite is true. For this reason, you will find that Allāh, the Exalted, grants them His support and He does not grant support except for the truth. [The Prophet ﷺ said] “There will always be a group upholding the truth, apparent and victorious, unharmed by those who oppose or abandon them, until the Hour is established.” They are evident in their adherence to the truth, supported by it; as Allāh said (interpreted meaning) "And Allāh strengthens those who support His cause. Indeed, Allāh is All-Strong, Almighty.” Thus, if Ahlus-Sunnah declare someone a disbeliever, they do so based on evidence. If they deem someone immoral or an innovator, it is because the person is indeed an innovator or immoral, as evidenced by proofs. This is because Ahlus-Sunnah are trustworthy. As for disputes that occur between a brother and his fellow brother, this does not fall under this discussion. Likewise, issues that arise between individuals concerning worldly matters, disputes between neighbours, or other conflicts unrelated to creed, disbelief, immorality, or innovation, are separate matters. How often do we see disagreements among Ahlus-Sunnah, perhaps over minor issues, yet they do not label each other as immoral, innovators, or disbelievers? Even disputes with neighbours or others are unrelated to this topic. The discussion at hand is about the integrity of Ahlus-Sunnah. If they declare someone immoral, an innovator, or a disbeliever, it is done with due right and in accordance with the evidence. The individual in question is indeed immoral, an innovator, or a disbeliever as indicated by proof.