Regarding the Death of al-Ḥuwaynī

May Allah have mercy on him, pardon him, and forgive us all. Perhaps he has set foot in Jannah while we may not—but despite this, as an innovator, he must be warned against. His deviations and violations against Salafiyyah must be exposed, and people should not be deceived by him. The scholars of the past have always clarified the errors of those who strayed, no matter their knowledge or status. Al-ʿUqaylī narrated in al-Ḍuʿafāʾ (1/229) that a man objected to Yūsuf ibn Asbāṭ for speaking against al-Ḥasan ibn Ṣāliḥ ibn Ḥayy, saying, "This is backbiting!" Yūsuf responded: "Why, O fool?! I am better for these people than their own mothers and fathers! I am preventing people from acting upon what they have innovated, lest their sins follow them. Whereas those who praise them are the ones who truly harm them!" It was also said to Imām Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal: "I find it difficult to say, ‘So-and-so is weak’ or ‘So-and-so is a liar.’" So Imām Aḥmad replied: "If you remain silent and I remain silent, then when will the ignorant know the authentic from the weak?!" (Ṭabaqāt al-Ḥanābilah, 1/287) However, wisdom (ḥikmah) and considering the maṣlaḥah must also take precedence. Being overly aggressive regarding al-Ḥuwaynī’s death—such as openly celebrating it, saying mustarāḥ minhu (we are relieved of him), or proclaiming alḥamdulillāh for his passing—may not be appropriate given his influence and prominence among many laypeople. This is an important factor that should not be ignored. The goal should be to expose his innovations and deviations to the people in a way that ensures clarity, rather than merely pushing people away without guiding them. The Salaf took such considerations into account as well. For example, when the news of the death of the misguided al-Mirrīsī reached Bishr ibn al-Ḥārith while he was in the market, he said: "Had it not been for his prominence, his death would have been a moment of gratitude and prostration. But all praise is due to Allah who caused his death." (Tārīkh Baghdād, 7/66; Lisān al-Mīzān, 2/308) This illustrates that while the death of an innovator is a means of relief for the Ummah, the way it is addressed publicly depends on the context and its impact on the people. People assume that we take pleasure in the passing of individuals like al-Ḥuwaynī. By Allah, it is heartbreaking to see a Muslim of his stature die without retracting his errors, violations, and innovations. Allah al-Mustaʿān! May Allah protect us, grant us death upon the Sunnah and the way of the Salaf, and guide the remaining innovators, and Allah knows best. ➡️Forwarded