BENEFIT 406: Don't be Deceived by Names & Titles

This issue arises frequently, particularly in our time, when realities have become distorted, and falsehood is widely promoted. Ahlul-Bid’ah often embellish their deviations with titles that appear virtuous but conceal misguidance. For instance, they label Rafidhism as "love for the Prophet’s family," the denial of divine attributes as "monotheism," and the rejection of Qadr as "justice," and so on. Imam Ash-Shawkani (may Allāh have mercy on him) stated in Adab At-Talab (pp. 128–129): "A seeker of knowledge must be cautious not to be misled by mere names without examining their true meanings and realities. Something may be given a name that suggests legitimacy in the Shari'ah, yet in essence, it has no basis in the Shari'ah and is, in fact, outright falsehood. An example of this is what some individuals do due to lingering pre-Islamic influences, such as depriving daughters of their rightful inheritance. They transfer their wealth—or a significant or valuable portion of it—to their male children under the guise of gifts, vows, bequests, or endowments. Someone who fails to scrutinise the reality of such actions may mistakenly consider them lawful, deceived by the fact that Shari'ah permits gifting, making vows, and bequeathing wealth. However, the truth is that these acts bear only the name of legitimacy given by its perpetrator. What matters is not the name but the actual nature of the act. A legitimate gift in Shari'ah is one that aligns with the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ. When Bashir, the father of Nu‘man, sought his approval for giving a gift to specifically to his son, the Prophet refused and said: ‘I do not bear witness to injustice,’ and emphasised the necessity of treating one's children equally. This hadith is authentic and has been reported through multiple chains of transmission." [end quote] Source: [التمييع...فتنة العصر (1/337)] Related benefit ⤵️ https://t.me/almanhajussalafi/47