BENEFIT 408: Sheikh Uthaymeen's Reaction to Being Publicly Refuted

Sheikh Hamood At-Tuwaijri (may Allāh have mercy on him) wrote a refutation on the Sheikh Uthaymeen (may Allāh have mercy on him) regarding the issue of Allāh’s Ma’iyyah (Divine Presence). He stated: "I have come across an evil article by one of the contemporaries, in which he claims at the outset that Allāh’s Ma’iyyah with His creation is an intrinsic one that befits His majesty and greatness, and that it does not imply intermixing with the creation or dwelling in their places." He further remarked: "It is evident to anyone with knowledge and understanding that the author's statement is contradictory, combining opposites. It aligns with the view of the Hulooliyyah (those who believe in divine indwelling), who claim that Allāh is above the universe in His essence while also being present everywhere in His essence. Additionally, this view contradicts the Qur'ān, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the righteous predecessors and their leading scholars." Sheikh Abdul Aziz ibn Baz (may Allāh have mercy on him) wrote a foreword for At-Tuwaijri’s refutation, stating: "I have reviewed what our esteemed brother, Sheikh Hamood ibn Abdillah At-Tuwaijri, has written in explaining the religious and rational evidence affirming Allāh’s elevation above His Throne and His Istiwaa in a manner befitting His majesty, without resemblance to His creation. He also affirmed Allāh’s Ma’iyyah with His servants through His knowledge, awareness, preservation, and guardianship of His allies, while refuting those who claim that Allāh’s Ma’iyyah is intrinsic. I have listened to the entire book as read by its author (may Allāh protect him) and found it to be highly beneficial, supported by religious and rational proofs. It serves as a strong rebuttal against the innovators who espouse Hulool (indwelling) and Ittihad (union with Allāh) and a sufficient and satisfactory response to those who claim that Allāh’s Ma’iyyah with creation is intrinsic. May Allāh reward him abundantly, increase him in knowledge, guidance, and success, and benefit Muslims through him and his writings." Notice how the scholars did not remain silent regarding the Sheikh Uthaymeen's mistake, despite his status as one of the leading scholars of his time. When the refutation reached Sheikh Uthaymeen, he read it and subsequently endorsed it—may Allāh have mercy on him. Sheikh Rabee' (may Allāh preserve him) commented on this incident in Ibtal Ma za‘ama Abil Hasan Hawl Al-Mujmal wal-Mufassal (p.16), saying: "These men were formidable scholars, towering intellectual figures. Their stance in this matter is a profound lesson for the wise and honourable. It demonstrates the piety, scrupulousness, sincerity, and devotion of these scholars, particularly Sheikh ibn Uthaymeen (may Allāh have mercy on him). There was no flattery or compromise from Ibn Baz and At-Tuwaijri, nor was there evasion, commotion, ambiguity, or uproar from Ibn Uthaymeen. Rather, all of them sincerely sought Allāh’s pleasure, upheld the truth, and supported it—even against themselves. They embodied the command of Allāh: 'O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allāh, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives' [Surah An-Nisa: 135]. This is a great honour for Salafiyyah and its true adherents. May Allāh forgive them and elevate their ranks in paradise."