BENEFIT 419: Tamyee’ (watering down)

Sheikh Yahya, may Allāh preserve him, said: "...We are in a time where Tamyee’ is encroaching upon the religion of Allāh Almighty. The current wave of Tamyee’ in various lands is not limited to the Sunnah alone — no, it extends further. Tamyee’ is affecting the religion as a whole. There are du'aat who seek to water down affairs in Allāh’s religion — leading it towards deviation, towards the concept of the unification of religions, and towards peaceful coexistence even with Jews and Christians. Is this not a form of Tamyee’? If you were to criticise a Jew, they would rebuke you, saying: "This is wrong — do not speak ill of others. You follow your religion, and they follow theirs." They might even cite as evidence the words of Allāh, “To you be your religion, and to me mine” — though this is taken out of context — and also His saying, “There is no compulsion in religion. The right path has become distinct from error.” They misuse such Āyāt as proof. Moreover, there are efforts to erase Āyāt from the Qur'ān that speak of cursing or declaring as disbelievers the Jews and Christians, as well as studies and meetings involving those who seek to water down the religion — individuals who affiliate themselves with Islam, yet strive to coexist with the disbelievers under any and all circumstances. This issue must be confronted by all Muslims — by anyone who holds to true faith and possesses a sense of protective zeal for the religion. Let us now move on to the issue of Tamyee’ regarding the Sunnah. The Tamyee’ of the religion is already taking place, and now there is also Tamyee’ in matters of the Sunnah — specifically, the rejection of Al-jarḥ wa at-taʿdīl, even when done rightfully. This rejection occurs even when one follows the methodology of scholars such as Adh-Dhahabi in Al-Mīzān, Al-Mizzi in Tahdhīb Al-Kamāl, or Ibn Ḥibbān in Kitāb Al-Majrūḥīn. People now cry out in protest against these works — particularly Ibn Ḥibbān’s Jarḥ Al-Majrūḥīn and similar writings. The very principle of Al-jarḥ is treated as though it is outdated and obsolete. This matter implies a discontinuation of something that was upheld by the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ, carried on by the bearers of this religion, and agreed upon by the Muslims. Neglecting it harms both Islam and the Muslims, empowers the enemies, the deceitful, and the spiteful against us, and enables them to weaken our hold on our religious adherence. We are told to remain silent — “Be quiet, be quiet” — but this is not pleasing to Allāh. And all of this is under the pretext that “we should not speak about them, for they are all Muslims, and they all say ‘Lā ilāha illa Allāh’,” and similar such statements. This is the reality in many aspects of Tamyee’. The Muslim Brotherhood adopted this path and directed their harshness toward the people of the Sunnah. Likewise, those who promote the so-called “balanced approach (Al-Muwāzanāt)” followed this same trend. Even some contemporary voices today have begun to echo these tones — attempting to combine a weak form of jarḥ (criticism) with vague, indirect language. When they attempt it, they do so in an evasive manner — like dodging in a football match, pushing from one side to slip into the arena. If you try to hold them accountable from one angle, they say, “But I said this,” and if from another, they say, “I meant that.” And so the matter continues in this fashion. Our brother ʿAbdulḥamīd is writing on this subject — may Allāh grant him success. He is working on a book, insha Allāh, titled 'The Ṭāghūt of Tamyee’ or something similar. May Allāh place blessing in it. Tamyee’ is now overwhelming the Salafi da'wah. Those who promote this Tamyee’ are the ones receiving funding and support. The one who waters down is immediately praised: “He has good assumptions,” “He is insightful,” “He is understanding,” and so on.