Glad Tidings From Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦

Shaykh Abū Ṭāriq Saʿayyid ibn Hulayyil Al-ʿUmar Ash-Shamrī ḥafidhahullāh states: "Before I begin, I bring you glad tidings—part of which has already been touched upon by the Shaykh (i.e. Sheikh Saleem At-Taweel)—that there has been a growing closeness among the hearts of Ahlus-Sunnah and the Salafis. Moreover, by the grace of Allāh, we have witnessed praise and commendation from the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah and Salafi scholars, as well as esteemed shaykhs, regarding Shaykh Rabiʿ—may Allāh sanctify his soul in Paradise. He is certainly deserving of our prayers. In contrast, you have also no doubt heard of the disgraceful and shameful remarks made by some of the deviant innovators and misguided individuals. But, praise be to Allāh, such people are of no significance. As the saying goes: “If the ignorant criticise me, it is a testimony to my perfection.” May Allāh have vast mercy upon him. Now, I wished to give you the glad news that shortly before the Shaykh's passing, a delegation of students of Shaykh Yahya Al-Hajoori visited him. It is well known that there had been disagreements between Shaykh Rabiʿ and Shaykh Yahya Al-Hajoori—every scholar is subject to critique, and not all critique is free from error. At times, such disagreements may involve harshness or accusations of ignorance. After all, a human being is still human—he may be overcome by intensity, anger, or jealousy for the sake of Allāh, His religion, His Book, and the Sunnah of His Prophet. Some six months before the Shaykh's death—perhaps even less—this delegation arrived and greeted him during his illness. The Shaykh welcomed them warmly. They said, “We are students of Shaykh Yahya; we have come to greet you and to convey his salam.” The Shaykh replied, “Convey to him my salam as well, and tell him that I love him.” Then he asked, “What is his current situation in Yemen? Where is he now?” He inquired about him and was pleased to hear that the lessons were ongoing and that the centre where Shaykh Yahya resides continues to be a place of knowledge and propagation of the Sunnah. Praise be to Allāh. By Allāh, we were overjoyed to witness this, for he did not pass away except that he had reconciled with his peers. There is no doubt that mutual pardon and forgiveness will take place—by Allāh’s permission—even after death—especially among those who fear Allāh and the Hereafter, and who understand that any sternness or sharpness from the Shaykh was due to his deep concern for the Sunnah, Tawḥīd, and the distortions propagated by the innovators and misguided groups.