A Lesson in Justice and Fairness Taken From a Clarification and Retraction Written by Sheikh Salman Al-Imad Hafidhahullah

The Sheikh writes: It is well known to us that the people of Al-Ibanah—may Allah guide them—have engaged in normalization. There are many examples of this, and we mentioned some of them in the series Shameful Normalization. These are clear examples. They have made statements and committed actions resulting from mistaken beliefs, carelessness, or incorrect interpretation. As these incidents became more frequent among them, it was not surprising to us when we recently saw Abd al-Rahman al-Wusabi appearing in a photograph among a Houthi gathering in Al-Hudaydah. Therefore, we shared it, condemned it, and considered it one example of normalization. I also condemned and disassociated myself from the action of brother Ibrahim Muqsir. However, reliable sources have informed me that they were lured and summoned for a purpose different from the one that had been announced. When they arrived, they were given weapons, photographed, and then told, "This is a tribal declaration condemning the aggression against Yemen." Although brother Ibrahim Muqsir did not carry a weapon, unlike Abd al-Rahman al-Wusabi, there also remains a significant difference between our position and that of the people of Al-Ibanah—may Allah guide them—in our religious judgment and dealings concerning the Houthis. Therefore, I withdraw my claim that they acted deliberately, or even that they cooperated with them, after hearing about the deception involved in bringing them there. We ask Allah to forgive both us and them, and to guide both us and them. This retraction and apology apply only to this specific incident. However, if they had known in advance that this gathering was for the tribal declaration and still chose to participate, claiming it was to protect the da'wah (Islamic call) or for similar reasons, then they would undoubtedly be mistaken, and my previous statements would apply to that situation. I believe that I must be fair and retract my mistake once it becomes clear to me. This is part of my religion. Written by: Abu Sulayman Salman bin Salih al-'Imad 23 Muharram 1448 AH