In Defense of al-'Allaamah Bakr Abu Zayd
The questioner (may Allah grant him success) asks:
“What is your advice regarding the ones who say that the scholars and I say (words unclear) warn against the books of Shaykh Bakr (Abu Zayd) and say that they should not be read?”
Answer:
“These words are not appropriate. Shaykh Bakr (rahimahullah) has efforts and valuable and beneficial writings. And we do not claim perfection for anyone! A disagreement occurred between him and some scholars due to his praise of some contemporary writers. He made a mistake and erred, and I ask Allah to cover (this error) with that which he has brought forward of goodness. Without doubt, he erred by praising some contemporary takfeeree writers, like the writer of adh-Dhilaal (i.e. Sayyid Qutb) amongst others. This is an error, and I ask Allah to forgive him for this. (However), he has produced much good. And even our scholars, who disagreed with him regarding this issue, asked Allah to be Merciful on him. And after his death, they too, gave his children their condolences.
Therefore, it is not appropriate to use that which occurred, in order to discredit this scholar (rahimahullah). There is no one after the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam), except that he can err and make mistakes. Whatever the case, he should not be persecuted because of his mistake or error. If we would take this as a principle, then we would have to drop many scholars. Ibn Hajr and an-Nawawi (rahimahullah) do not have one mistake; but mistakes! Despite this, the Muslims continue to take knowledge from them and ask Allah to be Merciful on them! We should not do what al-Haddaad (i.e. Mahmood al-Haddaad) and his followers do. Those that abuse them (al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr and Imam an-Nawawi), and discredit them. We should ask Allah’s Forgiveness for the scholars! And specifically those who are generally from Ahlus-Sunnah, showed efforts for the Sunnah, called to the Sunnah, and subsequently erred (in some matters). These errors have to be refuted with proof, and with upholding our respect for them and without treating them wrongly!
May Allah grant us all success through beneficial knowledge and righteous actions.”
Shaykh Saalih bin Sa'd as-Suhaymee, may Allah preserve him
Translated by Salafi-Dawah.com
Use the player below or download the MP3 here.
“What is your advice regarding the ones who say that the scholars and I say (words unclear) warn against the books of Shaykh Bakr (Abu Zayd) and say that they should not be read?”
Answer:
“These words are not appropriate. Shaykh Bakr (rahimahullah) has efforts and valuable and beneficial writings. And we do not claim perfection for anyone! A disagreement occurred between him and some scholars due to his praise of some contemporary writers. He made a mistake and erred, and I ask Allah to cover (this error) with that which he has brought forward of goodness. Without doubt, he erred by praising some contemporary takfeeree writers, like the writer of adh-Dhilaal (i.e. Sayyid Qutb) amongst others. This is an error, and I ask Allah to forgive him for this. (However), he has produced much good. And even our scholars, who disagreed with him regarding this issue, asked Allah to be Merciful on him. And after his death, they too, gave his children their condolences.
Therefore, it is not appropriate to use that which occurred, in order to discredit this scholar (rahimahullah). There is no one after the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam), except that he can err and make mistakes. Whatever the case, he should not be persecuted because of his mistake or error. If we would take this as a principle, then we would have to drop many scholars. Ibn Hajr and an-Nawawi (rahimahullah) do not have one mistake; but mistakes! Despite this, the Muslims continue to take knowledge from them and ask Allah to be Merciful on them! We should not do what al-Haddaad (i.e. Mahmood al-Haddaad) and his followers do. Those that abuse them (al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr and Imam an-Nawawi), and discredit them. We should ask Allah’s Forgiveness for the scholars! And specifically those who are generally from Ahlus-Sunnah, showed efforts for the Sunnah, called to the Sunnah, and subsequently erred (in some matters). These errors have to be refuted with proof, and with upholding our respect for them and without treating them wrongly!
May Allah grant us all success through beneficial knowledge and righteous actions.”
Shaykh Saalih bin Sa'd as-Suhaymee, may Allah preserve him
Translated by Salafi-Dawah.com
Use the player below or download the MP3 here.