Question:

I would like to know what is true Khilafah. Because at my university there is a group called Hizb-ut-Tahrir and they say its a duty for Muslims to join their group because they are the only ones trying to establish Khilafah on the method of RasulAllah (saw).

But I find them to be very argumentative and very critical of everyone else. I read articles on Khilafah and found out this is an obligation. But a lot of people dont even know about this. Why don't our scholars talk about this topic? And also what should we be doing to work towards fulfilling this obligation, should I join the Hizb?

Answer:

I do not advise you to join this group as their methodology has many discrepancies. Perhaps the following reply I wrote to a person with a similar question may be of help to you: I read the article you sent me with the evidence you wish to be explained. Namely, it is the hadith in Sahih Muslim about dying without a Bay`ah on one’s neck. Please note, contrary to what HT members may think, we (non HT supporters) do not argue that this hadith cannot be used to prove the obligation of Khilafah (p.4). The article is actually a refutation of the abhorrent view of secularists like Ali Abd al-Razzaq (a deviant Azhari scholar, who effectively said there is no such thing as a State run according to the precepts and principles of the Deen).

The hadith clearly is telling us of a state/situation that should not exist, and if it does, it needs to be changed. The hadith goes on to establish blame for those who live in such a situation, as understood by the term “…death of Jahiliyya.” However, you must remember blameworthiness is actually always dependent on negligence. And no scholar would ever count as blameworthy a person who is wishing for change, and believes in the importance of Islamic rule, but considers Khilafa (vicegerancy in the earth) to be a gift that Allah taala bestows upon the believers by virtue of them deserving it, due to their greater fear of Allah taala (shown by their obedience to Him), Ikhlaas and piety, as is understood from many texts, such as: “Allah has promised those of you who believe and do good deeds that He will certainly make them (His) vicegerents in the land, as He made those before them, and will certainly establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them, and will certainly give them peace in place of fear in which they were before; (provided that) they worship Me, ascribing no partner to Me. And those who turn infidel after that are the transgressors.” (24:55)

Thus when this is his belief and he is striving to improve him/herself and those believers around him (by calling and counselling them to the Deen), not only is there no blame on him (as negligence cannot be ascribed to him and nor has any scholar ever done this), rather we would say he is acting fully in accordance with the intended purpose of this hadith, as he/she, in his/her real capacity, is working for the Khilafah. This is the Islamic understanding of “working for the Khilafah.”

As for the idea that makes it seem as though it is just a matter of appointing a ruler or selecting different political system, that is an alien concept to Islam, and has clearly been formulated without consideration and full appreciation of the other many texts on this subject. One text was the verse mentioned above; the following are the other evidences that tell us the Ummah’s being worthy of leadership/authority in the World is dependent on their fear and love of Allah taala, their obedience to Him and their general piety; and that when they stray from the Deen and engross themselves in sins, then they do not deserve any of the favours of Allah taala (from amongst which is Khilafah). Rather, then, they deserve only His punishment (which comes in the form of no authority in the World, the ruling of others over them, earthquakes, tornadoes etc.- May Allah forgive us and save us, Ameen).

[1] The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A people among whom the consuming of interest and indulgence in adultery appears openly, have indeed invited Allah’s wrath and anger upon themselves.” Hafiz Mundhiri’s “Al-Targheeb wal-Tarheeb”.

[2] The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “My Ummah will continue to live on the path of good and prosperity for as long as there will be no great occurrence of illegitimate children among them. And when illegitimate children become widespread among them, Allah will cause a great tribulation to beset them,” recorded in Hafiz al-Mundhiri’s “Al-Targheeb wal-Tarheeb.”

[3] The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “You should continue to command people to do good deeds and forbid them from evil; otherwise Allah will put in authority over you the worst of people who will rule over you. At such a time the best amongst you will pray to Allah but their Duas will not be answered.” (Mustadrak of Imam al-Hakim).

[4] The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “As you are (meaning as is your piety and religious soundness) so will be the rulers that are set over you.” (Mishkat al-Masabih)

[5] The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him) said: “When my Ummah will begin to bear hatred against their scholars and when they shall make the construction of market places great and grand, when marriage will be arranged to accumulate wealth (I.e. the consideration of piety and Deen in the partner will no longer be the standard for the believer), then Allah will set four calamities over them: Famine, the oppression of rulers, dishonesty of the officials administering their affairs and the attacks of other nations.” (Mustadrak of Imam al-Hakim).

Thus, my sincere advice, is that you devote yourself to learning the Deen and Dawah- in this way you have fulfilled what you are truly responsible for. You should make a careful study of the Holy Qur’an for which, if you do not know Arabic, obtain the English translated commentary called “Ma`arif al-Qur’an” by Mufti Shafi r.a. You should also seek the company of scholars and try to learn Aqeeda and Islamic sciences from them such as the Fiqh of Salah, purification, buying and selling, marriage etc. Finally, you should also try to find scholars who are experts in spiritual reform and also turn your attention to your inner purification and perfection as ultimately, on the Day of Reckoning, without doubt, how successful we are depends on how clean and pure our inner self and heart is: “The day when neither wealth nor sons shall profit except for him who comes to God with a pure heart.” (26:28-29) w

as salaam

 Sajaad

Mufti Mohammed Sajjad

Wallahu Aalam bis-sawab

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The answer to this question is the opinion of the scholar and does not reflect the opinion of other scholars of As-Suffa Institute and As-Suffa Institute as an organisation.