The
reality of intikas, or relapse in faith, is not limited to those who were once
adherent to the faith and then chose to lead another way of life altogether,
but it also applies to those who turned their backs on the principles they once
stood for and then decided to go back on those very principles in the name of
the religion itself! There were those in
the community who once stood for the unity of the Ummah and even called for the
establishment of an Islamic state but then turned back on such goals as they
were “un Islamic.” Others declared that
their adherence to the religion was based on “medieval and literalist”
understandings which ignored the “spirit” of the text and so began to embark
upon projects to undermine and outcast orthodoxy in the name of religion! This
intellectual or ideological form of intikas is more dangerous in many cases
since such individuals still speak in the name of Islam, whereas others would
simply live their new way of life without openly speaking about their faith.
1.
Due to following one’s desires (shahwat). Man, is naturally inclined toward
fulfilling his base desires and is surrounded by the lures and temptations of
the worldly life. These desires are not inherently blameworthy, in fact, they
can be a source of reward if they are channeled correctly according to the
dictates of Islamic law. However, if they are not governed by Islamic law, they
can easily lead a person astray. Allah Almighty says: (We said), “O David,
indeed We have made you a successor upon the earth, so judge between the people
in truth and do not follow (your own) desire, as it will lead you astray from
the way of Allah.” Indeed, those who go astray from the way of Allah will have
a severe punishment for having forgotten the Day of Account.” (Qur’an, 38:26)
2.
Due to specious arguments, which are superficially plausible. This particular
type of relapse is in many ways more dangerous since it does not appear
‘sinful’ from the onset unlike following one’s desires. This therefore makes it
easier for a person to entertain such arguments. In this article, relapsing due
to this particular cause will be primarily focused on. Belittling and turning
away from the way of the believers: “And whoever opposes the Messenger after
guidance has become clear to him and follows other than the way of the
believers, we will give him what he has taken and drive him into Hell, and evil
it is as a destination.” (Qur’an, 4:115) The Prophet (peace be upon him) also
said on many occasions: “Adhere to the Jamaah (i.e. the way of the companions
and those who followed their way).” (Al-Tirmidhi) Based on the above it is very
important that we consciously strive to be a part of the jamaah and not delve
into strange and obscure views that oppose the views of the overwhelming majority
of the early generations.
It
is a common trend among people who end up issuing strange opinions that they
either reject the authority of consensus or that they cast a lot of doubt upon
it, which then instills within them the audacity and boldness to challenge
views that have been adopted by scholars for many centuries. As for the saying
of Ibn Masud: “The jamaah is that which agrees with the truth even if you are
alone in that” then this was explained by Nuaim bin Hammad, the teacher of Imam
Al-Bukhari: “If the jamaah becomes corrupt then it is upon you to adhere to
what the jamaah was initially upon before it became corrupted, even if you are
by yourself. In such a situation, you will be the jamaah.” (Ighathatul-Lahfan,
Ibn Al-Qayyim) Without a shadow of a doubt, being steadfast upon worshipping
Allah Almighty is key to remaining upon the truth. One’s steadfastness is
constantly challenged by luring temptations which are usually worldly in nature
and it is for this reason that there is great emphasis in the Qur’an that we
should not be deceived by the worldly life.
It
is interesting to note that chapter 63 of the Qur’an (Surah Al-Munafiqun),
which is dedicated to expounding the traits of the hypocrites and their
attitudes, ends by exhorting the believers not to be distracted by their wealth
and children: “O you who have believed, let not your wealth and your children
divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that; then those are the
losers. And spend (in the way of Allah) from what We have provided you before
death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me
for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” But never
will Allah delay a soul when its time has come.
And
Allah is acquainted with what you do.” (Qur’an, 63:9-11) This exhortation comes
at a fitting time to remind the believers that when we lose our connection with
the Afterlife and Allah Almighty, we are prone to deviation from the straight
path. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are three things that lead
to destruction: Niggard-liness which is obeyed, desires which are followed and
being charmed with one’s own opinion.” (Al-Baihaqi) Ibrahim Al-Khawwas (d.284h)
said: “No heresy, disbelief, innovation or insolent boldness (jurah) toward the
religion ever occurred except due to speculative theology (kalam),
argumentation and self-conceit…” (Ahadith fi dham Al-Kalam, Abul-Faḍl
Al-Muqri) When a person becomes disgruntled with their own personal state, or
the state of their community, it can easily push a person to blame the very
beliefs that he holds onto rather than his own shortcomings. If the person is
then engulfed by pride it will be difficult for anyone to correct or rectify
his affairs since he cannot stand being corrected, but he instead only sees
correctness in his own stances and views and takes pride in that. We live in a
time where many of us are questioning things we took for granted many years
ago, whether it be related to the political aspects of our faith or spiritual. During
such times, it is very important that we do not forget the following:
1.
There will be an increase in pressure for us to conform with many trends, both
from within and outside of the community. It is important that we do not get
swayed by the tide;
2.
Hold tightly to the understanding of the early generation of Muslims. Also,
develop a strong attachment to reading classical literature, in particular
books of tafseer and commentaries of Hadith literature;
3.
Constantly turn to Allah to keep you steadfast in belief and practice;
4.
Realize it will not be possible to appease everyone;
5.
If you find yourself to be very inquisitive yet not sure of what stances to
take, be wary of your nafs, as it might influence you in a manner you cannot
perceive.
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