Supporting the Truth summary

Oh man who desires his own salvation: Listen to the statement of a sincere advisor and helper. [1. /(188.)]

In all of your matters hold fast to the revelation and not to that of ornamented babble. [2./(189.)]

Support Allah’s Book and those Sunan that have come from

the one who was dispatched with the Criterion. [3./(190.)]

And strike down every mu’attl [negator] with the sword of the revelation — with the striking of a soldier at every limb and joint. [4./(191.)]

And bear against them with genuine determination — with the advancing of someone sincere. (Do so) devotedly for Allah, not being a coward. [5./(192.)]

Be firm in your patience under the banner of guidance. So that when you are struck then that will be within Allah’s Good-Pleasure. [6./(193.)]

Explanation of lines 1-6

Muhammad Khalil Harras (rahimahullah) says:

1. Stick to Clear Teachings: Follow the clear teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

2. Avoid False Ideas: Don’t get involved with misinterpretations or false beliefs.

3. Defend the Truth: Stand up for the true teachings of Islam and use them to counter false ideas.

4. Be Determined and Sincere: Work hard and stay committed, without being afraid or uncertain.

5. Stay Strong: Keep your faith strong and don’t give up, even when facing difficulties. Any hardship you face is worth it for Allah’s(SWT)approval.

A Beneficial Preliminary Advice Before Issuing judgement. Al-Sa’di (rahimahullah) notes that the author provides important advice that every student of knowledge needs, whether they are studying fundamental principles or secondary details. This advice, which includes learning proper behaviour for both scholars and students, is crucial for anyone seeking success in this life and the next. Ibn Uthaymin (rahimahullah) explains that after discussing the principles of those who innovate in religion, the author starts a new chapter focused on giving guidance. He advises people who want to be saved to pay close attention to the advice from a sincere and helpful advisor.

1. Sincerely Wanting Salvation

Oh man who desires his own salvation: Listen to the statement of a sincere advisor and helper. [1. /(188.)]

Ahmad bin Isa al-Najdi (rahimahullah) explains that the author starts with important advice before discussing differences among sects. The advice is for those who understand the purpose of life: that Allah (SWT) created humans to worship Him, which means loving, fearing, and being humble before Him. Allah (SWT) has prepared two outcomes: reward for those who do good and punishment for those who oppose. To achieve rescue, one must follow the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in all aspects, prioritizing his guidance above all else. The advice emphasizes the importance of following this path to avoid punishment and gain Allah’s (SWT)pleasure. Al-Sa’di (rahimahullah) explains that Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullah) describes a person who aims to avoid punishment both in this life and the next. Ibn Uthaymin (rahimahullah) explains that "mi’wan" means more than just "helper" (mu’in). It includes both helping through actions and words. He addresses people directly because they understand what is important and acceptable. When he says "who desires his soul’s salvation," he means saving oneself from hellfire and false beliefs. When he says "listen to the statement of a sincere advisor and helper," he means to pay attention to someone who genuinely helps and supports you.

2. Hold Fast to the Waḥiyy

In all of your matters hold fast to the revelation and not to that of ornamented babble. [2./(189.)]

Al-Sa’di (rahimahullah) explains that in both religious and everyday matters, students should rely on the Quran and Sunnah. Anything else should be used only if it helps understand or apply these sources. Other ideas are often just empty talk with no real benefit. True knowledge is based on evidence from the Prophet Muhammad(PBUH), and students should first learn, then apply, and finally share this knowledge. If they need to debate or guide others, they should do so to support and defend the religion. Ibn Uthaymin (rahimahullah) comments: When he says "in all of your matters," he means in every aspect of life, including beliefs, character, worship, and interactions. This applies to everything, even to clothing, eating, and drinking. Always follow the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah, and avoid focusing on empty or superficial talk.

3. Support the Book & the Sunnah

Support Allah’s Book and those Sunnah that have come from the one who was dispatched with the Criterion. [3./(190.)]

Al-Sa’di (rahimahullah) explains that supporting the Quran and Sunnah can be done in different ways: sometimes through physical means like fighting, and sometimes through speaking out and presenting arguments. In fact, speaking the truth to an unjust authority is considered a highly valuable form of effort, as mentioned in a hadith. Ibn Uthaymin (rahimahullah) explains that supporting the Quran involves more than just reciting it; it means defending it and explaining its teachings and meanings. Similarly, for the Sunnah (the Prophet’s traditions), it’s important to first verify that a practice truly comes from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This involves checking the authenticity of the sources and then supporting the verified teachings.

4. Strike the People of Falsehood with the Truth

And strike down every mu’aṭṭil [negator] with the sword of the revelation — with the blow of a Mujāhid striking every joint. [4./(191.)]

Ahmad bin ‘Isa al-Najdi (may Allah have mercy on him) explains: "Use the ‘sword of revelation’ to guide you. Revelation means the beneficial knowledge and clear evidence found in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), not the elaborate arguments of speculative theologians, philosophers, or mystics. These people can lead you away from Allah (SWT)and His Messenger (PBUH). Anyone who follows their ideas over the clear guidance of the Quran and Sunnah is going astray.

A wise person once said: True knowledge comes from what Allah ( SWT) said, what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, and what the companions of the Prophet (PBUH)said. Knowledge isn’t about choosing between the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings and someone’s personal opinions. It also isn’t about putting a jurist’s opinion above the clear texts, or rejecting the texts out of fear of misinterpreting them. The texts are clear and innocent of the misconceptions some people might have."Al-Sa’di (may Allah have mercy on him) explains:

The term “sword” is used to show how revelation decisively ends arguments. Revelation is clear and strong evidence. When dealing with people who deny Allah’s (SWT) attributes, revelation is particularly important. It also helps to counter anything that goes against the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH).

If someone lacks determination or knowledge, they should follow the Quran and authentic teachings of the Prophet(PBUH). Using these two sources together leads to the best understanding and practice. Ibn Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) explains:

When you use the "sword of revelation" (the Quran and Sunnah) to face falsehood, you will be victorious. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran that truth destroys falsehood swiftly and completely. The idea is that falsehood will be defeated instantly when faced with the truth. However, if the truth doesn’t seem to defeat falsehood, it’s not because the weapon (revelation(wahyy) is ineffective; it’s because the person using it might not be using it properly. Just as a brave warrior can defeat enemies with a stick while a coward with a sword may fail, the effectiveness of revelation depends on how confidently and correctly it is applied. The Quran and Sunnah are always true, but the success of using them depends on the person wielding them.

5. Determination

And bear against them with genuine determination — with the advancing of someone sincere — exclusively for Allah, not being a Coward. [5./(192.)]

Al-Sa’di and Ibn Uthaymin explain that when someone is truly sincere and devoted to Allah (SWT), they face challenges with courage and determination. They advance in their efforts purely for Allah’s (SWT) sake, not for personal gain or glory. Such a person isn’t afraid of death because they see it as a transition to a better, blissful existence if it happens while serving Allah (SWT). Khalid bin al-Walid’s famous statement to the Persian king highlights this bravery, saying that his followers cherish dying for Allah (SWT) just as much as others cherish living.

6. Firmness & Patience

Be firm in your patience under the banner of guidance. So that when you are struck then that will be for Allah’s Good-Pleasure. [6./(193.)]

Al-Sa’di explains that being patient and loyal is crucial for success, as victory often comes through patience. Shaykh al-Islam also said that leadership in religion is gained through patience and certainty. Without patience, one won’t achieve their goals. So, if you face hardships or even death, remember it is all part of Allah’s(SWT) plan and His approval. Ibn Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) is saying that when you face difficulties for the sake of Allah (SWT) , it’s actually a sign of His pleasure and not just suffering. If your hardships are due to your faith and pleasing Allah (SWT), then you’re not truly suffering but gaining rewards and virtues. Every believer who works to follow Allah’s (SWT) path will face some form of opposition, whether verbal or physical, just as the prophets did. For example, when the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) finger was injured, he saw it as a minor issue compared to the larger purpose of following Allah’s ( SWT) commands. So, if you’re facing difficulties for Allah’s (SWT) sake, see it as a positive sign of being on the right path, not as a punishment. Don’t be like those who lose faith when faced with trials. Instead, stay firm in your faith