Tadarruj (Gradualism) is a license to follow desires

In November 2011 as the Egyptian elections in the legislative people’s assembly were taking place one of the Islamic parties published an article titled: ‘Tadurruj (gradualism) in the implementation of the Islamic Sharee'ah...its understanding and regulations'. The author began by saying that the implementation of the Sharee'ah is an Islamic obligation which cannot be questioned however he went on to argue that the method which Islam has provided for the implementation of the Islamic rules is that of Tadarruj. Meaning that the method of Islam is to implement its rules via a step by step approach, as opposed to a radical approach of implementing Islam in a complete and comprehensive manner.

As evidence for his argument he brings the following two Aayaat of the Qur’aan which describe how Islam was not revealed in one go but was rather revealed gradually.

Allah (swt) says:

وَقُرۡءَانً۬ا فَرَقۡنَـٰهُ لِتَقۡرَأَهُ ۥ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ عَلَىٰ مُكۡثٍ۬ وَنَزَّلۡنَـٰهُ تَنزِيلاً۬

“And (it is) a Qur'ân which We have divided (into parts), in order that you might recite it to men at intervals. And We have revealed it by stages. (in 23 years)” (Al-Israa 106)

And He (swt) says:

وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ لَوۡلَا نُزِّلَ عَلَيۡهِ ٱلۡقُرۡءَانُ جُمۡلَةً۬ وَٲحِدَةً۬‌ۚ ڪَذَٲلِكَ لِنُثَبِّتَ بِهِۦ فُؤَادَكَ‌ۖ وَرَتَّلۡنَـٰهُ تَرۡتِيلاً۬

“And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Qur'ân revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet SAW in 23 years.).” (Al-Furqaan 32)

He also used as evidence the report from ‘Aa'ishah (ra) in which she stated: <sura among the short suras in which is mentioned heaven and hell. After the people came to submission (Islam), the halal and the haram were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed were "Do not drink intoxicants" they would have said: "We will never leave our intoxicants." And if the first thing to be revealed were "Do not commit fornication and adultery.", they would have said: "We will never leave fornication." Verily, the following verse was revealed to Muhammad in Makka while I was a young girl playing: [No, the hour of judgement is more grievous and more bitter (i.e. than any hardships a Muslim may find in the path of Allah in this life)], and the chapters of Al-Baqarah and An-Nisaa (which contain extensive rulings on the halal and the haram) were only revealed while I was with him (saw) as his wife>> (Al-Bukhaari).

It does not require a deep or thorough investigation of these evidences to see that they do not relate to the subject at hand and that all three relate to the subject of the revelation of the Qur'aan and not the subjecting of implementing the Sharee'ah or ruling. They discuss how the Qur'an was not revealed at once but rather in stages and that this was done in order to strengthen the hearts of the believers. In relation to the statement of ‘Aa'ishah (ra) then they try to infer that the Halaal and Haraam are not implemented until later however it is important to note that this is not a Sharee'ah evidence related to the actions of the servants of Allah as this is a statement from ‘Aa'ishah which does not contain a command from the Messenger of Allah (saw) whether in terms of an act that he did, a statement that he made or something that he consented and was silent about and only the Fi'l (act), Qawl (statement) and Taqreer (consent) of the Nabi (saw) is considered as being from the Sunnah and a valid sharee'ah evidence.

Other arguments that are brought and are claimed to support their argument of Tadurruj and the permission to join non-Islamic governments include the treaty of Hudaibiyah and the taking of a position in a non-Islamic government by Yousuf (as). Again both of these are proofs holding no credibility and it is not difficult to show their falsehood. In regards to the treaty of Hudaibiyah then it has been quite shamefully claimed that the Messenger of Allah (saw) took a weak position and compromised the strong position that Islam deserved. They say this in regards to the clause that he (saw) agreed that no Muslim would be allowed to travel from Makkah to Al-Madinah without the permission of its people whereas anyone who wished to leave from Al-Madinah and return to Makkah could do so without conditions. The Sahaabah (rah) did not understand this clause at first and when questioned, he (saw) explained that he is the Messenger of Allah (saw) and that he will not disobey Him Ta'Aalaa. This clause ended up giving greater strength to the Muslims and their Da'wah but the Sahaabah did not have the foresight to comprehend it at the time but the Messenger (saw) made the issue clear by stating that this was from the revelation from Allah and that he was fulfilling what had been commanded to him. So this is an example of the Messenger (saw) implementing the command of Allah Subhaanahu and I ask Him Ta'Aalaa to forgive those who out of ignorance have attempted to claim that the Messenger of Allah (saw) compromised the Deen and has given them the license to do likewise. In addition it is well known that the conditions of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah only gave strength to the Muslims and their cause. The condition mentioned above allowed the Da'wah in Makkah to become stronger, for the trade of Makkah to be disrupted by those who had embraced Islaam but were unable to emigrate to Al-Madinah and of course no Muslim ever wished to leave Al-Madinah to return to Makkah. In fact it was this treaty that allowed the Muslims to go on and remove the enemy of Khaibar who had been planning to join forces with the Quraish of Makkah against the Muslims prior to the treaty. In sum this treaty was key to the spread of Islaam and its authority in the Arabian peninsular and to the peaceful and overwhelming conquest of Makkah itself after only two years. Indeed the significance of this treaty and the great victory for Islaam that resulted in it was so great that Allah (swt) mentioned in His Qur'aan Al-Kareem in a Soorah that has been named after this victory when he says:

ان فتحنا لك فتحا مبينا

“Verily we have provided you with a clear victory “ (Al-Fath 1)

In relation to Yousuf (as) then it is well known that Allah (swt) has revealed different Sharee'ah rules to different Prophets and nations.

Allah (swt) said:

لِكُلٍّ۬ جَعَلۡنَا مِنكُمۡ شِرۡعَةً۬ وَمِنۡهَاجً۬ا‌ۚ

“To each among you, We have prescribed a law (Sharee’ah) and a clear way” (Al-Maa’idah 48)

This Aayah clearly states that Allah revealed different Sharee’ah’s to different peoples and as an example it was permitted as mentioned in Sourah Yousuf for people to prostrate to others whereas this has been clearly forbidden by the revelation that came to the last and seal of prophets Muhammad (saw). Despite this what they claim about Yousuf (as) is a lie upon a Prophet of Allah. How is it possible for some to accuse someone of such status to whom Allah (swt) bears witness, and who was not accused by anyone that met him? There is nothing, not even a single indication in the Qur'an - that shows that he used to rule by the laws of the King. There is no mention of any rule with which he ruled, except the one that is; "They (Yusuf's brothers) said: ‘The penalty should be that he, in whose bag it is found, should be held for the punishment (of the crime).'" [Yousuf: 75]. This rule was according to the Sharee'ah of Ya'qub (as). There is no indication to any knowledge that he ruled by something other than what Allah (swt) had revealed. Their nonsensical argument has come from the following ayah: "He could not take his brother by the law of the King (as a slave), except that Allah willed it." [Yousuf: 76]. This ayah, when it is explained with the correct tafseer (interpretation), then this attempt on casting doubt upon a infallible (mas'um) Prophet of Allah is removed and their claims fall apart. In fact it was Yousuf (as) who said whilst in prison as mentioned in the Quran, "The rule is for none but Allah." [Yousuf: 40]

So in brief these are the justifications which have been given in attempt to provide a Sharee'ah justification for the gradual implementation of Islam however in my title I stated that Tadarruj is a license to follow desires. The reason I have said this is because Tadurruj has been the justification for the so called Islamic groups to enter into the corrupt political systems which were laid down by and inherited from the western colonial powers.

I ask does Tadurruj permit you:

1) To claim that the punishment systems are outdated and not applicable today?

2) Or to say that Christians and Muslims do not have a dispute in regards to their Aqueedah or question that the Christians in Egypt are indeed Kuffar (disbelievers)?

3) Or to attend a Christian service and shake hands with the Egyptian Pope and congratulate him in relation to the birth of Isa (as)?

4) To say that you want 50 million tourists in Egypt even if they all are completely naked?

5) To claim that the Sharee'ah is only one of the valid sources of legislation?

6) To claim the permissibility of a non-Muslim leader if the people wish this?

7) To respect the treaties that have been signed with Israel and America?

8) To claim that Islam should not be implemented or that  an Islamic president should be avoided because it would make Egypt a target of the west?

9) To say that getting rid of Ribaa will harm the Egyptian economy? (As if the opposite is not true).

10) To send a letter of thanks and appreciation at the opening of the parliament (which you now dominate) to the ruling military council that has done nothing but spill innocent blood, kill your youth, cause Fitnah, imprisoned more people than Mubarak could have ever imagined, break its promises, kept the regime in place including its security apparatus and failed to bring a single person to justice in the entire year, in addition to affirming that it will not allow anything other than a secular state?

This list could go on and on but to sum up does Tadurruj give you the permission to run an entire election campaign where your main point is to convince everyone that you will not implement the Sharee'ah of Allah?!!

As far as the Islamic evidences related to the immediate and obligatory implementation of the Islamic rules then these are decisive and clear and leave no room for doubt.

Allah (swt) says:

إِنِ الْحُكْمُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ

“Verily the Hukm (ruling) is for none but Allah” (Yusuf 40)

And Allah (swt) commanded us to rule by all that he revealed and warned us from diverging from even a small part of what he has revealed:

وَأَنِ احْكُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ بِمَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلَا تَتَّبِعْ أَهْوَاءَهُمْ وَاحْذَرْهُمْ أَنْ يَفْتِنُوكَ عَنْ بَعْضِ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ

“And rule between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their desires and beware of them that they may seduce you away from some of that which Allah has revealed to you” (Al-Maa'idah 49)

Allah Subhaanahu has commanded the Muslims when they accept Islaam to enter into it completely:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا ادْخُلُوا فِي السِّلْمِ كَافَّةً وَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا خُطُوَاتِ الشَّيْطَانِ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُبِينٌ

“O You who believe enter into Islaam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitaan because verily he is a clear enemy to you” (Al-Baqarah 208).

And it is a matter known by necessity in Islaam that Allah (swt) has revealed a complete and comprehensive Deen to us which is valid for all times and places:

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا

“Today I have completed your Deen for you and perfected my favour upon you and have chosen Islaam as your Deen” (Al-Maa'idah 3)

And he (swt) said:

وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ

“And we have revealed to you the Book as an explanation for everything” (16:89)

So the Deen of Islaam is perfect, complete and deals with every aspect of life including the individual, societal relationships and the matters of ruling. And Allah Subhaanahu has ordered us to enter into it completely and this is a matter which well known, so when a person says 'Ashhadu Al Laa Ilaahah Illaa Allah, Wa Ashhadu Anna Muhammadar Rasool Allah' then he from that moment becomes bound by the rules that Allah Subhaanahu has revealed and he bows to these commands and prohibitions in complete submission to Him, willingly as a Muslim. Tadurruj as used today is no more than an excuse to leave the Shar'a of Allah, to disobey him and follow the footsteps of Shaytaan, may Allah Subhaanahu protect us from that.

How can a Muslim choose to leave the commands and prohibitions of Allah Ta'Alaa and His Messenger (saw) when we have been warned clearly about this:

وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤْمِنٍ وَلَا مُؤْمِنَةٍ إِذَا قَضَى اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَمْرًا أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُمُ الْخِيَرَةُ مِنْ أَمْرِهِمْ وَمَنْ يَعْصِ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ ضَلَالًا مُبِينًا

“And it is not for a believing man or believing woman that when Allah and His Messenger have decided upon a matter to have any choice in these matters. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger then they have indeed strayed into clear misguidance” (Al-Ahzaab 36).

In conclusion I bear testimony as a Muslim that Allah (swt) has commanded you and all of the Muslims to implement the Sharee'ah, He (swt) has completed this Deen and perfected his blessings upon us and has chosen for us Islam as our Deen. The Messenger of Allah (saw) who was the walking Qur'aan never delayed the implementation of the Deen, not for one instant, and none from amongst the Sahaabah (rah) or the early generations of Muslims after him (saw). Indeed it is time for the Muslims to distance themselves from those who call for and implement the secular disbelieving systems in the Muslim world even if they claim or seem to be in Islamic clothing. It is clear to see from the actions and statements of those who claim Tadurruj that is merely an excuse not to implement Islam and for certain it is not the method for its implementation. And in Egypt the statement from the bleeding youth on the streets of treachery directed towards the Islamic groups is accurate and they have only really in effect taken over the place of Mubarak's disbanded National democratic Party and they have taken over the job of maintaining and protecting the corrupt secular regime and the western nations and their interests. It is time for the Muslims in Egypt and the sincere ranks from amongst these groups who sincerely desire the implementation of the Deen and the Sharee'ah to work with those who also sincerely desire this, to work with those who say the Haqq and do not fear the west or the secular elements, those who are true, sincere and do not compromise the Islamic Sharee'ah in word or deed and fear only Allah (swt). This is the work to establish the rightly guided Khilafah which the clear and decisive Sharee'ah evidences from the Qur'an, Sunnah and Ijmaa' have commanded and not made a matter of option or gradualism and above all this is the work that will gain the pleasure of our Creator Rabbil ‘Aalaameen, His blessings and rewards.

قُلْ هَٰذِهِ سَبِيلِي أَدْعُو إِلَى اللَّهِ عَلَىٰ بَصِيرَةٍ أَنَا وَمَنِ اتَّبَعَنِي وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

“Say (O Muhammad SAW): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me. And Glorified and Exalted is Allâh. And I am not of the Mushrikûn” (Yusuf 108).

 

Abu Abdil Hasib
19/02/12