Be Pragmatic !

What is Pragmatism? It is defined as “the quality of dealing with a problem in a sensible way that suits the conditions that really exist, rather than following fixed theories, ideas or rules.”

Indeed, the above definition can be utilized for truth and falsehood, because if the words ‘sensible’, ‘ideas’ and ‘rules’ are not confined within the commands of Allah and His Messenger (saws) then definitely whatever is pursued in their name will cause harm. Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: “And even though there is something in the paths of analogical reasoning and reflection that will lead to knowledge, however sometimes it cannot give detail explanation in a dispute between the people of the earth due to the minute details and ambiguities (in that dispute), and at other times due to the fact the people differ when prioritizing necessities. Therefore, due to this Allah commanded (us) to return to the revelation in times of dispute. Allah said: "Mankind were one community (i.e. upon Tawheed and Allah’s Shari’ah) and Allah sent Prophets with glad tidings and warnings, and with them He sent the Scripture in truth to judge between people in matters wherein they differed." [2:213] Therefore, Allah designated the revealed Books (i.e. the Qur’an being the final of them) as the judge between the people in matters wherein they differ.” [Dar Ta’arud Al-Aql Wan-Naql]

If you say that the intellect is to be given precedence over the revelation, then which intellect should we follow? Are the intellects of the people combined in the intellect of one man or do they differ? There are intellects of the philosophers, the atheists, the heretics, the people of evil desires and those who confound truth with falsehood; and due to this one of the pious predecessors said, ‘Had the desires been one, it would have been considered to be the basis of truth’; therefore, we say, ‘Had the intellects been one, it would have been considered to be the basis of truth.’

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim said, “Everyone with a bit of (uncorrupted) intellect knows that indeed the corruption of the world and its ruin occurs due to giving precedence to opinion over the divine revelation and (evil) desires over sound intellect. These two corrupt motives (or basis) are neither entrenched in a heart, except that its destruction becomes inevitable, nor in a nation, except that its affairs are completely corrupted.” [A’laam Al-Muwaqqi’een 1/67-69]

Imaam Ibnul Qayyim also said, “It has been stated that the reason behind Iblees being distanced (from the mercy of Allah) is because of false interpretation, for indeed he made an analogy with the text and gave precedence to the analogy over the text. He made a false interpretation about himself and that (his so called) rational analogy takes precedence over the command to prostrate. (Allah informed us that Iblees said): "I am better than him (i.e. Adam)", and that a virtuous one cannot humble himself to one who has been given virtue over him; therefore he quickly said (as Allah informed us that Iblees said): "You created me from fire, and him you created from clay". Therefore, he thought that this rational analogy that resembles truth- even though it is false – will benefit him in his false interpretation. So, that which happened him happened and he became the leader of everyone- until the day of judgement- who makes a false interpretation of the texts of the revelation. How many a person in this world are followers of this cursed leader! And if you contemplate on the majority of those doubts that are made to resemble the truth by the false interpreters of the texts and seeking to nullify them, you will find that it is similar to the doubts of Iblees which he seeks to portray as truth. So, a person says: If the intellect and the text oppose each other, then give precedence to the intellect. This is where this principle is derived from and he (i.e. the proponent of this affair) use it as a fundamental principle through which he rejects those texts of the revelation which he claims are in opposition to the intellect, just as his leader Iblees claimed that a (so called) rational proof opposed the command to make sujood. This doubt came to him due to pride which prevented him from submitting to the clear texts of the revelation. Likewise, you find every false disputer against the texts of the revelation does so due to pride. Allah said: "Verily, those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride (to accept you (Muhammad) as a Messenger of Allah and to obey you). They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allah has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allah (O Muhammad from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer." [40:56] [As-Sawa’iq Al-Mursalah]

The infallible Shari’ah of Allah is the only perfect judge and the source of all perfect virtue. Imaam Ash-Shatibi said, “Know that Allah has established this Shari’ah as a proof against the creation (i.e. mankind and jinn) – the old and young alike; the obedient and the disobedient; the righteous and the wicked. He did not specify the proof against anyone in exclusion of another one. Also all the other revealed laws were established as proof against all the other nations to whom they were revealed. The Shari’ah is the judge – restrictedly and unrestrictedly; the (source of judgement) and the judge on all those who have reached the age of responsibility. It is the path attached to (what Allah has ordained) and the Greatest Guide. And have you not seen the statement of Allah?! "And thus We have sent to you (O Muhammad) Ruhan (an Inspiration, and a Mercy) of Our Command. You knew not what is the Book, nor what is Faith? But We have made it (this Qur’an) a light wherewith We guide whosoever of Our slaves We will. And verily, you (O Muhammad) are indeed guiding (mankind) to the Straight Path (i.e. Allah’s religion of Islamic Monotheism).’’ [42:52]

He (saws) was the first to be guided to the Book and Imaan, and then those who followed him. The Book is the Guide and also the Sunnah which was sent down upon him explains that guidance (i.e. the Sunnah and the Qur’an explain each other). All the creation (i.e. mankind and Jinn) are guided by it. Therefore, when this is the case, the Shari’ah is worthy of being a decisive proof against them (i.e. against mankind and Jinn) and a beacon by way of which they are guided to the truth. Their nobility is established in accordance with how far they embrace its rulings – through acting upon them in speech, belief and deeds – and not merely due to the level of their intellects or their nobility amongst their people. That is because Allah has determined nobility through Taqwa and no other than it. Allah said: "Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa." [49:13]

The one who is the firmest (in his  or her) adherence to the Shari’ah is more worthy of honour and nobility, but it is not possible for the one below this (i.e. the one whose adherence to the Shari’ah is below that of the one who is firmest in adhering to it) to reach the highest level of honor based on his adherence to the Shari’ah. Therefore, honor is (measured) in accordance with one’s (level of adherence) to the Shari’ah.” [Al-Itisaam 3/434]

Therefore, it should be absolutely clear to every believer that pragmatism outside the Shari’ah is unsound !

When there is no explicit text regarding a matter or we are faced with new situations for which there is no explicit text, the upright scholars perform Ijtihaad. Amr bin Al-Aas narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger (saws) saying, "If a Mujtahid gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is correct, he will receive a double reward, and if he gives a verdict according to the best of his knowledge and his verdict is wrong, even then he will get a reward." [Bukhari]

Few masaa’il from this Hadith:

[a] A Mujtahid is not deprived of reward. 

[b] The judgement of a non-Mujtahid is different from that of a Mujtahid. Shaykhul Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said that the one who speaks about the religion without knowledge and out of ignorance (is guilty of) lying and sinning. The one who intentionally speaks to oppose the truth is threatened with entry into the fire of hell, as opposed to the affair of the one who speaks based on permissible Ijtihaad, for indeed he strives, fears Allah as much as he is able, desires to seek knowledge as much as he was able, speaks for the sake of Allah, knows the stronger proof and speaks based on that. This person is given two rewards if he is correct; but if he is mistaken, he receives one reward.

[c] A Mujtahid can be correct or mistaken. 

[Al-Arba’una Haditha Fi Usoolil Fiqh]

We do not say that there are people of ijtihaad amongst ahlul bidah because they are followers of desires, and Allah and His Messenger have testified to this. The misguided innovator stirs up discord and errs, and then says to you, ‘This is ijtihaad’ !