Question: There is an Islamic Center in Australia whose students have testified that they have wrong beliefs (deviant Sufi teachings) and they have serious issues in their Aqeedah also, by saying things about Allah that He never said about Himself. This Islamic Center was approached in a respectful manner and were asked a few questions to seek clarification in case the students were mistaken. However, they are refusing to answer anything about their Aqeedah claiming it is too much to explain (when is was only six questions). Should the community continue to warn against these people because avoiding the questions is bad enough as it is, or, should we wait until they respond with their side (which seems like it won’t happen)?
Answer: Praise be to Allah
There is no doubt that the matters of Aqeedah (Belief) are the most important for a Muslim and one must guard from falling into wrong beliefs & deviations. Not only should one guard himself, but also warn others of the deviations so as to protect them.
However, Speaking about people is a serious matter, and praising them or criticizing them is something that is not to be taken lightly. Many scholars would refrain from talking about these matters because backbiting is a grievous sin, and the sin is compounded if the backbiting is about Islamic workers, scholars or reformers whom Allah loves.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Every Muslim is sacred to his fellow Muslim: his blood, his property and his honor.” [Narrated by Muslim (2564)].
Therefore, it is important that this matter should be addressed by a learned scholar who shall check the evidences, speak to the students, and arrive to a decision whether this center should be denounced or not. If every person starts judging and warning against others, then there will be chaos.
Leave this matter to learned scholars who with their wisdom will handle it appropriately. There are learned & authentic scholars in every city. Approach them and seek their help.
If evidence is established against them by learned and authentic scholars that they are promoting wrong beliefs and deviated Aqeedah, then it becomes obligatory to warn people against them.
Moreover, it becomes easy to warn people when we have the fatwas of learned & trustworthy scholars or their say on it. This is the safest and best approach to such matters.
Wallahu a’lam (and Allah knows best)