Q: A group of women in Kuwait propagate sufism according to Al-Naqshabandiyyah order formerly headed by Ahmad Kaftaru the former Mufty (Islamic scholar qualified to issue legal opinions) of Syria. They do their activities under the umbrella of an official feminist society through which they propagate their mission in secret and preach what they do not practice. We reviewed some of their writings and books, and some of them admitted that they have already joined this movement. Their principles include:A person who has no shaykh, Satan will be his own shaykh; whoever does not benefit from the etiquette taught by (Part No. 2; Page No. 75

A: Sufi orders, including Al-Naqshabandiyyah, are entirely innovated orders that are against the Qur'an and Sunnah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Avoid newly invented matters [in religion], for every newly invented matter is Bid`ah (innovation in religion), and every Bid`ah is (leads to) going astray. Not only are Sufi orders Bid`ah (innovation in religion) which is itself falsehood and error, but they also involve many acts of major Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship) such as exaggerating the status of the Sufi shaykhs, seeking relief from them apart from Allah, believing that they have authority in this universe and unquestionable acceptance of their orders without checking whether or not they conform to the Qur'an and Sunnah. The polytheistic acts also include what is mentioned in the question above that whoever does not have a particular shaykh to follow, Satan will be his own shaykh; whoever does not benefit from the etiquette taught by a religious trainer, neither Qur'an nor Sunnah will benefit him; whoever argues with his shaykh will never succeed. All these principles contradict the Qur'an and Sunnah, because it is only Allah's Messenger whose orders are absolutely and unquestionably accepted. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it). He (Exalted be He) also says, Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is only a Revelation revealed. (Part No. 2; Page No. 77) The order of any person, regardless of his great knowledge, cannot be carried out unless it complies with the Qur'an and Sunnah. Whoever claims that a particular person other than the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is given full submission has turned out of the fold of Islam. Allah (Exalted be He) says, They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh), and (they also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] to worship none but One Ilâh (God - Allâh) Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). Praise and glory be to Him (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him)." Scholars said that the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) means that they (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis to be their lords besides Allâh by obeying them in prohibiting lawful things and permitting unlawful things as stated in the Hadith of `Ady ibn Hatim which was related by Al-Tabarany, Ibn Jarir and Al-Tirmidhy. `Ady said: I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) wearing a cross of gold in my neck. He said, "O `Ady! Take this idol (cross) off your neck." I did so and came to him while he was reciting Surah (Qur'anic chapter) Al-Tawbah in the Ayah which reads: They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh (by obeying them in things which they made lawful or unlawful according to their own desires without being ordered by Allâh) When he finished it, I told him that we had not worshipped them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) expounded: "Did they not prohibit what Allah made lawful and make lawful what Allah prohibited and (Part No. 2; Page No. 78) you followed in their footsteps?" `Ady answered in the affirmative, so that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "This is how they worshipped them." A Muslim must avoid Sufism and its adherents and prevent them from assuming posts in teaching and education. They should not join feminist societies or whatsoever, so that they will not corrupt people's sound beliefs. A man must prevent the girls in his charge from joining such Sufi societies and schools in which Sufis teach in order to guard their creed, keep unity of the family and avoid turning wives against their husbands. Anyone who adopts Sufism leaves the way of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream), whereas if he believes that the Sufi shaykhs are Allah's equals in bringing blessing, benefit or harm regarding matters that Only Allah can do, such as curing diseases, providing sustenance and alleviating harm, or that he believes they should be given full obedience to their orders even if they contradict the Qur'an and Sunnah - a person holding these beliefs commits major Shirk that turns him out of Islam. Such a deviated woman may not be taken as a supporting companion and is not permissible to marry. Allah (Exalted be He) says, And do not marry Al-Mushrikât (idolatresses, etc.) till they believe (worship Allâh Alone). (Part No. 2; Page No. 79) Until His saying, And give not (your daughters) in marriage to Al-Mushrikûn till they believe (in Allâh Alone) A Muslim man should not marry a woman inclined to Sufism without actually adopting the beliefs mentioned above from the very beginning or keep her as a wife unless she responds positively to advice and repents to Allah. Here, we advise such women to repent to Allah, turn back to the truth, give up this false doctrine, avoid those calling to evil and adhere to the way of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah. We recommend that they read useful books that explain the sound `Aqidah (creed) and listen to lessons, lectures and useful programs prepared by upright scholars who adopt the sound methodology. Finally, they should obey their husbands and guardians in what is good.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.