(Part No. 2; Page No. 147)  Salah behind a follower of Tijaniyyah Fatwa no. 18674 In Cameron we suffer from the problem of offering Salah (Prayer) behind a Mubtadi` (one who introduces innovations in Islam) who follows Al-Tijaniyyah (a deviant Sufi sect embracing strange beliefs far from Islam). It is the only Tariqah (Sufi order) which has prevailed for a very long time. This problem has led to disunity between the Du`ah (callers to Islam), since most of them believe that it is not permissible to offer Salah behind such Imams (those who lead congregational Prayer). They have based their belief on Fatwa no. 2089, which was issued by the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta', but we do not know whether the Fatwa is applicable to all Sufi orders or to one order in particular. We would like to present the actual situation of the people in our country so that you will give us a Fatwa specific to our condition that ends this Fitnah (trial).Firstly, people have lived for forty years knowing nothing except the Tijaniyyah, and believing that it is the true Islam revealed to Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) because there was no call to Salafiyyah (those following the way of the righteous predecessors). Thus, when the call to Salafiyyah began, it was regarded as an innovation.Secondly, these people do not understand Arabic, and Islam cannot be understood except in Arabic. For example, some of them say "Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)" without understanding what the phrase means; they may even understand only some Ayahs (Qur'anic verses) of the Fatihah (Part No. 2; Page No. 148) although they are Imams in Masjids (mosques).Thirdly, there is no communication between them and the scholars of the Ummah (nation) and competent Du`ah.Fourthly, they live in a non-Muslim country where there are no scholars and are thus away from the truth.Fifthly, those whom Allah has guided to understand the Salafiyyah and call to it are all from among the youth, and the elders do not trust their knowledge. In fact, they consider them ignorant youngsters who should be informed of the truth. Unfortunately, and because of Fatwa no. 2089, our young Du`ah declared that the followers of Tijaniyyah are Kafirs (disbelievers) after whom Salah should not be offered. This has led to several problems and rejection of the truth which the young Du`ah are calling to.We hope Your Honor will advise us and consider the rules of Takfir (declaring someone to be a disbeliever). We ask you to give much concern to this country so that the Du`ah will unite and take the Da`wah in the correct manner in order to inform people how to properly deal with this Tariqah or any other Tariqah. As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!)

A: The Fatwa we issued in which we declared the invalidity of offering Salah behind followers of Tijaniyyah represents the truth in accordance with the rules of Shari`ah (Islamic law). You must call to Allah with knowledge, deep insight, and make the means to your call wise and fair preaching. (Part No. 2; Page No. 149) Allah (Exalted be He) states: Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم): "This is my way; I invite unto Allâh (i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me (also must invite others to Allâh i.e. to the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism with sure knowledge). He (Glorified be He) also states: Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى الله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’ân) and fair preaching. You are required to explain the true `Aqidah (creed) to those whom you call to Allah and begin by calling to the pure `Ibadah (worship) along with supporting this with evidence from the Qur'an and the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet). Regarding the issue of Takfir, you should postpone it until the true `Aqidah becomes deeply rooted in the people's hearts.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.