Q: Would you please look into the books entitled: "Ad`iyat Al-Salihin" by Ahmad Al-Rifa`y and "Kashf Al-Akinnah `Amma Qil Innahu Bid`ah wa huwa Sunnah" by the Algerian author Abu Muhammad `Abdul-Wahhab Muhayyah, to judge whether they are authentic or not? May Allah bless you!

A: A Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar), no.19185, concerning the book: "Kashf Al-Akinnah `Amma Qil Innahu Bid`ah wa huwa Sunnah" was previously issued. It reads as follows: Reviewing the content of the book, the Committee found that the author is not among the well-qualified and knowledgeable scholars whose views may be adopted (Part No. 2; Page No. 102) in legal issues. Thus, many innovations in religion are included in this book as acts of Sunnah. Therefore, a Muslim should refer to the books written by the recognized scholars noted for their deep knowledge, sincerity, and devotion. With regard to the second book: Ad`iyat Al-Salihin wa Adhkaruhum wa Awraduhum (Invocations, Remembrances and other acts of worship done at certain times on a regular basis), it contains their daily religious rituals of remembrance and supplications by Ahmad Al-Rifa`y. However, the Sufi Order of Ahmad Al-Rifa`y is an innovative Sufi order. The book includes fabricated and baseless Adhkar that have no basis in the purified Shari`ah. Furthermore, these Adhkar involve extremism, ambiguity, rhymes, and Tawassul (supplicating to Allah in the name of some persons). These Wirds and Adhkar are to be recited in this manner in a certain time, place, and condition. There is no proof in the Qur'an or Sunnah that affirms these acts. Such books aim at distracting Muslims from reading the authentic legal supplications and the Adhkar authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him). A Muslim is obliged to take the infallible Prophet as their example, restore, and follow his Sunnah when reciting the Adhkar or doing other things. This is the best and secure way to Paradise. We should be careful of the conduct of the innovators who oppose the line of conduct of Prophet Muhammad, who is the last of Prophets and Messengers.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.