Statements of the Salaf and Honorable Scholars Regarding the Qadriyyah Sect
Introduction:
Upon examining the conditions and events surrounding the Qadriyyah sect, it becomes evident that this sect is among the most detested by the righteous predecessors (Salaf), esteemed scholars, and the great Imams of this Ummah. A sect from which the Sahaba of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and the noble Tabi’un openly declared their disavowal and disgust is one whose end will clearly not be good. In this part of our research, we aim to introduce this sect in the light of the statements of the great scholars of this Ummah and to discuss the biographies of its founders and initiators.
The Qadriyyah Sect in Light of the Sayings of Scholars and the Righteous Predecessors
It is narrated from Muhammad ibn Ka’b al-Qurazi (MABH) that the name of the Qadriyyah sect was mentioned in the presence of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both). He said: “On the Day of Judgment, people will be gathered in a field, and a caller will proclaim in a voice heard by all: ‘Where are those who disputed with Allah, the Almighty?’ The Qadariyyah will rise.”
From these words of Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them), it is understood that the Qadariyyah is a sect that engages in disputation with the Lord in this world and will be resurrected among the disputers on the Day of Judgment.
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: “There is no group more hated by Allah, the Almighty, than the Qadriyyah. They do not recognize the power of Allah, the Exalted.” Allah the Almighty says: “لا یسأل عما یفعل وهم یسألون” Translation: “He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.” Surah Al-Anbiya: 23 [3]
Al-Hasan al-Basri (MABH) said: “Do not sit with Ma’bad al-Juhani, for he is a misguided person who misguides others.” [4]
The noble religion of Islam places great importance on one’s companions and friends, as socializing and associating with someone can naturally lead to influence over one’s thoughts, beliefs, and ideology. Over time, a person may incline toward those beliefs. Therefore, Islamic law commands us to thoroughly investigate someone before choosing them as a friend or close companion.
It is narrated from Sa’id ibn Jubayr (MABH) that he said: “The Qadriyyah are Jews.” [5]
Some scholars have also likened them to Christians, stating that the Qadriyyah adopted their ideas from the Christians. Among such statements is the following:
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (MABH) said: “The Qadriyyah are those who claim that ability, will, and power come from themselves. They believe they possess control over good and evil, benefit and harm, obedience and disobedience, and guidance and misguidance. According to them, the origin of these actions lies within themselves—without awareness of Allah’s prior knowledge or will. Their words resemble those of the Magians and Christians.” [6]
Ibn al-Athir, in his book “Jami’ al-Usul,” writes: “The Qadriyyah, by consensus of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, are those who claim that good comes from Allah the Almighty, but evil is from man himself. They deny that Allah wills the sinful actions of wrongdoers. They are called the Qadriyyah because they attribute to the servant such independent power that he can bring about actions on his own—without the involvement of Allah the Almighty. They reject that events occur according to the divine decree and predestination of Allah.” [7]
Imam al-Shafi’i (MABH) said regarding the Qadriyyah: “Debate the Qadriyyah on the issue of divine knowledge [whether they affirm Allah’s knowledge of everything]. If they acknowledge it, they are defeated; if they deny it, they are disbelievers.” [8]
Shaykh Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (MABH) stated: “The scholars of theology unanimously agreed on condemning the name ‘Qadriyyah,’ and each of them disassociates from the label of this sect.” [9]
Muhammad ibn Ubayd al-Makki (MABH) narrates from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that a man came and denied the concept of Qadar (divine predestination). Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them), who was blind at the time, said:
“Bring him to me.” The Muslims said, “What will you do with this man?” He replied: “By the One in Whose hand my soul is, if I can reach him, I will bite his nose off with my teeth, and if his neck comes within my reach, I will strike it.” [10]
Muhammad ibn Husayn reports that Zayd ibn Aslam (MABH) said: “By Allah, the Qadariyyah have uttered statements that were not spoken by Allah, nor His angels, nor His prophets, nor the people of Paradise, nor the people of Hell, nor even their brother Iblis. Allah the Almighty says: “وما تشاؤون إلا أن یشاء الله رب العالمین” Translation: “And you do not will unless Allah—the Lord of the worlds—wills.”
The angels say: “سبحانک لا علم لنا إلا ما علمتنا” Translation: “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us.”
Among the Prophets, Prophet Shu’ayb (PBUH) said: “وما یکون لنا أن نعود فیها إلا أن یشاء الله ربنا” Translation: “It is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, wills.”
The people of Paradise say: “الحمد لله الذی هدانا لهذا وما کنا لنهتدی لولا أن هدانا الله” Translation: “All praise is due to Allah, who has guided us to this, and we would never have been guided if Allah had not guided us.”
The people of Hell say: “ربنا غلبت علینا شقوتنا” Translation: “Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us.”
Their brother Iblis says: “رب بما أغویتنی” Translation: “Our Lord, because of the way You misled me.”
As a result, it can be concluded that the scholars and the righteous predecessors have considered this sect to be one that opposes the beliefs and doctrines of Ahl al-Sunnah wa-al Jama’ah.