Boycotting (Hajr) in Islam - When is the Boycott Legislated?

QUESTION

When is boycotting legislated in Islam and when is it not legislated?

ANSWER by Shaykh 'Ubayd Al-Jaabiree, well-known scholar and retired professor from the Islaamic University of Al-Madeenah

Boycotting remains (legislated) until the Day of Standing, without a doubt.

Boycotting is of two types:

[A] A boycott [...words unclear...] that leads them to the boycott of the corruption of a specific individual due to his innovations and disobedience [1]. This type is for the senior scholars, the imaams.

[B] Also there is also hajr wiqaa'ee (self-protective boycotting). Hajr wiqaa'ee is when you, by your own self, boycott an innovator. You know that he is an enemy to the Sunnah and its people. And you know that his usool (foundations) are not upon the Sunnah. Then you may boycott him on your own - you do not visit him or invite him to visit you, you do not sit where he sits, you may do this. [2]

FOOTNOTES (Abul-'Abbaas)

[1] The main purpose of this type of boycott is to produce a positive change in the boycotted. An example of this is the boycott of Ka'b ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him).

"And the scholars have unanimously agreed that it is not permissible for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days unless he fears that by speaking to him or keeping ties with him that he may corrupt his Religion, or he fears that he may cause the sprouting of some harmful affairs within himself, things that harm his religious or worldly affairs. If this is the case, then there is a concession for him to stay away from him and keep distant. Quite often a good breaking of ties is better than a harmful relationship!" [at-Tamheed, 15/79, 2nd printing of the al-Faarooq al-Hadeethah printing]

So beware of those who blame the Muslims for protecting themselves from the dangers of those who spread doubts and confusion. For their refusal to sit with such people or listen to them is a proof that they love Allaah's Guidance, they do not see it as being cheap, and they take the necessary measures to protect it.

Know the reality of those who limit boycotting to the first kind only, and then criticize those who practice the second kind, blaming them for boycotting in a way that does not bring a positive change to the boycotted, which is not even the intent behind hajr wiqaa'ee! They seek to divert the people from the safe, clear way of the Salaf, the way of safety and security, and lead them to the muddy, confusing paths of misguidance and innovation. They blame the Muslims for what is unanimously agreed upon by the scholars (as shown above) and what was even mentioned by the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam):

"Verily the most evil people are those who the people abandon to protect themselves from their obscene behavior." (Saheeh al-Bukhaaree #6054)

NOTE: This does not condone the mistaken practice of those with knowledge and understanding of the Religion boycotting those who are ignorant and merely mistaken. Such people are to be advised and taught, with leniency and patience.

SOURCE

This was translated exclusively for www.bakkah.net from a published recording of Shaykh 'Ubayd entitled Liqaa' Maftooh, dated 1424/6/9. [ file no. AAUJ005 - click here for audio ]

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