The annual Religious Freedom Reports released by US State Department often include sections about religious freedom in Saudi Arabia. These reports are officially distributed by the State Department and then circulated amongst the centers of research in the West as well as the international media outlets and other channels. Saudi Arabia comes on top of concern of those involved in these reports, due to its religious and political significance. Accordingly, it becomes incumbent on us, as Saudis, to discuss the sections in these reports which cover religious freedom in our country and provide facts that are not included in these reports. While discussing these reports, we should explain to the world our view point vis-à-vis these reports. We should also allow the reader to discover the truth as stated therein and according to criteria upon which many fair-minded, rational people agreed with us.
The Islamic definition of Bid’ah: Imaam Ash-Shaafi’i, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is anything that has no basis in the Qur’aan, Sunnah or sayings of any of the companions.” Ibn Al-Jawzi, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is any form of worship that did not exist (at the time of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions) then later it was innovated.” Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “A Bid’ah is any form of worship which has no basis in the Sharee’ah which would warrant its legislation.”
Author: Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof
The Promised Prophet of the Bible
Author: Munqith ibn Mahmood As-Saqqar
The Life, Teachings and Influence of Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab: This book is not one with a political agenda. It is meant neither to support nor to critique any contemporary regimes or policies. Indeed, the driving force behind this work is much greater and more important than that. It has to do with, first, the religion of Islam as preached by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself and, second, with the honor and rights of an individual Muslim, Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab.
Author: Jamaal Zarabozo
Publisher: Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowments, Da‘wah and Guidance
The Fatawa's of Shaikh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rahimahullah). Though he preferred the Hanbali school of jurisprudence, he was never biased in favor of it, he frequently quotes the opinions of all four of the well-known schools of jurisprudence, even others. In a number of matters, he himself held opinions different from those of the four schools.
Author: Sheikh-ul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah
The Tafsir of Surat Al-Kahf (Chapter – 18), Which was revealed in Makkah, What has been mentioned about the Virtues of this Surah and the first and last ten Ayat, which provide protection from the Dajjal.
Author: Imam Ibn Kathir
Reveiwers: Muhammad AbdulRaoof