Overview
The discussion critiques Dr. Araji Hasyim MA's statements regarding the equivalence of the name Muhammad with the name of Allah and the permissibility of seeking help from the Prophet Muhammad or Faqih Muqadam, warning that these views mislead people and verge on shirk (polytheism).
Critique of Statement: Name Muhammad as Name of Allah
- The statement that Muhammad is the name of Allah is declared baseless and contradicts core Islamic teachings on monotheism.
- Muhammad is described as the name of a noble human and messenger, not a divine attribute or name of Allah.
- Citing Quran (Surah Al-A'raf: 180), Allah's names (Asmaul Husna) are uniquely divine and cannot be equated with the names of any creature.
- Islamic law prohibits equating any creature’s name or attribute with Allah, which constitutes shirk.
- The pairing of the Prophet’s name with Allah’s (such as in the Shahada) reflects honor, not equivalence or divinity.
Permissibility of Tawasul (Intercession) and Seeking Help
- Tawasul through Allah’s names, personal righteous deeds, or requests for prayer from living righteous people is permissible.
- Tawasul by invoking deceased figures or visiting graves for the fulfillment of wishes is considered a major form of shirk.
- The practice of seeking help from Faqih Muqadam or claiming guaranteed wish fulfillment at graves is condemned as explicit shirk.
- Authentic Islamic sources instruct supplicating directly to Allah; intercession is limited and regulated.
- Seeking intercession from the Prophet was practiced only during his lifetime, not after his death.
Analysis of Sufism and Current Practices
- While Sufism (tasawuf) traditionally aligned with Islamic principles, current innovations and excesses are criticized.
- The use of pacts, excessive rituals, and belief in supernatural powers by Sufi figures are deemed deviations.
- Modern Sufi practices that include new concepts or intermediaries are not found in the life or teachings of the Prophet.
Scriptural Evidence and Scholarly Consensus
- Numerous Quranic verses (e.g., Surah Al-Baqarah: 22, Al-Maidah: 72, Az-Zin: 18) are cited to affirm monotheism and prohibit partnership with Allah.
- Hadith sources restrict excessive praise or elevation of the Prophet, warning against parallels with Christian veneration of Jesus.
- Major scholars (Ibn Kathir, Imam Nawawi, Ibn Taimiyah) affirm that intercession beyond prescribed forms is innovation or shirk.
Conclusions and Warnings
- The claim that Muhammad is the name of Allah or that his intercession after death is valid lacks support from the Quran, hadith, or scholarly consensus.
- Followers are urged to reject teachings that lead to polytheism and to adhere strictly to monotheistic practices.
- The community is warned about intellectual figures who deviate from established doctrine, regardless of their academic credentials.
- Excessive veneration of religious figures, living or dead, risks deviating into heretical practices.
Recommendations / Advice
- Avoid teachings or practices that equate the Prophet or saints with Allah in any attribute or role.
- Do not seek supernatural assistance from graves or deceased individuals; direct all supplications to Allah alone.
- Verify religious claims with clear evidence from the Quran and authentic hadith.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Should agencies like MUI formally address and clarify the boundaries of permissible tawasul and intercession?
- What further actions should be taken to educate the public on the dangers of excess and innovation in religious practice?