Should we worry about those who defect from Islam?

 

Should we worry about those who defect from Islam?

 

At the time of the incident of Hudaibiyah, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) agreed to a clause in the treaty that those who break away from Muslims and join the ranks of the disbelievers will not be stopped.  Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwaarullah Farooqui (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) says about it:

 

…This is also worth remembering that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  If any person leaves our ranks and joins the disbelievers, may Allah Most High separate him from us.

 

This shows that those people who separate themselves from Muslims and join other groups, we shouldn’t have regret for them.  In fact, we should clearly say about them:  May Allah separate them from us.

 

Our religion is not dependent on namesake Muslims held back to show burgeoning numbers.

 

Some people take religion to be like a community.  However, their intent is that the more the numbers of Muslims, the easier it will be to demand rights from the government.  To an extent this thought of theirs is correct – but only from the viewpoint of the world.  It has no relation at all to religion.

 

Separation of such people is akin to the world being purified.  This very act of theirs shows that our religion had not taken root in their heart.  If it had, they would not have swayed when others cast doubts on it.

 

If their faith is just illusionary, then what benefit can they give to the religion?  For this reason, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  May Allah separate such people from us.

[Excerpted from Maqasid Ul Islam, Vol. 9]