The Ugly-History of the “`Aqīdah/Creed-Wars”

Let’s start with what “`Aqīdah” actually is

al-`Aqīdah

Linguistic: Fortitude, Foundation, Structure  etc.

Islāmic: Religio-Academic Euphemism for the 6-Arkān/Pillars of al-Īmān (Islāmic-Belief/Faith).

What’re the 6-Arkān of al-Īmān?!!!

Good-Question…

…Answer:

1. Belief in Allah

2. Belief in al-Malā’ikah (Angels)

3. Belief in al-Kutub (Revelatory-Scriptures/Books)

4. Belief in ar-Rusul (Prophetic-Individuals/Messengers)

5. Belief in Yawm-il-Ākhir (the Last-Day/Judgment-Day)

6. Belief in al-Qadr wal-Qadhā’ (Decree&Providence)

(an-Nawawī)

Let’s unpack precisely what at-Tawhīd is

at-Tawhīd

Linguistic: Uniqueness, Unity, Oneness, Exclusivity, etc.

Islāmic: The Distinction of Allah (from Creation) with whatever Quality They possesses.

at-Tawhīd has 3-Categories:

1. Tawhīd-ur-Rubūbiyyah

Linguistic: Oneness-Of-Lordship

Islāmic: The Distinction of Allah (from Creation) via Their Actions.

2. Tawhīd-ul-Ulūhiyyah

Linguistic: Oneness-Of-Divinity

Islāmic: The Distinction of Allah (from Creation) via our Actions.

3. Tawhīd-ul-Asmā’ was-Sifāt-

Linguistic: Oneness-Of-Names&Characteristics

Islāmic: The Distinction of Allah (from Creation) via Their Names & Characteristics

 Tawhīd-ul-Asmā’ was-Sifāt has 2-Categories:

1. Essential-

Characteristics (which are often derived from Names) that do not require Action.

2. Active-

Characteristics (which are often derived from Names) that require Action.

Various `Aqīdah-Concepts/Terms

ash-Shirk-

Linguistic: Association

Islamic: To worship other than Allah, or to ascribe something false to Allah.

ath-Thabūtiyyah

Linguistic: Affirmation/Establishment

Islamic: Whatever Allah affirms for Themselves via at-Tanzīl/Revelation.

as-Salbiyyah

Linguistic: Negation

Islāmic: Whatever Allah negates/prohibits for Themselves via at-Tanzīl.

at-Tahrīf

Linguistic: Distortion/Adulteration

Islāmic: The Corruption of at-Tanzīl and/or its Meanings.

at-Takyīf

Linguistic: How/Howness

Islamic: Questioning what Allah affirms/confirms for Themselves, either via The Qur’ān, or via as-Sunnah/the Prophetic-Tradition.

at-Tamthīl/at-Tashbīh/at-Tajsīm

Linguistic: Likeness, Assimilation, Anthropomorphism, Theophany, etc.

Islamic: Attempting to claim that Allah is “similar” to Creation and/or attempting to “equate” Creation to Allah.

at-Ta`tīl

Linguistic: Rejection

Islāmic: To reject whatever Allah affirms/confirms for Themselves, and/or whatever Allah reveals via The Qur’ān & as-Sunnah.

at-Tanzīh

Linguistic: Flawlessness/Perfection

Islāmic: Rejection of any&all Imperfections/Flaws, which’re attempted to be attributed to Allah from Creation.

Now, one would think that this would be the End-Of-Story Conclusion…Right?!!! Wrong Unfortunately, because of al-Ikhtilāf/Scholastic-Differing due to al-`Ibārāt/Theological-Interpretations: the Muslim-World for the past 12-Centuries, C.E. have been at each other’s Throats arguing over who has the “Correct-Creed”…Yeah, I know: it’s Fuckin-Retarded. But, at the Same-Time…as the Ole-Saying goes: “It is what it is.”. Amongst the Main-Source of al-Jadal/al-Khilāf/Argumentation between Muslims over al-`Aqīdah almost exclusively pertaining to the 1st-Rukn/Pillar of al-Īmān: Belief in Allah, known as the Religio-Concept “at-Tawhīd”.

`Aqā’id/Religio-Theological Schools

al-Jahmiyyah/Jahmism

Belief: Jahmīs deny Particular-Sifāt of Allah, like Eternal-Speech for example. Jahmism historically is notoriously known for claiming that The Qur’an was “created”.

Founder: Jahm ibn-Safwān (one of the Students/Followers of Ja`d ibn-Dirham as well as a Contemporary of Ab-il-Hasan al-Ash`arī)

al-Mushabbihiyyah/Mushabbihism

Belief: Mushabbihīs claim that Allah is similar to the Creation, referring to Their Characteristics being “shared” amongst Created-Things/Beings.

Founder: Muqātil ibn-Sulaymān al-Khurasānī

al-Qadariyyah/Qadarism

Belief: Qadarīs deny of the Belief in al-Qadr (Decree/Destiny). They claim that they’re “free” from the Qadr-Of-Allah via al-Mashī’ah/Freewill.

Founder: Ma`bad ibn-Juhanī (one of the Students/Followers of Jahm ibn-Safwān)

al-Jabariyyah/Jabarism

Belief: Jabarīs claim that Humans don’t possess al-Mashī’ah, and aren’t responsible for their Actions. As a Result, they also disbelieve in the Day of Standing.

Founder: Ja`d ibn-Dirham

al-Murji’iyyah/Murji’ism

Belief: Murji’īs claim that Actions aren’t an aspect of al-Īmān. Also, they claim that al-Īmān neither increases or decreases.

Founder: Ghilān ibn Abī-Ghilān al-Qadarī

al-Ash`ariyyah/Ash`arism

Belief: Ash`arīs view that the Fitrah/Nature-Of-Allah is never to be compared to Creation, hence they conclude the “Necessity” to not view the Sifāt/Characteristics-Of-Allah as being Literal, Real, Actual, etc. Also, they’re also deeply rooted in Rationalism, Logical-Rhetoric, etc. (Furthermore) Ash`arīs are particularly notoriously known for imposing Unjust-Takfīr/Blasphemy against Fellow-Muslims whim’re Non-Ash`arīs, in spite of the Progenitor/Founder of Ash`arism making Deathbed-Repentance against Unjust-Takfīr against Muslim Non-Ash`arīs.

Founder: `Alī ibn-Ismā`īl ibn-Ishāq (AKA Abul-Hasan al-Ash`arī)

al-Mu`taziliyyah/Mu`tazilism

Belief: Mu`tazilīs highly focus on Rationalism&Rhetoric (based primarily upon Greco-Roman Philosophy). Also, they claim that Allah is similar to Creation. As well, they’re notoriously known for misinterpreting al-Mashī’ah. In addition, they also claim that The Qur’an was “created”.

Founder: Wāsil ibn-`Attā

Historical `Aqīdah Fun-Facts

1. All-Anbiyā’/Prophetic-Individuals (from Ādam/Adam to Muhammad [Peace be upon them altogether]) were Theological-Atharīs.

2. All-Muslims from All-Umum/Nations prior to the Revelation of The Qur’ān were Theological-Atharīs.

3. At least 90% of as-Sahābah/the Companions (May Allah be pleased with them altogether) were Theological-Atharīs.

4. All of the Progenitors/Founders of any of the 8-Surviving Madhāhib/Religio-Legal Schools were Theological-Atharīs.

at-Tafwīdh/Neutrality vs. at-Ta’wīl/Interpretation concerning the Sifāt/Qualities-Of-Allah

Progenitors/Founders of the 8-Surviving Madhāhib:

al-Ja`fariyyah/Ja`farism

Progenitor/Founder: Ja`far ibn-Muhammad

az-Zaydiyyah/Zaydism

Progenitor/Founder: Zayd ibn-`Alī

al-Hanafiyyah/Hanafism

Progenitor/Founder: an-Nu`mān ibn-Thābit

al-Mālikiyyah/Mālikism

Progenitor/Founder: Mālik ibn-Anas

ash-Shāfi`iyyah/Shāfi`ism

Progenitor/Founder: Muhammad ibn-Idrīs ash-Shāfi`ī

al-Hanbaliyyah/Hanbalism

Progenitor/Founder: Ahmad ibn-Hanbal

al-Ibādhiyyah/Ibādhism

Progenitor/Founder: `Abdullah ibn-Ibādh

azh-Zhāhiriyyah/Zhāhirism

Progenitor/Founder: Dāwud ibn-`Alī ibn-Khalaf azh-Zhāhirī

Romance of the 3-`Aqīdahs

Historically, for the past 12-Centuries, A.H./C.E. (relative to the Revelation of The Qur’ān)-There’s sadly been so/too much Theological-Ikhtilāf/Differing amongst & between Muslims, regarding al-`Aqīdah/Islāmic-Theology. So much so, that the Popular-Idiom “`Aqīdah/Creed-Wars” has become a Pathetic-Staple within the Muslim-World for a Long-Time. Worse yet, these “`Aqīdah-Wars” have been something (amongst Other-Things) which Muslims have literally used, manipulated, etc. as Pseydo-Justifications to impose Unjust-Hujjah/Refutation, Unjust-Takfīr/Blasphemy, etc. against Fellow-Muslims. And, that of course has evolved into Unjust-Qattāl/Violence between Fellow-Muslims. Via the Western-World specifically, the United States especially, etc. the “`Aqīdah-Wars” have been used to attempt “Islāmizing” Gang-Culture amongst Muslims & within Muslim-Communities.

The Haqqover/Super-Hizbī: Debunking the Pseudo-Justifications for Takfīr-Culture

I personally honestly don’t give a Fuck, as per which `Aqīdah-School one ascribes/subscribes to, so long as they’re Theologically-Muslim. But, once People start pontificating/promoting Unjust-Takfīr…that’s when I have to take a Stand. I’m 💯%-Opposed to Takfīr-Culture. And anyone whom co-signs it, I’ll always stand against them because of it. It’s because Takfīr-Culture is Mothafuckin-Evil & no Muslim has any Islāmic-Entitlement/Justification to be a Pontificate, Proponent, Promoter, etc. of Takfīr-Culture. Moreover, there’s akways a 50/50-Probability that we can be Dead-Ass Wrong about claiming that any Fellow-Muslim is a Kāfir/ Disbeliever…as Muhammad (Peace be upon them) stated:

a. “No Person accuses another of either being a Fāsiq/Sinner or a Kāfir (Disbeliever/Non-Muslim), except that he’s one himself, if the Other isn’t which he claimed.”
(al-Bukhārī)

b. “Whomever attributes/ascribes Kufr (Disbelief) to his Brother is just like his Killer/Murderer.”
(al-Bukhārī, at-Tirmidhī)

c. “If a Muslim calls someone a Kāfir (Disbeliever/Non-Muslim): if they are then let it be, otherwise they themselves are a Kāfir.”
(Abū-Dāwud)

The Evil&Destructive-Nature of Takfīr-Culture

Now, why would any Muslim even want/desire to take the Risk of imposing at-Takfīr against Another-Muslim with the 50/50-Odds of them being Dead-Ass Wrong?!!! Make that Goofy-Shit make Sense. Even being Bold enough to take such a Risk is precisely the Reason I always say: There’s a Difference between Courage & Stupidity. However, sadly, Countless-Persons, for the past 12-Centuries, A.H./C.E. have foolishly taken That-Risk. I will not be That-Kind/Type of Risk-Taker. I know what I’m willing to meet Allah with & Unjust-Takfīr against Fellow-Muslims ain’t one of Those-Things.

Ignorance + Apathy is both a Poison & Venom

I’ve constantly/consistently been very forthright, as per my Collaborative-Efforts with Fellow-Muslims, to help me contribute to bridge Theological-Gaps between Fellow-Muslims. Reason being is because the Last-Thing which Muslims need (via the 14th-Century, A.H./21st-Century, C.E.) is to continue oppressing each other over Theological-Issues which existed Centuries before any of us alive were even Sperm-Cells & are very improbable to disappear within our Lifetimes. But, what we must do…should do…etc. is ensure that we stop using said Theological-Issues as Pseudo-Justifications to impose Oppression against one another. It’s always uncanny, when I think about the Evolution of “`Aqīdah-Wars”, specifically/especially amongst Muslims via the Western-World Region of the Muslim-World. Like, how/why did we ever allow ourselves to get caught-up in Theological-Beefs which began Centuries prior to any of our People being Muslim-Reverts/Muslim-Born?!!! This-Question remains imprinted upon my Sadr (Mind/Heart) on a Daily-Basis. And it truly hurts, that there’re Muslims anywhere on Earth whom have & whom still will impose Theft, Rape, Murder against Fellow-Muslims resulting from al-`Aqīdah being used as one of Countless Pseudo-Justifications to impose Muslim-On-Muslim Violence.

The Battle against these “`Aqīdah-Wars” is so Uphill&Stressful. Yet, at the Same-Time, any Contribution which I’ve towards eradicating it…it’ll always be worth my Time&Energy. As per Muslim-Issues, especially relative to the Region of the Muslim-World I personally hail from: the Elimination of “`Aqīdah-Wars” is a Necessary-Endeavor. Literally, the very Existence of “`Aqīdah-Wars” has been abundantly destructive to Countless Muslim-Communities via the Western-World. Speaking against & writing about the Ugliness of these “`Aqīdah-Wars” has become a Major-Staple of my Religio-Academic Research, moreover of my Religio-Activism.

Gareth Bryant

Revive Respectful-Rivalry

The Following-Citation/Quote below-It’s literally is reminiscent of the Religio-Academic Rivalry between myself & one of Gareth Bryant’s Favorite-Colleagues: Tālib Nathaniel. Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel have immersed ourselves in a Friendly-Feud, which sparked Significant-Attention/Controversy via our Individual/Mutual-Circles. It’s raised Eyebrows as well as kept Certain-Person “Walking-On-Eggshells” Sort-Of-Speak. Our Rivalry has caused much Talk around our Native-Cities as well as Various-States, Various-Countries, etc. And, the Cited/Quoted-Story, albeit Centuries ago: it’s ironically so poignant & relevant to the Rivalry of Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel.

Fraternity in spite of Rivalry

The Citation/Quote plainly details that Others tried to dismantle the Respect/Love which existed between the 2-Subjects of the Citation/Quote. Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel have literally faced the Same-Types/Kinds of Tactics used to attempt destroying our Bond as: Brothers, Friends, Colleagues, etc. Tālib & Gareth have discussed at length, about how far Certain-Persons would be willing to go (to attempt making us Adversaries of one another). Tālib literally disclosed to me, that one Particular-Person: Fahīm Lea (I’ve already publicly discussed my Deep-Disdain for Fahīm Lea)…they refused to return the Taslīm (the Utterance of “as-Salām/Greeting-Of-Peace”) ever since Tālib had released their Response to an Article I authored. I literally told Tālib not to be “surprised”, that Fahīm Lea hadn’t returned the Taslīm, after they had initiated to Fahīm Lea. Fahīm Lea particularly is Highly-Triggered/Angered, that Tālib Nathaniel has a Positive-Relationship with Gareth Bryant…I’ve explained how/why via Another-Article I’ve previously authored.

They hate You cause they couldn’t break You

The Scenario between Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel literally reminds me of the 1st-Fitnah/Civil-War amongst the Muslims:`Alī ibn-`Imrān vs. Mu`āwiyah (May Allah be pleased with them both), when the Roman-Emperor living during This-Time attempted to “convince” Mu`āwiyah to align themselves with Rome against `Alī…this was the Dialogue between the Roman-Emperor & Mu`āwiyah:

“The Byzantine Emperor had great hopes of attacking and defeating Mu’aawiyah after the latter had instilled fear in him and humiliated him and vanquished his troops. When the Byzantine Emperor saw that Mu’aawiyah was preoccupied with fighting ‘Ali, he approached some cities (on the border) with a huge army, filled with hope of victory. So Mu’aawiyah wrote to him saying, ‘By Allah, if you do not desist and go back to your land, O cursed one, I shall reconcile with my cousin and we will unite against you, and I shall certainly expel you from all of your land! I shall keep pursuing you, and the earth, vast as it is, will be straitened for you.’ At that, the Byzantine Emperor was scared off and abandoned his plans; he sent word seeking a peace treaty.”

(at-Tabarī, as-Suyūtī, ibn-Kathīr)

al-Husayn & the Massacre of Karbalā’:

The Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel Rivalry is predicated upon the two of them respectfuly, brotherly, academically: debating, disagreeing, etc. regarding Theological-Postures, Theological-Positions, Theological-Arguments, etc. which’ve been contested for Centuries via Islāmic-Academics whom precede the both of us as per Islāmic-Knowledge/Understanding. There’ve been Supporters via Various Religio-Sectarian Camps which’ve either wanted Tālib Nathaniel to be “defeated” via Gareth Bryant, or Gareth Bryant to be “defeated” via Tālib Nathaniel. There’s even been those who’ve publicly & privately attempted to Cheerlead, in order to inspire Rifts between Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel. However, via the Justice/Mercy-Of-Allah:

a. Neither Gareth Bryant nor Tālib Nathaniel had allowed ourselves to succumb to the Waswās/Deception of ash-Shaytān/Satan via the Biases-Of-Man for and against each other individually.

b. There’ve been Other Religio-Academics who’ve refused to attempt interering in the Religio-Academic Rivalry between Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel…themselves directly & indirectly expressing/verbalizing Gratitude that both Gareth & Tālib displayed Immense-Respect towards one another, presented Authentic/Objective-Facts regarding their Theological-Arguments, manifested Meritable-Maturity regarding the Subject-Matter, etc.

c. There’ve been Religio-Community Elders who’ve stepped-up to the Plate, to reinfirce the Necessity to maintain Justice as per evaluating the Theological-Arguments which’ve been presented/defended via the Works/Writings of Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel.

Gareth Bryant’s Article:

at-Tafwīdh/Neutrality vs. at-Ta’wīl/Interpretation concerning the Sifāt/Qualities-Of-Allah

Tālib Nathaniel’s Article:

Al-qadhiyatu min ajalil-Haqeeqa tafwid al-amr li-llah

Even amongst the Staunchest-Critics of both Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel: they respected the Efforts given by us both. We’ve both received Significant-Praise, as per our Efforts to conduct ourselves as Muslim-1st, regardless of what Gareth & Tālib have vehemently disagreed upon as per the Subject-Matter behind their Religio-Academic Rivalry. In spite of Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel being on Different-Sides of the `Aqīdah/Theology-Coin (Gareth being Pro-Atharī & Tālib being Ash`arī)…they each both do agree with one another that `Aqidah has been dangerously hijacked via Ahzāb/Religio-Gangs to incite/continue the Ugly-Mīrāth/Legacy of Muslim-On-Muslim Oppression via “`Aqīdah-Wars”. And, these “`Aqīdah-Wars” have been amongst the Usūl/Origins of Muslim-On-Muslim Violence throughout the Muslim-World historically & particularly via the United States amongst Muslim-Americans.

The Niggadelphia-Effect

What Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel have done, via our Brotherly-Bond: we’ve literally shown Other-Muslims the Power of Fraternity in spite of Rivalry. We’ve jointly proven that we can disagree & argue with/against Fellow-Muslims respectfuly, brothetly, friendly, maturely, academically, etc. without ever having to resort to any Sifah/Manifestation of al-Qattāl/Violence against any Fellow-Muslim. And, any/all of our Critics whom unrespect the Fact that Gareth & Tālib have never chosen to be Religio-Opps: that angers them greatly…proving undoubtedly that Persons like them are Part of the Mushkilah/Problem. Like…how dare any Muslim be triggered/angered, that Fellow-Muslims don’t want to be Enemies of one another?!!! Make that Goofy-Shit make Sense.

Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel have always made it Crystal-Clear: we attempt to always operate via being Muslim-1st. We refuse to view each other as “Enemies” of one another. We equally refuse to allow anyone to disrupt our Progress towards Facilitating al-Ijtimā`/Unity between the Muslims via Religio-Academia/Scholarship.We ask Allah, to always protect us & always aid us against any/all whom want us to be Adversaries against each other.

Gareth Bryant

1445, A.H./2024, C.E.

Fraternity in spite of Rivalry

Atharī-Haqqover vs. Ash`arī-Ether

“And never let your Hatred, against any People, prevent you from behaving justly.”…”Those whom believe pay attention: If a Sinner presents News, then verify. Or else you’ll end-up harming Others foolishly, causing you to be Regretful for what you’ve done.”
(Noble-Qur’ān: Chpt.5, V.8; Chpt.49, V.6)

Initial-Contact between Tālib Nathaniel & Gareth Bryant

When Tālib Nathaniel (one of my Favorite Religio-Academic Colleagues) & I first got connected with each other, it was through a Mutual-Friend. We connected via a WhatsApp-Group. Fortunately, via the MercyOf-Allah, the Communication between our WhatsApp-Group were always predicated upon as-Sihhah (Authenticity/Realness). So, it was rather easy to assess whom People really are (as per True-Character/Behavior). From the Inception of the WhatsApp-Group, it became clear to me, that Tālib Nathaniel was a True-Academic, as I myself hold myself to & always strive to be. So, as to be expected: There were Countless-Instances where Tālib & I would literally go Back&Forth. Sometimes the Debates would last Hours. Sometimes the Debates would carry-over into Days, Weeks, etc.

From Debates to Information-Sharing

I can speak for both Tālib and myself-By virtue of how we met, how we began our Debate-Sagas, the Ways we would challenge each other, etc. We probably both had in each of our Minds: “Who This-Nigga think he is?!!!”. Of course, not in any Disrespectful/Malicious-Intent…simply due to Natural-Ego. Via Group-Dynamics, it’s simply a Sifah/Dimension of al-Bashriyyah (Human-Nature/Behavior) to want to be the Top-Dog of anyone’s Arena, Field, Specialty, etc. Plus, Tālib Nathaniel being from Philadelphia & Gareth Bryant being from NYC: Historical/Socio-Cultural Rivalries were bound to surface & influence how the two of us originally sized each other up. Fortunately, via the Mercy-Of-Allah: with the Number-1 Rule of our WhatsApp-Group being “Muslim-1st”…whatever Preconceived-Biases about NYC vs. Philly/Philly vs. NYC…our Biases ironically became Things which never divided us, but in turn caused our Bond to actually strengthen in Ways neither us could’ve ever anticipated.

Then, as we began respecting each other’s Religio-Academic Expertise/Research, we would actually run Things by each other. Meaning, before we’d write/post Things, we’d often ask each other’s Opinions/Outlooks on what we’re about to release to the World. It actually became exciting, that I could always go to Tālib & Tālib could always go to me for Critique, Criticism, Correction, Feedback, etc. After initiating this between each other, that’s when we both realized that Religio-Academically we’re basically Same-Level with each other.

In spite of us not having the Same Islāmic Come-Ups (Tālib `Abdullah being Muslim-Born…Gareth Bryant being Muslim-Revert), nor the Same-Environments (Tālib growin-up via Philly…Gareth growin-up via NYC), nor the Same-Type/Style of Islāmic-Education (very evident via our Writings), etc. we still ended-up having Close-Similarities in spite of those Significant-Differences. That’s actually what’s made it very easy for Tālib & I to have ever Info.-Shared in the 1st-Place.

Gareth Bryant’s & Tālib Nathaniel’s Online-Writings

Gareth Bryant has been a Professional-Writer since 2008, C.E. and has been Online-Authoring since 2011, C.E. So, my Catalog-Of-Work deals with a Varied-Array of so many Topics (Religion, Sexuality, Politics, History, Sports, Art, Warfare, Poetry, Wellness, Mental-Health, Combat, etc.). Tālib Nathaniel was Brand-New to the Online-Writing Game. However, 1-Day, they messaged me about wanting to take a Try at Online-Writing. I immediately expressed Joy & Encouragement for them to do so. I don’t know whether they expected me to be as encouraging as I was…but I definitely was. I think that Tālib truly appreciated my Insistance to have them doing Online-Authorship, and I’m a Better-Collegue to them for it.

From Colleagues to Friends

As our Info.-Sharing increased, so did our Personal-Brotherhood strengthen further. We began to trust each other. We began to share our Highs&Lows, our Triumphs&Blunders, etc. We were able to stand with each other, based upon our Islāmic-Fraternity as Fellow-Muslims: always viewing each other via the Lens of Muslim-1st. That more than anything, I would say, contributed to me bonding with Tālib immensely (keep in Mind: Tālib & I had never even met In-Person prior). However, as Allah is Khayr-ul-Mākirīn/the Best-Of-Planners: our Bonds transcend knowing each other Face2Face. And, it’s this which is a Definitive-Indicator of the Quwwah/Dynamism of al-Hudā/al-Hidāyah (Guidance). What as well equally contribited to our Bonding is our Mutual-Appreciatiom for the Arts, Music, Fashion, Politics, History, etc.

From Personal-Friends to Academic-Frenemies

Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel

Via the WhatsApp-Group & our Personal-Convos…Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel are Splendid-Buddies. But, when it comes to Writing as per our Unique-Comprehensions of al-Islām: there’s definitely On-Sight Rivalry between us. And, of course, as per al-Bashriyyah: both of us think we da Shit. For anyone who’s accomplished what Allah has allowed Tālib Nathaniel & Gareth Bryant to do individually…obviously the Ego is going to swell. That’s literally the Nature-Of-Success. Also, taking into consideration…our Learning & Comprehension are different, relative to Countless-Factors making us uniquely ourselves. Plus, especially pertaining to the Far`/Branch of al-`Ilmiyyah/Islāmic-Knowledge known as al-`Aqīdah/Islāmic-Theology…this is the Asl/Foundation of our Religio-Academic Differing between one another. Tālib was raised&reared under the Tutilage of al-Ash`ariyyah/al-Ash`arism, and they stand true to it. Gareth Bryant sticks staunchly to being Pro-Athariyyah/Atharism, but only because al-Athariyyah is the Theological-Default for the Average/Regular-Muslim. Tālib & Gareth have constantly/consistently gone Back&Forth, concerning al-Athariyyah vs. al-Ash`ariyyah.

Atharism vs. Ash`arism

This is the Article I authored  regarding the Atharī vs. Ash`arī Fitnah/Drama. Inadvertently, I’ve poked a Sleeping-Dragon as per what I detailed. My Posturing woke Lots of People up, shocked even more People, got Certain-People truly pissed-off at me, while Other being in Total-Disbelief that I’d the Audacity/Balls to even write such an Article…almost as if I was “not in my Place”. This is what truly tested the Strength of the Gareth-Tālib Bond.

at-Tafwīdh/Neutrality vs. at-Ta’wīl/Interpretation concerning the Sifāt/Qualities-Of-Allah

When the Article initially dropped, so did People’s-Jaws. People were just viewing me Side-Eyed…even those whom agreed with everything I wrote: they were like, “This Nigga Real-Bold…Bul is Talkin-Hot!!!”. In fact, according to Tālib Nathaniel: Gareth Bryant’s Niggadelphia Code-Name is “New York Bul”/”Up-Top Bul”. The Article, which I nickamed “The Haqqover”: it literally forced People to pay attention. Moreover, those whom already knew me, knew about me, etc.: it forced them to think twice, before not respecting my Religio-Academic Validity. Furthermore, even those whom despise me (in All-Justice/Fairness I’ve given more than my Share of Reasons how/why I’m disliked, hated, etc.): they couldn’t believe how thorough my Article actually is. And, that’s precisely how/why they were depending upon Tālib to bury me academically. But, what they didn’t know was that Tālib already had a Response-Article in the Works, even prior to the Release of my own “Tafwīdh vs. Ta’wīl” Article. I’ve literally forced People to get back to the Books, in order to make sure they know what they’re talking about. Clearly, that the Price one pays (for not taking Gareth Bryant seriously).

Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel Religio-Academic Tale-Of-The-Tape

The Philly-Cheerleaders want their “Hometown-Hero” & “Ash`arī-Papi” to defeat the “New York Bul”:  “The Outsider”

Tālib & I have discussed, at length, that they’ve the “Homecourt-Advantage”…Gareth Bryant is from New York: their Islāmic-Expertise isn’t as known via Philly as much Tālib Nathaniel is. The Fact that I’m from NYC period: Boots-On-The-Ground that stacks the Favortism/Bias towards Tālib as opposed to us both being viewed equally. Obviously, this is predicated upon Familiarity: Philly knows Tālib Nathaniel & don’t really know Gareth Bryant as well, as per Socio-Cultural Dynamics&Realities. So, for Obvious-Reasons, although this has never been a “Right vs. Wrong” Kind/Type of Thing between Tālib Nathaniel & Gareth Bryant…Certain-Circles, Certain-Individuals, etc. are definitely choosing to interpret it as such. And because of my “Tafwīdh vs. Ta’wīl” Article, Certain Ash`arī-Colleagues/Students of Tālib Nathaniel have been utterly outraged that there’s been no one except Tālib Nathaniel whom dared to rise to the Occassion (to challenge my Article). They’re angered&frustrated, that I’ve been capable/able to shut-down the Ash`arī-Leadership.

This is what Tālib Nathaniel mentioned to me personally, as per the Fact that I was capable/able to keep the Ash`arī Top-Brass silenced resulting from my “Tafwīdh vs. Ta’wīl” Article:

Gareth Bryant has told Tālib Nathaniel Word4Word:

“Muslim-Niggas via Niggadelphia really think/feel that their Islāmic-Academic/Knowledge is “superior” to Muslim-Niggas from NYC (AKA Up-Top). With this being said…to Certain-Persons via Philly: For a NYC/Up-Top Bul Pullin-Up 2 the Muslim-Philly Academia-Scene,
without any Hizb/Sectarian-Team, without having any “Studied-Overseas” on their Reputation/Resume, without having anyone Super-Known according to them “co-signing” them, etc. but literally Flyin-Solo & still havin Niggas Lean-Back because I authored something so competent…they wanna kno who da Fuck I am and most importantly who da Fuck I think/feel I am.”. The NYC vs. Philly Tension is definitely a Manifested-Reality, regardless of whether or not anyone is willing to admit it.

The Sideliners, Observers, Investors etc. via Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel

Tālib & I discussed in detail who’s probable vs. improbable to involve themselves in the Scenario. There’s Several-Conclusions I came-up with which Tālib agreed with & that Allah proved me to be Right about. Holistically, there exists 3-Camps which aim to gain/lose via Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel: Team-Atharī, Team-Ash`arī, Team-Salafī. All-3 Camps have Significant-Influences/Footholds within Muslim Afro/Latino-Communities, each Camp views me differently:

1. Team-Ash`arī will always regard me as a “Salafī”, and/or having “Salafī-Residue”, because no Ash`arī can realistically neutralize me academically. Regarding Team-Ash`arī…of course they’re going to agree with anything Tālib Nathaniel produces, regarding the Scenario. And, clearly it’s because Gareth Bryant is Non/Anti-Ash`arī.This is literally how/why Tālib Nathaniel was chosen amongst the Team-Ash`arī Ranks to issue/write a Response to my Article (ironically they’d already planned a Response-Article prio to Team-Ash`arī even reached-out to them).

2. Team-Salafī will always regard me as a “Hizbī/Deviant”, because I Shit on Salafism with Authority&Audacity. Team-Salafī hates the Shit outta me, but the Salafīs literally have to take my Side via This-Scenario. This is because basically All-Salafīs pontificate/claim to be Theologically-Atharī. And, it’s because the Salafīs & Ash`arīs are Religio-Opps of one another. So, their View of Gareth Bryant is exclusively predicated upon the Ole-Saying: “The Enemy of my Enemy is my Friend.”.

3. Team-Atharī will always view me Side-Eyed, for speaking upon “Atharī-Bidness” with Authority&Audacity, without claiming to be “Team-Atharī”. Team-Atharī is Salty, about me not being Team-Atharī & only Pro-Atharī. Team-Atharī despises me, for doing precisely what they wanted/expected Persons whom’re Team-Atharī to author against Team-Ash`arī.

All-3 Camps have analyzed my “Tafwīdh vs. Ta’wīl” Article (AKA “The Haqqover”). Each Camp, I’m sure recognize that I’m not to be taken lightly. Yet, at the Same-Time, for all the Things I’ve aforementioned via This-Article…each Camp has tried to find Errors, Mistakes, Misquotes, Misinterpretations  etc. in the Hopes that there’ll be Dents in my Article’s-Armor. Full-Disclosure: The Only-Reason how/why I even authored “The Haqqover” was to attack the Takfīr-Culture infused within Ash`arism. Albeit, it seems/looks like I’m “attacking” Ash`arism: Tālib knows fully well that’s not the Case. However, still, Several-Persons-Of-Knowledge that I’ve personally spoken with & who Tālib spoke with-Lots of Persons were definitely concerned, that it may/will be interpreted that “Gareth Bryant is attacking Ash`arism.”. No, rather, I’m attacking Takfīr-Culture which is in fact a Staple-Practice amongst Team-Ash`arī Ranks. Obviously, Team-Ash`arīs isn’t the “Only-Hizb/Sect” which does this…Various-Ahzāb/Sects do in fact commit themselves to Takfīr-Culture. Takfīr-Culture is definitely particular to Ash`arism, albeit not exclusive to Ash`arism.

The Haqqover/Super-Hizbī: Debunking the Pseudo-Justifications for Takfīr-Culture

1-Thing is certain definitely:

a. Team-Ash`arī will never disregard me, and/or attempt to treat me as anyone other than a Person-Of-Knowledge. They’ll never forget what I’ve done to them. They’ll always have embedded via their Minds&Hearts forever, that 1445, A.H./2024, C.E. is the “`Ām/Year of Abī-Yams”. I literally forced Team-Ash`arī to Lean-Back & think twice before running their Mouths about Gareth Bryant.

b. The Salafīs will never hate/”refute”
me the same ever again. Those-Niggas are going to study everything I wrote, simply as per “The Haqqover” being Part of their Anti-Ash`arī Arsenal. They’ll still feels against Gareth Bryant, but because I was able to bring-it to Team-Adh`arī they know what it is.

c. Team-Atharī is now forced to respect my Pro-Atharism Authority, in spite of me being only Pro-Atharī, as opposed to a Member of Team-Atharī. Equally, now Team-Atharī is forced to reassess their own Stances, to determine whther or not they truly comprehend what True-Atharism actually is.

Tālib Nathaniel’s Response-Article:

Al-qadhiyatu min ajalil-Haqeeqa tafwid al-amr li-llah

The Consequences of Gareth Bryant vs. Tālib Nathaniel

Our Article-Debates have poked an Islāmic-Academic Dragon, which I honestly never anticipated. Persons-Of-Knowledge (popular and lowkey) are learning about as well as scoping the Article-Debates between you and I. The Intensity of these Article-Debates have the Potential to forever change the Islāmic-Academic Landscape for Muslim Afro/Latino-Americans. This is truly a Proud-Moment for both of us. We’re both equally excited about how our Scenario, which started as Brotherly-Jest, has evolved into something so Religio-Academically Serious. The Entire Religio-Academic Scene, amongst Various Muslim Afro/Latino-Americans via Philly and elsewhere had been walking on Eggshells behind my Article. Various Persons-Of-Knowledge via Philly have both directly & indirectly chimed-in: granting their Support, Critique, Criticism, Anger, Anxiety, Hatred, Fury, Frustration, Fear, Anticipation, etc. as per what has happened & what’s still to come thereafter.

Persons…Lots of Persons (as Tālib is the “Great Ash`arī-Hope”) personally approached Tālib Nathaniel, questioning them as per how their going to respond to Gareth Bryant. Now, because the Rahmah/Mercy-Of-Allah: none of this went to Tālib’s-Head…they remained focused to address my Article exclusively via Religio-Academic Energy, just as I predicated my Article exclusively upon Religio-Academic Energy. There were & still are Certain-Muslims whom wanted Tālib to “defeat” me so badly: they resorted to Straight-Up slandering me in front of Tālib, accusing me of Things only to “discredit” me & my Article’s-Positions. But, Tālib (True2Form) was always Solid & never tolerated, accepted, entertained, etc. the Onslaughts of Slanderous-Accusations against me.

Likewise, there’re Certain-Muslims whom lied to Tālib via claiming that there’re Certain Persons-Of-Knowledge whom disagreed with my Article. Little did they know: Gareth Bryant is really like dat. I personally reached-out directly to the Persons claimed to have rejected my Article. And, guess what?!!! Those-Persons I reached-out to completely respected/appreciated my Work. I honestly don’t know whom slandered me pertaining to this, nor do I know those whom lied about the Persons-Of-Knowledge “rejecting” my Article. But, now I do know the Persons-Of-Knowledge they slandered. I won’t be naming those whom were slandered, because that’s not who I am.

What does the Future hold for Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel?

The Aftermath of the Releases of the Atharī-Haqqover & Ash`arī-Ether

Tālib & I have discussed this at length. We both are anxious & excited, concerning how each of us & both of us jointly will be viewed from now on. We both mutually concluded that no one will be able to mention Gareth Bryant Bryant/Tālib Nathaniel, without mentioning Tālib Nathaniel/Gareth Bryant. Who we are will be perpetually & permanently intertwined, as if our Religio-Academic Legacies will forever be predicated, defined, based upon, our Article-Debates from now on. (Literally) more than once, Tālib stated to me Word4Word: “Our Articles are going to be studied via Academic-Formats, Scholastic-Circles, Islāmic-Intitutions, etc. for the Rest of our Lives and as well even after we return to Allah.”.

I specifically remember Tālib mentioning that they want our Children to look-back at This-Moment in Time & take Pride in the Fact that their Fathers (Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel) actually were courageous enough, daring, ballsy enough, etc. to address Weight-Issues which’ve been contested by some of the Greatest Religio-Academics amongst the Muslims (relative to the Revelation of The Qur’ān). Albeit, neither Tālib nor Gareth are necessarily presenting any “New-Ideas”, “New-Interpretations’, “New-Understandings”, etc. regarding al-`Aqīdah/Islāmic-Theology. At the Same-Time: these’re Unique-Times & Unique-Circumstances, as well as Unique-Ways in which al-`Aqīdah is used to either empower or oppress…enlighten or manipulate…benefit or control.

Muslims will never view either of us the Same-Way, after this. Honestly, I’m unsure how to receive that though. It’s like now, this has caused both of us to be on the Radars of the Higher-Ups/Shot-Callers of Religio-Academia, Islāmic-Scholarship, etc. I can humanly guarantee you: This-Scenario has already reached those via al-Azhar University, Umm-il-Qurā University, al-Madīnah University, Damascus, etc. In a World filled with so many
Things going-on: Tālib Nathaniel and Gareth Bryant have literally been able to hault Certain Muslim-Leaders, Certain Muslim-Scholars, Certain Muslim-Academics, etc. in their Tracks concerning our Religio-Opinions, our Religio-Interpretations, our Religio-Understandings. That’s literally the Definition of Power.

I enjoy Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel being Religio-Academic Colleagues/Rivals.

I’m proud that Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel are Friends.

I’m grateful, to Allah, that Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel are Muslim-Brothers.

Gareth Bryant & Tālib Nathaniel have a Significant-Role, forever influencing/dictating how Certain-Muslims via our Religio-Demographics will now view, learn, receive, accept, comprehend, etc. al-`Aqīdah & it will (via the Rahmah/Mercy-Of-Allah) be Efforts which’ll have More-Muslims taking Islāmic-Academia more seriously. Most importantly, to provide Outlets to attempt destroying the Negative/Addictive-Cycle of “`Aqīdah/Creed-Wars”, to prevent them from repeating amongst our Muslim-Demographics via Muslim-On-Muslim Oppression&Violence.

Gareth Bryant

1445, A.H./2024, C.E.

The Dhāt/Essence of al-Ijtihād/Decision-Making

Allah states:

“Those whom believe pay attention: upon you are yourselves.”

(Noble-Qur’ān: Chpt.5, V.105)

Muhammad (Peace be upon them) stated:

“Avoid/abandon whatever makes your Heart uneasy.”

(Muslim, at-Tirmidhī, an-Nasā’ī, ad-Dārimī, Ahmad, ibn-Hibbān)

The Religio Urban-Legend surrounding al-Ijtihād

When Most-Muslims hear or think about the Concept/Term “Ijtihād”: immdeiately it’s exclusively implied to refer to domething Religio-Scholastic. I’ve even hear Statements/Arguments, pontificating/claiming that “The Doors-Of-Ijtihād are closed.”. Well get to that later-on via the Article…#TrustMe For now though, let’s get back to the Concept/Term itself.

What’s the Purpos/Point of “Ijtihād” anyway?!!!

It stands as a Method, to attempt answering the Unanswerable, regarding handling Religio-Issues only vaguely detailed via at-Tanzīl/Revelation (during the Lifetime of Muhammad). Or, additionally, dealing with Religio-Issues which never existed or were simply unknown to Arab-Society relative to the Revelation of The Qur’ān. You see: the Role of a Mujtahid/Decision-Maker & the Role of a Muftī/Fatwā-Maker are almost synonymous. I’ll explain what “Fatwā” is. “Fatwā” means “Conclusion/Verdict”, from the Word al-Iftā/Research. Muftī equally means “Researcher”. Every Muftī doesn’t issue Fatāwā/Verdicts by the way…Some/Certain Muftūn/Muftīs exclusive are Researchers. So, as is clearly noticeable: al-Ijtihād is Serious-Business. It necessitates Persons whom’re Experts/Masters of Fields-Of-Study, to ensure that they’ll actually make the Right-Decisions…the Correct-Decisions…the Safe-Decisions…the Wise-Decisions…the Intelligent-Decisions…the Pragmatic/Practical-Decisions…etc. Not everyone is capable, able, qualified, etc. to operate/function via This-Level of Islāmic-Scholarship. Reason being: because This-Level of Islāmic-Scholarship, there’ve been Religio-Decision made which’ve caused Great-Benefits & Great-Harms to the Muslims literally for Centuries continuously into the 21st-Century, C.E. There’ve been Mujtahidūn/Decision-Makers who’ve predicated Things that Muslims have been affected by since Those-Persons have been dead for Hundreds of Years.

What do People mean by “Closed-Doors of al-Ijtihād”?!!!

My Only-Conclusion with that Type/Kind of Untruthful/Dishonest-Posture…it’s a Control-Mechanism via Muslim-Foreignor Influence. It’s indicative of Certain-Persons only deemed “Persons-Of-Knowledge”, while Other-Persons are intended to never be religio-autonomous/independent from anyone. Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying “Fuck the Scholars.”. However, what I’m authoritatively saying is that we’ll never be Religio-Demographically Autonomous, if we continue to allow ourselves to be Religio-Academically Shackled to “Overseas-Scholarship”. Islāmic-Knowledge has always been capable/able to be transformative for any/all Peoples who’ve been exposed to it. If/when we look all across the Planet, all over the Muslim-World, etc. Various-Demographics of Muslims have acquired Sufficient Religio-Academia/Scholarship…thanked those whom brought it to them…and they kept it pushin. We da Only-Niggas who act like 15-Year Olds with a Full-Set of Permanent-Teeth still trying to get Religio-Academically Breastfed. We’re the Only Muslim-Demographic whom buys into the “Doors-Of-Ijtihād are Closed” Kalām/Rhetoric.

How would “Ijtihād” be used via the Modern-World?!!!

Issues consistently evolve via the Modern-World & constantly require al-Ijtihād. Most-Muslims foolishly think these’re “Cut&Dry” Issues. But, in All-Truthfulness/Honesty…the Nuances & Consequences of each of the following have (potentially) Irreversable-Effects.

Modern-Issues requiring al-Ijtihād

Homo-Culture:

(From Same-Gender “Marriages” to Transformer-Surgeries)…where do Muslims stand on these Socio-Political Lines?

The “Abrahamic-Faith” Fallacy & the Phenomenon of “Interfaith-Dialogue”.

Marriage:

What is it, and how is it to be defined & who can marry who?

Finances:

Which Jobs/Careers to pursue, Home-Purchasing, Stock-Investments, etc…Yea or Nay?

Military-Service:

Whose Side do we fight for in Military-Conflicts, whether against fellow Muslims or other Humans generally?

Child-Support:

Divorce, Custody-Battles, Illegitimacy, Baby-Momma Drama & the ever-growing phenomenon which is the “Baby-Abi” syndrome.

Dress-Code:

The True-Definition of “Islāmic-Dress”, the Modeling-World, Fashion-Trends, the lost Sex-Appeal of the Muslim-Male & the ongoing “Imitation of the Kuffār” Phenomenon/Pseudo-Narrative.

Entertainment:

Acting, Sports, Music, Fashion, etc…what’s the Extent of Islāmically-Allowable/Acceptable Muslim-Participation?

Islāmophobia:

The onslaught of Insults & Attacks against al-Islām&Muslims via Media…how can/do we combat this?

Atheism/Anti-Theism:

The Foundation of Darwinism/Evolutionary-Theory…how do we address its growing popularity within the Muslim-World?

at-Tahārah/Islāmic-Hygiene:

Toothbrushes vs. Miswaks…Soaps/Body-Washes & Anti-Bacterial-Products vs. Water & Dirt.

az-Zakāh/Taxation:

“Cash vs. Crypto”…which is more practical to be given in our Modern-Age?

Feminism:

From “Female-Imāms”, to Women leading Men in Prayers, to Abortion-Culture…what do we have to say about this?

To Vote or Not to Vote:

The Politics of Participation or lack thereof in via Political-Process.

Bio-Medical Ethics:

From Medical-Marijuana to Assistant-Suicide & any/all in between.

The Inadequacy of the Modern-Day Mujtahid

The Aforementioned are just some of Countless-Issues, which if according to Certain-Muslims “Doors-Of-Ijtihād are closed”, that Muslims do Personal-Ijtihād about all the Time, every Day, etc. own their own anyway. So, ironically, one of tge Asbāb/Reasons how & why Certain-Muslims are in the Ahwāl/Conditions we find ourselves in is precisely because Lack or Non-Existence of al-Ijtihād relative to which Region/Part of the Muslim-World they’re at. For example: via the U.S. you’ll actually find Countless-Muslims hailing from Certain Religio-Academic Backgrounds & they’re granted Religio-Permission to be titled “Muftī”, “Mujtahid”, etc. But, honestly, either 90% of them never deserve such “Titles”. Or, they’re complete-incapable to competently commit al-Ijtihād, because they’re completely-ignorant of the Environment..the People…the Culture…the Politics…etc. relative to where they’re at.

So, to conclude, we all must work towards Proper-Ijtihād. This is especially true for Muslims whom dwell within Parts/Regions of the Muslim-World which aren’t Muslim/Muslim-Majority Countries.

Gareth Bryant

The Mythos of the “Knowledge-Seeker”

“And never let your hatred, against any People, prevent you from behaving justly.”…”Have you seen those whom take their Desires as their God? Are you then their Enabler?”
(Noble-Qur’ān: Chpt.5, V.8; Chpt.25, V.43)

Muhammad (Peace be upon them) stated: “Apathy/Arrogance is denying/rejecting Truth & mocking/disrespecting People.”.
(an-Nawawī)

Mu`ādh ibn-Jabal (May Allah be pleased with them) stated: “Always accept Truth, even if it comes from a Kāfir (Disbeliever/Non-Muslim, or a Fāsiq (Sinner/Sinful-Muslim).”.
(Abū-Dāwud)

All-3 of the Aforementioned Religio-Texts predicated the Islāmic-Principle: “Truth is Truth, regardless of whom/where it comes from.”.

There’s Countless-Muslims whom I frequently converse with: discussing various Religio-Topics/Subjects. As per these Specific-Discussions: Allah has granted me al-Basīrah/Vision (via Foresight, Insight, Hindsight), that sadly so/too many Muslims aren’t “Truth-Seekers” & they’re most definitely not “Knowledge-Seekers”. I say this, authoritatively, because the Madhāhib/Religio-Postures/Opinions I’ve heard Certain-Muslims openly & publicly advocate for…it truly makes me 💯%-Convinced that at least 1/2 of them suffer from at-Tajnīn (Jinn-Infulence/Demon-Possession).

I’ll give Examples of what I mean:

Sadly, there’s Persons whom really think that asking Mass-Amounts of Questions, and/or having Knoledgeable-Persons answering Unnecessary/Ridiculous-Questions, etc. makes a Person a “Good-Student”. No…it really doesn’t in fact. Ironically, more often than not, it actually confirms how much of a Bad-Student one actually is. Moreover, there’s a Popular-Concept known as “Fatwā-Shopping” amongst Muslims. This-Concept exists, literally, as a Direct-Result of Certain-Muslims going from Shaykh2Shaykh: hoping to find Answers to their Inquiries which compliment their Egos/Desires as opposed to being a Truth-Seeker.

The “My Shaykh said…” Sucka-Shit

There’re Persons whom deliberately only accept Truth, Info., Knowledge, etc. if it’s disseminated via their Favorite-Personalities. They Fanboy, Stan, Dick-Ride, etc. Religio-Celebrities whom they think/feel will grant them the Pseudo-Justifications to pursue their Egotistical-Whims via Impunity.

al-Imma`tiyyah/Groupie-Culture

The “There’s a Difference-Of-Opinion on that.” Kalām/Rhetoric

These Types/Kinds of Individuals always look for A`dhār/Excuses, to either adopt Sinful-Ways or to cling to Sinful-Ways. And they purposely: manipulate, misinterpret, etc. Various Religio-Opinions/Rulings only to attempt matching them with what their Egos/Desires are addicted to.

Sadistic-Sexuality

The “You’re not a Scholar.” Deflection/Gaslighting

Certain-Persons will exclusively reject any/all Information, from those whom they disfavor. If they’ve something against anyone personally, they’ll go out of yheir Way to dismiss whatever Truth/Honesty any of their Adversaries bring forth. If the Messaging doesn’t hail from someone they don’t Dick-Ride, then they either devalue/discredit it or deny/reject it altogether.

The “People-Of-Knowledge” Pseudo-Narrative & Pseudo-Monopoly according to Muslims

The “This Shaykh/Scholar got This&That Wrong.” Cop-Out

Starving for Attention via Preying upon the Ignorant

People are always quick to so-called “Point-Out” the Errors of Knowledgeable-Persons, as Pseudo-Justifications to not accept/adhere to whatever they convey to Others. They reject them, as though they themselves are “Flawless”, “Perfect”, “Sinless”, etc. & the Truth is that only Allah doesn’t error. The Errors of anyone is never any Islāmic-License to reject any such Truth they may convey to Others.

The “Fulān-Fulān/So-And-So has been warned against.” Manipulation

Exposing Fraudulent-Refutations

There’s Persons whom always attempt to shut anyone down, whom isn’t in their Religio-Sectarian Camps. They do this, of course, to marginalize those whom they opppse. And, it’s also equally done to keep Influence/Control over their Religio-Sectarian Fellowship. Their Egos/Desires require them to keep their Sectarian-Adherents on a Tight-Leash.

The Irony is that the Vast-Majority of Muslims whom pontificate/claim to be “Knowledge-Seekers” only seek-out Fatāwā/Religio-Rulings which won’t challenge the Fitnah/Goofy-Shit they’re on & wish to stay upon.

What Exactly is a Student of Knowledge – Talib ul ilm

I myself, at 1-Point as a Muslim: I once thought I was a “Knowledge-Seeker”. But, I truly wasn’t…I was just Dick-Riding the “Student-Of-Knowledge” Wave, like everyone else caught-up in being addicted to the Hizbī/Religio-Sectarian Trends. Fortunately, via the Mercy-Of-Allah, it didn’t take long for me to realize this. However, it did take awhile for me to reverse this within myself & set myself upon an Authentic-Course of True Knowledge-Seeking.

Most-Persons whom were caught-up & are still caught-up via the Hizbī-Trends…they’ll never admit what I’ve just admitted. And, because of that, they’ll never religio-academically evolve/improve:

They’ll be the Individuals who’ve been “studying” the 3-Part Madīnah-Book Arabic-Language Series, while not really learning anything.

They’ll be the Groupies, trying to attain Access to any/all those they deem as “Shuyūkh/Learned-Persons”, via being their Lackeys.

They’ll be the Persons whom pontificate/claim to be “connected” to the “`Ulamā’/Religio-Scholars”, yet the Same-`Ulamā’ they claim to be connected to literally have 0-Idea who they are.

They’ll be those whom so-called “Dress the Part”, as per looking like a Knowledgeable-Person…it’s literally Costumes which they don to attempt appearing “Pious”, “Righteous”, “Smart”, “Significant”, “Relevant”, “Important”, etc.

They’ll be the People whom’ll sloganize the Popular-Mythos “My Teachers have Isnād/Chains.”-Ironically, their “Teachers” only “teach” them how to be Dick-Riders.

Gareth Bryant

The Statements of Allah vs. the Statements of “The Scholars”: the Anatomy of Personality-Worship amongst Muslims towards “Persons-Of-Knowledge”

Allah states: “Those whom believe pay attention: Obey Allah & the Messenger, as well as the Possessors-Of-Authority amongst you. However, if you differ regarding anything: refer it to Allah & the Messenger, providing you actually believe in Allah & the Last-Day. That’s best & a Most-Excellent Conclusion.”.
(Noble-Qur’ān: Chpt.4, V.59)

The Section of the Aforementioned-Verse via The Qur’ān: when it’s stated “…Possessors-Of-Authority amongst you…”, Many/Most-Muslims will default interpret/conclude this to exclusively mean Muslim Religio-Academics/Scholars. So, we’re going to explore how/why so many Muslims take such a Religio-View.

I’m going to begin this by highlighting a 2 Seperate-Convos I had with 2 Seperate-Persons: both Well-Versed via Islāmic-Knowledge. One of them had mentioned the Following-Book to me…it’s known as a Famous-Work detailing a Specific-Madhab. A Madhab is a Religio-Legal School, focusing on Religio-Legal Analysis of ash-Sharī`ah/Islāmic-Law.

For More-Info. regarding Madhāhib/Religio-Legal Schools:

http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2022/01/26/understandingfiqh/

So…one of the Persons whom I conversed with, regarding this Particular Book: they expressed Grave-Concern regarding a Wellknown-Citation/Quote attributed to the Reputation of the Author of the Work & the Work itself, as well as the Students of the Work itself. The Statement is as follows: “We’re the Khalīliyyūn/the Followers of al-Khalīl. If they’ve strayed, then so have we.”.

Now, on the Other-End, as per the Other-Person I conversed with: they indicated that it’s untrue/dishonest to interpret the Cited/Quoted-Statement the Way it typically can be. They mentioned that the Cited/Quoted-Statement isn’t from the Work itself, but rather it became a Popular-Statement regarding the Religio-Academic Reputation of Khalīl al-Jundī. They described the Statement as merely a Sign of Religio-Scholastic Respect for Khalīl al-Jundī.

This-Statement itself, from what I gather is that those whom follow Khalīl al-Jundī are very stern towards taking the Scholarship of Khalīl al-Jundī very seriously. This can be a Positive or a Negative equally. It’s because it can imply that Khalīl al-Jundī is “never wrong” & if they’re “wrong”, then it means that their Students are “wrong”, and their Students would never claim that Khalīl al-Jundī “wrong” about anything.

I can most definitely see where Both-Persons are coming from. The Silver-Lining Issue, of course, is a very popularized Religio-Concept amongst Muslims known as at-Taqlīd/Blind-Following. The Usūl/Origins of the Concept itself-Historically it stems from Ignorant-Persons necessarily being connected to Knowledgeable-Persons, in order to get the Best-Understanding of al-Islām. But, too often, this has greatly evolved into Certain-Muslims aimlessly following anyone exclusively because they allign with the same: Hizb/Religio-Sect, `Aqīdah/Religio-Theological School, Minhāj/Religio-Ideology, etc.

For More-Info. regarding at-Taqlīd:

To Taqlīd or not to Taqlīd

Understanding Religio-Sectarianism amongst Muslims

The Dangers&Idiocy of Hizbī/Sectarian-Conflicts

Examining al-Kharajiyyah/Religio-Extremism via Mafia/Gang-Culture amongst Muslims historically & contemporaneously

Fake-Wokeness & the Idiocy of the Muslim Flat-Earther

The Irony though is that All-Muslims are Islāmically-Required to be Religio-Knowledgeable regarding al-Islām. What this means, inherently, is that it’s an Ithm/Sin for any Muslim to be Purposely-Ignorant. Even if a Muslim doesn’t have Access to Education, Wealth/Funds to pay for Education, lacks Books for whatever Reason, or is Completely-Illiterate, etc. they must still expend any/all Efforts to attain whichever Knowledge they possibly can. Hell…even as per Secular-Matters  there’s Certain-Things which every Muslim must/should know. This is precisely how/why Muhammad (Peace be upon them) stated: “Pursuing Knowledge is a Farīdhah/Islāmic-Mandate, upon every Muslim.”.
(ibn-Mājah)

This now brings us to the Title of the Article itself. Attempting to be as objective as I can: Both-Persons brought Valid-Arguments, as per possessing Scholastic-Respect & as per not being a Dick-Rider. Scholastic-Respect is essential, while however being a Dick-Rider is dangerous. Muhammad even stated: “Don’t be an Imma`ah.”…the Word “Imma`ah” in fact means “Dick-Rider”.
(at-Tirmidhī; Lisān-ul-`Arab [Lexicon of the Arabic-Language], ibn-Manzhūr)

For More-Info. regarding al-Imma`tiyyah/Dick-Rider Culture amongst Muslims:

http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2020/12/07/knowledgemonopoly/

http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2020/11/01/groupieculture/

http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2023/07/06/moralityappliestousall/

The Overall-Takeaway from This-Article must/should be:

1. al-Jahl/Ignorance isn’t a “Flex”. al-`Ilm/Knowledge is a Must for any/all Endeavors.

2. al-Islām at All-Times is predicated upon al-`Ilm via at-Tanzīl/Revelation.

3. Islāmic-Knowledge takes precedence over any/all other Kinds/Types of Univeral/Secular-Knowledge.

4. al-`Ilm must be understood/interpreted based upon Sound-Evidence/Sources & Proper-Cultivation/Education.

5. No 1-Individual, 1-Entity, 1-Group, etc. has any such “Monopoly” over Islāmic-Knowledge.

6. Only Allah is Al-`Alīm/The All-Knowing. So, none of us should ever treat anyone as though they know everything.

I know, as for me: this is precisely how/why I’m Madhab-Fluid. Meaning, I’m willing to recognize/accept anything from any Madhab which is rooted in at-Tanzīl & I readily ignore/reject anything from any Madhab which I personally don’t find predicated upon at-Tanzīl. Muhammad stated: “Abandon whatever makes your Heart question/speculate.”.
(ibn-ul-Mubārak)

Mālik ibn-Anas (ironically the Progenitor/Founder of the Mālikī-Madhab in which al-Khalīl’s Work is directly about the Mālikī-Madhab):

“The Kalām/Speech of anyone can be freely accepted or rejected, except the Kalām of the Occupier of This-Grave (pointing towards the Grave of Muhammad ibn-`Abdillah: the Messenger-Of-Allah via al-Madīnah).”.
(adh-Dhahabī)

Gareth Bryant 1445, A.H./2023, C.E.

Understanding Religio-Sectarianism amongst Muslims

1. `Aqā’id/Religio-Theological Schools

Atharism, Ash`arism, Māturīdism, Mu`tazilism, Qadarism, Jabarism, Murji’ism, etc. Originally, these `Aqā’id were exclusively used to interpret al-`Aqīdah/Islāmic-Theology (which is a Religio-Scholastic Euphemism of/for the 6-Arkān/Pillars of al-Īmān/Faith). However, over Time & via Human-Ego/Desire: These-`Aqā’id are nothing more than Instruments of Religio-Academic/Scholastic Dick-Measuring Contests & Fake-Wokeness via Muslim-Coonery, attempting to determine/decide who’s really Muslim vs. who’s really Non-Muslim. And, this has historically/contemporaneously has led to the spilling of Muslim-Blood/the Loss of Muslim-Life, the Confiscation of Muslim-Possessions, the Humiliation of Fellow-Muslims, etc. via Takfīr/Blasphemy-Culture which has always been Mahrūm/Islāmically-Prohibited. For a Long-Time: Muslims have internally suffered from our own Muslim vs. Muslim Versions of Religio-Inquisitions.

Muhhammad (Peace be upon him) stated the following, regarding at-Takfīr/Blasphemy:

“No Person accuses another of either being a Fāsiq/Sinner or a Kāfir (Disbeliever/Non-Muslim), except that they’re one themselves, if the Other isn’t which they’ve pontificated/claimed.”.
(al-Bukhārī)

“Whomever attributes/ascribes Kufr (Disbelief) to their Brother is just like their Killer/Murderer.”.
(al-Bukhārī, at-Tirmidhī)

“If a Muslim calls someone a Kāfir (Disbeliever/Non-Muslim): if they are then let it be, otherwise they themselves are a Kāfir.”
(Abū-Dāwud)

2. Madhāhib (Religio-Legal Schools)

Ja`farism, Zaydism, Hanafism, Mālikism, Shāfī`ism, Hanbalism, Ibādhism, Zhāhirism, etc. Originally, These-Madhāhib were exclusively used to simply interpret ash-Sharī`ah/Islāmic-Law. However, over Time via: Human-Ego/Desire, the Pathological-Influence/Dominance of the `Aqā’id, Cultural-Colonization, Arabism, al-Bid`ah/Religio-Innovation, etc. These-Madhāhib have become tainted/corrupted via Various-Ways which’re potentially irreversible.

3. Manāhij (Religio-Political Groups/Ideologies)

Shī`ism, Sūfism, Salafism, Ikhwānism, Tablīghism, Deobandism, Brelwism, Pan-Arabism/Ba`thism, al-Qā`idah, ISIS/ISIL, Boko-Haram, ash-Shabāb, Tālibān, PLO, Hamās, Hizbullah, etc. All of These-Groups have, based on Agenda, Convenience, etc. have used `Aqā’id & Madhāhib to pontificate/promote their Goals which’ve always had (negative, toxic, destructive, etc.) Consequences which’ve been very costly for the Muslim-World: anywhere/everywhere Muslims globally exist.

For more Info. about Religio-Sectarian/Political Groups:

http://www.garethbryant.wordpress.com/2014/05/15/diseasesanddrugs/

The Average-Muslim doesn’t even know the Basic-Origins of any of these Ahzāb/Religio-Sectarian Groups & doesn’t care either. The Average-Muslim just wants to be a Muslim. I can humanly guarantee you that, historically (relative to the Revelation of The Qur’ān): barely 10% of the Muslim-World has ever pontificated/claimed to be Hizbīs (Religio-Sectarian Ascribers/Adherents). And, this speaks truly to the Words of Muhammad (Peace be upon them) when they told/warned us that amongst the Yahūd/Jews there’ll be 71-Ahzāb, amongst the Nasārā/Christians there’ll be 72-Ahzāb, amongst the Muslims there’ll be 73-Ahzāb & they’ll all be Hell-Bound except al-Jamā`āh/the Collective-Body of the Muslims: the Average-Muslims whom stay out of the Way & avoid this Fitnah/Goofy-Shit known as al-Hizbiyyah.
(at-Tirmidhī, Abū-Dāwud, ibn-Mājah, ibn-Hibbān)

We were equally warned via Muhammad, concerning al-Istikbār/Arrogance, thinking/feeling that we alone are the Source of our Najiyyah/Salvation. an-Najiyyah solely belongs to Allah & the Arrogant have 0-Portion of Salvation from Allah. These Ahzāb commonly actually think/feel, as the Sentiment of the Aforementioned-Video, that they alone can achieve al-Jannah/Paradise & anyone whom isn’t amongst them will attain an-Nār/the Fire. This is literally the Mindset/Mentality of al-Kharajiyyah/Religio-Extremism & Muhammad spoke against al-Khawārij, as per their Arrogance, labeling them as “…Kilāb-un-Nār/Dogs of the Fire.”.
(ibn-Mājah)

So, in Conclusion: just be an Average-Muslim, simply be Part of the Jamā`ah/the Collective.

Gareth Bryant

The “People-Of-Knowledge” Pseudo-Narrative & Pseudo-Monopoly according to Muslims

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1LDswNrz1CaEZSiu/?mibextid=TRmnTU

I personally know Muslims, who’ve basically the Same-Kinds/Types of Islāmic-Knowledge as I’ve amassed. Yet, immediately they’ve been granted Titles like, “Ustādh”, “Imām”, “Shaykh”, etc. Now, let me make myself very clear: I despise Titles, because they make People Arrogant. However, staying On-Point: one of the Reasons how/why this is the Case is because they’re not from me & I’m not from them. Meaning, they’re Arab…I’m not, they’re Desi…I’m not, they’re European/Euro-American (“White”)…I’m not, they’re African…I’m not, they’re Asian…I’m not, etc. Also, I don’t even consider myself to be a “Person-Of-Knowledge”. It’s simply that I know Game if/when I see it. Even as per Muslims whom’re of me & I of them-Persons who’ve literally dedicated their Entire-Lives to Islāmic-Academia/Scholarship…those whose Islāmic-Knowledge so greatly surpasses my own by far: even Those-Persons aren’t recognized as “Scholars”, “Shaykhs”, etc.

But, instead, they’re religio-academically disrespected via the Imposition of the Title “Student-Of-Knowledge” placed upon them. And, what I know for a Fact: that Title “Student-Of-Knowledge” is a Muslim Religio-Scholastic Euphemism for “Lil-Nigga”. I’ve observed/witnessed These-Realities my Entire-Duration as a Muslim. It took me a Long-Time, however, to self-develop the Courage to recognize/accept & call the Religio-Bullshit out if/whenever I see it. And anytime/everytime I’ve actually called this out, I get Sided-Eyed as though I’m the One who’s Buggin.

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It’s basically a Control-Mechanism, because via Things such as al-Hizbiyyah/Religio-Sectarianism, al-`Asabiyyah/Xenophobia, the Pseudo-Narrative of Bilāl ibn-Rabāh (May Allah be pleased with him): the Muslim-Slave Narrative, Sexual-Access to Women, etc. Muslims Native/Indigenous to the Western-World/Hemisphere (especially Muslim Afro-Americans from Canada to Chile) predicates/dictates that we can’t be Muslim Religio-Scholars unless/until these Clown-Asses from Muslim/Muslim-Majority Countries “declare” us to be so. News-Flash: that’s never going to happen. These Persons will never recognize/accept the Vast-Majority of Persons-Of-Knowledge amongst Muslim Afro-Americans, because for us to be Academically-Autonomous/Independent thus means that we’ll no longer be their Religio-Slaves. Ironically, the Worst-Part is that Muslim Afro-Americans absolutely love to be and/or remain Religio-Shackled to the Same-People who’ll never truly respect any of their Religio-Academia/Scholarship. This is the Case, simply due to the Fact that, statistically, demographically: instead of using al-Islām as the Ultimate-Tool to correct the Human-Condition, we’ve merely used al-Islām to switch Slave-Masters. We literally enjoy being NWA (Niggas With `Aqīdah/Theology).

Romance of the 3-`Aqīdahs

How much longer are Muslims of our Generations going to continue to tolerate/accept Muslim-Foreigner Influences, which does little2no Good and/or mostly2complete Harm?!!! Just to give you Context…NASA (the Scientific-Research/Discovery Wing of the U.S.-DOD) invented the James Webb Telescope, which was $50Billion & detected (via the Will-Of-Allah) Multiple-Galaxies that’re estimated as being the Same-Age as (if not older than) the Previous-Age that the Seen-Universe had been estimated as…about 14Billion-Years old. Ironically though, here on Earth: there’s Muslims whom still pontificate/claim that the Earth is “Flat”. Literally, till This-Day, it’s an “accepted” Religio-Geological “Fatwā/Ruling” dictated by someone whom:

a. Was Blind since they were a Teenager.

b. Never received any Official/Formal Secular-Education.

c. Never lived externally of the Arabian-Peninsula.

There’s been more than enough “Persons-Of-Knowledge”, who’ve sat with Fulāns-Fulāns/These-Niggas&Those-Niggas. There’s an Unlimited-Plethora of Islāmic-University Graduates, from Multiple-Institutions via “Overseas”…
…honestly it’s to the Point that why do People still go “Overseas” to “study”. I’ll tell you how/why: it’s because al-Ijtimā`/Unity scares&confuses so/too many People. And, this is exclusively because so/too many People don’t want to be responsible nor accountable. So, upon that: it’s easy&convenient to stay separated, so People can operate as if they’re practicing Bastard-Fuedalism…their own Religio-Regions/Fiefdoms.

The Ambition/Vision: to free us from Muslim-Foreigner Influence.

The Focus/Plan: to connect with Liked-Minds whom’re tired of being Religio-Academically bitched via Muslim-Foreigner Influence & that we work together in order to pattern an Authentic Religio-Destiny of us based upon al-Islām & no longer based upon Muslim-Foreigner Sucka-Shit.

The Drive/Work: It’s going to be an Uphill-Dogfight from Start2Finish. And, realistically, we may not live long enough to see it manifested. But, we must still aim for it.

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not saying “Fuck the Scholars.”. However, what I’m authoritatively saying is that we’ll never be Religio-Demographically Autonomous, if we continue to allow ourselves to be Religio-Academically Shackled to “Overseas-Scholarship”. Islāmic-Knowledge has always been capable/able to be transformative for any/all Peoples who’ve been exposed to it. If/when we look all across the Planet, all over the Muslim-World, etc. Various-Demographics of Muslims have acquired Sufficient Religio-Academia/Scholarship…thanked those whom brought it to them…and they kept it pushin. We da Only-Niggas who act like 15-Year Olds with a Full-Set of Permanent-Teeth still trying to get Religio-Academically Breastfed.

For example…literally, as per any/all the Islāmic-Institutions of Higher-Learning any of These-Dudes went to (both the Graduates & Drop-Outs alike):

1. Where’s the Qur’ān-Schools?!!!

2. Where’s the Tafsīr/Commentary-Schools?!!!

3. Where’s the Hadīth/Narration-Schools?!!!

4. Where’s the Fiqh/Legal-Analysis Schools?!!!

5. Where’s the Madhab/Religio-Legal Schools?!!!

6. Where’s the Sharī`ah/Islāmic-Law Schools?!!!

7. Where’s the Iftā/Religio-Research Schools?!!!

Gareth Bryant

at-Tajnīn (Jinn-Influence/Possession) vs. Mental-Illness

Author’s-Note:

The following is based upon Personal-Research: my Role as a Chaplain/Counselor lead me to author this Research, as per my Professional-Expertise via Chaplaincy. I’ve submitted my Research, for review, to the Dept. of Psychiatry, Michigan State University. Michigan State University not only approved my Research, but also invited me to attend the annual Global Muslim Mental Health Conference, hosted by Clare College/Cambridge University, United Kingdom, where I in turn was also invited to orate/defend my Research.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1181833/

For more Info. regarding ar-Ruqyah/Healing:

`Ulūm-ur-Ruqyah/Healing-Science

Gareth Bryant

1439, A.H./2018, C.E.

Is al-Azhar University Serious?!!!

Author’s-Note:
Egypt, in all it’s incredible idiocy, with the assistance of al-Azhar University, the Oxford/Cambrige of Islamic-Learning within the conventional Muslim-World, pertaining to it’s reputation & academic stature, has decided to grant King Abdullah, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, an honorary-degree from the university.

Ok, so let me get this straight:

‪Egypt decided to get the bright idea to grant King Abdullah, of the Kingdumb of ‪Saudi Arabia which is really ‪Saudi America, via ‪al-Azhar University, an honorary-degree, but, didn’t think even once about granting the People of ‪‎Gaza some honorary-humanity, by granting them asylum within the boarders of Egypt, as opposed to maintaining a boarder-wall, which keeps them landlocked, and victimized by the ‪Israeli-Military, which is really ‪AmerIsrael while Egypt, headed by ‪Sisi the Muslim/Arab nation with the largest military in the Middle-East just sits-back & has ‪Lipton Tea, with the ‪Kermit the Frog face, like, “But, that’s none of my business”…Now, I dare that Egyptian-Woman who was ranting, “Sisi yes, Morsi no!!!”, to complain about what’s happening in ‪Palestine/Israel.

Gareth Bryant/2014