A summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.
The zeal of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).
Zeal is derived from heat and warm water, and thus,
the zeal for self and the remnants of ignorance (Jahiliyyah)
originate from a heat stirred within the soul due to the loss of its desires or their pursuit.
The zeal of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) is what Allah, the Almighty, mentioned in His saying:
“When those who disbelieve had set up in their hearts zealotry, the zealotry of the Age of Ignorance, then Allah sent down His peace of reassurance upon His messenger and upon the believers and imposed on them the word of self-restraint, for they were worthy of it and meet for it. And Allah is Aware of all things.” (48:26)
This undoubtedly undermines the creed of loyalty and disavowal (al-wala' wal-bara').
For its adherent prioritizes zeal for himself, his family, his shaykh,
his tribe, his group, or his homeland.
He prioritizes zeal for all these matters, or for one of them,
over zeal for Allah, the Almighty, and His religion.
Zeal for Allah, the Exalted, can sometimes be confused with these ignorant zealotries or one of them,
as some people claim they are acting out of zeal for Allah and His religion,
but in reality, they are roused by zeal for other than Allah, the Exalted.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, vehemently condemned the zeal of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) by saying:
"Whoever claims the call of ignorance (Jahiliyyah), then bite his father's penis, and do not use euphemisms."
Narrated by Al-Nasa'i and Ahmad, and authenticated by Al-Albani.
His saying, "claims the call of ignorance (Jahiliyyah),"
means he boasts about his ancestors from the people of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) and attributes himself to them.
It is also said that the intended meaning is for one who is fanatically attached to the people of his town, his school of thought, or his path,
thus embodying a branch of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).
His saying, "then bite him," means then insult him.
"His father's penis, and do not use euphemisms," meaning the private part of his father.
Meaning, say to him directly without euphemism: "Bite your father's penis."
This serves as a severe reprimand and a harsh insult,
to deter him from his reprehensible act,
so that he may desist and return his loyalty to the believers who hold fast to the rope of Allah and His Messenger,
and abandon this zeal of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).
A summary of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah.