1 00:00:00,180 --> 00:00:08,990 The essence of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah 2 00:00:08,990 --> 00:00:13,990 Following the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and knowledge and insight. 3 00:00:13,990 --> 00:00:21,050 This is adherence to the Book and the Sunnah as understood by the Companions, may Allah be pleased with them. 4 00:00:21,050 --> 00:00:25,050 This is opposed by falling short and negligence in following. 5 00:00:25,050 --> 00:00:28,050 Just as it is opposed by extremism and excess. 6 00:00:28,050 --> 00:00:33,049 Following is a middle path between the extremist who goes too far and the one who is harsh and falls short. 7 00:00:33,049 --> 00:00:35,049 Allah, the Exalted, says: 8 00:00:35,049 --> 00:00:43,049 “Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” (3:31) 9 00:00:43,049 --> 00:00:46,049 And Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. 10 00:00:46,049 --> 00:00:48,049 And He, the Mighty and Majestic, says: 11 00:00:48,049 --> 00:00:53,049 “So tread thou the straight path as thou art commanded, and those who turn (unto Allah) with thee, and transgress not. Lo! He is Seer of what ye do.” (11:112) 12 00:00:53,049 --> 00:00:58,270 And the characteristic of following is also essential in calling people. 13 00:00:58,270 --> 00:01:02,270 This means that the call must be based on insight and knowledge. 14 00:01:02,270 --> 00:01:04,269 Allah, the Exalted, says: 15 00:01:04,269 --> 00:01:08,269 “Say: This is my Way: I call on Allah with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to Allah! - and I am not of the idolaters.” (12:108) 16 00:01:08,269 --> 00:01:11,269 “Say: This is my Way: I call on Allah with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to Allah! - and I am not of the idolaters.” (12:108) 17 00:01:11,269 --> 00:01:15,269 “Say: This is my Way: I call on Allah with sure knowledge. I and whosoever followeth me - Glory be to Allah! - and I am not of the idolaters.” (12:108) 18 00:01:15,269 --> 00:01:21,269 And among the insights is the caller's understanding of the reality in which they live. 19 00:01:21,269 --> 00:01:25,269 And their awareness of the path of the criminals, their plots, and their methods. 20 00:01:26,269 --> 00:01:30,849 The essence of the concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah