hamza yusuf ???

[muminah]

[Excerpt from interview on 60 minutes]

Bradley: correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it the responsibility... Does not Islam, does not Allah require that Muslims police their own religion and rid themselves of extremists?

Yusuf: yes, absolutely. It's an obligation for Muslims to root them out. And I think it is a jihad now for the Muslims in the Muslim country to rid themselves of this element.

1. Why is Br. Hamza giving contradicting messages here. On one hand the Muslims are asked to be raheem (merciful) to non-Musilms and Mushriks while on the other hand he is asking Muslims to declare jihad upon Muslims (extremist elements)

2. How would you identify the extremist elements?

3. There is no proof that these Muslims actually did the terrorist acts. However clearly Br. Hamza is asking the Muslim world to initiate jihad upon someone (are they not Muslims?)

4. Who is Br. Hamza to declare Jihad upon anyone..? is he not falling prey to the same kind of ignorance that the extremists are accused of?

5. Is he an Aalim, State Authority, did he consult with other scholars/Islamic legal authorities? And then reach consensus with them..? If NOT does he recognize the scope and magnitude of such a ‘fatwa’.

6. He by saying such an extreme statement so loosely on 60 minutes watched all over America has given the non-Muslims a pretext to go and kill any Muslims they deem as terrorist.

[Mossy]

Erm. You're criticising a scholar on the basis of a single statement?

Ok, here's a thread from Islamica (http://www.islamicaweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13970) where just about every aspect of the 60 minutes speech was argued and debated over, with pretty much zero net gain or worth.

In the end it comes down to a simple thing. Hamza Yusuf is a good, sincere and learned man. You are criticising his comments on a public forum without so much as asking him or his mureeds what his explicit aim was. 70 excuses for your brother? What purpose do loaded questions such as the 6 there have, casting asperations on his possible ignorance etc? They are also not logically coherent - what on earth is number 6 about? Also, does the author know exactly what a fatwa is?

[muslim786]

Assalamulikum,

Also Jihad does not neccessarily mean fight/kill. The whole arguement you stated was based on that word being fight and kill my sister. Of course we should strive to rid ourselves of trouble makers and of course in a peaceful way, but is this not still jihad. So please in future do not follow the band wagon of the undeducated salafis on their mission to harbour hatred for decent Islamic speakers.

[Abu Usama]

Salam,

I wonder though what people think about Shaykh Hamza saying that Jihad is not used in the military context in the Qur'an, "not once". Is this just a mistake he made at the time, or does the shaykh and his followers actually believe this?

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

assalamu alaikum wr wb

jihad also means struggle...strive.....
a woman's jihad is giving birth to a child.. hajj is also considered a type of jihad cuz its a struggle...
lots of meanings to it.

i also agree with bro mossy that we should give ppl 70 excuses and also refrain from talking about him behind his back as it could fall into backbiting and slandering and gossiping as we should totally try to beware of.
Allahu Alim

[muslim786]

assalamu alaikum wr wb

jihad also means struggle...strive.....
a woman's jihad is giving birth to a child.. hajj is also considered a type of jihad cuz its a struggle...
lots of meanings to it.

i also agree with bro mossy that we should give ppl 70 excuses and also refrain from talking about him behind his back as it could fall into backbiting and slandering and gossiping as we should totally try to beware of.
Allahu Alim
I fully agree with our dear sister but would like to add for all it is a learning curve and some are further than others on their path, so we should also forgive those that may appear to break rules for their mistakes too. And pray that they learn from their mistakes and others advice.

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

assalamu alaikum wr wb

and we wouldnt be humans if we didnt make mistakes and we're allowed to make them as long as we admit what we did to Allah swt, and work on it from there..move up and not down...
and looking on someone's mistakes or faults wont help us, rather we should look upon ourselves.

as one finger is pointed out at someone, 3 fingers are pointed back at you.

instead of saying why dont they do something, you do something dont just say it..mean it...
insha'Allah

[Sadiq]

Assallamu aliakum.

I was expecting to see come up on SF.

Rather than to comment about a scholars, let us all be very careful in what we say. From experience (which i dont have much), there is something called: Misinterepretation, misquoating, misposting online and offline.

As sidi faraz once, advised us to be careful in 'quoting' Maulana Rumi. What i mean is, there are people who 'translate' his work and give us a picture of some person, who does not pray and only cares about poetry. Something which is not true.

Similar to the issue of shaykh azzam, there are people i have met who 'judge' him based on some 'misquoting' of his works by some 'exited' brothers, which gives us a totally different picture of him, than how he truly is.

Similar to the issue of shaykh hamza and this interview, there are many who i have also met, who 'judge' him and even say 'cruel' things about him, due to being informed, via misqouting, misunderstanding him and his words, which leaves them with a bad opinion of the shaykh.

We should all be careful in what we read and in who we take the information from. Even the great Ibn Tayimiyah, who many might not agree with, but there are many in the world who have misquoted him and misinformed others of him, to further their struggle.

Its a sad fact that we 'take things' like this, we should be careful and anaylse something we are not sure about.

Many ulama during the 'leak' of this interview, so rightly said, hamza yusuf was practising something in the deen, (forget the word the shaykh used), which is used to give an answer, with 2 possible meanings. Read the whole interview properly and you will find out what i mean.

Another thing, i have observed is, many people need to be on the 'middle path', what i mean is, we do not over praise the prophet, nor do we never praise the prophet, and other issues.

Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, is a vibrant scholar and sometimes, from our ignorance of him, we say things that are not correct, similar is to the issue of Shaykh Abdullah Azzam, (used for example purposes), who is sometimes not favoured amongst our brethen, but, he has done many things for the deen, in the field that he was destined for.

I leave you with something a shaykh said once to me; Sometimes we meet Brother A, who Brother B knows, and i know brother B only. So i get to know brother A via brother b, and i find out that, Brother A is very loud in the way he speaks. Which upsets me and recieves a bad opinion from me.

So, there are instances, were we are not aware of the person, to know how he speaks. There are many examples of this in daily life and in scholars too. Take for example Ibn Arabi, many who read his literature, firstly get lost (in his words), and secondly, some make judgements, saying what is he saying, he lost it, but again, we are not aware that Ibn Arabi, talks and speaks/writes like that.

We judge someone without knowing that they talk/speak like that. So, many judge Shyakh Hamza based on the way he talks, but those who relize that 'he' talks like this, will say, brother there is nothing wrong with him, rather, that this is how he is.

Goto go.

Let us be in the middle!

Correct me if i am wrong or said anything incorrect.


Wasallam.

[UmmZaid]

Salaam 'Alaikum

Everyone made great points, and I'd like to add one... Sheikh Hamza and the others who appeared on that show sat down w/ Ed Bradley for six hours that day.... and those six hours were edited down into a segment that was what? 10 minutes long or 15, including the commentary of at least two or three others? I believe it was Sheikh Hamza who later said that they (him, Imam Siraj, and the third brother, I don't remember who it was) were basically given enough rope to hang themselves with by '60 Mins.'

Let's also remember, then, while we think about editing, that '60 Mins' is the one that "translated" a Hamas official as going on about 72 virgins in Paradise for blowing oneself up when all of us who can speak and understand Arabic heard him say something *completely* different and unrelated.

[Strive4Allah]

Salam,

I wonder though what people think about Shaykh Hamza saying that Jihad is not used in the military context in the Qur'an, "not once". Is this just a mistake he made at the time, or does the shaykh and his followers actually believe this?
I think it wa a mistake wallahu aalam
listening...ing..ing...Not saying anything coz if I start i wont ever stop...Allah knows best..1 thing though if we dont like a person just dont go to them but then dont verbalise(sorry its my word)i mean dont use your mouth against em...
I am not pointing out at anybody just saying if we know what a person is like then it is our duty to warn other fellas about it...But like you know how hajjaj killed so many ppl but what do the ulama say? ''dont give him your thawaab by talkin ill of him''...i wouldnt call it JUDGING ...because of course if we see that someone is causing fitnah or something like that we have to tell others to say away from them..but using bad words for ppl is not one thing i would advice others to do...
Clear: z...All I said above it has nothing to do with s hamza yusuf..i want hinting at him...its just...so..dont bang at me..
well if i have said anything wrong then u can tell me point it out so i may correct

[GenN]

Assalamulikum,

Also Jihad does not neccessarily mean fight/kill. The whole arguement you stated was based on that word being fight and kill my sister. Of course we should strive to rid ourselves of trouble makers and of course in a peaceful way, but is this not still jihad. So please in future do not follow the band wagon of the undeducated salafis on their mission to harbour hatred for decent Islamic speakers.


are you a wahabis muslim786???

no one cares about the LITERAL meaning of jihad, just like the LITERAL meaning of BIDAH is discarded when we decide what is bidah and what is not (but of course with salafi literlaist just about eveything has become a bidah due to the literal understanding of bidah), we are only concerned about the sharia meaning of bidah, as defined by scholars.

But oh my, some most sincere sunnis around here decide to take the literal meaning of jihad instead of the Sharia meaning of jihad as defined by scholars of old (which goes along the lines of fighting (yes as in the kiilling sort of fighting) to make the word of Allah most high.)

So these most sincere sunnis around decide to take the SHARIA meaning of bidah becasue it suits them just fine, but they decide to take the LITERAL meaning of jihad because it suits them. And then we wonder why the ummah is in such a disgrace!!!

[Strive4Allah]

are you a wahabis muslim786???

no one cares about the LITERAL meaning of jihad, just like the LITERAL meaning of BIDAH is discarded when we decide what is bidah and what is not (but of course with salafi literlaist just about eveything has become a bidah due to the literal understanding of bidah), we are only concerned about the sharia meaning of bidah, as defined by scholars.

But oh my, some most sincere sunnis around here decide to take the literal meaning of jihad instead of the Sharia meaning of jihad as defined by scholars of old (which goes along the lines of fighting (yes as in the kiilling sort of fighting) to make the word of Allah most high.)

So these most sincere sunnis around decide to take the SHARIA meaning of bidah becasue it suits them just fine, but they decide to take the LITERAL meaning of jihad because it suits them. And then we wonder why the ummah is in such a disgrace!!!

THSE LINES in read?????your first paragraph is quiet right

[AbuZayd]

Salam,

I wonder though what people think about Shaykh Hamza saying that Jihad is not used in the military context in the Qur'an, "not once". Is this just a mistake he made at the time, or does the shaykh and his followers actually believe this?


Here is the nice thread that Mossy mentioned ;)

http://www.islamicaweb.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13970

Wasalam.

[AbuZayd]

Also, do listen to this:

http://209.41.170.97:8080/ramgen/%7Ezmedia/audio/Shaykh%20Hamza%20Yusuf%20-%20Traditional%20Education%20in%20an%20Age%20of%20 Terror.rm

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:


Many ulama during the 'leak' of this interview, so rightly said, hamza yusuf was practising something in the deen, (forget the word the shaykh used), which is used to give an answer, with 2 possible meanings. Read the whole interview properly and you will find out what i mean.



Wasalaam

I believe you are referring to a form of Taqiyya, perhaps?

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:

are you a wahabis muslim786???

no one cares about the LITERAL meaning of jihad, just like the LITERAL meaning of BIDAH is discarded when we decide what is bidah and what is not (but of course with salafi literlaist just about eveything has become a bidah due to the literal understanding of bidah), we are only concerned about the sharia meaning of bidah, as defined by scholars.

But oh my, some most sincere sunnis around here decide to take the literal meaning of jihad instead of the Sharia meaning of jihad as defined by scholars of old (which goes along the lines of fighting (yes as in the kiilling sort of fighting) to make the word of Allah most high.)

So these most sincere sunnis around decide to take the SHARIA meaning of bidah becasue it suits them just fine, but they decide to take the LITERAL meaning of jihad because it suits them. And then we wonder why the ummah is in such a disgrace!!!

In the interest of "70 excuses for my brother", I am going to ignore your inferences and your possible impugning of the motives of a Muslim.

The Subject of My response:
You bring up the "scholars of old", an interesting phrase. Did some ancient scholars view "Jihad" in a predominantly militant sense? Certainly. It was necessitated by circumstances; war was much more frequent then than it is now (although war now is far more terrible. Ironic, isn't it?). Is Jihad to be taken as "Militant" throughout all ages? No, to do so would be as ridiculous as it is suicidal. If the "ancients" had taken Jihad literally as indiscriminately attacking kuffar in order to make "the Word of Allah Most High" supreme, then why isn't half (or all of the world, for that matter) muslim? To do so would diminsh and deplete the Muslim Nation, hastening it's eventual collapse.

Of course, you are now ignoring the fact that we live as minorities, as well. For us, living in a sea of Kufr, Jihad of the self is more relevant, and a far greater necessity to keep our Din. As Shaykh Muhammad Nur Abdullah (my shaykh) once stated "America is a "Melting Pot"; it melts the din!.
You are also ignoring the fact that even Muslim "run" countries are weaker than they historically ever have been, and to attempt any "military jihad" would be virtual suicide.


Salaam,
Zaid

[Mossy]

I believe you are referring to a form of Taqiyya, perhaps?

Now there's a loaded question ;)

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:


Now there's a loaded question


Couldn't help myself :rolleyes:

[Strive4Allah]

Taqiyya...is it like heela...when asked a question you mean something eklse in your heart but the way you say it the opp person takesa diff meaning of it for example hadhrat ibrahim was travelling wiv his wife n king was a cruel king so he told someone to get ibrahims wife...so ibrahim alaihissalam said 'she is my sister...in his heart he meant sis in islam but obviously the king thought he meant real sis so he left em....is taqiyya something like this or something similar? we prayed about taqiyya in 4th year but cant rememebr anymore...

[Strive4Allah]

Is it so that every1 who is dressed in the garb of the ulama,who had at some3ime been registered at some arabic school/seminary,who can deliever an intresting lecture or who writes well,is an Alim? Is every1 with the above description a memebr of the ulama fraternity? Think! Is it not a tremendous injustice to take the statement of eveyone who looks like an Alim and attribute it to the ulama?
Is it not a fact that in all worldly things there is the genuine and the artificial....the original and the imitation,the real and the fake?
Hold

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:

Is it not a fact that in all worldly things there is the genuine and the artificial....the original and the imitation,the real and the fake

Point taken, strive. Of course, this begs the question: What qualification do you have to distinguish between the two? Or is it you only make this point when an Alim makes a statement you don't find appealing?

However, Shaykh Hamza has studied for a decade in the middle east, under some of the greatest scholars in Islam today. Still, some who bear the title of "scholar" do things that I am unhappy with.

Salaam,
Zaid

[Abu Usama]

Salam,

i have added a number of talks by shaykh hamza to my website (see my sig.)

[Strive4Allah]

I dont know how you can assume that I was pointing out to hamzah yusuf1 I hadnt even finished what i was writing...i am not pointing out to any scholar or any person in particular....just trying to make a point...i think its better not to finish my post of then...walahu aalam

[Strive4Allah]

btw i know bout hamzah yusuf....jazakallah for telling me anyway...

Point taken, strive. Of course, this begs the question: What qualification do you have to distinguish between the two? Or is it you only make this point when an Alim makes a statement you don't find appealing?

its quiet foolish to make this statement only when one doesnt find a statement appealing...especially of an aalim...wallahu aalam...

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:

I dont know how you can assume that I was pointing out to hamzah yusuf1 I hadnt even finished what i was writing...i am not pointing out to any scholar or any person in particular....just trying to make a point...i think its better not to finish my post of then...walahu aalam

Considering your post occured on a thread ABOUT hamza yusuf, after genN wrote an inflammatory post against another Muslim, it seem rather obvious.
However, if you did not get to finish your post, I apologize for jumping the gun.


its quiet foolish to make this statement only when one doesnt find a statement appealing...especially of an aalim...wallahu aalam...

Nice, now we have the ad hominems. So, here you tacitly admit that the original post in question WAS about hamza yusuf. So was the post you denied that it was a misrepresentation?

My original post:
Point taken, strive. Of course, this begs the question: What qualification do you have to distinguish between the two? Or is it you only make this point when an Alim makes a statement you don't find appealing?

However, Shaykh Hamza has studied for a decade in the middle east, under some of the greatest scholars in Islam today. Still, some who bear the title of "scholar" do things that I am unhappy with. Example: Habib Ali al-Jifri, constantly going on in his videos and lectures about his descent from the Prophet, sallallahu 'alaihi wasalaam. Now some may think that my nafs is speaking here, but it's not. I'm not jealous of him, quite the contrary; I am very happy for a brother who has that lineage. Al-jifri is a highly educated akhi who does great work in the service of the Din and Dawah.I just can't stand (based on Prophetic Ahadith) people going on about their lineage; it strikes me as almost arrogant.

I am in tentative agreement with you about your original statement, hence my "point taken".

My second statement is a simple question as to what qualifications you, or anyone else for that matter (including myself), has to judge who is qualified and who is not. It is a valid question, considering many muslims (yourself not necessarily included) begin to question the "legitimacy" of certain Aalims who do not necessarily agree with their views.

Allahu Alim


Wasalaam,
Zaid

[Strive4Allah]

sorry i shouldnt have posted this here....coz the thread is bout hamzah yusuf...inshallah will open another thread...then reply...inshallah

[Strive4Allah]

:bism:


Considering your post occured on a thread ABOUT hamza yusuf, after genN wrote an inflammatory post against another Muslim, it seem rather obvious.
However, if you did not get to finish your post, I apologize for jumping the gun.



Nice, now we have the ad hominems. So, here you tacitly admit that the original post in question WAS about hamza yusuf. So was the post you denied that it was a misrepresentation?

My original post:

I am in tentative agreement with you about your original statement, hence my "point taken".

My second statement is a simple question as to what qualifications you, or anyone else for that matter (including myself), has to judge who is qualified and who is not. It is a valid question, considering many muslims (yourself not necessarily included) begin to question the "legitimacy" of certain Aalims who do not necessarily agree with their views.

Allahu Alim


Wasalaam,
Zaid

It may have seemed obvious but i was not a single bit pointing out to him....It was a mistake to broing this up in this thread...
.me ! what qualifications I have or anyone else has for this matter? to judge...
well first of all I dont think it would be right of us to judge anyone as u already know...secondly its our ulama who warn us against those who are not right...hope you get me here...I mean its not like ulama wont warn us against someone who is an aalim...There r things they look at...I dont now them things right wallahu aalam...sorry.....There r so many ulama nowadys who r ulama at name...But go against the shariah and mislead others too...and just becoz they r alim or some who dress like the ulama...then the awam(public) take their word for it....Derr am sorry if you didnt understand....Ia will be opening a new thread n if u read there ull understand...wallahu aalam

[Strive4Allah]

:bism:


Point taken, strive. Of course, this begs the question: What qualification do you have to distinguish between the two? Or is it you only make this point when an Alim makes a statement you don't find appealing?

However, Shaykh Hamza has studied for a decade in the middle east, under some of the greatest scholars in Islam today. Still, some who bear the title of "scholar" do things that I am unhappy with. Example: Habib Ali al-Jifri, constantly going on in his videos and lectures about his descent from the Prophet, sallallahu 'alaihi wasalaam. Now some may think that my nafs is speaking here, but it's not. I'm not jealous of him, quite the contrary; I am very happy for a brother who has that lineage. Al-jifri is a highly educated akhi who does great work in the service of the Din and Dawah.I just can't stand (based on Prophetic Ahadith) people going on about their lineage; it strikes me as almost arrogant.


Salaam,
Zaid

Same ere.I am not too happy with some of the fatwas given by some muftis too..but that doesnt mean we go telling people or even think that they r wrong or whatever....I mean I have had quiet a few arguments with ulamas muftis regarding matters...They r right in their own ways...And I am not trying to point at hamzah yusuf...There r statements wich some big mufgtis have made and i dont find em appealing but no i dont make this point when i dont find a muftis fatwa appealing...wallahu aalam

[Strive4Allah]

Any uestions??

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

Uh-Uh this is falling into the suspicion, and back-biting, and slandering and gossiping thing. Please discuss something else, good qualities instead of focusing on other matters. Discuss something else that will benefit you not make your heart hurt.

[Strive4Allah]

jzk umme ibhi but i dont think theres a problem...ill take it in though

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:


Assalamu alaikum wr wb

Uh-Uh this is falling into the suspicion, and back-biting, and slandering and gossiping thing. Please discuss something else, good qualities instead of focusing on other matters. Discuss something else that will benefit you not make your heart hurt.


Salaam,

Really? I don't think so.

In any event, strive answered all my questions, in so many words.


Wasalaam,
Zaid

[Azzam]

:bism:
As Shaykh Muhammad Nur Abdullah (my shaykh) once stated "America is a "Melting Pot"; it melts the din!.



Is this Muhammad Nur Abdullah the same one in St.Louis, USA, the student of Ibn Baz?

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

:bism:Salaam,

Really? I don't think so.

In any event, strive answered all my questions, in so many words.
Wasalaam,
Zaid

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

if it falls into 'harming your muslim brother' then its wrong.

SLANDER

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

“O you who believe! If a Fasiq (liar – evil person) comes to you with any news, verify it, lest you should harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful for what you have done.” (49:6)

“A slanderer going about with calumnies>” (68:11)

“Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (50:18)

“Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.” (104:1)

The Muslim Ummah is distinctive with the qualities of love and brotherhood, affection adorns the hearts and smiles beautify the faces. The principles among the believers are those of brotherhood and good friendship. Allah has said: “The believers are nothing else than brothers.” (49:10)

Allah has prohibited the believers from anything that my induce enmity and hatred among them: “Shaitan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from Salat. So, will you not abstain?” (5:91)

Allah has conferred His favor upon His slaves in joining their hearts. He said: “And remember Allah’s favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but He joined your hearts together so that by His Grace you became brethren. (3:103)

“HE it is Who has supported you with His help and with the believers, and He has united their hearts. If you had spent all that is in earth you could have not united their hearts, but Allah has united them.” (8:62-63)

Every Mukallaf ( competent person in complete control of all faculties) should safeguard his tongue against all kinds of loose talk except when it is evident that talking will be a means of beneficence. When talking and being quiet are both equal as a prudent measure, then the Sunnah is to abstain from speech. This is because even lawful speech may lead to unlawful or unpleasant matters. This is, unfortunately, a common practice.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak what is good or be silent.” (Agreed upon).

This Hadith is clear and indisputable that a person should not talk unless what he wants to say is good and there is benefit from it. However, when he doubts whether there would be benefit or good, he should then not speak. Imam Shafi’ee said: “If a person wishes to say something then he should think before he starts talking. If there is good, then he should speak, otherwise he should not.”

Definition of Nameemah (Slander)

The word Nameemah (Slander) usually refers to the act of carrying tales from one person to another. However, Nameemah is not limited only to that. It includes disclosing things that are disliked, whether by the person being told, the person being discussed, or a third party. This disclosure can be by speaking, writing, nodding, intimating (hinting) or signaling. The disclosed matters can be actions or speech, and maybe a defect in the person being discussed or not. The reality of Nameemah is to disclose a secret and expose something about someone who doesn’t like having such thing exposed.

A person should not talk about anything that he may see in people and dislike. He should only say something if, inherent within it, it is good for a Muslim and to block a wrong or a harm. If he sees, for example, someone mistreating another’s property, then he should testify to obtain the right of the person. But if he sees someone hiding his own property and he discloses this, then it is Nameemah – the revealing of a secret. If what is stated is actually a fault or defect about the person being discussed, then it is a combination of Gheebah (backbiting) and Nameemah (slander).

Nameemah is carrying discussions from one to another for the intention of mischief, disclosing secrets and exposing secret matters. Buhtaan (saying something untrue about a person) about an innocent person is heavier in sin than the weight of the skies. Woe to the one who goes around telling lies about an innocent person to one in authority or others, such as that they believe him. He may bring about evil to an innocent person. Yahya Bin Aktham said: “The Nammaam (person doing the slandering) is a greater evil than a magician. The Nammaam does in one hour what a magician cannot do in one year.” It was also said, “The acts of Nammaam are more harmful than the acts of Shaitan. Shaitan acts by imagination and whispering, while the Nammaam acts face-to-face and openly.”

The Islamic Ruling on Slander

Nameemah is an abomination. It is very widely spread amongst people and very few are safe from it. Nameemah is prohibited by Ijmaa’ (consensus of the Muslim scholars). There are many clear references from the Qur’an, Sunnah and Ijmaa’ of the Ummah about the prohibition of Nameemah. Al-Hafiz Al- Munthiri said: “The Ummah has agreed on the prohibition of Nameemah and that it is one of the greatest sins in consideration with Allah.” Nameemah was prohibited because of the hatred and enmity that it might cause amongst Muslims.

The Daleel (evidence) On the Prohibition of Slander

Allah (SWT) has said: “A slanderer going about with calumnies.” (68:11)

“Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it.) (50:18)

“Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.” (104:1)

“and his wife too, who carries wood.” (111:4)

In reference to this Surah, it was said that she was a Nammaamah who used to carry tales to spread mischief among people. The tales were called wood because she used to spread enmity and hatred among the people just like wood spreads fire. Nameemah is a harm that affects the believers and spoils relationships amongst them. Allah (SWT) has said: “And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, they bear the crime of slander and plain sin.” (33:58)

Hudhaifah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: “A Nammaam will never enter Paradise.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

If the Nammaam does not enter Paradise, then his abode will be nothing but Fire, since there is nothing but Paradise or Fire. The Prophet SAW is also reported to have said : “Shall I tell you about the most evil ones from amongst you?” They said, “Of course.” He said, “Those who go around with Nameemah. They make enmity between friends and they seek problems for the innocent.” (Ahmad and Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)

Let us see what kind of retribution awaits the Nammaam in his grave. Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “Allah’s Messenger (SAW) was passing by two graves and said, ‘They (the dead laying in these graves) are being tortured not for a major sin but in fact it is a minor sin. One of them used to carry Nameemah and the other didn’t save himself from being soiled by his urine.’” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Scholars have said that this Hadith means that they were being tortured for what seems to be minor sins. It has also been interpreted as meaning that a major effect is required to avoid these two sins. It has also been said that one-third of the torture in the grave is because of Nameemah. Allah (SWT has prohibited going about with Nameemah because it causes enmity and hatred amongst the Muslims. While the Lord gave allowances for lying to reconcile people, and He recommended reconciliation amongst Muslims. Allah SWT has said: “So fear Allah and adjust all matters of differences among you.” (8:1)

The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said: “Shall I tell you about acts of a higher rank than Salat, Siyam and Sadaqah?” they said, “yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Effecting people among people, for the spoiled relationships amongst people is destruction.” (Abu-Dawud and Tirmidhi)

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

Motives for Slandering

They are hidden motives that incite men to carry Nameemah from person to person, among these are the following:

1. Some are ignorant of the prohibition of Nameemah or the fact that it is a major sin that leads to a great evil, as well as causing enmity, separation amongst friends, destruction of houses, spreads malice, and causes fights amongst Muslims.

2. To get things off one’s chest, such as hatred and malice. A Nammaaam does this by spreading Nameemah among friends. He criticizes the person that others like.

3. Joining – by agreeing – with a group of friends. A person tries to get closer to the group by bringing in news to them and telling them about new things about others.

4. The intention of hurting the person being discussed; such as talking to a person in authority or power with the intention of harming the person by any means.

5. To show love and loyalty to the person he tells things. He acts in a way that he did not like what was said about his friend, so he tells his friend what the people say about him.

6. Joking or “fooling around”. There are many gatherings that are held for only joking, laughing, “fooling around” and talking about others.

7. Pretending knowledge of people and their secrets and status. The person talks about someone and discloses secrets of another.

What Should Be Done with the Slanderer

Dear believers any person to whom the Nameemah was carried and was told so and so said such and such about you or did such and such against you, etc. should do all of the following:

1. Do not believe the Nammaam because he is an evil person and his testimony is rejected. Allah SWT has said: “O you who believe! If a Fasiq (rebellious evil) person comes to you with news, verify it lest you harm people in ignorance.” (49:6)

2. Stop the Nammaam and advise him. He should be told how ugly and despised his actions are, for Allah SWT has said: “Enjoin people to Al-Ma’ruf (good) and forbid people from al-Munkar (evil).” (31:17)

3. Dislike the nammaam for the sake of Allah. Allah (SWT) does not like the Nammaam, so we should dislike whom Allah dislikes.

4. Do not think bad of your absent brethren, Allah SWT has said: “O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, indeed some suspicions are sins.” (49:12)

5. Do not be pushed by what has been said to go and check on others and spy. Allah SWT has said: “and spy not,” (49:12)

6. Do not accept for yourself what you have forbidden the Nammaam from doing. Don’t tell his Nameemah and then say, “a person has said such-and-such.” If you do, then you become Nammaam and Mughtaab. You would then have done what you have forbidden.

Al-Hasan (RA) said: “Whoever carries Nameemah to you, will carry one about you.” This is an indication that the Nammaam should not be trusted in his statements or friendship but be hated. How could a Nammaam not be hated while he continues to lie, cheat, make Gheebah, envy, spread mischief among people, and cut what Allah has ordered to be joined? Allah (SAW) has said: “The way of blame is only against those who oppress men and wrongly rebel on the earth without justification.” (42:42)

And the Nammaam is one of them. The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said: “The worse people before Allah on the Day of Resurrection will be those whom the people leave (undisturbed) to be away from their evil.” “The Qaati’ will not enter Paradise.” They asked, “Who is the Qaati?” He said, ‘The one who severs the bonds among the people.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This is the Nammaam. It was also said that the Qaati’ is the one who severs the bond of kinship. Mus’ab Bin ‘Umair (RA) said: “We believe that accepting the tale is worse then telling it. Telling it is carrying the news but accepting it is approving of it and the act, so be aware of the person conveying tales. Even when he tells the truth he is actually mean because he did not observe the honor of his brother neither did he cover his brother’s faults.”

Characteristics of the Slanderer

Allah (SWT) has said: “And obey you not everyone Hallaaf Maheen. A Slanderer going about with calumnies, Hinderer of the good, transgressor, sinful, cruel, and moreover base born.” (68:10-13)

In these Verses, Allah has described the Nammaam with nine characterisitics, all of which are ugly:

1. He is Hallaaf: one who swears (vows and attests) much. The person who swears too much is often an untruthful person. He suspects that people don’t believe him and don’t trust him so he swears to cover his lying and to convince the people.

2. He is Maheen: worthless. People do not respect him. One of the signs of a lack of respect is evident in his need to swear all the time. Being worthless or low is actually psychological characteristic that is attached to a person even if he is wealthy and powerful.

3. He is Hammaaz: a slanderer. He criticizes and insults people using words or signals in their presence as well as in their absence.

4. He goes about with calumnies – (misrepresentations and vilifications). He spreads Nameemah to harm people and create enmity amongst friends. Such nasty acts are done only by one who is low and evil.

5. He is an obstacle for good that in that he hinders it only for himself and for others.

6. He is a transgressor as he violates the truth and justice.

7. He is a sinner, for he does not care about committing sins and performing that which has been prohibited.

8. He is cruel, harsh, rough and hard – a personality that people don’t like or accept.

9. He is Zaneem: a bastard, Abdullah Bin Al-Mubarak said: “An intelligent son who doesn’t hold his tongue.”

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

The Two-Faced

Dear believers, more serious than Nameemah is the person that instigates two people who have enmity between themselves. He tells everyone what they would like to hear. If he does not convey any talk but only made enmity between the two people seem right to both of them, then he is one of with two tongues. If he promises everyone of them that he will be with him on his side or if he praises everyone for the enmity to the other, or he praises one of them then leaves and criticizes him, then he is double faced person. A person should either be quiet or praise the person who has the right. He should praise him in his absence or presence as well as in front of his opponent. The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said: “Whoever has two faces in this world, will have tongues of fire on the Day of Resurrection.” (Related by Abu Dawud, but the Sanad for this Hadith is not sound).

The Prophet SAW is also reported to have said: “You will find that the worst of Allah’s slaves on the Day of Resurrection is the two faced person. He comes to some people with one face and to others with another face.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet SAW said: “You find people like metals (in their qualities). The best of them during the days of Jahiliyyah are the best when they enter Islam if they understand Islam. The worst people are the ones who do not accept Islam. You will find the worst among people the two faced person. He comes to some people with one face and to the others with another face.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

It was narrated that Hammad Bin Salamah said: “A man sold a boy-slave to another person. He told the buyer that the slave is with no defects except that he was Nammaam. The seller did not think much of it when he bought him. A few days later the slave said to the wife of his master, ‘Your husband does not love you and he intends to have marital relations with a maid. Do you wish that he would have affection for you?’ She said, ‘Yes.” He said to her, ‘Take a razor and cut some hair from the bottom of his beard when he goes to sleep.’ He then went to the husband and said, ‘Your wife has established a relationship with another man and she intends to kill you. Do you want to check on this yourself?’ His master said, ‘Yes.’ The slave said, ‘Then present in her presence that you’re sleeping.’ So the man did and his wife came with a razor to cut some hair from his beard. The husband opened his eyes and thought that she was coming to kill him for real. He took the razor from her and killed her. Her family came and killed him. The family of the man then came and a feud began between the two groups.”

This is the two faced person. He conveys tales against you as he does to you, So do not trust the evil plots from the cunning two faced person. (poetry)


Jewels from the Sayings

Be aware, that Buhtaan against an innocent person is heavier in its sin than the weight of the skies. Safety is in silence and it should be the rule. To be quiet and at the right time is the quality of true men. Also to speak at the appropriate time is the noblest of all characteristics. The following are some sayings and actions of the Salaf:

1. A Man from the Salaf visited his brother. His brother conveyed Nameemah to him about a friend of his, so he told his brother: “My brother, you have made a long Gheebah and caused me three offenses: made my brother disliked to me, made my heart think about what you said; and made me suspect your honesty.”

2. A Nammaam sent a letter to As-Saahib Bin ‘Abbad, encouraging him to take some of the money from an orphan because it was too much. As-Saahib wrote on the back of the letter: “Nameemah is ugly and evil even when it is true. If you meant to advise me by writing to me, then, be assured that your loss is better than the profit. I ask Allah for refuge from accepting a tale from a dishonored person about another with a blameless record. If you were not in your old age, we would have treated you with your intention. So avoid the same, for Allah knows the hidden and unseen. May Allah cover the dead with His mercy and support the orphan with patience. The money is increased and blessed by Allah and the conveyer of Nameemah is cursed by Allah.”

Bakr Bin Abdullah is reported to have said: “Always do something where if you do it and you’re right then you will be rewarded and if you are wrong you will not be punished. And avoid doing something where if you are right you will not be rewarded and if you are wrong you will be punished.” They asked, “What is that thing?” He said, “Ill suspicions of people; if you are right, you will not be rewarded; but if you are wrong, you are sinners.”

Muhammad Bin Ka’b was asked what qualities are low and not fitting for a believer. He said: “Talking too much, uncovering the secret and accepting the sayings of everyone.”

A man said to ‘Amr Bin ‘Ubaid, “A man has been saying bad things about you.” ‘Amr said to him: “Listen! You have not honored the sitting in this man’s company because you conveyed to me his speech. Further, you did not consider brotherly rights when you informed me about what I dislike about my brother. But inform him that we are all dying. The grave will surround us all and the Day of Resurrection will collect all of us. And Allah will judge amongst us, He is the Best of judges.”

It was narrated that a person once came to ‘Omar Bin ‘Abdul-Aziz (RA) and mentioned something about another man. ‘Omar is reported to have said: “If you wish, we will look into your claim. If you’re lying then you’re among the people mentioned in this Verse. “If a Fasiq (rebellious evil) person comes to you with news, verify it.” (49:6)

If you’re telling the truth then you are among the people mentioned in this Verse: “A slanderer going about with calumnies.” (68:11)

“But if you wish, we would forgive you.” The man then said, “I want to be pardoned O Chief of the Believers. I promise I will not do such a thing again.”

Luqman said to his son: “My son I admonish you with qualities that if you hold to, you will always be honored as the head of your people: be good (have good manners) with the near and far; do not lose your temper with the respected people; protect your brothers and their honor; and join your kin. Have your brothers and relatives trust about you that you would not accept any tales from any person who intends to deceive you and corrupt the relationships. Take friends in a way that if you leave them, you will not say bad about them, neither will they say bad about you.”

Some Salaf have said that Nameemah is based on Kidhb (lying), Hasad (envy), and Nifaaq (hypocrisy). These three are pillars of lowliness and depravity. Others have said that if what a Nammaam has conveyed to you was true, then be informed that this Nammaam was more daring to tell you the bad thing about you. The one that said it to the Nammaam should be entitled more of your patience since he didn’t confront you with the criticisms.

A man came to Sulaiman Bin Abdul-Malik and Sulaiman reportedly said to him: “I was told that you have said bad things about me.” The man said, “I have not done or said anything.” Sulaiman then said, “The one who told me is truthful.” Upon that Az-Zuhari, who was in the company of Sulaiman said, “The Nammaam is never truthful.” Sulaiman then said, “You are right.” And then he said to the man, “Go in peace.”

The friends of a Nammaam is never safe from his scorpions (stings). Neither can he be safe from his snakes (bites). The Nammaam is like the flood at night, No one knows where it came from and how it can be avoided. The covenant is humiliated by him in the way he breaks it. And love is humiliated by him in the way he kills it. (poem)

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

The Cure for Slander

Allah SWT has conferred His favor upon His slaves by joining their hearts together and uniting them. He has said: “And remember Allah’s favor on you, for you were enemies one to another but HE joined your hearts together, so that by His Grace, you became brethren.” (3:103)

“The believers are nothing else than brothers.” (49:10)

Anyone who goes around igniting the Fitnah and enmity among the believers, is indeed transgressing against Allah’s limits, and falling in His disobedience.

“Shaitan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants.” (5:91)

If a person wishes to treat his tongue for Nameemah then he should occupy his tongue and time with the remembrance of Allah and anything else that is useful. He should always remember the following:

1. Not incite the Anger of Allah and His Wrath and Punishment by talking about others.

2. Think of the great corruption of hearts and friendship caused by Nameemah.

3. Remember the Verses and Ahadith about Nameemah and hold his tongue.

4. Spread love amongst Muslims. He should mention their good qualities and honor them in their absence.

5. Know that safeguarding his tongue is one of the means for entering Paradise.

6. Know that anyone who looks for the faults of people, Allah will expose his faults even if he hides within his home.

7. Be with righteous companions who command the good and get together for good.

8. Be certain that those he talks about and dishonors today, will be his opponents on the Day of Judgment.

9. Remember death and that short life within this world. Death is very near, and the Second Life is so close.

The Nammaam should be hated and distrusted. He should not be taken as a friend, because he does not fear Allah and doesn’t respect and guard the honor of Muslims. He likes division and dissension. So do not let the Nammaam pollute your meetings and make dirty your hearing with sins and shameful things. You should command him to do good and prohibit him from evil. Scold him harshly and explain to him how what he is saying and doing is bad and evil. Do not pay attention to him and ask Allah to make you free from any responsibility for his actions.

May Allah protect our tongues, hearing and sight.

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

49:11-12 => O you who believe! Let not a group mock another group; it maybe that these are better than they; nor should women mock other women, it maybe that they are better than they. (Mocking does not only imply mocking with the tongue but also includes mimicking somebody, making pointed references to him, laughing at his words, or his work, or his apperance, or his dress, or calling people's attention to some defect in him so that others also may laugh at him). Do not taunt one another nor call one another by nicknames. It is an evil thing to be called a bad name after faith. Those who do not desist are wrongdoers. O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for in some cases suspicion is a crime. Do not spy on one another nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Surely you would abhor it. Have fear of Allah. He is Forgiving, Mericful. (The Prophet (SAW) defined backbiting thus: 'It is speaking of your brother in a way that is irksome to him.' It was asked; 'What if the defect being talked of is present in my brother?' The Prophet answered, ' If it is present in him, it would be backbiting, and if it is not present, it would be slander.' The sole exception here are cases where talking ill of a person in his absence maybe a real necessity, which cannot be met without resort to backbiting, and if backbiting is not resorted to, there is a likelihood of this resulting in a bigger evil).

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

(Bukhari) 2. Book of Belief...-> Ch 3, #10 => Narrated Abdullah bin Amr (RAA), the Prophet (SAW) said, "A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. A Muhajir is the one who gives up all that Allah (SWT) has forbidden."

Ch 6, #13 => Narrated Anas (RAA) The Prophet (SAW) said: "None of you will have faith till he likes for his Muslim brother what he likes for himself."

71 Book of Good Manners -> Ch 10, #2020 => Narrated Jarir bin Abdullah al Bajali (RAA) the Prophet (SAW) said, "He who is not merciful to others, will not be treated mercifully."

Ch 13, #2023 => Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) Allah's Messenger (SAW) said, "Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet. (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil and dirty talk, abusing, lying, backbiting etc.)."

Ch 19, #2030 => Narrated Abu Dhar (RAA) that he heard the Prophet (SAW) saying "If someone accuses another of Fusuq (by calling him Fasiq, a wicked person) or accuses him of Kufr (disbelief), such an accusation will revert to him (the accuser) if his companion (the accused) is innocent."

Ch 20, #2032 => Narrated Hudhaifa (RAA) I heard the Prophet (SAW) saying "A qattat (is a person who conveys disagreeable, false information from one person to another with the intention of causing harm and enmity between them) will not enter Paradise."

Ch 28, #2041 => Narrated Abu Hurairah (RAA) The Prophet (SAW) said, "The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger."


So please I ask you all not to talk ill of others.....ESP when that person is not in the presence... 70 excuses for your bro..and benefit of the doubt.

pls..for the sake of Allah swt... lets not fall into getting into fitnah, nor encourage others to do so either.. it's like you are all hanging onto a cliff ready to fall off, if only you let go... and right now you guys are letting go, so dont let go and dont step over the cliff to fall down...
Allahu Alim

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:


Is this Muhammad Nur Abdullah the same one in St.Louis, USA, the student of Ibn Baz?


The one in the same. Do you know him?


Wasalaam,
Zaid

[Zaid 'Abdur-Rahman]

:bism:

Assalamu alaikum wr wb

if it falls into 'harming your muslim brother' then its wrong.



As-Salaamu 'Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu

'harming your muslim brother' ~ a subjective phrase if ever there was one. While I do not believe my discussion with akhti strive "devolved into backbiting or slander", Jazaki Allah Khair nonetheless for the instructive and informative articles you have presented.

However, I would also like to point out that the intent has to be there for "slander" or "backbiting" ~ intent, I might add, that I never had.



Wasalaam,
Zaid

[Mossy]

However, I would also like to point out that the intent has to be there for "slander" or "backbiting" ~ intent, I might add, that I never had.

Actually, intent doesn't need to be there for gheebah - this doesn't translate directly into our concept/notion of backbiting and that's why..

[UmmIbrahimIsa]

assalamu alaikum wr wb

btw those articles on 'backbiting, slander, and gossiping, etc' were there as reminders. sometimes we say the wrong thing without even realizing it and once its out its out and you cant really take it back.
so i wasnt pointing at anyone in particular i was just reminding everyone to mind their manners when dealing with discussing this.
Allahu Alim.

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

as salamu alaykum

<<I wonder though what people think about Shaykh Hamza saying that Jihad is not used in the military context in the Qur'an, "not once". Is this just a mistake he made at the time, or does the shaykh and his followers actually believe this?>>


first of all, lets clarify what he exactly said, and what he intended to mean by what he said.

As he clarified in Oxford, Shaykh Hamza said that the word 'JIHAD' as it is written here and pronounced in the arabic is mentioned four times in the Qur'an and not one of the meanings in the context of the verses mentioned necessarily means military Jihad only - in fact may not be taken to mean military Jihad at all. Shaykh Gibril mentioned this at sunniforum, and quoted Shaykh Buti once saying the same thing. For instance, the verses of Jihad mentioned in the Makkan phase of the sira, cannot possibly mean military Jihad as fighting (qital) was not made permissible for the prophet (s) at this time.

Secondly, Shaykh Hamza has never denied military Jihad, or defensive Jihad for that matter, however he has stated what classical scholars have stated and indeed what the Qur'an states that Allah prefers those who are patient. Listen to his Oxford lecture for a greater elaboration on this.

I believe those verses are:

9:24, ibn Juzayy: conquest of Makka (which was not violent)

22:78, ibn Kathir: a general meaning of striving hard i.e. not necessarily military

25:52, ibn Kathir: striving against the disbelievers. (not necessarily fighting)

60:1, ibn Kathir: striving in the cause of Allah (no mention of qital)

As can be seen the above verses do not necessarily mean military Jihad.

also read:

www.sunnipath.com/resources/Questions/qa00002862.aspx


...and whoever accused Habib Ali (may Allah preserve him) of using his 'lineage' to elevate his status should have a good look into his heart, rather than accusing the Shaykh of such a false slander. I have never once heard this from his own mouth, only others who recognise that ahl al-bayt are to be honoured. Imam Malik forgave a ruler who whipped simply because he was ahl al-bayt.... would you not be careful about the prophet's (s) family? after all, we all wish for the prophet's (s) intercession yawm al-qiyama..

[AbuZayd]

Excellent post Akhi.

[Shaykhs-Pir Sahib]

as salamu alaykum

i forgot to add:

chapter 25 is a makkan sura, so there is no doubting that 'Jihad' in this verse is not military.

regarding the others i have been taught different explanations (some of which include military struggle into them, but is not limited to such), of which here are some:

9:24

The Muslims are oredered here to extend their full support to the mission of the prophet, to the extent of making sacrifices. Here the phrase "jihad fisabilil lah" has appeared for helping the Prophet in his mission of dissemination of the message of Islam; it is not an order to fight or wage war explicitly.

22:78

a general struggle for the sake of Allah

25:52

here some commentators have said jihad means to strive against the unbelievers with the Qur'an (Makkan sura so cannot be miltary)

60:1

This verse was revealed shortly before the conquest of Mecca. One incident makes it clear that it was a march of peace: For during this march one Muslim uttered these words aloud: "Today is the day of fighting". The Prophet responded immediately, saying that " No today is the day of mercy."


Shaykh Hamza Yusuf is not perfect, and everyone is capable of making mistakes, but i do believe his knowledge of the Qur'an is enough for him to make sound comments such as the one above. Of course, everyone jumped at his throat and accused him of denying the Shari'a definition of Jihad (which is quite clearly not what he was talking about) - rather he was specifically discussing Jihad in the Qur'an, because this is what non-Muslims have access to and attack Islam for when they see verses they don't understand.

This is a lesson to those who wish to slander the Shaykh without knowledge of what he really says and means, without speaking to him themselves and attempting to clarify any misunderstandings they have regarding his speeches.

May Allah protect and reward our scholars

[Garden]

Assalamu 'alaykum,

DeenPort had recently put up an audio interview with Sh. Hamza. Some interesting background information which further addresses the criticism he's faced. One point I especially agreed with is the way he manages realtionships with Salafi Muslims...he briefly mentions how he deals with a good friend who is professor at Madinah University.

http://www.deenport.com/iframes/childscroll.php?page=../subsections/interviews/content/index.php?interviewid=20