Recently, as is my habit, I was surfing the BBC website quite oblivious of what I’d find. As I scrolled down the page, much to my amazement a picture of a Muslim woman supplicating with her hands together fixed my gaze. What surprised me more was the title ‘Woman's touch, Female preachers prompt Islamic revival in Syria.’ I just had to have a peek – why would BBC put up a PRO-article in relation to a Muslim Woman REVIVAL movement?

Whatever the reason, I was glad to see a much needed shift from the usual media coverage regarding the face veil, forced marriages, Muslim Extremism … little did I know.

Munirah al-Qubaysi

“…She is one of the most significant Islamic scholars in the world…”

This quote had been taken from the book, ‘the 500 most influential Muslims’ in which Munirah al-Qubaysi is numbered as the 31^st most influential Muslim in the world. This is because Munirah al-Qubaysi, a woman of 70 years of age, has approximately 75,000 followers –a figure increasing by the day. This organization is named after her: The Qubaysiyaat.

In a survey by the Islamic Education in Syria, published by the pan-Arab daily ‘Al-Hayat’ that out of the 80 madrasahs [Islamic Schools] in Damascus, half of them are affiliated with the Qubaysiyaat. ^{Katherine Zoepf, ‘Islamic Revival In Syria Is Led By Women,’ August 29, 2006, <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/world/middleeast/29syria.html?_r=2&oref=slogin>}

Her influence is not just restricted to Damascus, nor is it just encompassed by Syria’s borders, it has spread to Lebanon, Jordon, Kuwait and as far as Canada and America.

She lives in an area located between the Al-Sha'lan and Al-Rawdah Streets in Damascus with a sufficient number of influential followers close to her. Her followers often refer to her as the "Biggest Shaykhah," the "Younger Miss," the "Mother Miss"; her most popular title is "The Miss." ^{Ibrahim Hamidi, ‘ The Qubaysi Women’s Islamic Movement,’ Tuesday, May 16, 2006, <,http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/L/Joshua.M.Landis-1/syriablog/2006/05/qubaysi-womens-islamic-movement-by.htm>}

Munirah Al Qubaysi is a woman who is difficult to meet, surrounded by the shadow of many secrets as well as many illnesses - both physical and metaphysical. She holds exclusive meetings in secret which are strictly for chosen members. The lajnah ad-daaimah [The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Islamic verdicts] has issued a verdict against this dangerous organization, the reasons for which will shortly follow.

As is well known, the Syrian government is very wary of influential Islamic groups and organizations forming which have the potential to politically ‘Islamize’ the people, which in turn could result in the destabilization of their power. This is why they are very quick to contain and ban such groups - but not the Qubaysiyaat. In fact, this group is backed by the government and in an article it states that their most prominent characteristic is: "their keeping away from politics, whether in support of or against the regime. The group has not been involved in any act against the country." ^Ibid

Her Followers

Her preachers known as ‘Anseh’, tend to come from the educated upper classes. They show up at their meetings in expensive black cars, well dressed and well spoken, with an air of authority that leaves audiences spellbound. ^{Lina Sinjab, ‘Syrian Islamic revival has woman’s touch,’ Saturday 28th November 2009, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7710822.stm}

In fact the "Sisters" are always eager to win over women with high positions, rich women and daughters of big families in order to accustom them to the group. ^{Ibrahim Hamidi, ‘ The Qubaysi Women’s Islamic Movement,’ Tuesday, May 16, 2006, <,http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/L/Joshua.M.Landis-1/syriablog/2006/05/qubaysi-womens-islamic-movement-by.htm>} A girl, thought to be serious about her faith may be invited by a relative or a school friend to attend a meeting.

Those who join the Qubaysiyaat are required to wear a specific dress code; in wikipedia it says:

In order to be distinguished as ‘Al Qubaysiyaat’ members, her followers wear a distinctive style of dress. Their Hijaab is tied with a large knot under their chin, buttoned overcoats coming down the mid-shin level, and thick brown panty-hose.

The color of the hijab and overcoat vary with the specific members rank, with members of higher rank wearing dark blue hijabs and overcoats and those lower rank wearing white hijabs and beige overcoats (those of intermediate rank often wear light-blue hijabs).

In another article it states:

As girls and women progress in their study of Islam and gain stature within the group, the color of their scarves changes. New members wear white ones, usually with long khaki colored coats…Later they graduate to wearing navy blue scarves with a navy coat. At the final stage the sheikha may grant them permission to cover themselves completely in black. ^{Katherine Zoepf, ‘Islamic Revival In Syria Is Led By Women,’ August 29, 2006, <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/29/world/middleeast/29syria.html?_r=2&oref=slogin>}

Furthermore, another peculiar trait of this organization is that they rely heavily on secrecy in their Islamic call and do not explain the facts about their creed and ideas until the new member has spent a long time within their group.

I am sure you must be in wonder of their hidden beliefs – what it entails and how dangerous it actually is, well…

Dangerous Beliefs

Outwardly, for Muslims this movement may come across as the answer to the growing need of da’wah [Islamic Propagation] amongst Muslim Women. Sadly, many are oblivious of the dangerous and detrimental beliefs within the a’qeedah [creed] of the Qubaysiyaat. When a member reaches a high level of trust is when the Qubayisyaat reveal secrets to her. This is why many of the following facts are hidden from the general public. However, as this cult is increasingly emerging, their secrets are also beginning to slip.

Ibn Arabi and Al Hallaj

‘According to this study, Ibn-Arabi and Al-Hallaj [ancient Arab Sophists] are held in high esteem by them. Their Belief stresses that one should not dispute the Shaykhah [female shaykh] and that loving her is part of the love for the Messenger of God [Muhammad (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam)]. The member is seen to be just a body created by God for love and devotion to "The Miss" [Al-Anisah, alluding to Munirah al-Qubaysi].’ ^{Ibrahim Hamidi, ‘ The Qubaysi Women’s Islamic Movement,’ Tuesday, May 16, 2006, <,http://faculty-staff.ou.edu/L/Joshua.M.Landis-1/syriablog/2006/05/qubaysi-womens-islamic-movement-by.htm>}

All those acquainted with the lives and beliefs of both Ibn Arabi and Al-Hallaj would be very worried with the idea of an organization such  the Qubaysiyaat adhering to the beliefs and teachings of these two misguided individuals. For both of them believe Allah (a'zza wa jall) is in everything and everything surrounding us is a manifestation of His being. For example, Ibn Arabi said, “Every object of worship is a manifestation of Al-Haqq [The Truth i.e. Allah]”. And that is why he thought that even the idols were a manifestation of Allah! The great scholar who has written one of the most famous commentaries on Saheeh Bukhari, Shaykh Ibn Hajr Al Asqalaani, wrote: ‘Some confusing words of Ibn ‘Arabi were mentioned to our master Shaykh al-Islam Siraaj al-Deen al-Balqeeni, and he was asked about Ibn ‘Arabi. Our Shaykh al-Balqeeni said: he is a kaafir [disbeliever].’^{‘Aqeedah Ibn ‘Arabi wa Hayaatuhu by Taqiy al-Deen al-Faasi p. 39} And many of Ibn Arabi’s books are a testimony to this fact.

As for Al-Hallaaj, he was a trickster and cheat; his beliefs were close to Christian beliefs and he preached a similar message to them.  He traveled to many places, including Makkah, Khurasaan and India, it was in India that he learnt sihr (magic and witchcraft). In fact, he deceived many ignorant people by means of magic and tricks. People became attracted to his falsehood and actually became deluded into thinking he was from amongst the greatest of Awliyaa’ (close friends or “saints”) of Allah.  After much travelling he finally settled in Baghdad, where he was executed in 309 AH. It was proven by his own confession, as well as other sources, that he was a disbeliever and a heretic. Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “We do not know of anyone among the Leaders [Imams] of the Muslims who spoke well of Al-Hallaaj, neither among the scholars nor among the Shaykhs. But some of the people did not comment on him because they did not know about him.”^{Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmoo’ al-Fataawa, 2/483}

For Al Qubaysiyaa, to venerate and hold in high esteem the likes of such heretics is, in itself, a proof of their misguidance.

Blind Following

In the past and up to this present day, we see how many people have been trapped in satan’s web as satan has used this excessive love for their Shayookh [teachers] as a means to make them fall into the great abyss of shirk, associating partners with Allah, the One, the Eternal. This is because they give preference to the words of their teacher over that of the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the words of his Noble Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him). Some followers go as far as believing their ‘Shaykh’ knows the unseen is always present with them, along with the fact that they have a hand in governing the affairs of the whole universe.

The women of Al-Qubaysiyaat consider obedience to their Shaykhah, Munirah Al-Qubaysi, as obedience to Allah. For, whoever joins the group has no choice but to love her unconditionally - which is part of their creed and teachings. What is meant by ‘unconditionally’ is that they are not allowed to question what she says or does, even if it goes against the words of Allah and his Rasool (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam). That is why they say, ‘Whoever does not have a Shaykh, then his Shaykh is the satan’ and, ‘Whoever does not benefit from the etiquette of the murabbee [teacher], then the Qur’an and Sunnah will not benefit him’, moreover, ‘Whoever says to his Shaykh ‘no’ then he will never succeed.’

One concocted proverb of the Qubaysiyaat is, ‘There is no knowledge of and no means towards Allah without a murabiyyah [which refers to a woman who nurtures and refines her student i.e. a Shaykhah].’ ^{Fawzia Al-Khaliwi, ‘Al Qubaysiyaat….Tandheem Khateer Tujhhiluhu Al Nisaa,’ http://www.saaid.net/daeyat/fauzea/18.htm} All of these statements are invalid and contradict the clear texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah, for in Allah’s hand is guidance and he guides to the straight path whomever he wishes and however his wishes –whether it be by means of a Shaykh, or otherwise. Laying down such conditions of blind obedience clearly goes against the principles and legislation of Islam. There is no other, we as Muslims should accept the word of unquestioningly, except that of the Noble Messenger’s (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam). I do not claim this out of my own opinion or desires, but Allah the Almighty, the Glorious and the Swift in Taking into Account says:

{And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad) gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) and fear Allâh. Verily, Allah is Severe In punishment.} ^{Surat Al Hashr [59]:7}

{Nor does He speak of (his own) desire, it is Only an inspiration that is inspired.} ^{Al Najm [53]:3-4}

Other than the Noble Messenger (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam), all those who come after him, are receptive of being in error and this was the understanding of the Muslims in the time of the Prophet (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) and the righteous who followed in their footsteps.

The paternal cousin and Companion of the Noble Messenger of Allah (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) who was an authority in tafsir [exegesis] and Sunnah, Ibn A’bbas, said, “There is no-one except [both] knowledge is taken from him and [is also] left from him, except the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam).” [Tabarani]

Imaam Maalik, the great scholar of Madinah said, “Truly I am only a mortal:  I make mistakes (sometimes) and I am correct (sometimes). Therefore, look into my opinions: all that agrees with the Book and the Sunnah, accept it; and all that does not agree with the Book and the Sunnah, ignore it." ^{Ibn 'Abdul Barr in Jaami' Bayaan al-'Ilm (2/32), Ibn Hazm, quoting from the former in Usool al-Ahkaam (6/149), and similarly Al-Fulaani (p. 72)} Furthermore, when Imaam Maalik was sitting in Madinah, he pointed towards the grave of the Noble Messenger (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) and said, “Everyone, [his] word is [either] taken or left, except the person of this grave, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.”^{As-Sakhaawi in AlMaqaasid Al Husnah}

This shows that it doesn’t matter who it is, how much knowledge they have or whether or not they claim to have ‘spiritual’ powers [even if they fly in the air!], it is prohibited for us to blindly follow misguidance of teachings opposing the teaching of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah (a'zza wa jall) says:  {And let those who oppose the Messenger's (Muhammad) Commandment (i.e. his Sunnah legal ways, orders, acts of worship, statements, etc among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant, etc.) befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them.}^{An-Noor [24]:63}

Lajnah Ad-Daaimah [The Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Islamic verdicts] have issued the following verdict:

‘As for other than the Prophet (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam), regardless of whatever level of knowledge he has attained, his word is not accepted unless and until it conforms to the Qur’aan and Sunnah. And whosoever thinks that it is waajib [binding] to obey anyone other than the Prophet (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) completely, without questioning [such as oppositions to the Qur’aan and Sunnah], then he has apostatized [left the fold of Islaam] because Allah (a'zza wa jall) says:

{They (Jews and Christians) took their rabbis and their monks to be their lords besides Allâh, and (They also took as their Lord) Messiah, son of Maryam (Mary), while they (Jews and Christians) were commanded [in the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)) to Worship none but one Ilaah (God – Allâh), none has the Right to be worshipped but He. Praise and Glory be to him, (far above is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him).}^{Al Tawbah [9]:31}

The scholars have explained this verse by saying that they obeyed their rabbis in that which they made permissible and that which they made impermissible [even if it went against the text], as has been narrated in the hadeeth of Adyy ibn Haatim (radhi Allahu a'nhu).’ ^ibid

When Adyy ibn Haatim (radhi Allahu a'nhu) asked the Prophet (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) regarding this verse in Surat Al Tawbah [quoted above], saying: "We don't worship them [i.e. the rabbis]." The Prophet (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) replied: "Do they not forbid what Allah has permitted and do you not then forbid it (to yourselves), and do they not make permissible for you what Allah has forbidden, and do you not then make it permissible (to yourselves)?"Adyy (radhi Allahu a'nhu) replied: "Certainly!" He (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) said: "That is worshipping them."^{Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, who graded it as Hasan}

The reason why Adyy ibn Haatim (radhi Allahu a'nhu) misunderstood the Prophet’s (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) statement is because he thought ‘worshipping’ meant bowing, prostration, supplication, sacrifice and other forms of outward worship. But the Prophet (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) informed him that their obedience to the rabbis and monks in forbidding the permissible and permitting the forbidden was a form of worship, because they had thus made their rabbis and monks partners to Allah in both legislation and obedience.

But sadly for the Qubaysiyaat, above the word of the Noble and Beloved Messenger (sallallahu a'lyhi wa sallam) comes the word of Munirah Al Qubaysi – they may not admit it but as the saying goes ‘actions speak louder than words,’ as we will come to see.

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Related Items

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Part 1: Al Qubaysiyaat: Introduction, who is Muneerah al Qubaysi?,  her followers;  dangerous beliefs (Ibn Arabi and Al Hallaj); blind following.

Part 2: Al Qubaysiyaat: Exaggerated love and devotion;  Statements of the righteous and knowledgeable on innovating.

Part 3: Al Qubaysiyaat: Pantheistic beliefs; Conclusion.

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References

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