Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
stated:
Hidden knowledge is the
doctrine of the Baatiniyyah among the Ismaa’iliyyah and others who say that the
texts (of the Qur’aan and Sunnah) have apparent and hidden meanings. None knows
the hidden meanings except their leaders while the masses only know the
apparent. They say that Salaah only means supplication and whoever supplicates
have performed Salaah. According to them it does not mean the five daily
prayers or supererogatory prayers.
Similarly, they say the
meaning of Zakaah is purification and cleansing of the soul and not Zakaah on
property. They also say that the meaning of Siyaam (fasting) is concealing
their secrets and school of thought. Consequently, they are called the secret
organizations. They also say that Hajj (pilgrimage) is going to their Shaykhs,
and not going to the House of Allaah to perform Hajj and ‘Umrah…
This doctrine of hidden
knowledge is an innovation in the religion and misguidance from the truth. Knowledge
cannot be acquired except through learning from God-fearing scholars. Consequently,
Ibn Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
“Ignorance
is a deadly disease. And its cure is in two things set in agreement: a text
from the Qur’an or Sunnah and a doctor, who is a God fearing scholar.”
This is knowledge. Knowledge is
not taste and inspiration, not hidden knowledge according to the Baatiniyyah. Knowledge
is only what has come from Allah, His Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and
what the companions of Allah’s Messenger said. This is knowledge, and whatever
is out of it is ignorance and misguidance and knowledge nor guidance.
Source: A
Gift to the Reader in Annotation of Sharh As-Sunnah, vol. 2, 188-189 by
Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, transl. by Abdus-Sami Abdu-Salam, published by Dar Makkah International
