ISTIHZAA AND ISTIKHFAAF

Istihzaa and Istikhfaaf are two dangerous attitudes which corrupt and eliminate Imaan . Since these corruptive and destructive attitudes are natural consequences of modernity, atheism and materialism, numerous Muslims of our times suffer from these two disastrous spiritual maladies. It is, therefore, imperative to discuss these ailments in some details so that Muslims do not destroy their Imaan , thereby bringing everlasting ruin and damnation on them in the Aakhirah.

Istihzaa means to jest, to mock, to make fool of. In the context of the Shari'ah it means to jest or to mock at any teaching, tenet, belief, concept, advice or exhortation of Islaam

Istikhfaaf means to consider lightly; to regard something as insignificant or of slight significance. In the context of the Shari'ah it means to regard lightly or insignificant any affair, teaching, belief, etc. of the Shari'ah. Istikhfaaf is also known as Istihaanah. The authoritative book on Islaam ic beliefs, Sharhul Aqaa-id, states the following in regard to these evil attitudes.

“Istihaanah is kufr, and Istihzaa of the Shari'ah is kufr because these are signs of rejection (of Islaam).”

“It is similarly kufr if a person laughs with pleasure at a statement of kufr made by another person.”

Every teaching, belief and attitude of Islaam is linked with Allah . Hence, Islaam , its beliefs, practices, teachings, places and personalities are all objects of respect, honour and veneration. The slightest vestige of dishonour and disrespect is, therefore, intolerable. But, in our times Muslims are adversely affected by western and other materialistic cultures and systems of education. Muslims are sacrificing their Imaan under the impact of secularism and materialism. Under the yoke of western education they question, jeer, mock and jest at the beliefs and teachings of Islaam . They discard many of the Sharia's practices and beliefs in an attitude of light-heartedness (istikhfaaf). While even accepting the Deeni beliefs and practices, they consider these of slight significance, hence they feel themselves free to discard and neglect and to jest and jeer the affairs of the Shari'ah. In this attitude they bring destruction to their Imaan . They invite the displeasure and wrath of Allah . They annihilate their salvation of the Aakhirah.

Some will mock and jest with the beard; the Miswaak, the Sunnah way of eating and dressing; some will find fault with Taqdeer; some will discard mustahab and nafl acts because in their opinion such acts are of little importance; some will brand Islaam ic ways, styles and practices as out-dated and incompatible with the times; some make a mockery of the Ahaadith and the authoritative tafseer of the Qur'aan. All of these are acts and attitudes which negate and destroy Imaan . Those who engage in such pernicious pursuits are not Muslims even if they perform Salaat, fast and go for Hajj. Marriage with such people is not permissible.