al-Wala wal-Bara wal-Ada fi al-Islam
- Author died
- -
- Editions
- al-Wala wal-Bara wal-Ada fi al-Islam
al-Wala wal-Bara wal-Ada fi al-Islam (Loyalty, Disavowal, and Enmity in Islam) is a doctrinal treatise written by Abu Faysal al-Badrani examining the Islamic theological principles of allegiance, disavowal, and hostility .
Scope and Purpose
The work was compiled as a treatise addressing issues of loyalty (al-wala'), disavowal (al-bara'), and enmity (al-ada') in Islam in both general and detailed terms, bringing together various topics related to this creedal doctrine . The author frames these principles as essential components of Islamic creed whose proper understanding is indispensable for fulfilling correct allegiance and disavowal in accordance with Islamic law .
Key Themes and Theological Arguments
Foundation in Tawhid
In the introductory section, the book grounds the doctrine of al-wala' and al-bara' in the testimony of monotheism (la ilaha illa Allah), asserting that sound creed cannot exist without establishing legitimate allegiance, disavowal, and enmity . The author explains that the formula of tawhid entails both negation and affirmation:
- It negates false deities (al-alihah), tyrants or false objects of worship (al-tawaghit), rivals set up alongside God (al-andad), and lords taken besides Him (al-arbab) .
- It affirms directing intention (al-qasd) exclusively to God, loving and venerating Him, having fear and hope in Him, and disavowing pre-Islamic judgment and religions other than Islam .
The treatise also reviews the conditions of the testimony of faith required for its validity, such as knowledge (al-ilm) of its negated and affirmed meanings, and certainty (al-yaqin) that dispels doubt .
Distinction Between Disavowal and Enmity
A defining feature of the treatise is its delineation between al-bara' (disavowal) and al-ada' (active enmity) . The author addresses scholarly opinions on these concepts and articulates his preferred view (al-madhhab al-mukhtar):
- Differences among scholars in defining loyalty (al-muwalah) are primarily terminological, as the underlying concepts broadly align .
- While some scholars regard disavowal (al-bara') and enmity (al-mu'adah) as synonymous, the author maintains that they represent distinct legal categories: al-bara' applies to peaceful non-Muslims (al-kafir al-musalim), whereas al-mu'adah specifically pertains to combatants waging war against Islam and Muslims (al-kuffar al-muharibin) .
- Legally and doctrinally, al-wala' is defined as love for God, His Messenger, the religion of Islam, and its Muslim adherents, along with supporting them in their faith, while al-bara' represents its opposite .
Answer updated