COUNTERING GHULU (EXAGGERATION)

[Taqavi]

How can Ghulu (exaggeration) be countered?

 

Ghulu (extremism in religious beliefs) is a major problem that can cause religious and social harm in society. To counter this phenomenon, attention to Islamic teachings, the use of rational principles, and following the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) offer effective solutions.  In the following, methods of countering Ghulu will be discussed in simple language:

1.    Following the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) as the best model

The best way to counter Ghulu is to follow and act upon the sayings and behavior of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and to take them as role models.  As the Prophet (SAW) said: “They are with the truth, and the truth is with them,”[1]

Imam Ali (AS) says:

No one from this Ummah can be compared to the Ahl al-Bayt of Muhammad (SAW), and no one whose blessings have been bestowed because of Ahl al-Bayt (AS) can ever be equated with them. They are the foundation of religion and the pillar of certainty. Whoever exaggerates must return to them, and whoever lags behind must join them. [2]

Imam Reza (AS) also says:

We, the family of Muhammad (SAW), are on the middle path, which the exaggerators do not comprehend and the laggards do not surpass. [3]

Imam Baqir (AS) says:

Go to the east and west; but you will not find correct knowledge except what comes from us, the Ahl al-Bayt. [4]

Therefore, following and taking the Imams (AS) as role models will prevent believers from extremism and will guide them onto the “straight path.”

2.    Correct religious education

One of the most important ways to counter exaggeration is through principled and correct religious education. When people have a correct understanding of the fundamental beliefs and laws, they are less likely to fall into exaggeration or laxity.

Imam Ali (AS) says: O people, the perfection of religion is in the pursuit of knowledge and acting upon it, and be aware that acquiring knowledge is more obligatory than seeking wealth. [5] Correct learning and understanding of religion can prevent individuals from falling into the trap of exaggeration.

3.    Emphasis on Moderation and Balance

The Holy Quran and the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) have always invited Muslims to moderation and balance in beliefs and actions; the holy Quran stated: "وَكَذَٰلِكَ جَعَلْنَاكُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطًا",[6] And thus We have made you a middle nation; In explaining this verse, Imam Baqir (AS) says: We are the most moderate group, as Allah says in this verse: "وَ كَذلِكَ جَعَلْناکُمْ أُمَّةً وَسَطاً"; he who has risen too high [gone beyond the truth] must return to us [who are in the middle], and he who has fallen behind must reach us. [7]

This emphasis on "moderation" is the best approach to prevent exaggeration. Moderation in beliefs and lifestyle keeps Muslims from deviating towards extremism or laxity.

4.    Scientific and Logical Criticism of Beliefs

Paying attention to scientific criticism and logical analysis of beliefs is also very effective in confronting exaggeration; in the book Al-Fusul Al-Mukhtara by Al-Shaykh al-Mufīd, many discussions are presented about criticizing extremist beliefs and providing logical reasons for refuting them; [8] this approach helps clarify the truth and prevent misleading.

5.    Warning and Caution against Exaggeration

The Infallibles (AS) always explicitly warned people against falling into the trap of exaggeration. For example, Imam Ali (AS) said:

"Two groups will be destroyed concerning me: one, enemies who will exaggerate in hatred and enmity, and the other, friends who will exaggerate in their love for me and go beyond the limit." [9]

These words show that even love for the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) should not exceed the limits of moderation, as excessive love can also be harmful.

In a narration from Imam Sadiq (AS), it is also mentioned that he forbade praying behind an exaggerator. [10] These prohibitions double the importance of knowing the correct path and acting in moderation.

6.    Disavowal and Confrontation with Exaggerators

In many cases, the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) even distanced themselves from exaggerators and explicitly expressed their disapproval of them.

Imam Ali (AS) said:

“O Allah, I hate the extremists, just as Jesus, son of Mary, hated the extremists among the Christians. O Allah, forsake them forever and do not help any of them!”[11]

The other Imams of the Household of Prophethood also strongly rejected the exaggerators. [12]

7.    The Role of Enemies in Creating Excess

Some extremist and deviant currents stem from the plots of enemies to destroy the image of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS). The enemies of religion, by fabricating exaggerated statements about the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) and attributing them to the Imams (AS), sought to mislead people and distance them from the Ahl al-Bayt (AS).

Imam Reza (AS) clearly states: 

“Our opponents have fabricated stories about our virtues and categorized them into three types: first, exaggeration; second, laxity regarding our status; and third, a direct mention of the faults of our enemies. When people hear the exaggerations about us, they label our followers as infidels and accuse them of believing in our divinity. When they encounter the laxity, they begin to believe it applies to us. And when they hear explicit mention of our enemies’ faults, they insult us by name.” [13]

Therefore, recognizing these plots and being aware of the source of extremist beliefs is another way to combat exaggeration.

8.    Use of Media and Communication Tools

In today's world, communication tools can play an important role in enlightenment and awareness.  Publishing articles, holding discussion sessions, and using social networks to promote correct religious viewpoints can help reduce exaggeration, as the recommendation of the Holy Quran is the same; the Quran says in one place: "Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel and argue with them in a way that is best;" [14] and in another place it says: "And there should be among you a group who invite to good, enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong. And it is they who are successful." [15]

Conclusion

In summary, by utilizing proper religious education, following the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS), promoting moderation, scientific analysis, etc., we can avoid exaggeration and extremism in religious beliefs and move towards moderation and balance in religion, creating a balanced, aware society free from religious extremism and excess.

 

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[1] . Ali (AS) ma’a al-haqq wa al-haqq ma’a Ali (AS): Abū Ma’āsh, Sa’īd, Vol: 1,

P: 51.

[2] . Nahj al-Balagha: Imam Ali (AS), sermon 2.

[3] . Al-Kafi: Sheikh Al-Kulayni Vol: 1 P: 101.

[4] . Ibid.: P: 399.

[5] . Tuḥaf al-'Uqūl: Ibn Sha'ba al-Hārānī, Vol:1, P:199.

[6] . Al-Baqarah: 143.

[7] . Bihar al-Anwar: Al-Allameh al-Majlisi, Vol: 23, P: 349.

[8] . Al-Fusul al-Mukhtara: Al-Shaykh al-Mufīd.

[9] . Nahj al-Balagha: Imam Ali (AS), Hikmat 117. / Bihar al-Anwar: al-Allamah al-Majlisi; Vol: 34, P:  307.

[10] . Tahdhib Al-Ahkam: Sheikh Tusi, Vol. 3, p. 31.

[11] . Al-Amali: Sheikh Tusi Vol. 1 Page: 650.

[12] . For further reading refer to the book "Ahlul Bayt (AS) in the Quran and Hadith" under the title “Ahlul Bayt’s Dislike of Exaggerators”: Ahlul Bayt (AS) in the Quran and Hadith: Mohammadi Rayshahri, Muhammad, Vol. 2, p. 810.

[13] . Uyun Akhbar Al-Ridha (AS): Sheikh Al-Saduq, Vol: 1, P: 304.

[14] . An-Nahl: 125.

[15] . Al-Imran: 104