In a recent social media interaction that has garnered attention, a question posed to Saudi religious scholar Shaikh Assim Al-Hakeem sparked controversy.
The discussion began when an X user, Bila, shared images of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, querying whether prostrating at a Sufi saint’s shrine constitutes polytheism. Al-Hakeem, an active social media figure particularly known on X (formerly Twitter) for addressing religious queries, was visibly perturbed by the inclusion of the photos.
Al-Hakeem, known for his pleasant demeanour and whose responses often go viral, expressed dissatisfaction with the user’s approach. He criticized the use of an 8-year-old photograph, suggesting that the underlying motive of the question was political rather than theological. Al-Hakeem emphasized that the issue could have been raised without attaching any personal images, indicating that the intent seemed more aligned with discrediting a political figure rather than seeking genuine religious guidance.
In his response, Al-Hakeem cautioned against declaring someone a non-believer (takfir), a practice he associated with the Kharijites, an early sectarian movement known for their extreme views. He outlined that such declarations should not be made lightly, as specific conditions and barriers must be met, which were not applicable in this scenario.
Advising the user, Al-Hakeem remarked, “You should fear Allah, and when you hate someone, fight like a man and not use such dirty cheap tactics, trying to use Islam and religious rulings to support your party when you yourself most likely don’t even know the basics of Islam nor care about Islam or even the county!”
He urged the individuals to fear Allah and criticized them for attempting to manipulate religious commandments for political gain. He accused the user of lacking fundamental Islamic knowledge and of being indifferent to the well-being of their country, religion, or its commandments.
The images in question were taken during Imran Khan’s visit to the Data Darbar in Lahore, accompanied by his wife, Bushra Bibi. They were seen prostrating at the shrine’s threshold.
Shaikh Assim Al-Hakeem’s response highlights the complex interplay of religion and politics in public discourse, particularly on platforms like social media, where such discussions can quickly escalate and become contentious.
