Mufti Abu Layth Archive: history/early-succession-and-civil-strifeAnswers on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife, newest recording first.https://muftiabulayth.org/feeds/topics/history-early-succession-and-civil-strife.atom.xml2021-03-16T00:00:00ZMufti Abu Layth Archivepipeline/feeds.pyWho are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/2021-03-16T00:00:00Z2021-03-16T00:00:00ZWho are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?
The Ibadis are an early, less extreme offshoot of the Khawarij who survive today in Oman and, as a small minority, became known for coexistence. Their independence from Sunnis and Shia helps corroborate early history, such as the place of Makkah. Mufti Abu Layth says the Ibadis moved away from extremism as time went by, and suggests that this may just have been adaptation.
Answer from 16 March 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Thoughts on Ibadism | Mufti Abu Layth (at 0:02)
A more recent answer on belief/sectarianism-and-takfir exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 0:02: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYy1_gzEUs&t=2s<p><b>Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</b></p>
<p>The Ibadis are an early, less extreme offshoot of the Khawarij who survive today in Oman and, as a small minority, became known for coexistence. Their independence from Sunnis and Shia helps corroborate early history, such as the place of Makkah. Mufti Abu Layth says the Ibadis moved away from extremism as time went by, and suggests that this may just have been adaptation.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 March 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Thoughts on Ibadism | Mufti Abu Layth (at 0:02)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on belief/sectarianism-and-takfir exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYy1_gzEUs&t=2s">Watch on YouTube at 0:02</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Open the segment</a></p>What actually separates Sunnis and Shia, and is mut'ah really a Shia thing?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/wmzc28plysq/s/2/2021-03-15T00:00:00Z2021-03-15T00:00:00ZWhat actually separates Sunnis and Shia, and is mut'ah really a Shia thing?
The Sunni-Shia split is only about who has the right to rule, the Shia holding it stays in the Prophet's bloodline. Mut'ah and wiping the feet have nothing to do with being Shia; Sunnis used them as propaganda. Mufti Abu Layth says the whole Sunni-Shia split is based on who has the right to rule, the Shia holding that it must remain within the Prophet's sacred bloodline.
Answer from 15 March 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Why isn't Mufti from the Mu'tazilah? | Mufti Abu Layth (at 2:24)
A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 2:24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmzC28PLYSQ&t=144s<p><b>What actually separates Sunnis and Shia, and is mut'ah really a Shia thing?</b></p>
<p>The Sunni-Shia split is only about who has the right to rule, the Shia holding it stays in the Prophet's bloodline. Mut'ah and wiping the feet have nothing to do with being Shia; Sunnis used them as propaganda. Mufti Abu Layth says the whole Sunni-Shia split is based on who has the right to rule, the Shia holding that it must remain within the Prophet's sacred bloodline.</p>
<p>Answer from 15 March 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Why isn't Mufti from the Mu'tazilah? | Mufti Abu Layth (at 2:24)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmzC28PLYSQ&t=144s">Watch on YouTube at 2:24</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/wmzc28plysq/s/2/">Open the segment</a></p>Do I have to believe Umar and Uthman were better than Ali?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/b1ooltqtptw/s/4/2021-03-02T00:00:00Z2021-03-02T00:00:00ZDo I have to believe Umar and Uthman were better than Ali?
No: preferring one close companion over another is a personal preference, and he calls arguing over the ranking childish; treating Ali as infallible is equally wrong. Mufti Abu Layth says that, in his opinion, arguing over which of the Prophet's close companions was better is just childishness.
Answer from 2 March 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #204 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 21:49)
A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 21:49: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1OOltqtPTw&t=1309s<p><b>Do I have to believe Umar and Uthman were better than Ali?</b></p>
<p>No: preferring one close companion over another is a personal preference, and he calls arguing over the ranking childish; treating Ali as infallible is equally wrong. Mufti Abu Layth says that, in his opinion, arguing over which of the Prophet's close companions was better is just childishness.</p>
<p>Answer from 2 March 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #204 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 21:49)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1OOltqtPTw&t=1309s">Watch on YouTube at 21:49</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/b1ooltqtptw/s/4/">Open the segment</a></p>Does Quran 33:40 mean the Prophet's descendants cannot rule?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/--pntsar8ck/s/22/2021-02-16T00:00:00Z2021-02-16T00:00:00ZDoes Quran 33:40 mean the Prophet's descendants cannot rule?
Mufti Abu Layth says 33:40 simply states that the Prophet is not the father of their men but the seal of the prophets; it is not a proof that his descendants may not rule. Mufti Abu Layth says verse 33:40 is not a proof that the Prophet's descendants are not to rule.
Answer from 16 February 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #202| Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:15:00)
A more recent answer on quran/tafsir/contested-verses exists (19 August 2022): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/t0phqrnjjby/s/14/
Watch on YouTube at 1:15:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--PntsaR8ck&t=4500s<p><b>Does Quran 33:40 mean the Prophet's descendants cannot rule?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth says 33:40 simply states that the Prophet is not the father of their men but the seal of the prophets; it is not a proof that his descendants may not rule. Mufti Abu Layth says verse 33:40 is not a proof that the Prophet's descendants are not to rule.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 February 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #202| Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:15:00)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on quran/tafsir/contested-verses exists</b> (19 August 2022): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/t0phqrnjjby/s/14/">Is Quran 22:52 about the satanic verses incident?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--PntsaR8ck&t=4500s">Watch on YouTube at 1:15:00</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/--pntsar8ck/s/22/">Open the segment</a></p>What do you think of Mu'awiya?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/dynujs-dtmu/s/1/2021-02-13T00:00:00Z2021-02-13T00:00:00ZWhat do you think of Mu'awiya?
Mufti Abu Layth highly respects Mu'awiya as a great figure and admires his statesmanship, citing a story of his generosity to a woman who favoured Ali. Mufti Abu Layth says he sees Mu'awiya as a great figure in Islam whom he highly respects.
Answer from 13 February 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Thoughts on Muawiyah? | Mufti Abu Layth (at 0:00)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 0:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYnuJS-DTMU&t=0s<p><b>What do you think of Mu'awiya?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth highly respects Mu'awiya as a great figure and admires his statesmanship, citing a story of his generosity to a woman who favoured Ali. Mufti Abu Layth says he sees Mu'awiya as a great figure in Islam whom he highly respects.</p>
<p>Answer from 13 February 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Thoughts on Muawiyah? | Mufti Abu Layth (at 0:00)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYnuJS-DTMU&t=0s">Watch on YouTube at 0:00</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/dynujs-dtmu/s/1/">Open the segment</a></p>Umayyad, Abbasid and Zubayrid politics behind the recording of historyhttps://muftiabulayth.org/r/ijwbevcc6o8/s/7/2021-02-02T00:00:00Z2021-02-02T00:00:00ZUmayyad, Abbasid and Zubayrid politics behind the recording of history
Mufti Abu Layth argues that rival Umayyad, Abbasid and Zubayrid narratives gave motives to shape reports such as those through Hisham ibn Urwa. Mufti Abu Layth says that the Abbasid movement, when it rose to overthrow the Umayyads, was a Shia movement.
Answer from 2 February 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #200| Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 37:45)
A more recent answer on hadith/false-and-fabricated exists (18 October 2025): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/4/
Watch on YouTube at 37:45: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijwBevcC6o8&t=2265s<p><b>Umayyad, Abbasid and Zubayrid politics behind the recording of history</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth argues that rival Umayyad, Abbasid and Zubayrid narratives gave motives to shape reports such as those through Hisham ibn Urwa. Mufti Abu Layth says that the Abbasid movement, when it rose to overthrow the Umayyads, was a Shia movement.</p>
<p>Answer from 2 February 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #200| Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 37:45)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on hadith/false-and-fabricated exists</b> (18 October 2025): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/4/">Why does Mufti Abu Layth see the Quran-only movement as a reaction of anger?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijwBevcC6o8&t=2265s">Watch on YouTube at 37:45</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/ijwbevcc6o8/s/7/">Open the segment</a></p>Did early Muslims really not count Ali as the fourth rightly guided caliph?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/eo90sv4jvho/s/27/2021-01-05T00:00:00Z2021-01-05T00:00:00ZDid early Muslims really not count Ali as the fourth rightly guided caliph?
Ali is a hero of Islam and preferring him is a personal matter, but he rejects the story of Umar burning Fatima's door and urges moving on. Mufti Abu Layth says that if somebody considers Ali the best of all the companions, to him that is not a problematic statement but a personal preference.
Answer from 5 January 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #196 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 2:05:12)
A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 2:05:48: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo90sV4JVHo&t=7548s<p><b>Did early Muslims really not count Ali as the fourth rightly guided caliph?</b></p>
<p>Ali is a hero of Islam and preferring him is a personal matter, but he rejects the story of Umar burning Fatima's door and urges moving on. Mufti Abu Layth says that if somebody considers Ali the best of all the companions, to him that is not a problematic statement but a personal preference.</p>
<p>Answer from 5 January 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #196 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 2:05:12)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo90sV4JVHo&t=7548s">Watch on YouTube at 2:05:48</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/eo90sv4jvho/s/27/">Open the segment</a></p>What does rightly guided caliph mean, and did Muawiya see Ali as one?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/eo90sv4jvho/s/26/2021-01-05T00:00:00Z2021-01-05T00:00:00ZWhat does rightly guided caliph mean, and did Muawiya see Ali as one?
The term rashidun came later; he thinks Muawiya saw Ali as more pious but himself as the better ruler, and that piety and governing skill rarely coincide. Mufti Abu Layth says that, in his assessment, Muawiya would have thought that from a political perspective he could run the show better than Ali.
Answer from 5 January 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #196 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:57:08)
A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/caliphate exists (13 April 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/8xuhmcz2n3u/s/14/
Watch on YouTube at 1:57:34: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo90sV4JVHo&t=7054s<p><b>What does rightly guided caliph mean, and did Muawiya see Ali as one?</b></p>
<p>The term rashidun came later; he thinks Muawiya saw Ali as more pious but himself as the better ruler, and that piety and governing skill rarely coincide. Mufti Abu Layth says that, in his assessment, Muawiya would have thought that from a political perspective he could run the show better than Ali.</p>
<p>Answer from 5 January 2021 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #196 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:57:08)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/caliphate exists</b> (13 April 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/8xuhmcz2n3u/s/14/">Is it obligatory for Muslims to establish a caliphate?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo90sV4JVHo&t=7054s">Watch on YouTube at 1:57:34</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/eo90sv4jvho/s/26/">Open the segment</a></p>Which civil war did early Muslims mean by 'the fitnah'?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/w6tqwuuumcg/s/2/2020-10-27T00:00:00Z2020-10-27T00:00:00ZWhich civil war did early Muslims mean by 'the fitnah'?
Mufti Abu Layth says it is often unclear which civil war early scholars meant by 'the fitnah', as several upheavals were each called the great one. Mufti Abu Layth says the numbering of the early fitnahs is sometimes quite arbitrary, and not everybody agrees on which they call the greatest.
Answer from 27 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #188 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 7:47)
A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists (10 March 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/
Watch on YouTube at 7:47: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6TqWuUumCg&t=467s<p><b>Which civil war did early Muslims mean by 'the fitnah'?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth says it is often unclear which civil war early scholars meant by 'the fitnah', as several upheavals were each called the great one. Mufti Abu Layth says the numbering of the early fitnahs is sometimes quite arbitrary, and not everybody agrees on which they call the greatest.</p>
<p>Answer from 27 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti #188 | Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted! 😉 | Mufti Abu Layth (at 7:47)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists</b> (10 March 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/">Why was Imam Malik flogged?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6TqWuUumCg&t=467s">Watch on YouTube at 7:47</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/w6tqwuuumcg/s/2/">Open the segment</a></p>Why did Muawiya make Yazid his heir?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/9/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZWhy did Muawiya make Yazid his heir?
Muawiya named Yazid heir while senior companions lived, and Mufti Abu Layth feels his recognition of Ziyad as Abu Sufyan's son was a political move. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels that the recognition of Ziyad as Abu Sufyan's son was a political move.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 29:43)
A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists (10 March 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/
Watch on YouTube at 29:43: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1783s<p><b>Why did Muawiya make Yazid his heir?</b></p>
<p>Muawiya named Yazid heir while senior companions lived, and Mufti Abu Layth feels his recognition of Ziyad as Abu Sufyan's son was a political move. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels that the recognition of Ziyad as Abu Sufyan's son was a political move.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 29:43)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists</b> (10 March 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/">Why was Imam Malik flogged?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1783s">Watch on YouTube at 29:43</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/9/">Open the segment</a></p>Was Muawiya a good ruler?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/8/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZWas Muawiya a good ruler?
Under Muawiya there was stability, expansion and economic growth, helped by Sasanid revenue methods, but Banu Umayya's hold on power was cemented. Mufti Abu Layth says that under Muawiya's rule things were actually very stable, with renewed expansion and an improving economy.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 27:40)
A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists (10 March 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/
Watch on YouTube at 27:40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1660s<p><b>Was Muawiya a good ruler?</b></p>
<p>Under Muawiya there was stability, expansion and economic growth, helped by Sasanid revenue methods, but Banu Umayya's hold on power was cemented. Mufti Abu Layth says that under Muawiya's rule things were actually very stable, with renewed expansion and an improving economy.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 27:40)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists</b> (10 March 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/">Why was Imam Malik flogged?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1660s">Watch on YouTube at 27:40</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/8/">Open the segment</a></p>Why did Hasan ibn Ali give up the caliphate to Muawiya?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/7/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZWhy did Hasan ibn Ali give up the caliphate to Muawiya?
Mufti Abu Layth feels Hasan was the wisest of Ali's family, a diplomat who opposed fighting at Siffin and handed power to Muawiya for peace, fulfilling the hadith on reconciling two factions. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels that of Ali and his two sons Hasan was the wisest, with more insight than his father Ali.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 24:18)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 24:18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1458s<p><b>Why did Hasan ibn Ali give up the caliphate to Muawiya?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth feels Hasan was the wisest of Ali's family, a diplomat who opposed fighting at Siffin and handed power to Muawiya for peace, fulfilling the hadith on reconciling two factions. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels that of Ali and his two sons Hasan was the wisest, with more insight than his father Ali.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 24:18)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1458s">Watch on YouTube at 24:18</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/7/">Open the segment</a></p>Why did the Muslims fight each other at Siffin?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/6/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZWhy did the Muslims fight each other at Siffin?
When Ali tried to remove Uthman's Umayyad governors the old rivalry flared into civil war, and Mufti Abu Layth calls Siffin the point of no return that left Muslims forever divided. Mufti Abu Layth says the battle of Siffin was a point of no return for Muslim history, after which the Muslims became forever divided.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 21:33)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 21:33: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1293s<p><b>Why did the Muslims fight each other at Siffin?</b></p>
<p>When Ali tried to remove Uthman's Umayyad governors the old rivalry flared into civil war, and Mufti Abu Layth calls Siffin the point of no return that left Muslims forever divided. Mufti Abu Layth says the battle of Siffin was a point of no return for Muslim history, after which the Muslims became forever divided.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 21:33)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=1293s">Watch on YouTube at 21:33</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/6/">Open the segment</a></p>Why did Uthman appoint his relatives as governors?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/5/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZWhy did Uthman appoint his relatives as governors?
In Mufti Abu Layth's assessment, Uthman lacked Umar's iron fist for an empire that had doubled, so he relied on his own Umayyad relatives as governors, reviving the old clan rivalry. Mufti Abu Layth says, as his personal assessment, that Uthman did not have the personality Umar had to rule with an iron fist once everything had doubled.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 15:00)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 15:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=900s<p><b>Why did Uthman appoint his relatives as governors?</b></p>
<p>In Mufti Abu Layth's assessment, Uthman lacked Umar's iron fist for an empire that had doubled, so he relied on his own Umayyad relatives as governors, reviving the old clan rivalry. Mufti Abu Layth says, as his personal assessment, that Uthman did not have the personality Umar had to rule with an iron fist once everything had doubled.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 15:00)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=900s">Watch on YouTube at 15:00</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/5/">Open the segment</a></p>How was Abu Bakr chosen as leader after the Prophet died?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/4/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZHow was Abu Bakr chosen as leader after the Prophet died?
Mufti Abu Layth rejects the idea that the companions knew leaders must come from Quraysh, and cites Umar's own words in Bukhari that Abu Bakr's hasty election must not be repeated and leaders should be chosen by shura. Mufti Abu Layth says he does not believe it was known among the companions that the leaders would always be from Quraysh.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 10:40)
A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/caliphate exists (13 April 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/8xuhmcz2n3u/s/14/
Watch on YouTube at 10:40: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=640s<p><b>How was Abu Bakr chosen as leader after the Prophet died?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth rejects the idea that the companions knew leaders must come from Quraysh, and cites Umar's own words in Bukhari that Abu Bakr's hasty election must not be repeated and leaders should be chosen by shura. Mufti Abu Layth says he does not believe it was known among the companions that the leaders would always be from Quraysh.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 10:40)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/caliphate exists</b> (13 April 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/8xuhmcz2n3u/s/14/">Is it obligatory for Muslims to establish a caliphate?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=640s">Watch on YouTube at 10:40</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/4/">Open the segment</a></p>Who were the Shia who invited Husayn to Kufa?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/2/2020-10-16T00:00:00Z2020-10-16T00:00:00ZWho were the Shia who invited Husayn to Kufa?
The Shia who invited Husayn to Kufa were a political faction favouring Ali, not today's sect; a force of perhaps a couple of hundred under Umar ibn Sa'd intercepted him at Karbala. Mufti Abu Layth says that in early Islam Shia was more a political than a theological thing, meaning those who favoured Ali.
Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:50)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 1:50: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=110s<p><b>Who were the Shia who invited Husayn to Kufa?</b></p>
<p>The Shia who invited Husayn to Kufa were a political faction favouring Ali, not today's sect; a force of perhaps a couple of hundred under Umar ibn Sa'd intercepted him at Karbala. Mufti Abu Layth says that in early Islam Shia was more a political than a theological thing, meaning those who favoured Ali.</p>
<p>Answer from 16 October 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Karbala & it's precursors | Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:50)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaBL5ViS3Rg&t=110s">Watch on YouTube at 1:50</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/iabl5vis3rg/s/2/">Open the segment</a></p>Does Abu Bakr's war on Musaylima justify killing someone who claims prophethood?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/tr4-gh0qez4/s/22/2020-08-04T00:00:00Z2020-08-04T00:00:00ZDoes Abu Bakr's war on Musaylima justify killing someone who claims prophethood?
Mufti Abu Layth says Abu Bakr's wars were political and the Prophet never ordered Musaylima killed, so they cannot justify killing a claimant. Mufti Abu Layth says Abu Bakr's campaign against the tribes was a political decision.
Answer from 4 August 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti Abu Layth #176 *Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted!* 🤣 (at 1:47:49)
A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/apostasy-and-blasphemy exists (29 September 2024): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/hmurvu2c9yq/s/2/
Watch on YouTube at 1:47:49: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR4-gh0qEZ4&t=6469s<p><b>Does Abu Bakr's war on Musaylima justify killing someone who claims prophethood?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth says Abu Bakr's wars were political and the Prophet never ordered Musaylima killed, so they cannot justify killing a claimant. Mufti Abu Layth says Abu Bakr's campaign against the tribes was a political decision.</p>
<p>Answer from 4 August 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Monday Nights with Mufti Abu Layth #176 *Q&A Unscripted & Unrestricted!* 🤣 (at 1:47:49)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/apostasy-and-blasphemy exists</b> (29 September 2024): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/hmurvu2c9yq/s/2/">Is someone who says something wrong about the Prophet guilty of blasphemy?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TR4-gh0qEZ4&t=6469s">Watch on YouTube at 1:47:49</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/tr4-gh0qez4/s/22/">Open the segment</a></p>Were the people who refused zakah after the Prophet's death apostates?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/housirokbvu/s/10/2020-04-19T00:00:00Z2020-04-19T00:00:00ZWere the people who refused zakah after the Prophet's death apostates?
The guest says taxes that fund welfare can count as zakah, and that the refusers fought by Abu Bakr were rebels against the state rather than apostates; Mufti Abu Layth says he is inclined to that view.
Answer from 19 April 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Shaykh Kashif Khan | Policing thought, Pornography & Pandora's box | MindTrap with Mufti #15 (at 47:29)
A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/apostasy-and-blasphemy exists (29 September 2024): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/hmurvu2c9yq/s/2/
Watch on YouTube at 47:29: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOusirOkBVU&t=2849s<p><b>Were the people who refused zakah after the Prophet's death apostates?</b></p>
<p>The guest says taxes that fund welfare can count as zakah, and that the refusers fought by Abu Bakr were rebels against the state rather than apostates; Mufti Abu Layth says he is inclined to that view.</p>
<p>Answer from 19 April 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Shaykh Kashif Khan | Policing thought, Pornography & Pandora's box | MindTrap with Mufti #15 (at 47:29)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on fiqh/public-law-and-governance/apostasy-and-blasphemy exists</b> (29 September 2024): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/hmurvu2c9yq/s/2/">Is someone who says something wrong about the Prophet guilty of blasphemy?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOusirOkBVU&t=2849s">Watch on YouTube at 47:29</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/housirokbvu/s/10/">Open the segment</a></p>Was Abu Bakr wrong to refuse Fatima Fadak?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/7/2020-02-28T00:00:00Z2020-02-28T00:00:00ZWas Abu Bakr wrong to refuse Fatima Fadak?
Not in his view: Abu Bakr was right that Fadak was public fay', while Fatima was right that prophets can be inherited from, so both were right from different angles. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels Abu Bakr and Fatima were both right, from different perspectives.
Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 28:19)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 28:19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=1699s<p><b>Was Abu Bakr wrong to refuse Fatima Fadak?</b></p>
<p>Not in his view: Abu Bakr was right that Fadak was public fay', while Fatima was right that prophets can be inherited from, so both were right from different angles. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels Abu Bakr and Fatima were both right, from different perspectives.</p>
<p>Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 28:19)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=1699s">Watch on YouTube at 28:19</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/7/">Open the segment</a></p>Why might Abu Bakr have refused Fatima's claim so quickly?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/6/2020-02-28T00:00:00Z2020-02-28T00:00:00ZWhy might Abu Bakr have refused Fatima's claim so quickly?
Mufti Abu Layth speculates, stressing it is only speculation, that the size of the claim at a time of crisis may have led Abu Bakr to refuse it at once. Mufti Abu Layth speculates, stressing it is pure speculation, that the sheer quantity of Fatima's claim may have led Abu Bakr to deny it instantly.
Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 25:05)
A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists (16 March 2021): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/
Watch on YouTube at 25:05: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=1505s<p><b>Why might Abu Bakr have refused Fatima's claim so quickly?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth speculates, stressing it is only speculation, that the size of the claim at a time of crisis may have led Abu Bakr to refuse it at once. Mufti Abu Layth speculates, stressing it is pure speculation, that the sheer quantity of Fatima's claim may have led Abu Bakr to deny it instantly.</p>
<p>Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 25:05)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/early-succession-and-civil-strife exists</b> (16 March 2021): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vryy1_gzeus/s/1/">Who are the Ibadis and what do you think of Ibadism?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=1505s">Watch on YouTube at 25:05</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/6/">Open the segment</a></p>Why didn't Ali take back Fadak when he became caliph?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/5/2020-02-28T00:00:00Z2020-02-28T00:00:00ZWhy didn't Ali take back Fadak when he became caliph?
Mufti Abu Layth finds it a huge open question that Ali never reclaimed Fadak as caliph, and says the Shia answers he heard did not make sense to him. Mufti Abu Layth says it is a huge question mark that Ali never took Fadak back during his caliphate.
Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 19:52)
A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists (10 March 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/
Watch on YouTube at 19:52: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=1192s<p><b>Why didn't Ali take back Fadak when he became caliph?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth finds it a huge open question that Ali never reclaimed Fadak as caliph, and says the Shia answers he heard did not make sense to him. Mufti Abu Layth says it is a huge question mark that Ali never took Fadak back during his caliphate.</p>
<p>Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 19:52)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on history/umayyads-and-abbasids exists</b> (10 March 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/vhqvm47pns0/s/12/">Why was Imam Malik flogged?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=1192s">Watch on YouTube at 19:52</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/5/">Open the segment</a></p>Who was right about Fadak, Fatima or Abu Bakr?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/4/2020-02-28T00:00:00Z2020-02-28T00:00:00ZWho was right about Fadak, Fatima or Abu Bakr?
Both, in his view: Fatima was right that prophets can be inherited from, but Fadak was fay' belonging to the public, so Abu Bakr was right to keep it under the state. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels Fatima was right from the perspective of inheritance, since the Quran suggests prophets do inherit.
Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 16:39)
A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 16:39: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=999s<p><b>Who was right about Fadak, Fatima or Abu Bakr?</b></p>
<p>Both, in his view: Fatima was right that prophets can be inherited from, but Fadak was fay' belonging to the public, so Abu Bakr was right to keep it under the state. Mufti Abu Layth says he feels Fatima was right from the perspective of inheritance, since the Quran suggests prophets do inherit.</p>
<p>Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 16:39)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=999s">Watch on YouTube at 16:39</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/4/">Open the segment</a></p>Why did Abu Bakr refuse to give Fadak to Fatima?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/3/2020-02-28T00:00:00Z2020-02-28T00:00:00ZWhy did Abu Bakr refuse to give Fadak to Fatima?
Abu Bakr cited the hadith that prophets leave no inheritance; Shia sources say Fadak had been gifted to Fatima, while Sunni sources say the Prophet did not give it to her.
Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: quoted view (stated in order to be discussed, not necessarily held)
Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 10:15)
A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 10:15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=615s<p><b>Why did Abu Bakr refuse to give Fadak to Fatima?</b></p>
<p>Abu Bakr cited the hadith that prophets leave no inheritance; Shia sources say Fadak had been gifted to Fatima, while Sunni sources say the Prophet did not give it to her.</p>
<p>Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: quoted view (stated in order to be discussed, not necessarily held)</p>
<p>Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 10:15)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=615s">Watch on YouTube at 10:15</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/3/">Open the segment</a></p>What was Fadak and why did it matter?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/2/2020-02-28T00:00:00Z2020-02-28T00:00:00ZWhat was Fadak and why did it matter?
Fadak was fertile land near Khaybar that came to the Prophet as fay', without war, and he used its produce for travellers, his household and public needs. Mufti Abu Layth says Fadak came to the Prophet as fay', land obtained through a truce rather than through war.
Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 4:33)
A more recent answer on quran/tafsir exists (18 October 2025): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/30/
Watch on YouTube at 4:33: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=273s<p><b>What was Fadak and why did it matter?</b></p>
<p>Fadak was fertile land near Khaybar that came to the Prophet as fay', without war, and he used its produce for travellers, his household and public needs. Mufti Abu Layth says Fadak came to the Prophet as fay', land obtained through a truce rather than through war.</p>
<p>Answer from 28 February 2020 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Fadak between Fatima (r) & Abu Bakr (r) Detailed Overview | Mufti Abu Layth (at 4:33)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on quran/tafsir exists</b> (18 October 2025): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/30/">Why are two of the daily prayers recited silently when 17:110 says not to be silent?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51Qevhjqnt4&t=273s">Watch on YouTube at 4:33</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/51qevhjqnt4/s/2/">Open the segment</a></p>Is it okay to criticise the companions of the Prophet?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/ahty-xxh79g/s/1/2019-09-19T00:00:00Z2019-09-19T00:00:00ZIs it okay to criticise the companions of the Prophet?
Mufti Abu Layth advises most people to view the companions with veneration, but says anyone who chooses critical, academic study must apply it to every companion, Ali included, rather than selectively. Mufti Abu Layth says one may either venerate the companions or study them critically as fully human, that critical study must then apply equally to every companion including Ali, and that he personally advises people to take the venerating approach.
Answer from 19 September 2019 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Can we criticise the companions of the Prophet (s) | Mufti Abu Layth (at 0:00)
A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists (22 February 2023): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/
Watch on YouTube at 1:19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhTy-xxH79g&t=79s<p><b>Is it okay to criticise the companions of the Prophet?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth advises most people to view the companions with veneration, but says anyone who chooses critical, academic study must apply it to every companion, Ali included, rather than selectively. Mufti Abu Layth says one may either venerate the companions or study them critically as fully human, that critical study must then apply equally to every companion including Ali, and that he personally advises people to take the venerating approach.</p>
<p>Answer from 19 September 2019 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Can we criticise the companions of the Prophet (s) | Mufti Abu Layth (at 0:00)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/sunni-shia-dialogue exists</b> (22 February 2023): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/mofs_0ugn4e/s/7/">Should Sunnis preach to Shia Muslims about what they get wrong?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhTy-xxH79g&t=79s">Watch on YouTube at 1:19</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/ahty-xxh79g/s/1/">Open the segment</a></p>Are the hadith about the khilafah authentic?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/4wuwtjqamx0/s/3/2018-09-03T00:00:00Z2018-09-03T00:00:00ZAre the hadith about the khilafah authentic?
Mufti Abu Layth says every hadith about the khilafah is fabricated, since the notion did not exist in the Prophet's lifetime and the Companions did not know them. Mufti Abu Layth says every hadith about the khilafah is fabricated.
Answer from 3 September 2018 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: Response to Abdullah al Andalusi (at 12:04)
A more recent answer on hadith/false-and-fabricated exists (18 October 2025): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/4/
Watch on YouTube at 12:04: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WUwTJQAmx0&t=724s<p><b>Are the hadith about the khilafah authentic?</b></p>
<p>Mufti Abu Layth says every hadith about the khilafah is fabricated, since the notion did not exist in the Prophet's lifetime and the Companions did not know them. Mufti Abu Layth says every hadith about the khilafah is fabricated.</p>
<p>Answer from 3 September 2018 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: Response to Abdullah al Andalusi (at 12:04)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on hadith/false-and-fabricated exists</b> (18 October 2025): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/4/">Why does Mufti Abu Layth see the Quran-only movement as a reaction of anger?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WUwTJQAmx0&t=724s">Watch on YouTube at 12:04</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/4wuwtjqamx0/s/3/">Open the segment</a></p>Solomon's ninety women, the rich held back from paradise, Fatima angry with Abu Bakrhttps://muftiabulayth.org/r/x6sffyrljey/s/5/2018-08-30T00:00:00Z2018-08-30T00:00:00ZSolomon's ninety women, the rich held back from paradise, Fatima angry with Abu Bakr
The reports of Solomon's ninety women, the rich held back from paradise and Fatima dying angry with Abu Bakr are all in Bukhari, and he calls the first disgusting and disrespectful to a prophet. Mufti Abu Layth says the Bukhari report of Solomon vowing to sleep with ninety women and being punished with a disabled child for not saying 'if Allah wills' is disgusting and disrespectful to a prophet of God.
Answer from 30 August 2018 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: BukhariGate Part 1: Sahih Bukhari is NOT so Sahih -Mufti Abu Layth (at 28:02)
A more recent answer on hadith/bukhari exists (18 October 2025): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/10/
Watch on YouTube at 28:02: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6SfFYRljeY&t=1682s<p><b>Solomon's ninety women, the rich held back from paradise, Fatima angry with Abu Bakr</b></p>
<p>The reports of Solomon's ninety women, the rich held back from paradise and Fatima dying angry with Abu Bakr are all in Bukhari, and he calls the first disgusting and disrespectful to a prophet. Mufti Abu Layth says the Bukhari report of Solomon vowing to sleep with ninety women and being punished with a disabled child for not saying 'if Allah wills' is disgusting and disrespectful to a prophet of God.</p>
<p>Answer from 30 August 2018 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: BukhariGate Part 1: Sahih Bukhari is NOT so Sahih -Mufti Abu Layth (at 28:02)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on hadith/bukhari exists</b> (18 October 2025): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/10/">Why did Mufti Abu Layth challenge hadith in BukhariGate, and can the Prophet be called the most beloved of creation?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6SfFYRljeY&t=1682s">Watch on YouTube at 28:02</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/x6sffyrljey/s/5/">Open the segment</a></p>How could fabricated hadith have crept into mainstream Islam?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/nhzyu3bkbwe/s/22/2018-03-13T00:00:00Z2018-03-13T00:00:00ZHow could fabricated hadith have crept into mainstream Islam?
Fear of questioning drives the backlash; Mufti Abu Layth says the murder of Uthman, Karbala, the sack of Madinah and the catapulting of the Kaaba all happened within decades, long before hadith were documented, so corruption of reports was possible.
Answer from 13 March 2018 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: general teaching
Recording: PRELUDE: Why There Is NO 2nd Coming Of Jesus (as) In Islam- Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:22:57)
A more recent answer on hadith/false-and-fabricated exists (18 October 2025): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/4/
Watch on YouTube at 1:24:13: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHzYu3BKBWE&t=5053s<p><b>How could fabricated hadith have crept into mainstream Islam?</b></p>
<p>Fear of questioning drives the backlash; Mufti Abu Layth says the murder of Uthman, Karbala, the sack of Madinah and the catapulting of the Kaaba all happened within decades, long before hadith were documented, so corruption of reports was possible.</p>
<p>Answer from 13 March 2018 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: general teaching</p>
<p>Recording: PRELUDE: Why There Is NO 2nd Coming Of Jesus (as) In Islam- Mufti Abu Layth (at 1:22:57)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on hadith/false-and-fabricated exists</b> (18 October 2025): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/4/">Why does Mufti Abu Layth see the Quran-only movement as a reaction of anger?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHzYu3BKBWE&t=5053s">Watch on YouTube at 1:24:13</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/nhzyu3bkbwe/s/22/">Open the segment</a></p>Did the Prophet migrate to Madinah to set up a state, and when did the khilafah end?https://muftiabulayth.org/r/ij2ml87ptrs/s/2/2017-09-09T00:00:00Z2017-09-09T00:00:00ZDid the Prophet migrate to Madinah to set up a state, and when did the khilafah end?
The guest says the Prophet left Makkah because he was forced out, not to found a state, and the khilafah rashidah ended with Ali, after which Umayyads and Abbasids were kings in all but name. The Quranic promise of khilafah was for the first generation only, and the 1924 abolition ended a powerless kingship, not a khilafah.
Answer from 9 September 2017 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors
Kind: quoted view (stated in order to be discussed, not necessarily held)
Recording: Should Muslims Establish Khilafah - Shaykh Akram Nadwi & Mufti Abu Layth (at 2:10)
A more recent answer on dialogue/guest-conversations exists (18 October 2025): https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/32/
Watch on YouTube at 2:10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ2ml87pTrs&t=130s<p><b>Did the Prophet migrate to Madinah to set up a state, and when did the khilafah end?</b></p>
<p>The guest says the Prophet left Makkah because he was forced out, not to found a state, and the khilafah rashidah ended with Ali, after which Umayyads and Abbasids were kings in all but name. The Quranic promise of khilafah was for the first generation only, and the 1924 abolition ended a powerless kingship, not a khilafah.</p>
<p>Answer from 9 September 2017 · auto-transcribed, may contain errors</p>
<p>Kind: quoted view (stated in order to be discussed, not necessarily held)</p>
<p>Recording: Should Muslims Establish Khilafah - Shaykh Akram Nadwi & Mufti Abu Layth (at 2:10)</p>
<p><b>A more recent answer on dialogue/guest-conversations exists</b> (18 October 2025): <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/onzjd7xmdhe/s/32/">How should Muslims engage people with very different views of the religion?</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ2ml87pTrs&t=130s">Watch on YouTube at 2:10</a> · <a href="https://muftiabulayth.org/r/ij2ml87ptrs/s/2/">Open the segment</a></p>