Question:-
What is the position of boycotting in Islam? Can the Hadith wherein Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam imposed restrictions on the three Sahaaba that remained behind from participating in Tabuk, be used as a proof for current day boycotting? Please clarify this matter in detail.
Answer:-
Firstly, we need to understand the definition of the term ‘boycott.’ A ‘boycott’ refers to withdrawing from commercial or social relations with a country, organization, or person as a punishment or protest. The withdrawal and the instructions of Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam to withdraw from engaging in any form of communication with the three Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum who did not participate in the battle of Tabuk, was not on the basis of a ‘boycott’ as understood in the western world or defined above.
We should understand that the command of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam will always enjoy superiority and preference over everything in the world. At the time of Tabuk, it was obligatory upon every individual to participate in the battle, and it was the crop harvesting season as well, hence, the difficulty in fulfilling this command of Allah and His Rasul Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The three Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum in question remained behind in Madinah Sharif without a valid Shari’ee excuse as can be understood from the books of Hadith, and they even thought of presenting some excuse before Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam (as the hypocrites would do) on his return from Tabuk, but eventually they spoke the truth. Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam then decided to cut relations with these Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum and eventually instructed the remaining companions to do the same. This was actually a matter of Islaah and spiritual reformation.
The greatest Sheikh of Tasawwuf in the Ummah was none other than Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam, and the greatest disciples were none other than the Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum. The Sheikh, in order to correct and rectify his Mureeds and disciples, is permitted to use various ways and methods with the proviso that it falls within the limits of Shariah. Can we ever imagine that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam would implement such a method that is against Shariah particularly when his entire life was governed by Wahi? Obviously not! It was actually the love of wealth that held certain Sahaaba behind from participating in the battle, and it was this aspect that required rectification.
When the Islaah of these Sahaaba Radiallahu Anhum was completed, Allah Ta’ala Himself granted them glad tidings in the Quraan Sharif and declared that their Taubah was accepted. When their Islaah was done, the love of wealth no longer remained in their hearts and they offered all their wealth (which prevented them from participating in Jihaad) in the path of Allah. In conclusion, this severing of relations was carried out on the basis of spiritual rectification.
This incident can in no way used to prove ‘boycotting’ as understood in this day and age. We haven’t come across any narrations or verses that substantiate boycotting of products so that the Kuffar mend their ways and stop persecuting the Muslims. If the Muslims didn’t have sufficient manpower to fight the Kuffar as was their condition when living in Makkah Sharif, then they were commanded to exercise patience, and when they had sufficient ability to fight the Kuffar as was their condition when they migrated to Madinah Sharif, then they were permitted to fight the Kuffar due to being oppressed. This is the actual way of combating and countering the Kuffar and not by boycotting their products. If 2 billion Muslims in the world boycott their products, then there are another 7 billion Kuffar to support them and purchase their products. So, boycotting is not the actual solution in trying to rectify the ways of the Kuffar. Yes, we do agree that it will affect their turnover to some extent but that is not sufficient enough to prevent their oppression. Taking to streets, boycotting, handing over petitions to the various embassies hasn’t really changed the situation. The actual solution in ridding the bad elements of society is by implementing Jihaad and mending our way of life and becoming practical Muslims.
At the same time, there is no prohibition in avoiding purchase of products of the Kuffar in Islam. In fact, we as Muslims, should support our stores and manufacturers, rather than supporting the Kuffar, as it is the Muslim businessmen that support our Masaajid, Madrasahs, discharge Zakaat, Lillah, Sadaqah etc.
ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai
Date: 19 Rajab 1443 / 21 February 2022
