Hajjaj Bin Yusuf

QUESTION:

What should our opinion be regarding the Imaan of Hajjaj bin Yusuf? If we consider him Muslim, are we allowed to criticize his actions toward Abdullah bin Zubair Radiallahu Anhu?

ANSWER:

With regards to Hajjaj bin Yusuf, his oppression has been mentioned in many books. However, keeping into consideration the following Ayaat and Ahaadith, one should still adopt silence regarding him as well. After all, what benefit will one get from swearing him now? Allah Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’an:

تِلْكَ أُمَّةٌۭ قَدْ خَلَتْ ۖ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَلَكُم مَّا كَسَبْتُمْ ۖ وَلَا تُسْـَٔلُونَ عَمَّا كَانُوا۟ يَعْمَلُونَ

“That was a nation which has passed on. It will have [the consequence of] what it earned, and you will have what you have earned. And you will not be asked about what they used to do.”

وَلَا تَزِرُ وَازِرَةٌۭ وِزْرَ أُخْرَىٰ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىٰ رَبِّكُم مَّرْجِعُكُمْ فَيُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ فِيهِ تَخْتَلِفُونَ ١٦٤

“And every soul earns not [blame] except against itself, and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another.”

ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Ahmed Saeed

Date: 06 Dhul Hijjah 1447 / 24 May 2026

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:

Mufti Yacoob Vally Saheb