The Friends of Allah & the Friends of Shaytan

Overview:

The Friends of Allah & the Friends of Shaytan (أولياء الرحمن وأولياء الشيطان) by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah is a profound and authoritative work that clearly distinguishes between the true friends of Allah and the deceptive allies of Shaytan. Rooted in authentic Islamic teachings, the book draws from the Quran and Sunnah to define the characteristics, beliefs, and actions that make one an ally of Allah and contrasts them with those who follow desires, innovations, and misguidance under the guise of piety.

Allah describes His true allies:

أَلَا إِنَّ أَوْلِيَاءَ اللَّهِ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ۝ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ
"Unquestionably, the allies of Allah, there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. Those who believed and were conscious of Allah." [Yunus: 62-63]

In contrast, Shaytan's followers are described:

إِنَّمَا ذَٰلِكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَاءَهُ
"It is only Shaytan who frightens of his supporters." [Al Imran: 175]

This book refutes false claims of sainthood and highlights the necessity of adherence to the Qur’an and authentic Sunnah for anyone claiming closeness to Allah. It is an essential guide for those seeking clarity in matters of belief, spiritual excellence, and righteous companionship.

Key Features:

• Clear Criteria for True Sainthood: Defines the friends of Allah as those who sincerely believe and maintain taqwa (God-consciousness), as in:
  

الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ
"Those who believed and were conscious of Allah."

• Warning Against False Claimants: Exposes those who falsely claim wilaya (sainthood) while engaging in innovations, deviations, and sinful behaviors.

• Authentic Islamic Foundation: Draws extensively from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith, including:
  

وَمَن يَتَّخِذِ الشَّيْطَانَ وَلِيًّا مِّن دُونِ اللَّهِ فَقَدْ خَسِرَ خُسْرَانًا مُّبِينًا
"And whoever takes Shaytan as an ally instead of Allah has certainly sustained a clear loss." [An-Nisa: 119]

• Correction of Misconceptions: Clarifies that true spiritual excellence is based on obedience, humility, and adherence to divine guidance, not on unverified miracles or lofty claims.

• Contrasting Methodologies: Compares the path of prophets, rooted in submission and humility, to the deceptive paths of innovators and misguided claimants to divine closeness.

• Practical and Timeless Guidance: Offers timeless insight relevant for all Muslims in navigating their spiritual path while avoiding deception, with the goal of strengthening one’s relationship with Allah.