Questions & Answers

Origins of Ratib Al-Haddad:
The Ratib Al-Haddad was started in Cape Town by the slaves who were brought via the Dutch. It is said that the Muslims were not allowed to gather to worship Allah, so they started reciting the Ratib, by reciting the Ratib Al-Haddad in a manner of singing together. That's why the Capetonians render the Ratib in a singing manner, while in most cases distorting the meaning of the Qur'an because of incorrect pronunciation. It is believed that Tuan Yusuf was the one who introduced it. It is said that it was learned from Al-Haddad, a Soofi Shaykh from Yemen. As for practicing the Ratib on a Thursday night, it is due to it being the night of Jumu'ah.

The Problem with Ratib Al-Haddad:
The Ratib Al-Haddad has a special book formulated by Al-Haddad, which is a known practice of Soofies calling to themselves and having their own wird (daily athkaar compiled by the Soofi leader) which is not based upon the Qur'an and Sunnah, meaning fabricated virtues are added, or some add new salawat which the Prophet ﷺ did not teach. Most of these awraad are received in dreams by these Soofi Shaykhs, while Allah has favored us and completed the Deen during the lifetime of Muhammad ﷺ.

Imam Malik (رحمه الله) said: "He who innovates an innovation in Islam and deems it to be good has claimed that Muhammad ﷺ has betrayed his trust in delivering the message, because Allah says: 'This day have I perfected for you your religion.' And whatever was not part of the religion then is not part of the religion today." [Al-I'tisaam (1/17)]

The Correct Approach During Hardship:
All actions that were not approved by the Prophet ﷺ nor the salaf are deemed as bid'ah. Whenever Muslims are faced with any calamities or difficulties, they should return to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and the practices of the salaf.

Evidence Against Group Dhikr:
Shouting and singing dhikr, and all types of dhikr that are done in this manner, are a Bid'ah. Gathering on specific nights to make dhikr in a group is bid'ah and was not practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, an action might apparently seem good (reciting of Qur'an, seerah, dhikr) but it can never be good if the Prophet ﷺ never practiced it, said it, nor approved it.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever innovates into this matter of ours that which does not belong to it, it will be rejected." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2697, Sahih Muslim 1718)

Origins of Ratib Al-Haddad:
The Ratib Al-Haddad was started in Cape Town by the slaves who were brought via the Dutch. It is said that the Muslims were not allowed to gather to worship Allah, so they started reciting the Ratib, by reciting the Ratib Al-Haddad in a manner of singing together. That's why the Capetonians render the Ratib in a singing manner, while in most cases distorting the meaning of the Qur'an because of incorrect pronunciation. It is believed that Tuan Yusuf was the one who introduced it. It is said that it was learned from Al-Haddad, a Soofi Shaykh from Yemen. As for practicing the Ratib on a Thursday night, it is due to it being the night of Jumu'ah.

The Problem with Ratib Al-Haddad:
The Ratib Al-Haddad has a special book formulated by Al-Haddad, which is a known practice of Soofies calling to themselves and having their own wird (daily athkaar compiled by the Soofi leader) which is not based upon the Qur'an and Sunnah, meaning fabricated virtues are added, or some add new salawat which the Prophet ﷺ did not teach. Most of these awraad are received in dreams by these Soofi Shaykhs, while Allah has favored us and completed the Deen during the lifetime of Muhammad ﷺ.

Imam Malik (رحمه الله) said: "He who innovates an innovation in Islam and deems it to be good has claimed that Muhammad ﷺ has betrayed his trust in delivering the message, because Allah says: 'This day have I perfected for you your religion.' And whatever was not part of the religion then is not part of the religion today." [Al-I'tisaam (1/17)]

The Correct Approach During Hardship:
All actions that were not approved by the Prophet ﷺ nor the salaf are deemed as bid'ah. Whenever Muslims are faced with any calamities or difficulties, they should return to the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ and the practices of the salaf.

Evidence Against Group Dhikr:
Shouting and singing dhikr, and all types of dhikr that are done in this manner, are a Bid'ah. Gathering on specific nights to make dhikr in a group is bid'ah and was not practiced by the Prophet ﷺ.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, an action might apparently seem good (reciting of Qur'an, seerah, dhikr) but it can never be good if the Prophet ﷺ never practiced it, said it, nor approved it.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever innovates into this matter of ours that which does not belong to it, it will be rejected." (Sahih Al-Bukhari 2697, Sahih Muslim 1718)