say to him, as some later scholars do: “The exception is unrestricted, and the meaning is: Do not travel to a mosque in order to pray in it, except to these three.” Rather, what is meant is that one should not journey to any site of special merit, sought out for its own sake in pursuit of its blessing and the special merit of worship there, except to the three mosques. This is indicated by the understanding of the two Companions mentioned above, and the same view is authentically reported from Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), as I have explained in my book Rulings on Funerals and Their Innovations.
This is also the view chosen by a group of scholars, such as Qadi Iyad, Imam al-Juwayni, and Qadi Husayn. They said: “It is forbidden to set out on a journey to any place other than the three mosques, such as the graves of the righteous and sites of special merit.” Al-Manawi mentioned this in al-Fayd.
Thus, it is not Ibn Taymiyyah’s view alone, as some ignorant people suppose, though he deserves credit for calling people to it and championing it with the sunnah and the statements of the Salaf in an unparalleled manner. May Allah reward him on our behalf with the best reward. Is it not time for the heedless to return to right guidance, follow the Salaf in their worship, and cease accusing innocent people of things of which they are not guilty?
- “The firmest bonds of faith are loyalty for Allah’s sake, enmity for Allah’s sake, love for Allah’s sake, and hatred for Allah’s sake.”
Al-Tabarani narrated it (3/125/2), as did al-Baghawi in Sharh al-Sunnah (3/429—al-Maktab edition), through Hanash, from Ikrimah, from Ibn Abbas, who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Abu Dharr: “Which of the bonds of faith”—I think he said—“is the firmest?” He replied, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “Loyalty ...”