In the year 2018, a scandalous affair centering on none other than Tariq Ramadan had rocked the Muslim world.

Though I am loath to partake in any kind of slander against him, it was apparent to Muslims that remain true to their faith—as opposed to those who have succumbed to foreign ideologies and strive to force Islam to submit to them—that what was perceived as a catastrophe for liberal reformists was, in reality, the resurgence of a corrupted and tainted da’wah.

During my travels to London that same year, I was quite taken aback by how some British Muslims held Tariq Ramadan in high regard. They seemed to be blissfully ignorant of how, while he may have been active in both English and French-speaking circles, it was in the latter that his ideas had fully sprouted and offered up their rotten fruits, often to the detriment of our faith.

It is high time that we, as Muslims who remain true to our faith, address this grievous knowledge gap and unmask the perverted and dangerous teachings that Tariq Ramadan has disseminated throughout his career. With the grace and guidance of Allah, we shall endeavor to unveil but a mere sample of these erroneous beliefs throughout the duration of this article in order to steer our disoriented fellow Muslims back towards the straight path.

Tariq Ramadan on Stoning

In an interview, Tariq Ramadan made his stance very clear on the issue of stoning. He brazenly stated that he vehemently opposes the application of stoning, not only in Nigeria and other African countries but also in the wealthiest of nations, such as those of the petro-monarchies. He goes on to criticize the Western world’s complicity in these matters, suggesting that their silence has been bought and paid for by the vast sums of money at the disposal of these oil-rich countries.

Because I said, what I said, very very clear and from a personal point of view, the application of stoning, I opposed it, I opposed it in Nigeria, I opposed it in the countries of Africa, but I oppose it in the richest countries, the petro-monarchies vis-a-vis which indeed the West says nothing because they have as I often say the money to silence us.

While some may view Ramadan’s position as progressive and in line with modern sensibilities, Muslims who are true to their faith will immediately recognize it as a major departure from the actual teachings of Islam.

Tariq Ramadan on Sodomy

The teachings of our faith on sodomy have become a thorny issue. Many Muslims seem to be struggling to reconcile the modern world’s liberal attitudes towards sexuality with the teachings of our faith. However, in a recent interview on French television, Tariq Ramadan caused quite a stir when he seemed to equivocate on the issue.

When the presenter asked him if he was opposed to sodomy, Ramadan responded by claiming that “Muslim scholars were divided on the issue.” This statement raises a number of questions. For one, Ramadan claims to be a Sunni Muslim, yet no Sunni scholar has ever sanctioned such behavior. On the contrary, it is widely regarded as a forbidden act according to the consensus of Sunni scholars.

One cannot help but wonder what Ramadan’s true intentions are in his attempt to cast doubt on this definitive prohibition. We have to ask:

Is he simply just saying whatever is required to try and pander to a liberal and reformist audience, or is there something more insidious at play here?

RELATED: Reviewing Yaqeen Institute: A Source of Certainty or Doubt?

Tariq Ramadan on Apostasy Laws

The topic of apostasy in Islam is something that is not to be taken lightly, for it is a matter of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, however, there are those who seek to undermine our faith by distorting its teachings.

Tariq Ramadan, a so-called scholar, is one such individual.

In his attempt to deform Islam and make it submit to his own personal misguided narrative, Ramadan claims that there is no explicit reference in the Qur’an that calls for the execution of apostates. But this is nothing more than a classic reformist ruse. In a typical reformist fashion, he cherry-picks verses and discredits the hadith literature to suit his own agenda.

“I am conducting a study on the issue of change of religion in Islam, ar-riddah, apostasy. Nothing in the Qur’anic text is explicit and it is known that the Prophet of Islam never called for the execution of a being for the mere fact that he changed his religion.” (Islam in Question)

The categorical teachings of Islam, upon which there has been unanimous agreement among the scholars of the Muslim Ummah for 15 centuries, are not to be so easily cast aside. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had himself very clearly stated the penalty of apostasy in an authentic hadith, yet Ramadan conveniently chooses to ignore this fact.

Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“Whoever changes his religion (i.e., apostates), execute him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

RELATED: Ingrid Mattson, HEART, and the Pro-LGBT “Muslim” Network Distorting Islam

Tariq Ramadan on Democracy

Tariq Ramadan is known to advocate for democracy in his writings, In fact, he even goes so far as to say that Muslim countries should also embrace this defective system.

What interests me is who to work with in the Muslim world to achieve democracy. (My Intimate Conviction, p.65)

The only way to allow the Muslim world to blossom is to democratize the political systems. (My Intimate Conviction, p.102)

“What is to be hoped for and in my opinion encouraged is the realization, on the basis of the endogenous references of each society -religious and cultural references-, of pluralist and open processes leading to the rule of law, to the promotion of citizenship and to the free choice of the people as to their representation.” (My Intimate Conviction, p.117)

But—and let’s make this very clear—democracy has no place whatsoever in Islam.

Our faith teaches us that ultimate power belongs to Allah, not the people. Democratic systems, on the other hand, advocate for the idea that power belongs in the hands of the masses, regardless of their level of knowledge and understanding related to the issues at hand.

As Muslims, we believe that those who are learned and knowledgeable should lead the way, while democracies promote equality in decision-making, regardless of one’s level of understanding. Furthermore, our faith teaches us that Allah’s law should be the ultimate criteria for discerning right and wrong, whereas democracies judge such things based on the opinions of the majority.

RELATED: The Concept of Khilāfah in Islam

Tariq Ramadan’s Opposition to Patriarchy

As a devout Muslims who are true to our faith, it is imperative that we address the various misconceptions surrounding the concept of patriarchy. Especially in our current era, where feminism is rampant, we must be dedicated in highlighting the importance and necessity of patriarchy towards building a strong and stable society.

Islam itself is a patriarchal religion, as evidenced by the teachings of the Qur’an:

ٱلرِّجَالُ قَوَّٰمُونَ عَلَى ٱلنِّسَآءِ بِمَا فَضَّلَ ٱللَّهُ بَعْضَهُمْ عَلَىٰ بَعْضٍۢ وَبِمَآ أَنفَقُوا۟ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ ۚ فَٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتُ قَـٰنِتَـٰتٌ حَـٰفِظَـٰتٌۭ لِّلْغَيْبِ بِمَا حَفِظَ ٱللَّهُ ۚ وَٱلَّـٰتِى تَخَافُونَ نُشُوزَهُنَّ فَعِظُوهُنَّ وَٱهْجُرُوهُنَّ فِى ٱلْمَضَاجِعِ وَٱضْرِبُوهُنَّ ۖ فَإِنْ أَطَعْنَكُمْ فَلَا تَبْغُوا۟ عَلَيْهِنَّ سَبِيلًا ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيًّۭا كَبِيرًۭا

Men have whole charge over their wives, because Allah has favored the one above the other, and because they have spent well of their wealth: So righteous women are lovingly obedient, dutifully keeping everything secure when their husbands are gone through Allah’s own protection; While those who you fear may show rude defiance, first patiently admonish them, then draw away from them in bed, and failing all else, you may finally even strike them: And if they return to obedience, seek no way against them: Verily was Allah ever exalted in might over you, supreme in greatness. (Qur’an, 4:34)

Patriarchy is not only a natural and inevitable aspect of our faith, but it also plays a vital role in shaping our communities and promoting stability and order.

However, there are those, such as Tariq Ramadan, who argue that the obvious understanding of Islamic texts can lead to discriminatory practices.

Here is what he has to say on the issue:

The concrete and literal application of the texts can become, becomes and is in some cases very discriminatory. It is linked to very patriarchal, very customary readings. (Islam in Question, p.189)

RELATED: Masculinity in Islam: Masculine Assertiveness and Authority

Tariq Ramadan: An Assertive Reformist

Tariq Ramadan himself identifies as a reformist. He doesn’t deny it. He seeks to change Islam the Muslim community from within, which raises serious concerns about his hermeneutics and his plans for the Muslim community.

In his book, Islam in Question, Ramadan affirms his adherence to the reformist school of thought, which prioritizes misinterpretation and “critical mediation” over an unperverted and unadulterated understanding of God’s word.

“For some, like all the groups I have just mentioned, it is a matter of sticking to what God says without critical mediation; for others, from the reformist school of thought, on the contrary, interpretation is important and it is to this school that I belong.” (Islam in Question, p.181)

He also states that only those who are trained to speak from within can open up new spaces of interpretation and understanding that can lead to “evolution” and “reform.”

“Only those are heard who, trained and speaking from within, open up new spaces of interpretation, understanding and evolution” (extract from an article from Umma.com dated 4/28/04, titled “About Women, the Moratorium and Our Future”)

“The vast majority of Muslims will only accept religious reforms if they feel that they remain faithful to the Islamic message. (Ibid)

However, Ramadan’s work includes numerous attacks against the shari’ah and Islam. While quoting all of them would become extremely lengthy, it is worth noting that he has expressed many controversial views, such as his belief that the hudud punishments are unjust; that Muslims can’t be polygamous in France; and that secularism is a foundation of Islam. Ramadan has even claimed that the law of the republic takes precedence over the shari’ah.

I hope that this article will serve as a succinct reminder for our English-speaking brothers and sisters that Tariq Ramadan’s views do not align with the true beliefs and teachings of Islam.

Let us remain forever vigilant in protecting our perfect faith from the distortions of the distorters, who aim to subvert the teachings of Islam. Let us persevere in defending and upholding the principles that have guided us for centuries upon centuries. Let us not succumb to every new ideology that braces our shores. Let us submit wholeheartedly to the teachings of Islam and remain true to our faith, firm upon its most blessed and perfect teachings.

And Allah knows best.

RELATED: Now France Is Targeting Even the Liberal Imams