The Danger Of Excusing Tyrants: From Yazid To Today - Maulana Syed Muhammad Rizvi

Friday Juma KhutbaSeptember 9th, 2025- Eid-e Zahra marks the symbolic closure of mourning for Karbala; soon will be the Prophet’s birth anniversary.- Prophet said, “Ḥusayn is from me and I am from Ḥusayn”; Muslims must choose between Ḥusayn and Yazid.- Some Sunni scholars have defended or exonerated Yazid, Ibn Ziyād, and ‘Umar ibn Sa‘d.- The concept of “khaṭā ijtihādi” has been used to excuse Yazid’s actions.- “Khaṭā ijtihādi” means a forgiven mistake after sincere effort in deriving a ruling, but only applies to unclear issues.- The status of Imām Ḥusayn (a) was clear in Qur’anic verses and Prophet’s statements.- Yazid cannot be considered a mujtahid.- The concept has been selectively applied to excuse opponents of Imām ‘Ali (a) but not rebels against ‘Uthmān.- Example: Ibn Ḥazm claimed Ibn Muljim killed Imām ‘Ali (a) based on ijtihad, believing he was right.- Such arguments are rejected; oppressors must be called oppressors.- Parallel drawn with Palestine: Oct. 7, 2023, attack used as justification for Israel’s assault on Gaza.- Israeli offensive devastated Gaza, destroying hospitals, schools, and displacing millions; over 63,000 killed, half women and children.- Israel weaponized food and water against civilians.- Debate continues whether Gaza situation qualifies as genocide.- Israel and Western supporters justify it as “right to defence,” similar to “khaṭā ijtihādi.”- South Africa brought a genocide case against Israel to the ICJ, and many world leaders have called it genocide.- The International Association of Genocide Scholars declared Israel’s actions meet the UN legal definition of genocide.- Resolution passed with 86% support, accusing Israel of indiscriminate and deliberate attacks on civilians and infrastructure.- Irony noted that descendants of genocide victims now commit genocide under the label of self-defence.Donate towards our programs today: https://jaffari.org/donate/Jaffari Community Centre (JCC Live)