The Decisive Solution (Arabic: Al-Hall al-Qaṭ‘ī) is a scholarly work by Shaykh Muhammad Shareef bin Fareed that addresses contemporary challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah (community) and proposes solutions rooted in Islamic principles. The book emphasizes a return to authentic Islamic teachings, unity among Muslims, and practical steps to overcome political, social, and ideological struggles.
1. Diagnosis of the Ummah’s Problems
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The book begins by analyzing the root causes of the Muslim world’s decline, including:
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Disunity and Sectarianism: Internal divisions weakening collective strength.
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Abandonment of Islamic Governance: Drift away from Sharia in favor of secular or foreign-imposed systems.
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Intellectual and Cultural Invasion: Influence of Western ideologies undermining Islamic values.
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Weakness in Knowledge and Education: Lack of deep Islamic scholarship and reliance on superficial understanding.
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2. The Need for a Decisive Solution
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Shaykh bin Fareed argues that partial or compromised solutions (such as gradual reforms or secular adaptations) have failed.
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The only effective remedy is a return to the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the methodology of the early Muslims (Salaf al-Ṣāliḥ).
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The solution must be comprehensive, addressing:
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‘Aqīdah (Creed): Purifying belief from innovations (bid‘ah).
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Fiqh (Jurisprudence): Reviving ijtihād (independent reasoning) while respecting classical scholarship.
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Politics: Rejecting secular governance and re-establishing Islamic leadership.
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Education: Strengthening Islamic knowledge and critical thinking.
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3. Reforming the Individual and Society
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Personal Reformation: Muslims must first rectify their own faith, worship, and character before seeking broader change.
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Social Reformation: Encouraging enjoining good and forbidding evil (amr bil ma‘rūf wa nahy ‘anil munkar).
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Economic Independence: Avoiding reliance on exploitative systems (e.g., usury/riba) and promoting Islamic finance.
4. Political and Strategic Revival
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Rejection of Secularism: The book critiques democracy and nationalism as incompatible with Islamic sovereignty (ḥākimiyyah).
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Uniting Under Legitimate Leadership: Calls for a Khilāfah (Caliphate) or unified Islamic leadership based on consultation (shūra).
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Resistance Against Oppression: Advocates for principled struggle (jihād) against tyranny while avoiding extremism.
5. Practical Steps for Implementation
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Da‘wah and Education: Spreading correct Islamic knowledge through scholars and institutions.
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Grassroots Movements: Building strong communities that uphold Islamic values.
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Cooperation Among Scholars and Leaders: Unity in decision-making to avoid fragmentation.
Conclusion
The Decisive Solution presents a rigorous, faith-based approach to solving the crises of the Muslim world. Shaykh Muhammad Shareef bin Fareed stresses that real change begins with a return to authentic Islam—both individually and collectively—while rejecting corrupting influences. The book serves as both a warning and a roadmap for revival, calling for decisive action grounded in Islamic tradition.
