Ali al-Jifri

Deviations in Aqidah

The primary objections to al-Jifri center on the three divisions of Tawhid (Monotheism). Critics assert that he has fallen into Shirk (polytheism) through the following:

1. Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Lordship): Al-Jifri is accused of attributing divine creative powers to the Awliya (Saints). This includes his assertion that a "Wali" can bring life to a womb without a father^[12], a claim viewed as a violation of Allah's unique role as the sole Creator. ^[11] As Allah states in the Quran about the polytheists of Quraysh:

   ﴿وَلَئِنْ سَأَلْتَهُمْ مَنْخَلَقَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ لَيَقُولُنَّ اللَّهُ﴾ [الزمر:38]
   {And if you asked them, “Who created the heavens and the earth?” they would say, “Allah.”} [Az-Zumar:38] - Bridge's Translation.

2. Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Worship): A major point of contention is his promotion of Istigatha (seeking aid) from the deceased. Al-Jifri encourages seeking "Madad" (spiritual support) from the Prophet ﷺ and various saints, which critics classify as Shirk Akbar (Major Polytheism), arguing that supplication (Du'a) must be directed to Allah alone.^[11]
3. Attributes of Allah: His theological framework is often criticized for following the Ash'ari/Maturidi or extreme Sufi interpretations that interpret away (Ta'wil) the literal attributes of Allah, contrary to the Athari position.^[11]

Methodological Issues (Manhaj)

Beyond core creedal matters, al-Jifri is criticized for his approach to religious knowledge and his socio-political alignments:

• Propagation of Khurafat (Superstitions): He is frequently cited for narrating "irrational" stories and Munkar (rejected) accounts without authentic Isnad (chains of narration). Examples include his claims of physical miracles performed by deceased figures that lack scriptural or logical backing.^[11]
• Promotion of Sufi Extremism: His efforts to revive and normalize Sufi practices—such as grave visitation for the purpose of seeking blessings—are viewed by many scholars as a revival of Bid'ah (innovation).^[11]
• Political Alignments: Critics point to his supportive stance toward groups perceived as deviants, such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Tablighi Jamaat, as evidence of a flawed methodology that prioritizes emotional or political unity over the purity of the Salafi creed.^[11]

Position of Senior Scholars

Several senior scholars have issued warnings regarding al-Jifri. Notably, Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan has provided recorded fatwas^{[13][14] [15] [16]} characterizing al-Jifri's calls for Istigatha as clear Kufr (disbelief) as well as many other of his innovations, warning the Ummah against his influence and his appearances in the media.^[11]