Question
Is this statement authentic and what is the reference for it?
سُئل شيخ الإسلام ابن تيمية: من هم أهل الحق قال: إما في السجون وإما في ساحات الوغى وإما في القبور
Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) was once asked, “Who are the people of truth?” He replied: ‘Either under the earth, in prison or the battlefield.'”
Answer
I have not seen this statement of Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullah) in his books nor do other senior scholars/historians attribute it to him.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar