     asad | Sunday, October 22, 2000 - 03:39 am
"Thank you for answering folks."
you're welcome.
"I didn't pick nobody!"
i didn't either. if you, the rest of the somalis and i were doing amribil macruuf anahyi canil munkar, none of our past and present leaders would be in power. therefore, as muslims, we reaped what we sow. we made our condition. incidently, i can guarantee that less than 50% of the people in the arta meeting in djibuti, including our so called elders who were selecting (picking) for us our leader, didn't perform the prayers. a guy who came back from the meeting told me that while the meetings were going on, only few people were leaving and standing up to perform their prayers.! in our culture, anyone who performs his or her prayers is considered to be and is known as wadaad. i remember when i was teenager, i used to play soccer games behind a majid, where our soccer playground located. we (the players and the most people who used watch the game) used to heard the asar and maqrib adaan, but never stopped the game to perform the prayers.! what was the percentage of somalis who used to perform the prayers back home? i do not think it is more than 50%. and siyaad barre didn't tell those who didn't pray not to perform the prayers. we reap what we sow and Allah will not change the condition of a people unless they change themselves.
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"Past History:
About thirteen and a half centuries ago when the world was sunk in the darkness of ignorance, sin and unholy life, a light of true knowledge and guidance arose from the horizon of the rugged hills of Bathaa near Makkah. Its rays spread to the East, West, North and South, they reached every corner of the earth and within the short period of 23 years, the way was paved through that light for mankind to move to such heights of glory as had never been attained before. It enlightened the Muslims and created in them the urge for taking the right direction, which would ultimately bring them their salvation. By following the right path and the guidance coming from that light, the Muslims moved from success to success and attained the highest peak of glory in history. For centuries they ruled on this earth with such grandeur and strength that no existing power had the courage to challenge them and, if someone dared to do so, he did that at the risk of being destroyed. This is a historical truth which cannot be erased. But, alas! This fact of history has only become a fiction, an ancient tale, to narrate which may sound meaningless and ridiculous, particularly in the context of the present day life of Muslims, which is obviously a blot on the brilliant performance and achievements of the their ancestors, the early followers of Islam.
The Disease:
History, even up to the end of the thirteenth century Hijri, will reveal that the Muslims were the sole possessors of honor, dignity, power and greatness, but when one turns one's eyes away from the pages of the history books and looks at the Muslims of today, one sees the picture of a people sunk in misery and disgrace, a people who possess no real strength or power, honor or dignity, brotherhood or mutual love and reflect no virtues or moral character worth the name. One cannot find any sign in them of those noble deeds. which at one time used to be the symbol of each and every Muslim. Nowadays, there can hardly be a living person who can be said to have purity or sincerity of conscience. On the contrary, Muslims are sunk in vice and sin. They have wandered away so far from the path of virtue, which at one time used to be their hallmark, that the enemies of Islam talk and discuss their affairs with delight, disrespect and laughter.
Unfortunately, the matter does not end here. The Muslim youth of the new generation, which have been affected and influenced by the so-called modern trends or the Western way of life, takes pleasure in laughing at the very ideals of Islam and openly criticizes the sacred code ofShareeah as being out of date and impracticable. One wonders at such behavior and finds that a people who once gave strength, happiness, honor and peace to the entire mankind, have now become completely demoralized, cold, shallow and helpless. Those who had once taught the world the golden lessons of manners and culture are today found wanting in these very beautification's.
Earlier Attempts Towards Improvement:
For a long time, some distinguished thinkers and preachers of Islam have been seriously thinning over this unfortunate condition of their people and have been striving hard to reform the Muslim society, but alas: The treatment only increased the disease The situation is fast deteriorating and the future looks darker still. Inaction and carelessness on our part in these circumstances will be an unforgivable sin and crime. But, before deciding what is to be done, it will be necessary to look closely at the root cause of this sad state of affairs. The situation is fast deteriorating and the future looks darker still. Inaction and carelessness on our part in these circumstances will be an unforgivable sin and crime. But, before deciding what is to be done, it will be necessary to look closely at the root cause of this sad state of affairs.
People have assigned several causes to this degeneration and have adopted numerous measures for arresting the decline, but unfortunately all efforts so far have only brought further failures. Instead of improvement, hopelessness and confusion have resulted, particularly so in the ranks of learned preachers and Ulama. The basic reason for all this is that the root cause of the real disease has not been diagnosed. Until this is done, no proper treatment can be prescribed or given hence no cure or improvement can be expected. Any step lacking proper examination and correct treatment would amount to making an incurable situation mote incurable and further increase confusion and hopelessness.
The Approach:
We claim that the Shariah. is a complete Divine Code, which guarantees material and spiritual success until the day of Qiyamah. It lays down a complete way of life outlining every possible measure for advancing and progressing on the path of true success and righteousness. So there is no reason for us not to try to diagnose our illness ourselves and then try to treat it. Rather, we must look closely into the Quran (which is the original source of Shariah. and of all knowledge and guidance for the whole of mankind). In fact, it is the only source of wisdom for man. We need to seek its help in finding out what our troubles are and how they are to be removed, if we really desire to attain full recovery, we must stick to the solution and seriously resolve to adopt it. Certainly, the wisdom and guidance from the Quran will never fail us, particularly at the serious crises and in the difficult times through which we are passing nowadays. Let us look and search for the right solution in the Quran and the Sunnah.
The Diagnosis:
The Creator of the universe, Allah Taala remains clearly committed that kingdom and His Khilafah on earth are only meant for the true Muslims, those of perfect Imaan. This is clear from the following Ayah Allah has promised to those from amongst you who believe and do righteous deeds that He would surely make them His Caliph on earth. (al-noor 55).
He has also given assurances that true believers will always dominate over non-believers and that non-believers will be left without any friend or ally, as is clear from the following Ayah And if these non-believers had given you a battle, they were sure to turn on their heels, and they would have found no protector and no helper (al-fath 22).
Moreover, it is Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) own obligation to grant every help to the true Muslims and it is also His promise that such people will always remain superior and honored. This is borne out by the following Ayah And it is our bounden duty to render to the true believers (al-room 47).
And do not give way to despair, and do not grieve and you only shall dominate, if you are true believers (al-Imran 139), And honor is only for Allah, His Rasul (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) and those who believe (Al-Munafiqoon8).
The above Divine declarations clearly show that the way to regain honor, greatness, superiority, fame and virtue for Muslims lies only in their having a strong faith. If their relationship with Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and with Rasul (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) is strong and firm, they are bound to be masters of each and every thing on this earth. But if, on the other hand, it becomes weak or it gets broken, disaster and decline are bound to follow. The latter part is clear from the following Ayah: "And let Time be witness: verily man is in a great loss except, of course, those who believe and do righteous deeds and who enjoin truth and enjoin patience (Al-Asr 1-3)
As already brought out, history proves that the early Muslims had been able to reach the highest peak of honor and glory, whereas the present day Muslims seem to have moved in the opposite direction. It is obvious from the above ayah of the Quran that the first Muslims had attained that high position in life because of the purity and strength of their faith and the excellence of their character. As against this, the miserable condition of the present day Muslims is the result of weakness in their faith and character, the opposite of what their forefathers possessed.
Therefore, it will be right to say that today we are Muslims in name only! In this connection, the true Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam), had prophesied. An era will come in the near future when Islam will exist merely in name and the Quran will exist merely in writing (Mishkat).
This is clearly applicable to the Muslims of the present time. In these circumstances, the points which need urgent investigation are:
As the right type of faith, which can have the approval of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and His Rasul (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) (and which will bring us spiritual and material advancement). is not to be seen anywhere, what will be the means of acquiring that true faith and what are the factors that have caused the destruction of that faith and with it the true life of Islam, from our midst?
A study of the Quran clearly reveals that the capacity to maintain the required level of the true faith of Islam, and the ultimate rise to honor and fame through it, are dependent on the fulfillment of a special task which has been so graciously assigned by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to the Muslims alone. It is for this that they have been given in the Quran the distinguished position of Khair al-umam (the best of all Ummah)
According to the faith of Islam, the main purpose behind the creation of this world was to establish and prove the holiness, the Oneness and the most supreme existence of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala)and to reflect His unlimited powers and boundless attributes through man, who was to be guided by the light of true knowledge.
It was impossible for man to understand and utilize that knowledge without his first being purified of Godlessness and impurity, Only after that purification is he to be decorated with fine virtues, excellence of conduct and the eventual capacity to act righteously. It was for this purpose of brining about this purity and power in the ranks of mankind that thousands of Ambiya and Rasools had been deputed by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), Then, last in the series came the Sayyid ul Anbiyaa wal Mursaleen (the greatest of all the Ambiya), Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam). It was through him that man reached the high state of development of mind and body leading to the final stage of purity. It was then that mankind received the glad tidings of And today We have perfected your religion for you and completed Our bounty upon you (Al-Maaidah 3).
The supreme purpose of man's creation had been fulfilled good and evil had been clearly defined, a complete system of practical life had been revealed, the line of Nubuwwah and apostlehood had been terminated and lastly the duties that were formerly discharged exclusively by the Ambiya and Rasools had been given as a collective mission to Al-Ummat Al-Mohammadeeyah (The Muslim people).
This last fact has been clearly brought out in the following Ayah of the Quran: "O you (followers of Mohammed) you are the noblest of all Ummah, in that you have been brought out for (the benefit of) mankind. You enjoin the good and forbid the evil and you believe in Allah (Aal-Imran 110)
"And there has to be a group of people among you who call towards the good and bid the fair and forbid the unfair and it is these who are successful (Aal-Imran 104)
In the first Ayah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has stated the reason why the Muslims are called Khair ul Umam (noblest of all Ummah) it is because of spreading good and preventing evil.
In the second Ayah, He has further clarified that only those people shall be supreme in life who fulfil that order. The command does not end here, It is stated in another place that the failure to accomplish this vital task will bring disaster and punishment on its assignees. This reference is taken from the following Ayah. "On those who disbelieve from among the children of Israel was a curse pronounced by Dawood and Essa the son of Maryam all this because they disobeyed and used to cross the limits, they did not forbid each other from an evil they committed, indeed evil is what they have been doing (Al-Maaidah 78)
A further explanation and clarification of the above Ayah of the Quran can be seen from the following Ahadith of Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam): "It has been narrated by Abdullah bin Masood (Radiallaho Anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) was pleased to say In previous Ummah, when somebody committed a sin, the other would reprimand him and would say "Fear Allah" But on the following day he would be friend him and mix with him as if he had never seen him committing the sin and when Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) saw the behaving thus, He confounded the hearts of some with those of some and cursed them through the tongues of Dawood and Essa, son of Maryam and this because they rebelled against Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and transgressed His limits. I, Mohammed swear by Him, Who has control over my soul you must enjoin the good and forbid the evil and force the ignorant wrong doer into the path of righteousness, else Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will confound your hearts and you will be cursed, as were those peoples gone by.
Jareer (Radiallaho Anho) has narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) said When an individual of a community sins, and the community in spite of its authority over him, does not prevent him from sinning, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's punishment descends on them even before death i.e. subjects them to various punishments in this very world.
Anas (Radiallaho Anho) has narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) was pleased to say Laa Ilaaha illa llaahu always benefits the individuals who proclaim it, and keeps away from them woes and troubles, unless its rights are ignored. The Sahabah inquired " what does the ignoring of its rights mean?". Replied Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam), It means that when sins are being committed openly, they do not prevent or stop them.
Aishah (Radiallaho Anha) has reported " The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) came to me and I could read from his noble countenance that something extraordinary has happened, He did not utter a single word but, having performed Wudoo went straight to the Masjid I, too stood by the wall of the Masjid to hear what he had to say, The Nabi of Allah ascended the mimbar and after the usual exordium said O' people, Allah has ordained you to enjoin the good and forbid the evil, lest a time should come when you call and He may not respond, you ask for a favor and He may not grant it, and you call for help and He may refuse, He then came down from the mimbar.
Aboo Hurairah (Radiallaho Anho) has narrated Said Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) When my Ummah begin to attach more importance to the world and to regard it as a source of glory the awe and importance of Islam will vanish from their hearts whey they give up the practice of enjoining good and forbidding evil, they will be deprived of the blessings of Revelation and when the begin to indulge in mutual recrimination they will fall low in the eyes of Allah.
The Root-Cause:
From the above Hadith it is clear that giving up the act of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil has usually been the root cause of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala's anger and displeasure and His eventual punishment. And if this Ummah becomes guilty of that neglect and omission, the punishment to be given to them will be more severe than to the earlier Ummah because they would have failed to recognize their exclusive obligation and neglected to fulfil the sole mission in their life. For this reason, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi WasSalaam) has enjoined the act of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil as "the essence and special feature of the faith of Islam" and declared giving up that act as the cause of decay and decline of the faith.
In the Hadith of Aboo Saeed al-Khudree (Radiallaho Anho) it is stated "In other words, when anyone of you sees the commission of evil, he should use his hands to change (prevent) it; and if he has not the power to do this, he should use his tongue and if he has not the power to do this, he should use his heart, and this last represents the weakest degree of Iman. So, just as this last is the weakest degree of Iman, the first is the most complete form of Dawa and the most complete kind of Iman". (Muslim) Even clearer is the Hadith of Ibn Masood (Radiallaho Anho) "In other words, it is usual for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to so arrange that every Nabi leaves behind a group of his Sahabah who perpetuate His message, who follow it rigorously and preserve the message exactly in the form in which the Rasul left it. Then comes an epoch of evil and error, and epoch that witnesses the birth of people who step aside from the path laid down by their Nabi. Their actions are at variance with their proclamation their activities are not warranted by the law. So whosoever arises in defense of Truth and Law, and opposes the miscreants with his hands is a true believer, he who cannot do this but uses his tongue, he is a believer too and he who cannot do even this but uses his heart is also a believer but lower than this there is no degree of faith". (Muslim)
The vital importance of preaching has been further emphasized by Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullah Alaihi) in the following manner. There can be no doubt that the act of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is that solid pillar of Islam on which each and every article of faith rests. It is for this very mission that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) deputed all the Ambiya.
If, unfortunately, it is ignored or forgotten and its methods and practices are given up, one has to say that the very purpose of Nubuwwah is totally defeated and rendered meaningless.
Thereafter, conscience, which is the capital wealth of man, will decline and worsen, inactivates and dullness of mind will prevail.
The highway to sin and highhandedness will be opened up and inhumanity will spread in the whole world. All achievements of man will become dangerous and even harmful. Human relationship will break down. Civilization will be ruined. Mankind will be reduced to utter moral poverty.
But, the clear realization of all this will come only on the day of Qiyamah, when all of mankind will be on trial before Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and be called upon to account for each and every action. Alas! Alas! the fear has come true, that which was feared is before our eyes.
The tower of knowledge and enlightenment has been destroyed and its benefits and effects have been completely wiped out. Consequently, mutual disrespect and disgrace are common. Nothing of the grand relationship between man and his Creator is left in human hearts on the contrary man, like an animal has become the slave of his desires. Indeed, not only is there scarcity of true Muslims in this world now, but it is practically impossible to meet anyone who is prepared to bear hardship for the sake of propagating Islam.
Any Muslim who dares to take steps to remove the present state of breakdown and destruction, endeavors to revive the Sunnah of Tabligh and comes forward to shoulder that heavy responsibility will surely rank as the noblest and the most distinguished being among all of mankind.
He said this nearly eight hundred years ago, but his statement is very accurately applicable to us today. We must consider and calmly think out what is to be done in these circumstances. There are some well known causes which seem to be responsible for the indifference that prevails today. These are discussed below.
Causes:
First-
We generally believe that the act of preaching islam is the sole and special responsibility of the Ulama, even when the related orders of the Quran are clear and fully apply to each and every living Muslim. The actions and the hard work of the Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) and all those distinguished Muslims who immediately followed them, bear definite testimony to the view that each and every Muslim is responsible for enjoining the good and forbidding the evil.
To give the responsibility of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil solely to the ranks of Ulama and not to ourselves is a sign of great ignorance on our part. The duty of the Ulama is to state the truth and to point out the right path. To enforce righteousness among the people and to keep the people moving on the right path is the responsibility of all other Muslims. The following Hadith is a clear warning for this. Lo! All of you are trustees and shall be questioned on the day of Qiyamah in respect of your trust. So the king is a head unto his subjects and shall be questioned in respect of them, the husband is a head unto his wife and household and shall be questioned in respect of them, the wife is a head unto her husband's house and the children and shall be questioned in respect of them all, the slave is a watchman unto his master's effects and shall be questioned in respect of those. So you are all trustees and you shall be questioned in respect of those entrusted to you (Bukhari/Muslim) and similarly, in another place, a yet clearer account is given Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said Deen is well wishing. The Sahabah enquire Well wishing towards whom? He said Towards Allah, His Rasul, the leaders of Muslims and Muslims. (Muslim)
Even if we suppose as an extreme case that this task has to be carried out by the Ulama only, the present emergency and the critical situation demand that every one of us should put his shoulder to the wheel and strive hard for establishing Allah's supremacy on the earth and for protecting the Muslim way of life.
Second-
It is commonly believed that if a person is firm and steadfast in his own Iman the wrong belief of others will bring him no harm because of the meaning attached to the following Ayah of the Quran: "O you who believe! watch out for your own selves (i.e. your deeds). When you are on the right path, those who go astray cannot harm you (Al-Maaidah 105)
In fact, the real meaning and sense of the above Ayah is not what is being apparently attached to it, because, in that case, the meaning would appear to be against the Divine wisdom and spirit and against the teachings of the Shariah.
considers the collective life and progress and salvation of the Muslim society as a whole to be fundamental. The Muslim people must be considered like a single body having several limbs. When any limb receives an injury, the whole body suffers from the pain.
Mankind may progress to any limit and it may reach the highest peak of glory in every sphere of life, yet there will be some who will go wrong and become involved in godlessness. In that event, the above Ayah re assures the righteous people that as long as they remain steadfast and keep moving on the right path, no harm can be brought to them by those who decide to give up the right way of life.
Also, the reality of Hidayah (guidance) is that all the rules of law of the Shariah. are accepted and practiced, including all the Divine commands, which naturally cover enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. This explanation is supported by the following words of Aboo Bakr (Radiallaho Anhu)O people! you quote this ayah "O you who believe! watch out for your own selves (i.e. your deeds). When you are on the right path, those who go astray cannot harm you (Al-Maaidah 105)
But I have heard Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) say that when people see something evil and do not seek to change it, Allah will send down punishment for all of them.
The Ayah in question has been similarly explained by all the truly learned personalities such as Imam Nawawi (Rahmatullah Alaihi) who explains in his book Sharh Muslim.
The agreed opinion of the learned personalities regarding the meaning of this Ayah is that When you have performed the duty enjoined on you, the carelessness of those who refuse to profit by your counsel will not harm you as Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) says No one shall carry another man's burden (al-anaam 164, al-israa 15, faatir 18, zumur 7), and of the several commandments addressed to all, one is that regarding enforcement of good and prevention of evil. Therefore when an individual has performed this duty and the addressee does not obey the former shall not be penalized for it. He has performed his duty of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil and acceptance or rejection of it by the other party is not within his ability. Allah knows best.
Third-
People of fame as well as the common man, the learned and the uneducated all alike, have become indifferent or even lost hope of the improvement of society. They all seem to have accepted the fate, that is is difficult, rather impossible these days for Muslims to make any progress to regain their lost glory. Whenever any scheme for improvement and correction is presented to anyone, the usual reaction is how can the Muslims progress in the circumstances when they have neither a state of their own nor any power to rule, neither wealth nor any financial standing nor army and equipment of war nor any influence? They lack even in physical strength, mutual agreement and unity of purpose. Even the religious people seem to have decided by themselves that, it being the fourteenth century Hijri and the people having drifted so far away from the Nazi's teachings, the downfall of Islam and the Muslims is inevitable. The maintain that, in these circumstances, it will be useless to make any effort towards the betterment of Muslims.
It is true that the effects of the ought of Nubuwwah become less and less as we are removed farther and farther away from it, but this does not mean that no effort is to be made to revive that light by enforcing Shariah. and upholding and defending with all our energies and power, the way of life taught by Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam).
For, had the Muslims before us thought so, there would have been no trace of Islam left anywhere by now, because there would have been no means through which the lessons and the teachings of the Shariah. could have reached us. Therefore, it will be deadly for us not to check the present negative attitude towards Islam. We should adopt a forcefully positive line for our own sake and also for the sake of future generations. The time is moving fast and so is the pace of fall in the religion of Islam. The situation demands a strong, quick and determined effort by one and all for arresting the corruption and stopping further decline of Muslim society.
As a rule, existence of true Islam depends entirely upon the steadfastness and collective effort of its followers. Unfortunately, they seem to be inferior in these very requirements. We must appreciate that the Quran and Hadith are full of the lessons in calling Muslims to be active and to stand firm in the path of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). There is a Hadith about a very pious person who may be busy in Salaah night and day all his life, but he cannot come to the level of one who struggles and sacrifices his pleasure and comfort for the sake of guiding and helping people to move on the right path of Islam.
On this very point, many commands and injunctions in the Quran exist. It is clearly brought out that the one who strives hard in the path of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) remains superior and noble compared to all others for example.
The believers who, without a reasonable excuse, sit at home cannot equal those who perform Jihad in the path of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) with their lives and wealth. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has raised the status of those who perform Jihad with their lives and wealth as compared to those who stay at home. To the former, He has promised a blessed abode. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has exalted the Mujaahideen over those who stay at home, with glorious rewards, eminent positions, His mercy and forgiveness and Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) is forgiving and Merciful (Al-Nisaa'95).
Although the above Ayah refer directly to Jihad against the infidels and unbelievers in order to uphold the teachings of Islam and crush and suppress faithlessness and belief in more than one God and although we are unfortunate in not having the opportunity of fulfilling that great task, we ought not to throw away any chance of doing something, however small, in the direction of propagating the truth. Only then can we expect that one day our humble efforts and insignificant steadfastness may gather strength for bigger and higher performances. We shall most certainly guide to Our ways those people who struggle for Our Deen (al-ankaboot 69).
Undoubtedly Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has promised to provide protection for the way of life propagated by Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) But, human effort and perseverance have been defined as the only media for its promotion and advancement. The Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) strove untiringly for that purpose and, assuredly, they succeeded and were given high rewards. They has the honor of receiving Divine help and assistance. We, being their admirers and believers, ought to try and follow them and prepare ourselves for working to establish Allah's supremacy on the earth and for propagating the message of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) Thus, we will also be favored with Divine help and assistance.
If you (come forward to) help the religion of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), He shall help you and make you steadfast (Muhammad 7)
Fourth-
Most of us think that, as we ourselves do not possess the essential worthiness and qualities of Islam, we are not competent to perform the duty of propagation of those qualities among others. This is a clear misunderstanding. Since an obligation has to be fulfilled, particularly when we have been commanded by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) for that task, there can be no question of denying obedience to it. We must set ourselves to work in obedience to the Divine command. Our efforts then shall, InshaAllah (if Allah wills) gather greater strength and make us more determined and bold. In this way, our continued endeavor on proper lines will one day bring us the great honor of being dear to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). It is against the law of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) that, if one preservers and strives for His sake (religion), He would not grant favors and kindness because the person was not competent or fit for the task! This point is fully brought out in the following Hadith. Anas (Radiallaho Anho) says We said O Rasulullah, should we not enjoin good until we practice it all and should we not forbid evil until we avoid it all? He (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) said No enjoin good even if you do not practice it all yourself and forbid evil even if you yourself are not able to avoid all of it.
Fifth-
Most of us take it for granted that the religious schools, the Ulama the presence of places where practitioners of Zikr devote themselves to teaching Zikr to those who come to them and the religious books and magazines are sufficient activities for the fulfillment of the mission of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. These efforts, they think, are enough to meet the requirements of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil.
Undoubtedly, the presence of all these is absolutely essential and one must look upon them with respect and pay attention to their problems, as the remains of Islam that exist today owe their existence to these very institutions, but they are not enough to meet the situation even partially. The task is difficult, considering our present weaknesses and the extend of the problem. To be content with the existence of these few methods will be madness on our part.
Even to get full benefit from these institutions, we have to create within ourselves, a true and a deep respect for the faith of Islam and a burning desire to adopt it in our practical life. Up to fifty years back, people did possess real love, urge and passion for Islam and there were visible signs and products of the Islamic way of life. In those days these institutions could perhaps meet the demand satisfactorily. But today all our sentiments and feelings for Islam are practically dead, because of the continuos onslaught on our faith and society by various foreign elements and forces. Alas! they have succeeded in their object, as, instead of love, we seem to possess a hidden inferiority complex towards our religion and faith! Obviously, therefore, we must act quickly and take the initiative from the hands of opposing forces and launch a strong counter effort whereby we are able to revive the dead spirit of each and every Muslim and reawake in him the love and attachment for Islam. Only then we get full benefit from existing religious institutions which in turn, can serve the community in a right manner. Unless such steps are taken strongly, the present state of false satisfaction will spread deep and wide and these institutions which are doing good in this limited way, may meet the fate of total destruction.
Sixth-
There is great danger that whenever one takes up the work of commanding good and forbidding evil, he is not received well by the people. The people always treat him badly, using harsh and insulting language. Also, sometimes people adopt a rude and insulting attitude towards religious workers. This is true, but we are likely to forget the fact that the performance of the act of propagation means simply to follow in the footsteps of the Ambiya of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), who were always the victims of the worst type of treatment. That is the usual and certain fate of those who take to the mission! Indeed, all Ambiya had to suffer untold miseries on account of this, as is clear from the following Ayah: "And we sent down Ambiya before you amongst people gone by, and no Rasul came to them but that they ridiculed him (Al-Hijr 10)
The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said No Rasul or Nabi has suffered more than me in the propagation of truth. It is clear, therefore, that there is no excuse for such doubts. As we declare ourselves to be the followers of Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) who himself had suffered in the performance of this very mission, but took everything cheerfully and with tolerance, we must also follow his noble example and show patience and calmness while performing the essential duty of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil.
The Solution:
It has been clearly brought out in the previous pages that the current disease in the body of Muslims has sprung from the weakening of the true spirit of Islam in our hearts. As a result, real feelings and love for Islam are practically dead in us and our belief in it has become weak. Obviously, when the very source becomes dry, the channels of justice, good deeds and fine character, which can flow from it are not to be seen any longer. This is exactly what is clear today. It has been fully discussed and brought out earlier that the only means for the building up of this source and maintaining a constantly proper flow of religious benefits from it, is the act of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil which really and truly is the life blood of Islam. Unless we are able to renew it, we cannot achieve anything in this life, because no nation or people can rise to fame without having in them the high human qualities and character which only the religion of Islam can give.
We should now clearly realize the disease from which we suffer and judge the treatment which can bring the cure. It is now up to us to set about the renewal of the compulsory task of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil. It will be only then that we can hope to restore the true faith of Islam in the people. By this mean alone can we recognize and truly understand both Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) and His Rasul Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) and will be able to clearly understand and finally agree to follow their commands and wishes. To achieve all this, we will have to adopt the exact methods and ways that laid down and were shown by Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) himself when he reformed the unbeliever Arabs. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) says in the Quran Indeed Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) is the perfect example for you to follow (Al-Ahzaab 21) In this very connection Imam Maalik (Rahmatullah Alaihi) said In other words, the people who come as the last part of the Ummah of Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) will never be reformed until the same way is used to reform them as was used in the beginning.
In the beginning, when the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) had started to call the people to Islam, he did not have a single supporter behind him nor had he any political power or wealth. The non believer Arabs were proudly independent and un-compromising. No one among them was prepared to listen to reason or truth or obey another person. The strongly disliked and were deadly opposed to the message of Truth which the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) had the sole mission to teach. In these circumstances, one wonders what gave such invisible power and force to that one single man. who was worldy poor and without any means that he eventually was able to draw the whole of the Arab nation towards him.
After all, what was it towards which Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) called people and whoever would find it would remain Rasulullah's forever? The whole world knows that there was a single lesson that was Rasulullah's goal and real purpose which he would present in front of people.
That we worship nothing but Allah and associate none with Him as His compeer or rival and none of us considers another god except Allah (Al-Imran64)
The propagation of that very truth can bring the same results again.
The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) disallowed his followers from looking upon any being except Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) for worship or obedience. Not only did he succeed in achieving his aim but was able to cut all ties between his followers and every foreign system and bound his people in one unchanging system of life from which they never tried to break away again. They really became the picture of Follow that which has been sent to you from the Sustainer, and do not follow other (considering them) as Protectors except Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (Al-Airaaf 3)
This was the real lesson, which the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) had been commanded ((by Allah) to teach and spread. It is further clear from the following Ayah: O Mohammed, invite (people) to your Allah with wisdom and better counsel, and argue with them in such a way as is best; verily your Allah knows the one who wanders astray from His path and He knows those who are on the right path (Al-Nahl 125) The highway marked for the progress of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) and his followers is further described in the following Ayah: " O Mohammed!) say, this is my path, and I invite you towards Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) with full wisdom, I and my followers too: and Allah is all Pure, and I am not one of those who associate others with Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (Yoosuf 108) And whose words can be better than those of one who invites (you) towards Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), does good deeds and say "Verily, I am of those who submit their will to Allah". (Fussilat 33) To call mankind to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and show the right path to all those who had gone astray was the only mission and the sole purpose of the life of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam). To serve this very purpose, thousands of Ambiya had been deputed before him. As Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) says: And we did not send any Raul before you, but that we revealed upon him that verily there is no Allah but Me and so worship Me (Al-Anbiyaa 25). The noble life history of Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) and also those of other Ambiya show one single aim as the sole mission of their lives: i.e., to believe in One True Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and His one Divine Personality and His Attributes. This belief is the essence of the faith of Islam. It was to practice and prove this very faith that man has been sent on this earth In other words, I have created the Jinn and Human beings only so that they live their lives as My slaves. (Zaariyaat 56). We should by now be able to understand the real purpose behind the creation of man and the way we, particularly Muslims, should live we also know the true disease from which we suffer and its treatment it should, therefore, not be difficult then to find out how to apply that treatment and regain our lost strength. If we bear in our mind all that has been discussed so far and with that background act sincerely, and method adopted will Insha Allah (by the will of Allah) prove to be beneficial and successful. However, a proven successful method is described below.
Course of Action:
With my very limited knowledge and understanding, I have proposed a scheme of work and action for the improvement of Muslims and their progress in Islam. Actually, what I have to say is nothing else than a brief outline of the practical way of life which had been followed by our forefathers and early Muslims.
The first and the foremost thing to do is to change the aim of our life from material intention and collection of wealth to the work to establish the supremacy of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) on earth and Islam to fix as a definite objective for ourselves, the enforcement of the commands and orders of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and to sincerely decide to obey every command of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to try to practice it in daily life and not to disobey Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in any circumstances. The fulfillment of this decision must be made the main aim of life. We can plan and act on this broad base by adopting the following practical scheme and procedure. To memorize and correctly recite the Kalimah and to understand its exact meaning as well as what it actually suggests. To become punctual and regular in offering Salaah five time a day. To develop connection of body and soul to the word of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) Knowledge and Remembrance of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala)
Every Muslim must be considered as one's real brother and must always be given affection, sympathy and sincere attention at all time particularly when he is in need. The fact that a person professes the faith of Islam automatically entitles him to brotherly respect and honor from all Muslims who must at all times refrain from causing him any physical or mental harm. Ikram
The above practices should be strictly enforced in one's own life and at the same time efforts should be made so that other people may follow them as well. The only and the best way to achieve this is to devote some time specially for learning and inculcating in oneself these fine Islamic qualities, and also persuading others to make similar efforts. Thus a joint and collective campaign will automatically ensue for the growth and expansion of Deen of Islam in its true form, which is the real and urgent need of the day. It was exactly this type of work which every Nabi of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) had to do as his sole occupation. For the sake of this work, almost all Ambiya had to bear untold sufferings and dangers. The worthy Sahabah of Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) as well as many other distinguished Muslims of the early period of Islam, spent the whole of their lives in trying hard and struggling for the Deen of Islam in this very manner. Most of them sacrificed their lives in the sacred path of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala). It will be our misfortune and huge loss if we do not devote a part of our lifetime, however, small a period it may be, towards spreading and preserving Islam. We must confess that it is due to our carelessness in this important task that Muslim society has reached its present state of low spirits and practical breakdown and, therefore, we must rise and make manifold efforts.
Previously, the very purpose of being a Muslim was to be ready to lay down one's life, honor and wealth for upholding Islam and the belief in there being no God but Allah. In those days, if anyone did not do that, he was considered to be ignorant and a useless fellow. But alas! today, although we feel proud to be called Muslims, we remain totally unmoved by the fact that every bit of Islam is being destroyed one by one before our very eyes and not a finger is moved to check this terrible loss. If we realize this we can appreciate that the spreading of Islam is our real mission in life and therein lies our very existence as Muslims and also our success, glory and ultimate salvation. The opposite is also true that by neglecting this important task we suffer from moral community decline. The only solution for this is that all of us must sincerely repent of our inactive and injurious past and take immediate steps to revive that act of enjoining the good and forbidding the evil as our major occupation. It is only then that we can expect the mercy and kindness of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to flow, to bring us success and happiness both in this life and the Akhirah.
This does not mean that we should give up everything else, i.e. our profession, trade or employment and take entirely to this work. It really means that, just as we devote our whole hearted attention and time to other material jobs, we should also attend to this work.
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| asad | Sunday, October 22, 2000 - 11:57 am
"I present this useful pamphlets to every Islamic School, Islamic Association, rather to every Muslim, and request them to serve the cause of enjoing good and forbiding evil. In fact, during this age there is a day-to-day decline in our commitment to religion, and objections against our true Faith are raised not only by disbeliveers, but also by present day Muslims. Obligatory observances (practices) are being neglected not only by the common Muslims, but by those also who hold important positions.
Millions of Muslims have indulged in clear false worship, not to speak of neglecting Salaah and Fasting, yet they are never conscious of their practices being against pure obedience to Allah. Exceeding the religious limits is very common and making fun of religious beliefs has become a fashion of the day. That is why Muslim scholars have even begun to avoid the common folk and the result of this state of affairs is that ignorance about the teachings of Islam is increasing day by day.
People offer the excuse that no one teaches them the religion of Islam with a keen interest, and the Muslim scholars have an excuse that no one listens to them attentively, But none of these excuses is valid before Allah. As a matter of fact, He will never accept the excuse of the common folk that they were ignorant about religious matters for to learn religion and to make a serious effort to get knowledge of its practices is the personal responsibility of every Muslim. Since "ignorance of law" is no excuse under any government, then why should it be accepted by the Master of all rulers? They say, making excuses for crime is worse than crime itself.
Similarly, the excuse of the scholars that no one listens to them does not hold good. They boast of representing the great spiritual leaders and divines of the past, but never consider how many troubles and hardships they had suffered to preach the true religion! Were they not hit with stones? Were they not abused and oppressed to the extreme degree? But in spite of all these obstacles and hardships, they fulfilled their responsibilities about preaching and they propagated the message of Islam regardless of any opposition.
Generally, the Muslims have limited the work enjoing good and forbiding evil. to the scholars only, whereas every Muslim has been commanded by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) to prevent people from doing forbidden things. Even if we admit for a moment that enjoing good and forbiding evil is the duty of Muslim scholars only, who do not perform it properly, then it is the particular duty of every Muslim to preach Islam.
The importance that has been laid on enjoing good and forbiding evil. by the Quran and Hadith will be proved by the Ayah of the Quran and sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) that are being quoted in the following pages. Therefore, you cannot limit enjoing good and forbiding evil. to scholars only, nor can it be an excuse for you to neglect the same. I would request every Muslim to devote his time and energy to enjoing good and forbiding evil. as much as he can
You need not be a perfect scholar to preach Islam and good moral values to humanity. Whatever knowledge of Islam you possess, you must pass it on to others. Whenever anything morally wrong or forbidden is done in your presence, then as a Muslim it is your duty to prevent it, as far as it lies in your power. I have described all the important things about enjoing good and forbiding evil in seven brief Chapters and I hope that every Muslim will benefit from them.
Sahib, You need not be a perfect scholar to preach Islam and good moral values to humanity. Whatever knowledge of Islam you possess, you must pass it on to others. Whenever anything morally wrong or forbidden is done in your presence, then as a Muslim it is your duty to prevent it, as far as it lies in your power. I have described all the important things about enjoing good and forbiding evil.
First of all, I want to quote a few Ayah of the Quran stressing enjoing good and forbiding evil. From these Ayah, the readers can easily see how important Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) considers the preaching of Islam. I have come across as many as sixty Ayah on this particular subject and Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) knows how many more Ayah could be found by another keen observer. I quote here a few of them for the benefit of every true believer
And whose words can be better than his, who calls (people) towards Allah and performs good deeds and says "I am one of those who submit to Allah" (Fussilat 33)
Certain commentators have written that whoever invites people to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) through any means deserves the honor referred to in the above Ayah. For instance , the Anbiyaa call people to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) by means of miracles and supernatural actions, the scholars invite them by preaching and arguments, the Mujaahideen call them by means of the sword and the person calling Azaan calls them by means of Azaan. In short, whoever invites people to good deeds deserves this reward, whether he calls them to the formal practices of Islam or to other spiritual improvements, like the mystics who stress the purification of the heart and the realization of Allah's attributes.
Regarding the conclusion of the Ayah quoted above, some commentators say that such a person should also be proud of the honor, bestowed on him by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) of being a Muslim and he should express this with pride. Some other commentators interpret that he should not be proud of being a "preacher" but should consider himself an ordinary Muslim.
O Mohammed (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam)! Preach to them (the Truth), for preaching proves very beneficial for the Believers (al-Zaariyaat 55)
Note: Commentators have written that by preaching is meant advising the believers through the Ayah of the Quran, for these would guide them to the right path. But such preaching can be useful for the disbeliveers also, thereby, they may become believers.
Today, preaching is not performed regularly and properly. Generally the object of the preachers is to show off their ability and oratory to the listeners, whereas the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) has said Today, preaching is not performed regularly and properly. Generally the object of the preachers is to show off their ability and oratory to the listeners, whereas the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) has said Whoever learns the art of oratory in order to attract the people towards himself, them his worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), whether obligatory or optional, will not be accepted on the day of Qiyamah.
And command your family to observe Salaah and also perform these yourself regularly. We do not ask you for sustenance. We will give you sustenance and the ultimate success is for the God-fearing (Taahaa 132)
Note: Numerous Hadith say that whenever anyone complained of poverty to the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam), he recited this Ayah and advised him to perform his Salaah regularly, as though pointing to the fact that regularity in Salaah will lead to plentiful provision.
This Ayah stresses that it is beneficial to do a thing yourself before giving instructions to others, because this is a more effective and successful method of preaching. That is why all the Ambiya themselves did what they preached to others. Thus they became examples for their followers, who would not then think that the teachings of their religion are difficult to practice.
Moreover, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has promised enough for those who perform Salaah regularly, so that they should never feel that Salaah can interfere with the earning of their livelihood, whether through trade, service etc. Thereafter, it is stated as a rule, that ultimate success and salvation will be attained by the God fearing only
O son! Perform your Salaah regularly and command people to do good deeds and prevent them from forbidden things and bear patiently whatever befalls you (in the preaching of Truth) undoubtedly this demands courage! (Luqman 17)
Note: In this Ayah, several important things for a Muslim have been noted, which can be a means for our salvation, but we have neglected these very badly. Not to speak of asking people to do good deeds, we have neglected even Salaah. which is a basic principle of Islam, in fact the most important after Iman.
There are so many people who do not perform their Salaah at all but even those who do, hardly perform it with all its requirements such as Salaah with Jamaat. It is the poor only who perform Salaah with Jamaat in the Masjid, while the rich feel it below their dignity to go to the Masjid.
And there has to be a group of people among you who call towards the good, and bid the fair and forbid the unfair and it is these who are successful (Al-Imran 104)
In this Ayah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has clearly commanded the Muslims to prepare a group or party which would preach Islam throughout the world but we see that present day Muslims have totally neglected this commandment. On the other hand, the non-Muslims are preaching their religion day and night.
For instance, parties of Christian missionaries have been specially assigned to propagate their religion in the whole world, similarly other communities are trying their best to preach their own religions. But the question is, is there such an organization among the Muslims?
The answer, if not in the negative, cannot be in the positive either. If any individual or any party among present day Muslims takes up the preaching of Islam, unreasonable objections are raised against them instead of giving them help and cooperation, whereas it is the duty of every true Muslim to help those who preach Islam and to remove shortcomings where necessary.
These people neither do anything themselves to preach Islam nor help those who have devoted their lives to this sacred cause. Thus the result is that even the sincere and unselfish preachers get disappointed and give up their efforts in this regard.
O Muslims! You are the best of peoples (Ummah), who have been selected for the guidance of mankind, You enjoin them to do good deeds and prevent them from forbidden things and you have firm faith in Allah ( Al Imran 110)
Note: That the Muslims are the best of all Ummah has been clearly stated in certain sayings of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) also, and there are some Ayah of the Quran that confirm this. Even the Ayah quoted above gives the honor of "Best Nation" on us, provided we preach Islam, command people to do good and prevent them from evil.
The commentators have written that this Ayah, speaks of commanding good and prevention of evil even before faith, whereas faith (Iman) is the root of all Islamic beliefs and actions. The reason is that faith has been a common factor among the earlier Ummah of the world, but the special thing that has particularly distinguished the Muslims is the directive for commanding people to do good and to prevent them from evil.
So, this is the real basis for the superiority of the Muslims, whenever they fulfilled it and since in Islam good actions are of little value without faith, it is therefore clearly referred to at the end of the Ayah. In fact, the real object in this Ayah is to stress the importance of persuading people to do good deeds and this is the distinguishing feature of the Muslim Ummah.
It is not sufficient to command good and to forbid evil only now and then but this practice should continue at all times and on all occasions regularly. References to the task of preaching the Truth are found in earlier religions but the distinguishing merit of the Muslim Ummah lies in taking it up as a regular task. This is not an occasional job, but a permanent one.
In the talk of an assembly of common folk, there is no good at all, except those who command people to give charity (to the poor) or instruct them to do good things or make peace between people (they will be rewarded by Allah). And whoever does this only to please Allah, soon he will receive a great reward from Allah (Al-Nisaa 114)
Note: In this Ayah, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) has promised a great reward for those who preach Truth, and how great and honorable can be the reward that has been called "great" by Allah.
In this connection the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) has said In this connection the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) has said A man's words may be a burden (sin) for him, except those that he has spoken for giving instructions for good deeds and preventing others from forbidden things, or for remembering Allah. A man's words may be a burden (sin) for him, except those that he has spoken for giving instructions for good deeds and preventing others from forbidden things, or for remembering Allah.
In another Hadith, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) has said Shall I tell you a virtue better than optional Salaah, fasting and charity? His Sahabah said You must tell us that virtue, O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam)! He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said To make peace between people for hate and mutual fight uproot good deeds, just as a razor removes the hair. To make peace between people for hate and mutual fight uproot good deeds, just as a razor removes the hair.
There are many more Ayah of the Quran and sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) that instruct us to make peace between people. What we mean to stress here is that to make peace between people is also another form of instructing them to do good and preventing them from evil. To introduce peace and cooperation in society should therefore be given due importance.
In this chapter, I will quote certain sayings of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) that explain the meanings of the Ayah of the Quran quoted above. It is not the intention to include all the relevant Hadith. If I quote all the Ayah and the Ahadith on this subject, I fear no one will read them, for now a days people hardly find time for such things. So, to place before you how important enjoing good and forbiding evil is in the eyes of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) and what serious results follow its neglect, I give below a few sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam)
It is reported by Aboo Saeed Khudree (Radhiallaho Anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said It is reported by Aboo Saeed Khudree (Radhiallaho Anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said Whoever sees forbidden thing being done, he should prevent it by the use of his hand and if he has no capability for this action then he should prevent it with his tongue and if he cannot do this even then he should at least consider it a vice in his heart and this is a very low level of one's Faith. (Muslim, Tarmizi, Ibne Maja and Targheeb)Whoever sees forbidden thing being done, he should prevent it by the use of his hand and if he has no capability for this action then he should prevent it with his tongue and if he cannot do this even then he should at least consider it a vice in his heart and this is a very low level of one's Faith. (Muslim, Tarmizi, Ibne Maja and Targheeb)
Note: In another Hadith it has been said that if a person can prevent evil with his tongue then he should so prevent it, otherwise, he should at least think it an evil in his heart and thus stand free of blame. Another Hadith says that if anyone hates every sin within his heart, he is true believer, but this is the weakest form of Iman. This subject has appeared in many other sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam). Now think well how many Muslims there are who act upon this Hadith in a practical way. How many seriously hate it within their hearts? We have to assess ourselves on these issues.
It has been reported by Nauman Ibn Basheer that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said There are people who do not transgress the limits (laws) of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and there are others who do so. They are like two groups who boarded a ship, one of them settled on the upper deck and the other on the lower deck of the ship. So, when the people of the lower deck needed water, they said "Why should we cause trouble to the people of upper deck when we can easily have plenty of water by making a hole in our deck". Now if the people of upper deck do not prevent this group from such foolishness, all of them will die but if they stop them, then they will be saved. (Bukhari and Tarmizi)There are people who do not transgress the limits (laws) of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and there are others who do so. They are like two groups who boarded a ship, one of them settled on the upper deck and the other on the lower deck of the ship. So, when the people of the lower deck needed water, they said "Why should we cause trouble to the people of upper deck when we can easily have plenty of water by making a hole in our deck". Now if the people of upper deck do not prevent this group from such foolishness, all of them will die but if they stop them, then they will be saved. (Bukhari and Tarmizi)
Note: Once the Sahabah of of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) asked O Rasool of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam)! Can we people be destroyed even when there are certain pious God fearing persons among us? He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) answered Yes, when evil deeds prevail in a society.Yes, when evil deeds prevail in a society.
Now a days the Muslims are generally worried about the decline and fall of this Ummah and they suggest certain plans to stop this decline but they never consider as to what is the main cause of our decline. They fail to identify the true reason of our spiritual and moral decline, particularly when the proper remedy has been foretold by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and His Nabi (Sallallaho Allah Wasallam) .
It is a pity that, because of wrong investigation the incorrect medicine including continued neglect of Tabligh, is leading to the further decline of the Ummah. In fact, the main cause of our decline is that we do not pay attention to enjoing good and forbiding evil nor do we help those who devote themselves to this sacred mission.
It has been reported by Ibne Masood (Radhiallaho Anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said: The decline and fall of the children of Israel (the Nabi Ishaaq AS) started thus: Then the pious among them saw certain sins being committed by the transgressors, they forbade them from doing the same. But when the sinners did not repent, the pious because of their relationship and friendship continued to mix with them. So, when this state of affairs began to prevail, Allah caused their hearts to be accursed in the same manner (i.e. the hearts were also affected with the disobedience of the transgressors), (Abu Dawood and Targheeb)(i.e. the hearts were also affected with the disobedience of the transgressors), (Abu Dawood and Targheeb).
Then in support of this, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) recited an Ayaah of the Quran, which says Then in support of this, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) recited an Ayaah of the Quran, which says The disobedient and the transgressors among the Bani Israel were cursed by Allah. After this the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) emphatically instructed his Sahabah (to avoid such decline) "You people must enjoin upon others to do good deeds and prevent them from doing forbidden things, you should restrain every tyrant from tyranny and invite him towards truth and Justice. After this the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) emphatically instructed his Sahabah (to avoid such decline) "You people must enjoin upon others to do good deeds and prevent them from doing forbidden things, you should restrain every tyrant from tyranny and invite him towards truth and Justice. Note: Another Hadith says that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) was resting comfortably when suddenly, overcome with excitement, he sat up and said Note: Another Hadith says that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) was resting comfortably when suddenly, overcome with excitement, he sat up and said I swear by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) that you people cannot attain salvation, unless you stop the tyrants from tyranny.I swear by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) that you people cannot attain salvation, unless you stop the tyrants from tyranny.
Another Hadith says that the Nabi Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said You people must preach the Truth and stop the sinners from doing forbidden things and check the tyrants to bring them towards the right path, otherwise you will be accursed and your hearts will be corrupted just as Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) did with the children of Israel (the Nabi Ishaaq A.S.) He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) read certain relevant Ayah of the Quran to explain this subject. The children of Israel were condemned because among other things they did not stop others from doing forbidden things.with the children of Israel (the Nabi Ishaaq A.S.) He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) read certain relevant Ayah of the Quran to explain this subject. The children of Israel were condemned because among other things they did not stop others from doing forbidden things.
Now a days it is considered a good quality to be at peace with all and to please every one on every occasion. They say it is a requirement of good manners towards the evil doers. Obviously this is a wrong policy, because at the most there may be some religious approval for keeping quiet in extreme cases, but never for falling in line with the tyrants and evil doers.
At the very least, every one must instruct those people to do good whom he can easily influence, for instance, his subordinates, his servants, his wife, his children and his relation. In such circumstances, to be absolutely silent about
Whoever is very popular with his relations and neighbors, we suspect him to be accommodating in preaching the true teachings of religion.Whoever is very popular with his relations and neighbors, we suspect him to be accommodating in preaching the true teachings of religion.
Numerous Hadith say that when a sin is committed secretly, its harm is generally limited to the sinner only, but when a sin is committed openly and those possessing the capability do not prevent it, then ultimately it affects all the people around.
Now every one can see for himself, how many sins are committed before him every day and he, in spite of having the power to stop them fails to do so/ And it is a pity that, if any one gets up to put the wrong down, the unaware and shameless people oppose him instead of co-operating with him. Now every one can see for himself, how many sins are committed before him every day and he, in spite of having the power to stop them fails to do so/ And it is a pity that, if any one gets up to put the wrong down, the unaware and shameless people oppose him instead of co-operating with him. Those who do wrong will come to know by what a great reverse they will be overturned. (Al-Shura 227).
Jareer ibn Abdullah (Radhiallaho Anho) says, I heard the Rasul of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) saying When a sin is committed before an individual or a group and they do not prevent it, in spite of having the capability, then Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) inflicts a severe punishment on them before their death.When a sin is committed before an individual or a group and they do not prevent it, in spite of having the capability, then Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) inflicts a severe punishment on them before their death. Note: O my friends who desire the betterment of Islam and the Muslims now you have clearly seen the causes of our decline. Not to speak of strangers, we generally do not stop even own family and our subordinates from wrong doing .
We do not even make up our minds to prevent evil, much less doing something practical about it. Whatever our own son does against the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), we do not check him even, but if he takes some interest in politics or mixes up in a certain political party, we are seriously anxious not only about him, but also about our own safety and honor.
Then we warn him and also think about some plans to be safe and secure from any harm. But on the other hand, when he breaks Allah's commandments, we are never anxious about the life in the Akhirah and about the accountability on the day of Qiyamah.
Sometimes you know full well that your son is used to some bad activities and is very careless in his Salaah, but you have no courage to prevent him from such habits or to punish him although Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has clearly commanded you to be severe in uprooting such evils and even break relations with the criminal.
There are many parents who would be angry with their son because he is lazy and does not attend to his studies or services or business properly. But is there anyone who is angry with his son because he does not perform the fundamental practices of Islam?
As a matter of fact, the adverse effect of this carelessness is not limited to the great loss in the Akhirah but, it is a pity, this evidently extends to our worldly affairs and interests also, which are so dear to us. This blindness of ours is horrible, for Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) says: Whoever is blind in this world, he will be surely blind in the Akhirah (Al-Isra 72), And such transgressors have taken leave of their senses, because Allah has sealed up their hearts, and on their ears and eyes there are veils (so they hear nor see the Truth) (Al-Baqarah 7).
It has been reported by Anas (Radhiallaho Anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said So long as person says La ila ha illal-laah (no one is worthy of worship but Allah), he receives spiritual benefits and is saved from miseries and calamities, unless he neglects its rights. Sahabah said O Rasul of Allah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) How are its right neglected? He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) answered When sins are committed openly and the person who recites the Kalimah does not prevent the sinners from wrong doing. Note: Now you can yourself consider how very often sins are committed openly during these times, yet there is no serious attempt to check or stop them. In such a dangerous and ungodly atmosphere, the very existence of the Muslims in the world is a great blessing of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), otherwise we are inviting destruction through all possible means.
Aishah (Radhiallaho Anha) asked the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) Aishah (Radhiallaho Anha) asked the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) When the punishment of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) falls on the inhabitants of any locality, does it affect the pious, just as it affects the guilty? The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) answered Yes, it does affect all of them in this world, but on the day of Qiyamah the pious will be separated from the guilty.Yes, it does affect all of them in this world, but on the day of Qiyamah the pious will be separated from the guilty.
Therefore, those people who are simply satisfied with their own piety and do not participate in improving others should not rest assured that they are safe from the punishment of the Almighty. If any punishment is imposed by Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala), they too will be involved in it.
Aishah (Radhiallaho Anha) says Once the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) entered the house and I guessed from his face that something of great importance had occurred. He did not talk to any one and after making Wudoo (ablution) he entered the Masjid. I stood behind the wall to hear what he said O Muslims! Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has commanded you to call people to good deeds and prevent them from committing sins, otherwise a time will come when you will make Dua to Him, but He will not listen to you, you will ask your needs of Him, but He will not grant them, you will demand His help against your enemies, but He will not help you. After saying this, He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) came down from the mimbar.After saying this, He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) came down from the mimbar. Note: Particularly those persons should consider this Hadith carefully who want to fight the enemies of Islam, but neglect the performance of the requisites of Islam, they forget that the strength and stability of the Muslim Ummah depends upon the propagation of Islam.
Aboo al-Dardaa (Radhiallaho Anho), who is a distinguished Sahabi of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) says Aboo al-Dardaa (Radhiallaho Anho), who is a distinguished Sahabi of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) says You must command people to do good and stop them from evil, otherwise Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will impose such a tyrant to rule over you, who will not respect your elders and will not have mercy on your youngsters. Then you people will make Dua to Him, but He will not accept your Dua, you will ask Him for help but He will not help you, you will seek His pardon, but He will not pardon you, for Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) Himself say O believers! if you help Allah, then He will help you, and will make your feet firm (against your enemies). (Mohammed 7) Says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in another Ayah: (O believers!) If Allah helps you, then no one can overpower you, and if He does not help you, then who can come to your help? And only in Allah should the believers trust (Al-Imran 160)(O believers!) If Allah helps you, then no one can overpower you, and if He does not help you, then who can come to your help? And only in Allah should the believers trust (Al-Imran 160)
It has been reported by Huzaifah (Radhiallaho Anho) that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said on oath You must command people to do good deeds and stop them from doing forbidden things, otherwise Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will impose a severe punishment upon you and then your Dua even will not be accepted by Him.You must command people to do good deeds and stop them from doing forbidden things, otherwise Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will impose a severe punishment upon you and then your Dua even will not be accepted by Him.
Here, my respected readers should consider well how many times they break the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) then they will know why their attempts to reform the nation fail and why their Dua is of no avail and they, instead of sowing the seeds of progress, cause its decline.
It has been reported by Aboo Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said When my followers will begin to adore the worldly benefits, their hearts will be deprived of the dignity and importance of Islam and when they stop enjoining the good and forbidding evil, they will be deprived of the Barrakah of Allah's revealed Book and when they will abuse each other they will fall from the esteem of Allah.When my followers will begin to adore the worldly benefits, their hearts will be deprived of the dignity and importance of Islam and when they stop enjoining the good and forbidding evil, they will be deprived of the Barrakah of Allah's revealed Book and when they will abuse each other they will fall from the esteem of Allah. Note: The well wishers of the nation should ponder why their efforts result in failure instead of success. If you people believe Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) and his teachings to be true and educative, then why do you take those things as useful that are declared harmful by him?
He says such and such thing will worsen your disease, but you think they will bring health to you. The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said He says such and such thing will worsen your disease, but you think they will bring health to you. The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said None of you can be a true Muslim, unless his desires are subject to the religion that I have brought.None of you can be a true Muslim, unless his desires are subject to the religion that I have brought.
But, contrary to this, you think that religion is an hurdle in the way of your individual and national progress on the lines of other nations. Says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in the Quran Whoever desires the harvest of the world Hereafter, We grant increase in his harvest and whoever desires the harvest of this world, We give him the fruit thereof but there is no portion for him in the Hereafter (Al-Shura 20)Whoever desires the harvest of the world Hereafter, We grant increase in his harvest and whoever desires the harvest of this world, We give him the fruit thereof but there is no portion for him in the Hereafter (Al-Shura 20)
A Hadith of this meaning says "The heart of a Muslim whose objective is the Akhirah does not care for the worldly pleasures, yet the world is brought to his feet, on the other hand, whoever goes after the world, he is overpowered by miseries and calamities, yet he cannot receive more than his destined portion".
The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) read the Ayah quoted above, and said The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) read the Ayah quoted above, and said O son of man! Devote yourself to My worship, and I will free your heart from the worldly anxieties and will remove your poverty, otherwise I will fill your heart with a thousand worries and will not remove your poverty.O son of man! Devote yourself to My worship, and I will free your heart from the worldly anxieties and will remove your poverty, otherwise I will fill your heart with a thousand worries and will not remove your poverty.
These are the words of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam), but you foolishly think that your worldly progress can be very helpful to the Mullahs, for then you would be in a better position to serve them? Then why should they oppose you, to their own loss?
As a matter of fact, they are sacrificing their own worldly interests by speaking the truth, by preaching Islam, in order to bring you to the right path. When whatever your religious scholars tell you is in fact based on the teachings of the Quran, then is it sensible for you to turn away from them?
And if you reject them, then can you be a true believer? Your religious preachers might have some personal shortcomings but, so long as they are conveying to you the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) from the Quran and the sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), you are bound to listen to them and to obey their instructions and if you don't obey them, you have yourself to answer for your disobedience to Allah. Not even a fool would say that the official orders should not be obeyed, simply because they were reported by a poor servant.
Do not make such a sweeping statement that those who have committed themselves to the sacred cause of Islam run after worldly gains and interest. True preachers of Islam are never selfish and never ask anything for themselves, the more they worship Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala) (and commit themselves to the the work of religion), the less attention they pay to worldly offerings.
Nevertheless, if they ask help of you, it will be entirely for the sake of religion (to preach Islam and the Quran); and therein they find more satisfaction than in any personal cause. Then why should you hesitate to help them?
A question is generally raised that Islam does not dictate giving up of worldly interests and, in this connection, the Ayah of the Quran are often misunderstood for instance, there is an Ayah that says A question is generally raised that Islam does not dictate giving up of worldly interests and, in this connection, the Ayah of the Quran are often misunderstood for instance, there is an Ayah that says Our Sustainer! Grant us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the Fire (of Hell). (Al-Baqarah 201).Our Sustainer! Grant us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the Fire (of Hell). (Al-Baqarah 201).
Some people insist that in this Ayah, the worldly benefit is favored and appreciated by Islam, as much as the good in the Akhirah. In other words, there is no "Denial" of the world in Islam.
Such people claim to be perfect scholars after having seen only some translations of the Quran. The true meanings of the Quran can be properly understood by those only who have looked deep into its Ayah and are well informed on this subject.
Various meanings of this Ayah that have been explained by the Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) and the scholars of Islam are as follows Qatadah (Radhiallaho Anho) says Various meanings of this Ayah that have been explained by the Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) and the scholars of Islam are as follows Qatadah (Radhiallaho Anho) says Our Sustainer! Grant us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the Fire (of Hell). (Al-Baqarah 201).
Some people insist that in this Ayah, the worldly benefit is favored and appreciated by Islam, as much as the good in the Akhirah. In other words, there is no "Denial" of the world in Islam.
Such people claim to be perfect scholars after having seen only some translations of the Quran. The true meanings of the Quran can be properly understood by those only who have looked deep into its Ayah and are well informed on this subject.
Various meanings of this Ayah that have been explained by the Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) and the scholars of Islam are as follows Qatadah (Radhiallaho Anho) says Various meanings of this Ayah that have been explained by the Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) and the scholars of Islam are as follows Qatadah (Radhiallaho Anho) says By good in this world is meant peaceful existence and necessary livelihood. Ali (KarramAllaho Wajhahoo) says that by good in this world is meant a good wife. Hasan al-Basree (Rehmatullah Alaihi) says that by good in this world is meant knowledge of Islam and worship. Suddee (Rehmatullah Alaihi) says that good in this world means lawful earnings.good in this world means lawful earnings.
Ibn Umar (Radhiallaho Anho) says that by good in this world is meant righteous children and good will of other human beings. Jafer (Radhiallaho Anho) says that by good in this world is meant good health, adequate livelihood, knowledge of the Quran, victory over the enemies of Islam and company of the pious.by good in this world is meant good health, adequate livelihood, knowledge of the Quran, victory over the enemies of Islam and company of the pious.
I would add that if "good in this world" meant our material progress, even then the intention of the Ayah is that we ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) for such Good not that we completely busying ourselves in chasing it. Asking for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) even if it be the mending of a shoe, is in itself a part of religion.meant our material progress, even then the intention of the Ayah is that we ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) for such Good not that we completely busying ourselves in chasing it. Asking for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) even if it be the mending of a shoe, is in itself a part of religion.
Besides, if it means honest living, or to be prosperous and self sufficient, that, too, is not forbidden in Islam, by all means earn your livelihood in this world consistent with religion. The point is that our endeavors in the cause of religion should at least be as much as those for worldly gains, if not more, because Islam teaches us to value both this life and the Akhirah.
Please consider also the following Ayah of the Quran, which lay more stress and importance on the Akhirah.
Whoever desires the harvest of the Akhirah, We will certainly increase his harvest (Al-Shura 20)
Whoever desires this present world (and its benefits), We shall soon grant him whatever he desires, then We will make Jahannam his destination, wherein he will be thrown headlong, with disgrace. And whoever desires the Akhirah and makes an effort to attain it, and he is a true believer - those are the people whose efforts will be rewarded (Al-Isra 18-19)
These are the benefits of the life of this world, but with Allah is a very good abode. (Al-Imran14): And amongst you are those who desire this world only, and amongst you are those who desire the life of Akhirah (Al-Imran 152)
O Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) Say: "The benefit of this world is very little, but the life of Akhirah is much better for those who fear Allah". (Al-Nisaa 77): The life of this world is nothing but a game and sport, and the House of the Akhirah is much better for the pious (Al-An'aam 32): And avoid those who have taken their faith as a game and play and the worldly life has deceived them (Al-An'aam 70): You people desire the benefits of this present world only, but Allah desires the Akhirah (for you). (Al-Anfaal 67): Have you become happy with the worldly life instead of the Hereafter? So the enjoyment of the worldly life is but little as compared with the Hereafter (Al-Taubah 38): Those who aimed for this worldly life and its beauty, we shall fully recompense them herein for their acts and herein they shall not be given less. Those are the people for whom there is nothing in the Hereafter, except fire and nullified is what they have worked herein and void is what they have been doing. (Hood 15-16): And they have become pleased with the worldly life only, but the worldly life, when compared to the Akhirah, is but a small benefit (Al-Raad 62): On them fell the wrath of Allah, and for them is a great chastisement. It is because they preferred the life of this world to the Akhirah (Al-Nahl 106-7)
There are many other Ayah in which the life of this world and the Akhirah have been compared. I cannot quote all of them, but I have quoted a few of them as examples. Basically, the moral of all the Ayah is that those who prefer this world to the Akhirah will be losers in the long run.
If you cannot properly deal with both the worlds, then the life of the Akhirah is preferable, and you should fulfil its requirements. Admit that this world and essentials of life here are unavoidable needs, yet note that no sensible person would keep sitting in the toilet, even though one is compelled to visit the toilet.
If we certainly study the Shareeah, we will have to admit that it has prescribed a proper place for our worldly activities and religious duties. We have been commanded to devote one half of our time to Salaah (and religious observances), and we may spend the rest of our time in our worldly occupations, whether we devote it to rest or to earn our living.
According to this plan, we can maintain a balance between the two, and can carry out our duties laid down by our religion as well as about our worldly life. So, if we reserve ourselves wholly or mainly to the worldly requirements, then we are unjust and careless. The sense of justice requires that we should be faithful to both, that is, to the needs of life as well as to the Akhirah, so that both are provided for, because Islam does not favor withdrawal from this world. That is what is meant by the Ayah.
O our Sustainer! Give us good in this world and in the Akhirah, and save us from the Fire (of Hell). (Al-Baqarah 201)
In this Chapter, my real object was to quote the sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) about the enjoing good and forbiding evil work. And the seven that I have quoted above are sufficient for true believers, as for the disbeliever's, Allah says Those who do wrong will come to know by what a (great) reverse they will be overturned. (Al-Shura 227) Those who do wrong will come to know by what a (great) reverse they will be overturned. (Al-Shura 227)
Some sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) show that a time will come when everyone will follow his own wishes and attractions, and no one will pay attention to the teachings of religion and to the Commandments of Allah. In those times, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) had advised us to mind our own business and to worship Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taala), rather than deliver lectures to people.
But the pious persons of the Ummah say that such a period has not yet come, therefore, try your best to reform yourself and to instruct others, before such a time comes. We must avoid those shortcomings pointed out by the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) above, as these are the doors through which will enter dishonesty in our personal life as well as in the society. Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam)_ has counted these short comings among the causes of our downfall But the pious persons of the Ummah say that such a period has not yet come, therefore, try your best to reform yourself and to instruct others, before such a time comes. We must avoid those shortcomings pointed out by the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) above, as these are the doors through which will enter dishonesty in our personal life as well as in the society. Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam)_ has counted these short comings among the causes of our downfall O Allah! save us from the trials of sinfulness, whether it be external or internal.
Practice What You Preach:
In this chapter it is intended to draw attention to a significant shortcoming. Just as most educated Muslims and scholars of the day have forgotten the duty of Tabligh work, similarly there are those who preach Islam to others through speech and by writings, but they forget practicing what they say.
In fact they, as preachers, should attend to correcting themselves more than to correct others. The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) has strictly forbidden such persons to preach who are themselves guilty of misdeeds.
The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) on the night of his journey to Jerusalem and then to the heavens, saw a group of persons whose lips were being cut with fiery scissors. On asking who they were, the angel Jibrail (Alaihi Salaam) told Him (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) that these persons are preachers from among your followers who did not act on what they preached.
A Hadith says A Hadith says Some of residents of Jannah will ask those in Jahannam "How are you people here, whereas we followed your preaching and thereby we got into Jannah?" The will answer: "We did not practice ourselves what we preached to others."Some of residents of Jannah will ask those in Jahannam "How are you people here, whereas we followed your preaching and thereby we got into Jannah?" The will answer: "We did not practice ourselves what we preached to others."
Another Hadith says The punishment of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will fall more speedily upon the guilty scholars than on the common sinners. They will be surprised to see this and will say " Why is the punishment of Allah inflicted on us before the idolaters even?" They will be answered thus "Those who disobeyed, in spite of having knowledge of religion, are more guilty than those who did not have this knowledge". The punishment of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will fall more speedily upon the guilty scholars than on the common sinners. They will be surprised to see this and will say " Why is the punishment of Allah inflicted on us before the idolaters even?" They will be answered thus "Those who disobeyed, in spite of having knowledge of religion, are more guilty than those who did not have this knowledge".
Muslim scholars have written that the pious lectures of those who do not practice the religious formalities themselves, cannot leave an impression on others. That is why the religious speeches, writings and the journals in this age have little effect on the listeners and readers! Says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in the Quran Do you command people to do good, but forget your own souls, although you read the Book? Do not you understand? (Al-Baqarah 44) The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) saysThe Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) says
On the day of Qiyamah no one will be permitted to move away a single step until he is put these four questions: (1) How did you spend your period of life? (2) What use did you make of your youth? (3) How did you earn your wealth, and where did you spend it? (4) How far did you act upon your knowledge?.
Aboo al-Dardaa (Radhiallaho Anho) is a distinguished Sahabi of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) He says The thing I fear most is the question that will be put to me on the day of Qiyamah in presence of all the people: "Did you act upon the knowledge that you possessed?".The thing I fear most is the question that will be put to me on the day of Qiyamah in presence of all the people: "Did you act upon the knowledge that you possessed?".
A certain Sahabi of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) asked him "Who is the worst of all creatures?" He answered Don't ask me questions about bad things, but ask me questions about good things. The worst of all creatures are the guilty scholars" (i.e. those who do not practice what they say).(i.e. those who do not practice what they say).
Says the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) in another Hadith Says the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) in another Hadith Knowledge is of two kinds one, which remains on the tongue only and does not affect the heart and so is in fact an accusation from Allah and the other which penetrates into the heart and revives the spirit: that is indeed useful.Knowledge is of two kinds one, which remains on the tongue only and does not affect the heart and so is in fact an accusation from Allah and the other which penetrates into the heart and revives the spirit: that is indeed useful.
What we mean to say is that a Muslim should not acquire only that knowledge which concerns the formalities, but also the spiritual knowledge, which would purify his heart and enlighten his brain, otherwise it would be a cause for questioning on the day of Qiyamah as to how far as to how far it was acted upon. Similar warnings are contained in several other Hadith.
Therefore, I would earnestly request all the Islamic workers and preachers to correct themselves outwardly and inwardly, and to practice themselves what they preach to others, otherwise mere lectures without practice cannot be accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), as has been shown by various Ayah of the Quran, as well as sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) I ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) that He should enable me also to improve myself externally and internally and practice what I preach, for I entirely depend upon His favors to hide my faults.
This chapter concerns another very important requirement for enjoing good and forbiding evil, which, through a little carelessness of the preachers, can do harm instead of good. For instance, when trying to prevent someone from wrong doing, or have him from a bad habit, you should advise him privately and not openly disgrace him in the eyes of others, a Muslim's dignity is a valuable asset, as explained in the following sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam). It has been reported by Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said It has been reported by Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said Whoever conceals the sins of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his sins in this world and in the Akhirah and Allah helps His servant so long as he helps his brother Muslim.Whoever conceals the sins of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his sins in this world and in the Akhirah and Allah helps His servant so long as he helps his brother Muslim.
It has been reported by Ibne Abbas (Radhiallaho Anho) that the Nabi Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said Whoever conceals the wrong doings of a brother Muslim, Allah will conceal his wrongdoing on the day of Qiyamah and whoever will publicize the wrongdoing of a brother Muslim, Allah will disclose his wrongdoing to the people, so much so that he will be disgraced sitting in his own house.Whoever conceals the wrong doings of a brother Muslim, Allah will conceal his wrongdoing on the day of Qiyamah and whoever will publicize the wrongdoing of a brother Muslim, Allah will disclose his wrongdoing to the people, so much so that he will be disgraced sitting in his own house.
Note: Similarly, there are many other Hadith on this subject therefore, the preachers of Islam should always have a great regard for ignoring the faults and maintaining the respect of brethren in Islam. Another Hadith says Whoever does not help his brother Muslim, when he is being dishonored, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will not pay attention to him when he himself is badly in need of help. Whoever does not help his brother Muslim, when he is being dishonored, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will not pay attention to him when he himself is badly in need of help.
Still another Hadith says The worst form of usury is dishonoring a Muslim In numerous Hadith like this, the dishonoring of a Muslim has been strictly forbidden, therefore, the Islamic workers should be particularly cautious on this subject.In numerous Hadith like this, the dishonoring of a Muslim has been strictly forbidden, therefore, the Islamic workers should be particularly cautious on this subject.
The correct method is to advise people secretly on the sins that come to knowledge secretly and take corrective measures openly on the sins that are committed openly. Even the advice should be given in such a manner that the sinner is not dishonored, lest the advice produces the opposite effect.
In short, the wrong doers must be checked strictly, according to the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) but let us not forget the instructions given above to respect the honor of every Muslim. Moreover, a preacher must be respectful and kind when he addresses his audience, for ill temper and bitter words have just the opposite effect.
A preacher spoke harshly to the Caliph Mamoon al Rasheed. He said A preacher spoke harshly to the Caliph Mamoon al Rasheed. He said Please be respectful and kind to me, for Firawn was a worse fellow that me, and Moosa (Alaihi Salaam) was a much better person than you, but when he and Haroon (Alaihi Salaam) were sent to instruct Firawn, Allah said Speak to him in soft words, that he may turn to the Right Path, or perchance he may fear Me (Taahaa 44)Speak to him in soft words, that he may turn to the Right Path, or perchance he may fear Me (Taahaa 44)
A youth (from the outlying regions) came to the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) and said Please permit me to commit adultery The Sahabah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) took this very seriously and were very angry at his words. But the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said to him Come nearer to me. Would you like anyone to commit adultery with your mother? He said Not at all.Not at all.
The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said Then other people will also never tolerate such a shameful act with their mothers . Then the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) asked him the same question about his sister, aunt, etc and he answered each time in the negative.Then the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) asked him the same question about his sister, aunt, etc and he answered each time in the negative.
Then Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) put his hand on his chest and made Dua Then Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) put his hand on his chest and made Dua O Allah! purify his heart, forgive his sins, and guard him against adultery The reporters say that, after this, nothing was more hateful to him than adultery.The reporters say that, after this, nothing was more hateful to him than adultery.
To be brief, the preachers should always be kind, humble and sympathetic towards their listeners and should treat them as they would themselves like to be treated.
I would particularly request Islamic workers to base all their speeches, writings and actions on sincerity. Even a small good deed based on sincerity will be greatly rewarded by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), whereas without sincerity it will fetch no reward in this world or in the Akhirah. Says the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) in this context Allah does not look towards your faces, or towards your riches, but He sees (the sincerity of) your hearts, and the nature of your deeds. (Muslim)Allah does not look towards your faces, or towards your riches, but He sees (the sincerity of) your hearts, and the nature of your deeds. (Muslim)
On another occasion, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) was asked as to to what is the meaning of FAITH He answered "IT MEANS SINCERITY" (al-Targheeb). Muaaz (Radhiallaho Anho) was given a command in Yemen. When he was about to depart, he asked for advice from the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), who said Observe sincerity in all your religious beliefs and actions, for it will increase the reward of your good deeds.Observe sincerity in all your religious beliefs and actions, for it will increase the reward of your good deeds.
Another Hadith says Allah Taala accepts only those deeds of His servants, which are based on complete sincerity to Him. Another Hadith says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has proclaimed "I am the most self-respecting and self sufficient of all; therefore whoever brings forth a partner to Me in any action, I entrust him to the same partner (and do not help him at all). Then I have no value for his actions, which are all given to the partner". (Al-Mishkat un Ahmad)
It has been stated in another Hadith that it will be proclaimed on the day of Qiyamah Whoever has brought forward a partner to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in any action, he should demand his reward from the same partner, for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) is far above needing any partnerWhoever has brought forward a partner to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in any action, he should demand his reward from the same partner, for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) is far above needing any partner. Another Hadith says Whoever performs Salaah for show, he becomes guilty of false worship; and whoever observes fasts for show, he also becomes guilty of false worship; and whoever gives alms for show, he also becomes guilty of false worship. (Al-Mishkat un Ahmad)
To be guilty of false worship here means that he does not perform such good deeds sincerely to please Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) only, but by making a show of these he wants to win the favor and praise of human beings, which is to set up partners to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) indirectly.
Another Hadith says, with this meaning
Certain categories of people will be called first of all for accountability on the day of Qiyamah. A martyr will be asked by Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), "Did I not bestow such and such favors on you?" He will admit those boons and favors. Then Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will ask him: "How did you make use of My favors?" He will answer: "I went for Jihad to please You, and was killed therein". Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will say, "You lie; you participated in Jihad to be called a Hero by people, and this has been done." The he will be thrown head down into the fire of Jahannam, Next, a scholar will be called and the same questions will be put to him. In reply he will admit the favors of Allah. Then he will be asked: " How did you make use of My favors?" He will answer, "I acquired knowledge of Islam and the Quran and taught it to others, simply to please You." Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala will say: "You lie, you attained knowledge in order to be called a 'Scholar' and recited the Quran to be called an expert of Quran recitation." Then he too will be thrown head down in to the fire of Jahannam. Thereafter a rich man will be called, and the same questions will be put to him. He will say: "I always spent money in various ways to please Thee." Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will say: "You lie you spent money in order to be called a generous man, and this has been said." Then he will also be thrown head down into the fire of Jahannam. (Al-Mishkat/Muslim)
Therefore, our preachers of Islam should always avoid show and pride, and should render their services only to please Allah(Subhanahu wa Taala). They should follow the Sunnah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) and should not desire to win fame or favor and praise of the people.
If such a useless desire is suspected in their mind, they should seek the refuge of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) , and should ask His pardon. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) grant us sincerity to serve His religion to the best of our efforts.
In this chapter, I would make a few submissions to the Muslims in general that they may know how to respect the scholars and the preachers of Islam. Today it is a usual practice to have unfounded doubts and objections against the preachers and the learned men of the nation. This is very harmful from the religious points of view.
In every circle and every institution of the world, there are good as well as bad people, and if there are a few bad persons among the scholars also, it is no wonder. Two important points are here noteworthy.
Firstly, you should not form any definitive opinion about the character of anyone, unless you have a solid proof about it. Says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in the Quran:
And do not take practical steps regarding anything about which you have no knowledge; for everyone will be questioned as to how he used his ears and eyes and the heart. (al-israa'36)
And certainly it is unjust to reject the (good) advice of a preacher, simply because you have some unconfirmed doubts about him. The Jews translated their Scriptures into Arabic, and used to read them out to the Muslims, but the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) was so careful about giving his decision on this subject that he said O Muslims! you should neither confirm what they say, nor reject them; rather you should say; 'Whatever Allah Taala has revealed, we believe in all that'.O Muslims! you should neither confirm what they say, nor reject them; rather you should say; 'Whatever Allah Taala has revealed, we believe in all that'.
In other words, he forbids denial of even an unbeliever's narration without proper investigation. But contrary to this rule, we reject those instructions of preachers that are against our wishes, without any arguments on our part, and attack their reputation even when we know them to be righteous.
Another thing that you must keep in mind is that even the righteous scholars and preachers of your nation are also human beings, and as such they too can have some weaknesses. The responsibility of their good or bad deeds really rest on them and final judgement belongs to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala); but I hope that by His mercy and great kindness He will forgive them, for, after all, they have been serving His religion and Faith at great personal sacrifice throughout their lives.
In short, either to have doubts and objections against the religious preachers themselves, or spread them amongst others, will take people away from religion and be the cause of great anxiety for those who participate in such activities. The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) said: Whoever respects the following three, he really pays respect to Allah
1. An Aged Muslim
2. One who teaches and preaches the Quran without any excesses
3. The ruler who is just to the people.
Also the following sayings of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) tell us:
He is not among my followers, who does not respect our elders, is not merciful to our youngsters, and does not pay due reverence to our scholars. (Al-Targheeb). Whoever belittles the following three persons is not a Muslim but a hypocrite: first, an aged Muslim, second, a scholar (of religion), and third, a just ruler. (Al-Targheeb). The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) has also said I fear particularly for three shortcomings in my followers. First, due to increasing worldly benefits and achievements, they will envy one another. Second, discussion of the Quran will become so common that even the ignorant will claim that they know the meanings of the Quran, although many meanings are such as cannot be understood by any one except the well-versed scholars of that Book. Even they say "We have a firm faith in it, and that it is from Allah," so how much more careful should be the common people. Third, the religious scholars will be neglected and will not be patronized properly. (Al-Targheeb).I fear particularly for three shortcomings in my followers. First, due to increasing worldly benefits and achievements, they will envy one another. Second, discussion of the Quran will become so common that even the ignorant will claim that they know the meanings of the Quran, although many meanings are such as cannot be understood by any one except the well-versed scholars of that Book. Even they say "We have a firm faith in it, and that it is from Allah," so how much more careful should be the common people. Third, the religious scholars will be neglected and will not be patronized properly. (Al-Targheeb).
Many similar sayings are found in the books of Hadith. It has been pointed out in Al-fatwa al-Alamgiriyah that the sort of dishonoring words that are generally used today by the illiterate people about the scholars of Islam may seriously damage their faith. Therefore, people must be careful to avoid such words.
Suppose for a moment there are no true and sincere scholars of Islam in the world (and the majority consists of corrupt people), even then nothing is gained by exposing them as evil scholars. Rather, it is the religious and moral duty of every Muslim to form such an Islamic society that would give birth to sincere servants of Islam. Only when such a body of persons is in existence should we rest satisfied.
Ofcourse, there have always been some differences of opinion among Muslim scholars, mostly about minor problems, for which they cannot be defamed. There is a Hadith that says that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) gave his shoes to Aboo Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) and said Ofcourse, there have always been some differences of opinion among Muslim scholars, mostly about minor problems, for which they cannot be defamed. There is a Hadith that says that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) gave his shoes to Aboo Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) and said Take my shoes as a sign, and proclaim among the Muslims that whoever will say Laa Ilaha illaa Allah Muhammadur-Rasulullah from the bottom of his heart, he will certainly enter Jannah.Take my shoes as a sign, and proclaim among the Muslims that whoever will say Laa Ilaha illaa Allah Muhammadur-Rasulullah from the bottom of his heart, he will certainly enter Jannah.
Umar (Radhiallaho Anho) met Aboo Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) on the way and asked him Where he was going. He told him the message of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), yet Umar (Radhiallaho Anho)was disturbed, for he did not agree with such a suggestion. Therefore, he hit the messenger in the chest, who fell back. Yet no one raised objections against Umar (Radhiallaho Anho), nor was any demonstration arranged against him because of this difference of opinion.He told him the message of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), yet Umar (Radhiallaho Anho)was disturbed, for he did not agree with such a suggestion. Therefore, he hit the messenger in the chest, who fell back. Yet no one raised objections against Umar (Radhiallaho Anho), nor was any demonstration arranged against him because of this difference of opinion.
Many differences of opinion existed among the Sahabah (Radhiallaho Anhum) and later the founders of the four well known schools of Islamic law differed among themselves in numerous details. There have been many minor differences of opinion about Salaah among scholars of the four schools of law. I myself know of about two hundred, but this does not mean that their followers should doubt the faith of one another, and call each other nonbelievers.
The fact is that the common people are mostly unaware of the fine points on which various scholars differ in their views, these differences are a blessing in fact. As a matter of fact, good preachers and sincere servants of Islam do not attach any importance to such small things, but continue their attempt to bring people to the right path.
We know that doctors differ among themselves and lawyers differ in their advice, nevertheless people continue to make use of their services. But those who are illiterate, selfish and lazy, simply use their differences of view to raise objections against religious scholars.
Any how, it has been urged on every Muslim to listen to those scholars of the Quran, whom he respects and knows to be the followers of Sunnah, and avoid abusing those whom he does not like. Any one who has no proper knowledge of Islam and the Quran, has no right to raise objections against the scholars.
The scholars of Islam should always keep this saying of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) in mind and act accordingly The scholars of Islam should always keep this saying of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) in mind and act accordinglyHe told him the message of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam), yet Umar (Radhiallaho Anho)was disturbed, for he did not agree with such a suggestion. Therefore, he hit the messenger in the chest, who fell back. Yet no one raised objections against Umar (Radhiallaho Anho), nor was any demonstration arranged against him because of this difference of opinion.
Many differences of opinion existed among the Sahabah (Radhiallaho Anhum) and later the founders of the four well known schools of Islamic law differed among themselves in numerous details. There have been many minor differences of opinion about Salaah among scholars of the four schools of law. I myself know of about two hundred, but this does not mean that their followers should doubt the faith of one another, and call each other nonbelievers.
The fact is that the common people are mostly unaware of the fine points on which various scholars differ in their views, these differences are a blessing in fact. As a matter of fact, good preachers and sincere servants of Islam do not attach any importance to such small things, but continue their attempt to bring people to the right path.
We know that doctors differ among themselves and lawyers differ in their advice, nevertheless people continue to make use of their services. But those who are illiterate, selfish and lazy, simply use their differences of view to raise objections against religious scholars.
Any how, it has been urged on every Muslim to listen to those scholars of the Quran, whom he respects and knows to be the followers of Sunnah, and avoid abusing those whom he does not like. Any one who has no proper knowledge of Islam and the Quran, has no right to raise objections against the scholars.
The scholars of Islam should always keep this saying of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) in mind and act accordingly The scholars of Islam should always keep this saying of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) in mind and act accordingly It is to waste knowledge to address those who are not fit for it. In this evil age, when even the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and sayings of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) are being criticized, I have no reason to wonder if the speeches of Muslim scholars are not heard and the Quran is not followed. Says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in the Quran And whoever transgresses the limits of Allah, surely these are the unjust. (Al-Baqarah 229).
In this last chapter, which really completes the sixth one, I would remind the Muslims to follow the Sunnah of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam), and to keep the company of those who commit themselves to Islam and remember Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) day and night, for this will make them firm in Islam. Even the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) was commanded to keep such company; says the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) on this subject: Shall I tell you a thing by which you can attain good in this world and the Akhirah? Remember, it is the company of those who remember and glorify Allah day and night. (Mishkat). Now it is up to you to search for and to recognize the true lovers of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and these are the followers of Sunnah, for Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has sent his beloved Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) as a model for the guidance of the Muslims. Says Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in the Quran. (O Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) say " If you people (really) love Allah, then follow me; so that Allah will love you, and will pardon your sins; and Allah is Forgiving Merciful (Al-Imran 31). Therefore, whoever follows the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) faithfully is nearer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), and whoever does not follow Him (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) is far away from Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala)and cannot win His favors. The commentators of the Quran have written that whoever claims to be a lover of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), but does not follow the Sunnah of the Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam), he is a liar; for it is a condition of love that everything associated with the beloved must be loved. A poet has quoted the words of the famous Qais al-Amiree, the lover of Lailaa: Whenever I pass through the city of Lailaa, I love every door and wall of it. Really I do not love the city as a city, but rather love the people in it who are associated with Lailaa. Another poet says: You pretend to be a lover of Allah, and yet you do not obey His commandments! If you were a true lover, you would never disobey Him, for a lover always follows the orders of his beloved.You pretend to be a lover of Allah, and yet you do not obey His commandments! If you were a true lover, you would never disobey Him, for a lover always follows the orders of his beloved.
The Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said All my followers will enter Jannah, but not those who have denied me The Sahabah said Who would deny you? He (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) said Those who follow me would enter Jannah, but those who disobey me, they in fact deny me.Those who follow me would enter Jannah, but those who disobey me, they in fact deny me.
In another Hadith, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) has said No one of you can be a true Muslim unless his wishes are subordinate to that which I have brought, that is the Deen (Al-Mishkat)No one of you can be a true Muslim unless his wishes are subordinate to that which I have brought, that is the Deen (Al-Mishkat). One can hardly believe that those who claim to be well wishes of Islam and Muslims would disobey Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and His Messenger (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam). When we say that such and such thing is against Sunnah, they feel very angry, then how can they be among the followers of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) Saadi (Rehmatullah Alaihi) has said Whoever follows a path contrary to the Sunnah of the Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) , he will never reach his destination.Whoever follows a path contrary to the Sunnah of the Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) , he will never reach his destination.
Therefore, whoever keeps the company of true lovers of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala and followers of the Sunnah, in order to obtain spiritual benefits, will certainly progress towards internal success. On this particular subject, please consider the following sayings of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam)
Whenever you people pass through the Gardens of Paradise, partake of their fruits. The companions asked What are the Gardens of Paradise? The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) answered The assemblies wherein knowledge of Islam and the Holy Quran is taught.The assemblies wherein knowledge of Islam and the Holy Quran is taught.
The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) also said Luqman instructed his son in these words "Keep the company of scholars, and listen attentively to the words of the wise, for therewith Allah revives the dead hearts, just as He revives the dead earth with heavy rains; and the wise alone understand the religion.Luqman instructed his son in these words "Keep the company of scholars, and listen attentively to the words of the wise, for therewith Allah revives the dead hearts, just as He revives the dead earth with heavy rains; and the wise alone understand the religion.
A companion asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) Who can be the best companion for us? He (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) answered Such a person that, when you see him, you remember Allah; when you listen to him, your knowledge of Islam is increased; when you see his actions, you are reminded of the life Hereafter. (Targheeb). Such a person that, when you see him, you remember Allah; when you listen to him, your knowledge of Islam is increased; when you see his actions, you are reminded of the life Hereafter. (Targheeb).
Again, "The most devoted servants of Allah are such that, when you see them you remember Allah." Says Allah in the Holy Quran;
O those who believe! Fear Allah, and be with the truthful (faithful) people! The commentators have written that by 'truthful' are meant the mystics and the true lovers of Allah, for whoever attaches himself to them and listens to their sermons, he attains very high standards of spirituality.
Sheikh Akbar has written Sheikh Akbar has written You cannot get rid of the evil wishes of yourself, though you may strive for it for your whole life unless your desires are subjected to the commandments of Allah and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam). So, when you find a true lover of Allah, serve him well of and follow his instructions as though you have no will of your own; obey him in all your spiritual, religious and personal problems, even those concerning your occupation, so that he may lead you to the right path and take you nearer to Allah.You cannot get rid of the evil wishes of yourself, though you may strive for it for your whole life unless your desires are subjected to the commandments of Allah and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam). So, when you find a true lover of Allah, serve him well of and follow his instructions as though you have no will of your own; obey him in all your spiritual, religious and personal problems, even those concerning your occupation, so that he may lead you to the right path and take you nearer to Allah.
Says the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) When a group of people remember Allah in a meeting, then the angels surround that gathering, Allah's mercy descends on them and Allah remembers them in the assembly of Angels. When a group of people remember Allah in a meeting, then the angels surround that gathering, Allah's mercy descends on them and Allah remembers them in the assembly of Angels.
What honor can be greater for the believers than that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) remembers and appreciates them? Says the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) An Angel is sent to those who remember Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) sincerely, and he says 'Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has forgiven your past sins, and has converted your bad deeds into good ones.'An Angel is sent to those who remember Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) sincerely, and he says 'Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has forgiven your past sins, and has converted your bad deeds into good ones.'
In another Hadith, the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) says Any assembly of Muslims who do not remember Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (do not) send Salutations to His Messenger (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) will face disappointment on the day of Qiyamah.Any assembly of Muslims who do not remember Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) (do not) send Salutations to His Messenger (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) will face disappointment on the day of Qiyamah.
There is a Dua of Dawood (Alaihi Salaam) in the following words O Allah! if You see me neglecting the assembly of those who remember Thee, and attending the assembly of transgressors, then break my feet (that I may not be able to walk toward (them) A poet has has said When I do not listen to Him and see His face, it is better to be deaf and blind.When I do not listen to Him and see His face, it is better to be deaf and blind.
Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) said An assembly wherein Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala)is remembered and glorified, shines for the heavenly creatures, just as the stars shine for the earthly creatures.An assembly wherein Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala)is remembered and glorified, shines for the heavenly creatures, just as the stars shine for the earthly creatures.
Once, Abu Hurairah(Radhiallaho Anho) went to a bazaar and announced to the people O brethren! You are sitting here, and the heritage of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) is being distributed in the Masjid The people ran to the Masjid, but as nothing material was being distributed there, they returned disappointed.The people ran to the Masjid, but as nothing material was being distributed there, they returned disappointed.
Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) asked them . Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) asked them . The people ran to the Masjid, but as nothing material was being distributed there, they returned disappointed.
Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) asked them . Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho Anho) asked them . After all, what was being done there? They answered A few people were reading the Quran, and a few others were engaged in praising and glorifying Allah He said This is what we call the heritage of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam). This is what we call the heritage of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam).
Imam Ghazali (Rehmatullah Alaihi) has narrated many similar Hadith. Even the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) has been commanded by Allah: (O Rasul)! Keep the company of those who make Dua to Allah every morning and evening, and they desire only His pleasure, and do not turn your eyes from them to the attractions and adornment of the worldly life ; and do not follow him whose heart We have turned away from our remembrance, and who follows his desires, and (therefore) he has broken the limits (of true religion). (Al-Kahf 28)(O Rasul)! Keep the company of those who make Dua to Allah every morning and evening, and they desire only His pleasure, and do not turn your eyes from them to the attractions and adornment of the worldly life ; and do not follow him whose heart We have turned away from our remembrance, and who follows his desires, and (therefore) he has broken the limits (of true religion). (Al-Kahf 28). Numerous Hadith indicate that the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) used to thank Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) for producing such pious people among his followers that he was commanded to keep their company. And in the same Ayah the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wasallam) has been commanded to avoid the company of those who are slaves of desires and cross the limits laid down by Allah. He has been instructed again and again not to follow their worthless desires.
Now all those who blindly follow the ways of the ungodly and disobedient people of the non believing nations should search their hearts and see how far they are true believers. Their following the non believers and the Christians has taken them far away from the right path:
O innocent desert resident! I fear that you won't be able to reach the Kabah., for the path that you follow leads to Turkistan. My purpose was to advise you on religious matters, and I have done my duty, Now I entrust you to Allah and bid farewell. Even the Ambiya were commanded only to preach the Truth (Al-Nahl 35). |
