The Necessity of Bai'at

Saturday, 15 May 2010 22:40

In reply to a question as to whether complete islaah (reformation and inner-self purification) can take place without becoming associated with a sheikh-e-kaamil, Hazrath (rahmatullah alaihi) writes:

“Firstly, without associating oneself with a wali-ekaamil, generally one does not manage to practice fully on all aspects of the Shariah. Secondly, without such an association, true sincerity is not attained in one’s actions. It is for this reason that after the demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) the Sahaaba (radhiallahu anhum) took bai’at on the hands of Hazrath Abu Bakr (radhiallahu anhu), thereafter on the hands of Hazrath Umar (radhiallahu anhu) and so on. This bai’at was not only for allegiance to the khilafah. It was also for strengthening the purification of the inner-self. It is also for this very reason that all senior Ulama of every era, despite being masters in the field of Deeni knowledge, felt the necessity to take bai’at on the hands of a spiritual mentor.....” (Fatawa Mahmoodiyya - vol. 1, pg.134)

The Purpose of Bai'at

Saturday, 15 May 2010 22:36

Explaining the various reasons for bai’at, Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) mentioned the following:

“Among the reasons for taking bai’at is to tread the path of sulook. What this means is that a person wishes attain ma’rifat (the recognition of Allah Ta’ala) and gain Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure. Hence he makes an effort to rid himself of all evil actions and habits and adopts good character and noble actions. Also, in the pursuit of this goal he wholeheartedly follows the advice of the sheikh and happily undertakes whatever mujaahadah (striving against the nafs) the sheikh prescribes for the purpose of islaahe nafs (inner-self purification). As a result he eliminates from himself the desire for the perishable things of this world. Rather, he develops a strong and deep connection with Allah Ta’ala and becomes forever concious of his Creator. In order to guide him on this path, the sheikh, by the medium of his mashaikh [who link up in an unbroken chain right upto Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)], act as the deputy of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) .”(Fatawa Mahmoodiyya - vol.1, pg. 33)

Hazrath Faqihul Ummat (RA)

Saturday, 15 May 2010 22:27

Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: “Qiyaamah will not be established until knowledge will be taken away (by the death of the Ulama). Earthquakes will be frequent, time will pass quickly, afflictions will appear, murders will increase and money will overflow amongst you.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The signs of Qiyaamah are indeed apparent all around us. However, in this latter period of time, the demise of the personality who was aptly titled “Faqihul Ummah” is a clear sign that the knowledge of Deen is being taken away. The heart-rending demise of Hazrath Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) on 19 Rabius Thani 1417 (2 September 1996) at 7:30 p.m. is a clear sign that we have come very close to the Last Day. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raajioon. May Allah Ta’ala Grant Hazrath Faqihul Ummah (rahmatullah alaihi) a lofty rank in the hereafter and enable us to continue implementing his advices and teachings. Aameen.

Describing the personality of Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) is an almost impossible task. The most eloquent words would hopelessly fail in truly describing the knowledge, brilliance, piety, kindness, compassion, humility and the numerous other qualities which he embodied. He was an ustaad to thousands of students, a mentor to thousands of diciples and a kind and compassionate father to all who came into contact with him. His compassion and kindness knew no bounds. It was indeed his first nature. Every year he personally took care of the monthly expenses and of the various needs of numerous students of Darul Uloom Deoband, Saharanpur and other institutions. There were instances when he gave away his valuable personal kitaabs ... and there were occasions where he even gave away the clothing he had been wearing at that time. Despite this, he never regarded himself as having shown any favour to anyone. He greatly loved the poor, he loved being with them and he loved living and even passing away like them. Hazrath (rahmatullah alaihi) was also forever concerned about the Deeni progress of others, especially the poor.

It was the normal practice of Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) for many years that daily he would recite 15 paras or more in salaah. During the month of Ramadaan, he would complete one Qur’an daily.

Nothing, and simply nothing, can truly convey the extent to how much poorer the world has become with the demise of Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi). It is not the demise of just one individual. Rather, it is the demise of an entire “world” as the Arabic saying goes:“Mautul Aalim, mautul aalam” (the death of an Aalim is the death of the world).

Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) taught Bukhari Sharief for many years at Kanpur as well as at Darul Uloom Deoband. Besides teaching Bukhari Sharief and other books of hadith at Deoband, he also graced the distinguished position of Grand Mufti of that august institution for many years.

To date 22 thick volumes of his fatwas have been published (further volumes are still being published). Besides the fatwas he authored several books and booklets. Upon his instruction the publication of many magazines and newsletters was undertaken by various institutions. [The publication of AL-HAADI was also commenced upon his advice. The name was also chosen by Hazrath (rahmatullah alaihi) himself].

Together with this Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) travelled to many countries for the purpose of disseminating the Deen of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). South Africa was particularly fortunate that Hazrath Mufti Saheb (rahmatullah alaihi) repeatedly blessed our shores with his presence and benifitted the Ummah with his teachings. It was also the good fortune of South Africa that this country was blessed with the last days of the life of this great luminary of Islam.

While the hearts of thousands are greatly grieved at the loss of their guide and mentor, the point to consider at this juncture is: What would have pleased Hazrath Faqihul Ummah (rahmatullah alaihi) had he been present?” The simple reply is: “Implementing his teachings and practicing on his advices.” In this light, the ensuing pages are dedicated to various aspects which are important for one and all to keep in mind.

Signs of the Last Time

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 23:20

The signs of Qiyamah that have been described in the Ahadith are becoming apparent as clear as daylight. It is important to know these signs and understand that the Final Hour is fast approaching us. Hereunder follow some of these Ahadith:

DEATH OF PIOUS

Hazrath Mirdas Aslami (R.A.) reports: “The pious will be taken away (from this world) one after another until finally the lowest of people will be left (who will be totally insignificant) like the left over dirt of the wheat or dates. Allah Ta’ala will not care in the least about them.” (Sahih Bukhari)

NO IMAAM

Hazrath Salamah (R.A.) reports that he heard Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “From the signs of Qiyamah is that people will urge one another to go ahead and lead the salaah, but they will not find an Imaam to lead the salaah for them. (Abu Dawood)

MORE WOMEN

Anas (R.A.) reports that he heard Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “Verily from among the signs of Qiyamah is that knowledge (of Deen) will be uplifted and ignorance will be widespread. Adultery will become common. The consumption of alcohol will increase. Men will decrease and women will increase until there will be only one man to care for fifty women (wives, sisters, daughters, aunts, etc.) (Sahih Bukhari).

Q&A: Shia Belief Of Qur'an

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 23:02

QUESTION

I have often heard that the Shias believe that the Qur’an we have is not the original Qur’an that was revealed. However, I have always found the Shia reciting the same Qur’an that we have. Their Qaris also melodiously recite the same Qur’an. Therefore, the stories about the Shia believing in some other Qur’an seems to be just malicious propaganda. Please comment.

ANSWER

Any allegation made against a person or group must be scrutinised in the light of its authenticity. If the allegation is established by hard facts, any sincere and honest Muslim will accept it. If the allegation is baseless, it will naturally be rejected. As for the Shia belief on the Qur’an, let us examine it in the light of their own books. Among the Shia, Usoolul Kaafi enjoys the same status that Sahih Bukhaari has among Sunni Muslims. The following is found in Usoolul Kaafi with regards to the Qur’an:

QUR’AN BROUGHT OUT

A person came to Imaam Ja’far and recited the Qur’an, but his recitation was not in accordance to the recitation of the people. Imaam Jafar said to him: “Do not recite in this manner. Read according to the way that the people are reciting until Imaam Mahdi appears. When he comes, the Qur’an will be recited according to the original way and that Qur’an will be brought out which was written by Hazrath Ali” (V.2,p.632).

The following points are clear from this narration:

1. The Shia are instructed to presently continue reading the same Qur’an that others are reciting.

2. The present Qur’an is not the original Qur’an. The original Qur’an will be recited when Imaam Mahdi appears.

3. The original Qur’an is that which was written by Hazrath Ali. Presently nobody has it. It will be brought out when Imaam Mahdi appears.

Another narration in the same book states the following: Imaam Ja’far said: “Nobody can claim that he has compiled the entire Qur’an as it was revealed except a liar. Nobody has compiled it and preserved it as it was revealed except Ali bin Abi Taalib and the Imaams after him” (Usoolul Kaafi - Kitaabul Hujjah; Vol.1, Pg.228). The above would have clarified many of your doubts. Indeed they recite the same Qur’an that we do — only because the “original” is not presently available. Thus their practice for the moment is that they recite the Qur’an that everybody else recites. Their BELIEF is that this Qur’an is, Allah forbid, changed and distorted.

DISTORTION

Another narration in Usoolul Kaafi throws more light on this BELIEF of distortion that the Shia subscribe to. With regards to the verse of the Qur’an: “And we had given Aadam the command from before, but he forgot and we did not find him to be persistent” (Surah Taha; 115), the Shia belief is that it was revealed differently. It is related from Imaam Ja’far Saadiq that it was revealed in the following manner: “And indeed we had given Aadam the command from before with regards to Muhammad, Ali, Fathima, Hasan, Hussein and the Imaams from their progeny but he forgot” (Usoolul Kaafi - Vol 1, Pg. 416).

TAQIYYA

There are several other examples, but in the interest of brevity, we will suffice with the words of Abu Mansoor Ahmad Tabrasi who, among the Shia, is a very highly placed scholar of the sixth century. He writes: “If I make apparent everything that has been REMOVED from the Qur’an, or CHANGED and DISTORTED, it will be a very lengthy matter, which TAQIYYA (deception, concealing) is preventing its exposition” (Al-Ihtijaaj lit Tabrasi, Vol.1, Pg. 254). The matter is therefore crystal clear. Despite their heretical BELIEF that the Qur’an is distorted, TAQIYYA prevents them from openly declaring this belief. Taqiyya - which is to hide ones’s true beliefs and express something else - is the veil of holy hypocrisy that the Shia hide behind. Hence they will vigorously reject the allegation that they believe in some other Qur’an - but the rejection is really only lip-service.

KHOMEINI

Lastly an interesting point about Imaam Khomeini. The respect that is accorded to him by the Shia worldwide is well known. In his book Al-Hukumatul Islamia, Imaam Khomeini has spoken in glowing terms about Allama Noori Tabrasi, a Shia Mujtahid of his time. Khomeini has also drawn from Tabrasi’s book Mustadrakul Wasaail on the subject of Wilaayatul Faqih. It is this very same Tabrasi who also wrote and published a book titled “Faslul Khitaab fi Tahrifi Kitaabi Rabbil Arbaab.” In this book he has recorded more than one thousand “authentic Shia narrations” with regards to the Qur’an being distorted. Yes, Imaam Khomeini talks of him in high words and draws from his works, but not a word against him or against his book about the distortion of the Qur’an!!! If Khomeini did not support Tabrasi’s view of the Qur’an, why the defeaning silence on this issue???

If the present day Shia are sincere about their claim that they truly believe that the Qur’an we have is the original Qur’an they must do the following: They must publish a clear rejection of the fallacious belief of the distortion of the Qur’an on the front page of Teheran Times. The rejection must include a fatwa denouncing Noori Tabrasi, Mullah Kashani and Ali bin Ibrahim Qimmi, scholars greatly revered by the Shia, who have stated their belief of the distortion of the Qu’an in their books. This fatwa must also be published in all major newspapers of the world. Then we will believe them - otherwise not.

THE NAME OF ALLAH!!! ON SHOES

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 22:51

(NATAL WITNESS - FRIDAY 11 APRIL1997) The Council on American-Islamic Relations demanded on Wednesday that Nike Incorporated apologise for using a logo on athletic shoes that resembles the word “ALLAH” in the Arabic script. Nike said the logo is meant to look like flames for a line of shoes to be sold this year . . . The Islamic Councils executive director, Nihad Awad, insisted at a Washington news conference that the shoes have been seen at stores across the U.S., one pair in New Jersey as recently as Tuesday.

In 1995, Nike removed a billboard near the University of Southern California that depicted a basketball player with the headline “They Called Him Allah.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations told Nike officials the billboard offended Muslims. Sapa-AP.

AL-HAADI COMMENT

Why is a basketball player headlined “ALLAH”? Why the name of Allah on shoes? Is it a deliberate attempt to sacrilege and desecrate the name of Allah Ta’ala? The name of Allah Ta’ala on a shoe will surely be trampled, kicked, become soiled with mud or even filth . . Allah Forbid! The Qur’an has long ago declared: “...The enmity has become apparent from their mouths, and what their hearts conceal is worse” (3 : 118).

Often the hatred of the Kuffaar for the Believers becomes manifest from their words and actions. However, we should consider to what extent we support the very people who openly desecrate the name of Allah Ta’ala. If our parents were greatly insulted by any person, will we still support him and add to his coffers? Then what about the name of Allah Ta’ala ??? Would we give publicity to those who desecrate our name? Then what about the name of Allah Ta’ala ???

Download Al-Haadi Volume 4 Number 2

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 22:49

Chattering In The Musjid

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 22:40

There was a time when a Muslim was constantly in the rememberance of Allah Ta’ala. The enviroment in the home and even in the bazaars and market-places was such that at every turn one would be reminded of Allah Ta’ala. That situation has dramatically changed in the homes and bazaars. In most instances it is only worldly discussions that dominate these places. However, one would expect the mundane talk to end in the homes and bazaars. At the most it should come to a screeching halt at the steps of the Musjid. But alas, even that short while in the House of Allah Ta’ala is not spent exclusively in His rememberance. Many people spend much of this time in the Musjid in worldly discussions. Thus a person comes to earn tremendous rewards, but instead he returns with the curse of the angels.

CALAMITIES

It is reported in a Hadith that when a person engages in worldly talk in the Musjid an angel says to him: “Keep quiet O friend of Allah.” If he continues in his worldly chatter, the angel says for the second time: “Keep quiet O enemy of Allah.” If he still persists, the angel finally says to him: “Keep quiet, may the curse of Allah be upon you” (Aadabul Masaajid pg.6). It is also narrated that worldly talk in the Musjid destroys the good deeds just as fire consumes wood (ibid). In another Hadith a severe warning has been sounded, that when the Ummah will engage in fifteen actions, calamities will pour down upon them. One of the fifteen points mentioned is: “...and when voices will be raised in the Musjid.” (Mishkaat)

Often the worldly conversations in the Musjid greatly disturbs other Musallies. The severity of this can be understood from the following incident. Once Hazrath Umar (radhiallahu anhu) was performing the salaah when a person came into the Musjid, placed down some things that he was carrying in front of the saff (row) and joined the salaah. When Hazrath Umar (radhiallahu anhu) completed the salaah he called for the person and punished him for having caused a disturbance in the salaah of the Musallies (Aadaabul Masaajid pg.35).

From the above it is clearly understood that to disturb a person performing salaah in any manner whatsoever, whether it be by placing something down in front of him or talking aloud (whispering aloud also has the same distracting effect), or by doing anything that will distract his attention from his salaah must be totally avoided. Indeed, if any collective act is to take place in the Musjid such as a nikah, talk, lesson, etc., then at such a time those wishing to perform salaah should themselves move over to another part of the Musjid where they will not be disturbed.

NIKAH

Often the respect of the House of Allah Ta’ala is severely compromised immediately after a nikah. While people queue up to meet the groom, the entire Musjid suddenly erupts with raised voices. However, it is not even a sunnah to greet the groom after the nikah, whereas the prohibition of raising one’s voice or engaging in worldly talk in the Musjid is stressed in the Ahadith. Thus after a nikah special note should be taken of this aspect.

The Musjid is the House of Allah Ta’ala. It should be treated with the utmost respect.