You Look Like A Tablighi

All praise is for Allah Ta'ala. We praise Him and seek help from Him. We believe in Him and have complete trust in Him. There can be none to misguide the person the person whom Allah Ta'ala has guided and there can be none to guide the person whom Allah Ta'ala has caused to go astray. 

To acquire the reality of Imaan, unlimited efforts must be made for it since Imaan has no limit and end.  To what extent the efforts on Imaan is being undertaken, Imaan will increase to such extent. And when the effort on Imaan is neglected, then the level of Imaan will decrease and become weaker in faith. The Imaan of the Prophets alayhimussalam constantly risen, the malaikah or angels are always fixed in Imaan, the Imaan of the common men fluctuate. The level of reality of Imaan arising from a person's heart will lead him to follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam.

In the early days of my involvement with the effort of dakwah and tabligh, the first thing that occured to me was that the kalimah "La ila ha illallah" is a speech of  tongue. Only the speech of tongue is not enough, but the reality of the kalimah must be rooted deep in the hearts. The reality of the kalimah is - La ila - nothing can happen or occur from any creature, - illallah - everything that happens or happened only from Allah the Almighty, the Creator of creation. As I was in constant company of the pious brothers, I learned to meet the servants of Allah with no worldly interest and giving them dakwah to the greatness of Allah, the promises of Allah and the treasures of Allah, with the intent to gain Imaan. Whenever those pious people talked in glorifying and magnifying Allah, I tried to listen attentively. And in those blessed moments of time, I used to cried begging Allah for the reality of Imaan.

It follows that the kalimah "Muhammadur Rasulullah" means that no single way of life that guarantee happiness in this world and salvation in the Aakhirah except the way of life brought by  Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam alone. It should be removed from the hearts of any fondness towards other way of life and it should be inculcate deep into the hearts that 100% success is only in  Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam's way of life. 

Without any hassle and pressure from anyone, my outer appearance gradually changed as I constantly spent my time in the effort of dakwah and tabligh and became aware of the Sunnah of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam.  Although now and then I hear foolish remarks from certain people that Deen's place is in the heart, not the outer appearance (when this remarks is actually uttered as a lame excuse for unwillingness to follow the Surah of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam), but for me it was just crystal clear - as if you feel happy, you smile and if you feel displeasure, you frown. In each case, the facial expression tells what your heart feel. So do the love of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam will lead someone to follow the Sunnah of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam, which include the Surah (the outer appearance).

As I said, the changes in my appearance happened gradually. I first began to grow goatee beard. As the tuft of hair on my chin growing longer, my wife started to complain. Then the complaints turned to constant nagging, and the nagging turned to threats. She used to hold a small pair of scissors at night before we went to sleep and threateningly said, "I will cut your beard when you are asleep." It sounds hilarious now, but it certainly was not back then. Sometimes her threat overcame me that when I woke up in the morning I instantly put my hand on my chin to check if my goatee beard was still there. Of course, this stunt of hers occured many years ago before she joined me in  masturat jamaat. Now she is used to caressing both sides of my fully grown beard and uttering "aamantu billah, aamantu bil qadar" whenever I came home from long khuruuj in the path of Allah.

Once the whole family were gathering for Eid at my mother's house. My brother made a jest about my goatee beard. He said that my beard resembled the beard of Fir'aun to the laughter and giggles of my nephews and nieces. He was referring to the many statues of the Egyptian Pharaohs which seem to suggest that the pharaohs did grow goatee beard. Though laughing at his antic, his remarks struck me like a thunder bolt. Since then I began to grow full grown beard. 

It follows that when I still spotted goatee beard, I felt uneasy and incomplete as a Muslim without kofia or  Topee or Kufi, a skullcap worn by Muslim men in Malaysia. Hence, I had referred this blog as kuffiyah.  It means different from keffiyah or ghutrah or shemagh, a traditional Arab headdress fashioned from a square, usually cotton, scarf. I first started to wear a white kofia in office on a Friday after Friday prayer throughout the afternoon. Then it became my practice to wear a kofia the whole day every Friday from morning. It was not easy to acquire the habit of wearing a kofia at work though. All kind of foolish thoughts crossed my mind. At the same time, I felt that it is important to physically proclaim myself as a Muslim. Alhamdulillah, after a few weeks, I began to wear kofia on daily basis. 

The first hiccup in my attempt to revive this Sunnah in me not surprisingly came from my wife. Back then she worked at a financial institution. Everyday we would travel together to work and back. Once she entered the car, she would grabbed the kofia off my head, followed by a good few minutes of grumblings. Initially I would put it on again attempting in vain to explain its importance to me. I even gave fabricating reason that it was meant to hide my balding head. But she would not leave the matter to rest, rather it would prolonged her grumblings all the way to work. In this matter, I fully accept that she married a person whose physical appearance attracted her and I portrayed a change in such a way that the attraction might no longer there. Thus, I only put the kofia back on after I dropped her off at her workplace. It would be off again the moment she entered the car after office hours heading back home. It went on until one day, as usually the case, she grabbed hold of my kofia off my head and said the usual words, "You look old with it. And I do not want to be seen with an old man as my husband." At that moment, somehow I just raised both palms up towards my face gesturing in du'a saying, "O Allah! Please forgive her for she does not know." For some reasons, she just giggled and I too chuckled thinking of her antics. At that moment of time, I could sense acceptance on her part and true enough she never took off the kofia from me since then. Though every now and then whenever she stumbles across my old photos she would kiss them photos in gesture and acted, "Oh! I'm in love with this man. I miss this handsome man."

In the course of time, I completely changed from head to toes after my journey in the path of Allah for 4 months to Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. And that itself is another episode of my journey in life to tell.

Did I try to emulate the tablighi brothers that I was in constant company with? The answer is a loud and clear "No!". But if the tablighi brothers are trying hard to emulate and revive the Sunnah of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam, then I too would not be slackened behind. And if that means I look like a tablighi in appearance, so be it. 

Whilst reviving the Sunnah in me is itself the ultimate reason, I believe there are other things to consider which are far from being less important. Reflect on this - the Bhopal disaster was a gas leak incident in India, considered as one of the world's worst industrial catastrophes. It occured on the night of 2-3 December 1984 at the Union Carbide India Ltd pesticide plant in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. A leak of methyl isocyanate gas and other chemicals from the plant resulted in the exposure of hundred of thousands of people. The toxic substance made its way in and around the shantytowns located near the plant. Estimates vary on the death toll. Thousands of people had succumbed by the morning hours. There were mass funerals and mass cremations. Bodies were dumped into the Narmada River, less than 10 km from Bhopal. 170,000 people were treated at hospitals and temporary dispensaries. In 1991, 3,928 deaths had been certified. Independent organizations recorded 8,000 deaths in the first few days. Other estimations vary between 10,000 to 30,000. 2,000 buffaloes, goats and other animals were collected and buried. Within a few days, leaves on trees yellowed and fell off. Supplies, including food, became scarce owing to suppliers' safety fears. Fishing was prohibited causing further supply shortages. I dread to imagine a Muslim dead body is mistakenly burnt in cremation amid the chaos and catastrophes simply because there is no immediate sign or proof that he is a Muslim in physical appearance. 

Once it happened that a Thai Muslim man who traveled with a Budhist Thai woman had a car accident in Johor Bharu, south of Malaysia, and died instantly. His traveling companion was unscathed. Not noticing any Muslim physical appearance in him, the Malaysian authority relied on the statement of his companion that he is a Budhist and the fact that his Thailand passport bears a Thai name certainly did not help (some Muslims in Thailand have a Muslim name and Thai name). His brother came rushing from Thailand and arrived just in time before the body was sent to Budhist cremation centre.   

May Allah forgive us and shower His mercy on us. May Allah make us among the righteous and direct all our affair through the right path. And may Allah make our graves a resting place for us.

The Letter From Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz rahimahullah to Sheikh Falih bin Nafi' Al-Harby

Letter from the Honourable Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz rahimahullaah to the Respected Sheikh Falih bin Nafi 'Al-Harby, may Allah extend him acute understanding in Deen and console him to obtain the pleasure of the Rabb of the universe.

Assalamu'alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Your letter dated 12 Sha'ban 1406H (22 April 1986) has reached me. I understood the content as a form of attack on the tablighi jamaat, and also your denial of my writing about them, and the writing of my predecessor, our elder Al-Allamah Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Aali-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia during his time, may Allah purify his soul and illuminate his grave.

I am very sad because you have diminished and degraded his dignity with your words "Ibnu Ibrahim", and those people that you pointed out as having different opinion with him regarding their (tablighi jamaat's) efforts. I am very surprised by what you mentioned. To what extent is those people's knowledge and views as compared to his knowledge, understanding, insight, in-depth studies, diligence and wisdom? We, alhamdulillah, have an understanding of Deen. We always consider the pros and cons and we strengthen them so as to make my heart at peace. We have investigated the news about them that make me feel at peace to stand beside them, together with lending advice on the shortfalls that sometimes happen on their part.

Deficiency is part of human characters, except those whom Allah wills. If  the mashaykh and the seekers of knowledge whom you pointed out, join them in dakwah ilallah, give guidance and direction to them, completing the deficiencies that sometimes occur in some of them and guide them to avoid mistakes, certainly  there would be much goodness and benefits to Islam and the Muslims.

As for shunning them or ignoring them and giving warnings to people not to mix with them is a terrible mistake indeed. The danger far outweighs its benefits.

Be suspicious of your opinion my dear brother, ask your Rabb to appease you to accept what is more beloved to Him  and advantageous to His servants, and that He show you the truth on what has been disputed, by His Will.

I ask Allah to show us that the truth is the truth and give us all strength to follow it, and that the falsehood is falsehood and give us all strength to avoid it, and not to make doubtful to us so that we will not be astrayed. Verily, Allah is the Owner of all, and the Administrator of all things.

Head of the Board of Research, Ilm, Ifta, Dakwah and Islamic Guidance

Note:

What you pointedly said about the Honorable Sheikh Muhammad Aman, that he took back his words of praises for the the tablighi jamaat, and you claimed that he said, "They are making khurafat and bid'ah", is totally rejected by him and totally astonished and stunned him. He said that he is still of the opinion as what he had written about them. This is because he wrote based on direct testimony and faith, and verily when people asked about them he often encouraged them to read the report.

The Letter From Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz rahimahullah to Dr Muhammad Taqiyyudin Al-Hilaly rahimahullah

The Letter of Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz rahimahullah to Dr. Muhammad Taqiyyudin Al-Hilaly rahimahullah.

No. 889/KH 

Date: 10 Shawwal 1403H (21 July 1983)

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

From Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, to Respected Brother Dr. Muhammad Taqiyyudin Al-Hilaly, may Allah give taufeeq for all goodness. Aamin.

Assalamu'alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Your letter dated 12 Sha'ban 1403H (25 May 1983) has arrived, may Allah  convey what you hinted about taking our opinion to stop the wages of Brother Ahmad Al-Muhany because he was in khuruuj with  the tablighi jamaat.

I now convey to you that my opinion is to continue giving him the regular salary which we dispatch through you. The reason being that going out in khuruuj with them certainly does not include as a reprehensible  journey. They do jaulah (around) cities and villages, establish relationship with leaders of the Muslims and members of the public, attending their ijtema in Bangladesh, etc., which is attended by leaders and members of the public, is indeed within the context of dakwah ilallah. This information is in accordance with what is reported by the masyaikhs that we had sent to attend their ijtema in Bangladesh last year. You liken your reason in condemning their khuruuj to what is mentioned by Hafidh Ibn Kathir rahimahullah, about the people who merely in intense worship who walk on the surface of the earth, in solitude on the mountain tops, caves, and forests, is contrary to facts and their practices.

I ask Allah to grant us taufeeq to do what pleases Him. For He is Most Gracious and Most Noble.

Wassalamu'alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Head of the Board of Research, Ilm, Ifta, Dakwah and Islamic Guidance

The Ulama and the Effort of Dakwah and Tabligh: Part 2

On 10th June 2007, Maulana Abu Bakar of South Africa visited Masjid Jame' Sri Petaling, the Kuala Lumpur Markaz and a jord (gathering) was held at the Markaz. From his many precious advises, he talked about the importance of maintaining relationship with the ulama. 

He urged us to meet the ulama and asked them to make du'a for us with the intention of getting blessing from Allah. May by the grace of Allah, Allah will forgive us through the du'a of the ulama. An aalim also have to ask for du'a from a more senior aalim. Members of the public have to ask prayer even from young ulama. Even someone who sponsored a young man to learn hifz and aalim studies also have to give a proper respect to the young man upon him completing his Deeni studies.

An aalim is not to be disturbed when he was resting and sleeping, and at the time when he is teaching. Greeting him, presenting him with a gift, asking for advice and du'a are good things in tartib of khususi the ulama . Give karguzari with wisdom depending on the situation. We may also give brief karguzari on how dakwah and tabligh work has given benefit to ourselves.

He also mentioned that we should not criticize the ulama. This will cause a bad effect on our imaan and becoming a cause (asbab) for ourselves to be prevented from Deeni effort and may prevent us from taufeeq or guidance to practice Deen.

Alhamdulillah, for a layman like me, Allah makes it easy so as to confine our duties and responsibilities in a fairly straight forward way as above. Rightly, the ulama are in their own league. It is best to let an aalim to tasykeel another aalim in their own special way.

Hadhrat Maulana Zafar Ahmad Thanwi rahmatullah alayhi recounted that when he was with Hadhrat Maulana Ilyas Dehlawi rahmatullah alayhi around June 1944, Hadhrat Maulana Ilyas uttered a poem "My life will end shortly, behold! Let us live together for a few days. If you come after my demise, you'll be sorry." I was moved by his words that I shed tears unnoticed. Then he said, "Do you remember your promise?" I had promised to him to spend my time in tabligh. I replied, "Yes, I remember. But now the weather is very hot in Delhi. In Ramadhan it'll be very tough. I will give time after Ramadan." He answered, "You mention about the month of Ramadhan when even I might not have any hope to live in Sha'ban." (Ten days prior to the month Sha'ban, on 21 Rajab 1363H/1944M Fajr time, he was called back to his Khaliq).

I said, "Well, I will give time for tabligh right now. Do not worry, Maulana." Hearing my answer, his face was beaming as he hugged my neck, kissing my eyebrows while making du'a for me. Then he said, "You have approached me closely. Many ulama wish to understand what I mean, but from a distance." Then he mentioned the name of a great aalim and said, "He would always follow this dakwah work. But if you ask me, then I say: He did not understand what I want because he is in contact with me through messengers. How could I make him understand if the representative messenger did not understand? Thus, I want you to join me for a few days so you can understand my desire and purpose. It can not be understood from a distance. I know you have taken part in this dakwah and tabligh effort by giving taqrir at functions and listeners get a lot of benefit from them, but it is not that form of dakwah which I desire."

When Hadhrat Mufti Mahmud Hassan Gangohi rahmatullah alayhi was once at his residence in South Africa, some responsible brothers of the tablighi jamaat and ulama linked to the tablighi jamaat came to meet him. They had come to consult with Hadhrat Mufti about how they could best explain to a certain aalim that he should stop writing articles condemning the tablighi jamaat. Someone suggested that an aalim linked to the khanqah who was also in agreement with the effort of the tablighi jamaat should be sent to speak to the aalim in question. It was hoped that he would be able to convince the aalim. However, another aalim said, "I have personally spoken to him about this matter, but he refuses to accept."

Hadhrat Mufti then said, "My opinion is that nothing should be said to him. You continue with your work and he will continue with his belief that it is his duty. The more you try to prevent him, the more he will continue. Carry on with your work and let him carry on with his." This was Hadhrat Mufti's decision and they left it at that.

It was in this gathering that Hadhrat Mufti related a few experiences. He said that once the rector of Darul Ulum Deoband, Hadhrat Maulana Qari Muhammad Tayyib rahmatullah alayhi was initially not familiarized to the work of the tablighi jamaat and was unaware of its benefits. There was an ijtema in Saharanpur and upon the advice of Hadhrat Maulana Zakariyya Kahdhlawi rahmatullahi alayhi the responsible brothers of the tablighi jamaat requested Hadhrat Qari Tayyib to deliver a lecture since he happened to be visiting Saharanpur at the time. Hadhrat Qari Tayyib delivered the lecture in which he admonished those participating with the tablighi jamaat.

Hadhrat Mufti said, "I was once on a journey with Hadhrat Qari Tayyib and said to myself that I will speak all the way without giving him a chance to say anything. I therefore narrated to him many experience and incidents of the tablighi jamaat. The effect of this was that the entire attitude of Hadhrat Qari Tayyib completely changed. It so happened that some time later another ijtema was held in Saharanpur. This time Hadhrat Qari Tayyib was also there and Hadhrat Maulana Zakariyya again told the responsible brothers of the tablighi jamaat to invite him to deliver a lecture. However, this time Hadhrat Qari Tayyib delivered such lecture regarding the six points that even those associated with the tablighi jamaat would be unable to deliver."

In another incident, Hadhrat Maulana Abdul Bari rahmatullah alayhi once commented to Hadhrat Mufti Mahmud Hassan rahmatullah alayhi, "Why are you doing the work of tabligh amongst the ignorant? Rather do it amongst the English-speaking class because I have not seen any of them whose iman is in a safe condition, unless they had not been hesitant in expressing their beliefs." Hadhrat Mufti replied, "We will continue doing work amongst the ignorant because we are illiterate just like them. You are educated, therefore you should rather do the work amongst the learned class."

Hadhrat Mufti Mahmud Hassan Gangohi rahmatullah alayhi also mentioned, "There was once an Ijtema in Lucknow (in India). Maulana Abrarul Haq, Maulana Siddiq Ahmad rahmatullah alayhim and I were all present there. With them, I also presented myself in the company of Hadhrat Maulana Abdul Bari who had been granted permission from Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi rahmatullah alayhi to act as a spiritual mentor. He started making some tea when he said, "Yes! No ones lecture was on the style and mode of Hadhrat Thanwi. They scatter the seeds and go away. They do not reform their household. A person's home should first be set right. One should go out to reform others only once one's own home and town have been reformed. It was because of this that Hadhrat Thanwi did not approve of this method." All this he was saying while making the tea as the three of us sat there quietly.

Maulana Siddiq and Maulana Abrarul Haq both whispered to me, forcing me to give a reply. Eventually Hadhrat Maulana Abdul Bari himself said, "Mufti Sahib! You will have to give a reply." I submitted, "In the presence of pious people, as long as a person can remain an ear he should not become a tongue." However, he insisted, "It is your duty to reply."

I then said, "Alright, then listen. Your opinion is incorrect. Hadhrat Thanwi had written the books Islahur Rusum and Bahishti Zewar and traveled to many places to deliver lectures. Did he first reform his own town and region? Did he only engage himself in reforming his household? Which custom was not prevalent in Thanabowan? Hadhrat Thanwi's wife was the paternal aunt of my close relative, so I know all about their domestic matters." Maulana Abdul Bari said, "The original way is this that a person first reforms himself, then his family, then his locality and then his neighbourhood and surrounding areas. The work should be done in this manner." I replied, "Did Hadhrat Thanwi first reform his own household and then started advising others and reforming them? Similarly, you have written so many books for the reformation of others. Did you first reform your household before writing these books?" He said, "I threw my children out of the house." I said, "This is also wrong. Will they be reformed in this manner? Was this the approach and style of tabligh of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wassalam that those who do not accept should be thrown out of the house whereby ending all hopes of reformation?"

Hadhrat Maulana Abdul Bari said, "I was not aware that the tablighi jamaat can influence the Grand Mufti of Darul Ulum Deoband to this extent. If they had no other accomplishment to their credit, this in itself is a great accomplishment that they influenced the Grand Mufti of Darul Ulum." I replied, "This is also incorrect. On the contrary, the tablighi jamaat gave Darul Ulum a Mufti. The Darul Ulum needed a Mufti, so they requested the tablighi jamaat who gave them a Mufti as I am first a tablighi then a Mufti."

Upon this Maulana Abdul Bari said, "There is great benefit in this work as well. Many people who were not performing solah started performing solah and learnt a great deal of Deen also. But this is such a method where the seeds are being continuously planted and that is where it stops. There is no consolidation of the effort." Upon that I said, "Get ready for 40 days. I will accompany you. As you wish we will do the work. As far as not physically taking part in this effort and merely raising objections and criticize while sitting in ones home, we give no merit to such criticism, nor do we pay any attention to it.""

The Ulama' and the Effort of Dakwah and Tabligh: Part 1

Hadhrat Maulana Ilyas Dehlawi rahimahullah said, "Wherever a person doing the effort of dakwah and tabligh goes,  he should make attempt to visit the ulama (scholars of Deen) and the righteous and pious people, for spiritual benefit, instead of directly giving dakwah to them. These people are already busy engaging in religious matters, and certainly they are more experienced and religious. You will not be able to make them understand that this effort of dakwah and tabligh is more important and more useful than other efforts. There's a chance that  they will not agree or will not accept your word, and if they had said "No" then it is difficult to change it to "Yes". Consequently, the laymen who follow him might also shun the tabligh effort. And it is only likely to cause prejudicial effect on yourself. Thus, visit the ulama only with the intention to take spiritual benefits from them."

"Nevertheless, make effort in the area where an alim resides with tartib and usool. The good and positive effects of the effort will, hopefully, reach him and attract him to embrace this work. It follows that once he likes you and your effort, then request him to supervise this work. And with utmost manners and politeness, inform him about this work."

"When we meet any alim or pious personality anywhere who does not support this work, please do not think bad of them. Rather, we must understand that the reality of this work has not been perfectly opened to them. We must realize that the ulama are special servants of Deen, thus, shaytaan is hostile to and seeks to harm them more as they are the arch-enemies of shaytaan (as thieves only steal valuable things). Whereas  the people who are busy with the worldly matters even feel heavy to leave their worldly affairs to take up any takaza, what more of the religious people who feel their affairs is nobly high? The wise men say, "The veils of light are thicker than the veils of darkness.""

With this precious advises in mind, we proceeded to Kelantan, the East-Coast state of Malaysia, on dakwah and tabligh journey for 40 days in June 2010. We were a 12-members jamaat including 7 university undergraduates, one of them a Somalian student. 95% of Kelantan's population are ethnic Malay, and under the Malaysian Constitution, all Malays are Muslims; therefore, Islam is the most influential religion in the state. The state is also known as 'Serambi Makkah' (the 'Antechamber of Makkah') and the Arabic honorific of the state is Darul Naim ("The Blissful Abode"). One of us jokingly said that if a pebble is thrown at a crowd of people there, there is a good chance that it will hit an ustaadz. A part of the deeply conservative Malay heartlands, Kelantan has been ruled by the Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) since 1990. Personally, I am of the view that many of its leaders and adherents are influenced by Maududi-type of thinking on the interpretation of Islam.

Nonetheless, by applying the above mentioned usool and tartib as stated by Hadhrat Maulana Ilyas Dehlawi rahimahullah, our effort during the khuruuj fiisabilillah in Kelantan turned out to be much easier. Whenever we knew of an alim happened to be residing at the "route" that we were staying, either he happened to also be an imam or chairman of the masjid, or living in the vicinity of the masjid, we made a point to personally talk to him, requesting him for a piece of advice to be given to us as a group in the masjid.  In all different routes and occasions, the ulama that we met were more than happy to pass down to us kind advice and words of approval and encouragement publicly in front of every worshipers. Thus, I believe the least effect of those ulama's blessing and consent had made our effort in blending and mixing with the local people turned out to be very smooth and and in harmony. That was the case until our route of tasykeel reached the district jame' masjid.

A few days prior, we were cautioned about the possibility of aggression and prejudice that might face us at the district jame' masjid. In fact we were given a choice whether to stay at the masjid or just to skip and move on to another masjid on the list of routes that had been given to us earlier. 

When we reached the masjid in the morning, we were greeted by a very pleasant soft-spoken elderly aalim who kindly prepared some refreshments for us. We noticed that the main hall of the worshiping area was tightly locked. We then made mesywarah  with the elderly aalim whom we fondly called 'Baba', at the back corridor of the masjid which was quite spacious. According to him, for the past 7 years no jamaat was allowed to stay at the masjid for 'itikaaf even for one day. Many jamaats that had attempted to make effort of dakwah and tabligh at the masjid  had been thrown out at the order of the chief imam or the 'old imam' as they called it in Kelantan (the assistant imam is called 'young imam'). Before his appointment as old imam, the jame' masjid had been enlightened with the 5-aamal of masjid. Back then there were many brothers who participated in the local effort of dakwah and tabligh. However, shaytaan had managed to sow the seed of hatred and enmity among the local people. Consequently, the old imam who himself was a veteran activist of PAS, somehow branded  those who participate in the effort of dakwah and tabligh as a group of people who shun politics which according to him is an integral part of Islam. Since then, he had been launching fierce opposition against the local tablighi brothers until there was only Baba left who keeps on making the effort at the jame' masjid.. Ironically, Baba and the old imam attended the same pondok or  madrasah as students of Deen when they were young. 

The karguzari that we heard from Baba caused nausea in our stomach. I and Munawar were chosen to visit the old imam at his house. Kadrey, a fine young man who was studying at MARA University of Technology, gave us a bottle of honey he recently bought to be offered as a present to the imam.

We reached the chief imam's house at around 10.30 am. We were greeted by his son who politely invited us to wait for his father in the living room. The chief imam was flushed with rage the moment he saw us. The anger was visible on his face. "Ustadz, we are a jamaat from Kuala Lumpur arriving at your masjid," I spoke to him in Kelantanese dialect as I was born in the state. "No! No! You people are not allowed to stay at the masjid," he retorted with a snarl. I pretended not to hear him and decided that that instead of listening to his words of disapproval, I would quickly present my case of appeal.  "Ustadz, there are a number of university students travelling with us. They are from various universities and from different parts of the country - Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak and also a Somali student. Now that they are on their semester break, they decided to come to Kelantan to learn Deen. We were told at the Masjid Jame' Sri Petaling in Kuala Lumpur that whenever we meet an aalim here, we should ask for Deeni advises from him. Now the students are waiting in the masjid. We ask for your time to give us special advises. It is not fit and proper for us to come here without obtaining any benefit from the ulama' here. Would you be able to spend your time, even if it is for a short time, perhaps after Dzuhur or after Asar?" By Allah, his rage and anger instantly lessened the moment he heard of our plead. "I would not be at the masjid for Asar," he said amid uneasy broken voice. "Perhaps after Dzuhur solah? Just for a short moment, Ustadz," I continued pleading. When I sensed hesitation on his part, I gestured at Munawar and said, "Oh! We bring honey as a gift for you." Munawar immediately handed the bottle of honey to him with his trademark smile. "Allright, for a short time after Dzuhur," the chief imam said to our relief and joy.

And Masha'Allah! We all sat waiting behind him as he performed nafil ba'diyah solah after Dzuhur. We gathered around him listening attentively to his advice and what a wonderful advice it was. At the end of his advice, he raised his hands to make du'a for us and we responded with "Aamin". Thereupon, we stayed in the jame' masjid for 3 days without any trouble and hindrance. Subhanallah!

And Baba's face was beaming with happiness when he heard our karguzari later.

It is not so creditable to work in the favourable and conducive environment as in the unfavourable and adverse conditions along with safeguarding our principles and trend. The ability and capability of a worker is best judged in such situations. That is why Hadhratji Maulana Inamul Hassan rahimahullah used to say time and again that we should not be worried by the disfavour and opposition because Allah is the Doer. When He comes to doing, even idols would divulge his oneness and the voice of truth would rise from the establishment of untruth.

The Letter from Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz rahimahullah to Ustaadz 'Awadl bin 'Awadl Al-Qahtany

Ref. No. 5511

Date: 5 Ramadhan 1399 (Sunday 29th July, 1979)

From Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, to the respected brother Awadl bin Awadl  Al-Qahtany, may Allah increase his knowledge and Imaan, and make it blessed wherever. Aameen.

Assalamu'alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Your letter has been delivered to me and I understood the content described in it. Also questions about  Tablighi Jamaat, whether their way is right and whether there is any restriction to participate with them in the effort of dakwah that they are doing and joining them in khuruuj? etc.

Answer:

Some people are in disagreement or in conflict  when informing or reporting about them, there are people who praise them and there are people who condemn. But we have been inquiring about them through a lot of our brothers who can be trusted from Nejd and others who have joined them in journeys and visited them in India and Pakistan. They never mentioned anything that damaged the syari'at, or forbid to go out with them, and participate with them in dakwah. We see many of the people who have joined and go out with them had been clearly affected and they have assuredly changed much in terms of Deen, moral characters and their passion towards Aakhirah.

Based on this, I am of the view that there is no restriction to go out with them and participate with them in dakwah ilallah. In fact it is desirable for the scholars of Deen, those who have an indepth understanding and good Aqeedah to join them in this respect, so that they are able to complete any deficiencies that may occur on their part. Indeed their journey and efforts have magical effect on all those who participate, whereas those people were previously known as astray and evil doers.

I submit to you herewith a copy of a letter written by our elder, Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim rahmatullah alayhi in which he praised them and gave encouragement to provide assistance to them in dakwah and not to prevent them.

He also mentioned that their mission is to spread reminders, guidance, exhortation and encouragement towards Tawheed and Aqeedah at masaajid, along with enjoining towards the practice of Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, including reminders against bid'ah (innovations) and khurafat (superstitions) etc...etc... as mentioned in the enclosed letter.

And you will also find in the enclosure a written explanation by some of our trusted brothers, namely the Honourable Dean of the Faculty of Hadith and Islamic Studies, Islamic University of Madinah Al-Munawwarrah, Sheikh Muhammad Aman Ali, who has been sent by the Islamic University of Madinah Al-Munawwarrah together with the Honourable Sheikh Abdul Kareem Murod, the head teacher at the Islamic University, who we know very well his admirable aqeedah and mastering both their language and Arabic, to attend their annual conference or ijtema' in Pakistan. In summary, the report praises and commends them and  calls for participation in their dakwah, their various ijtema' and fostering relationship with them. 

I ask Allah to grant us tawfeeq to implement the deeds that will please Him, and for Allah to make them and those who resemble them, useful for the Muslim Ummah. Verily He is All-Hearing and ever close.

Wassalamu'alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Head of the Board of Ilm, Fatwa, Dakwah and Islamic Guidance

The Letter from Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim rahimahullah (Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia) to the Ulema' of Al-Aqsa and the East

Dated: 19 Jumad al-Awwal 1373 (24th January, 1954)

Bismillahirahmaanirraheem.

From Muhammad bin Ibrahim, to the ulema' of Al-Aqsa and the East. May Allah include me and them as those people who assist each other on righteousness and piety, and include as those who assist whoever is exert and steadfast in dakwah ilallah, aameen.

Assalamualaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.

Amma ba'du,

The bearer of this letter is Sa'ed Muhammad Ali and friends from tablighi jamaat, Pakistan.

Their mission is to spread reminders, guidance, exhortation and encouragement towards tawheed and aqeedah at masaajid, along with enjoining towards the practice of Al-Qur'an and As-Sunnah, including reminders against bid'ah (innovations) and khurafat (superstitions) in the form grave worshipping, praying to the dead, and all form of other bida'ah and vices.

I write about them, requesting that they be given help and assistance from their fellow brothers, allowing them to carry out their duties, while making du'aa to Allah Ta'ala to grant them ikhlaas niyyat (good intention), tawfeeq to speak the haq (truth), to be saved from slip up speech, and to bring about benefits to their guidance and explanations. Verily He has Power over all things. May peace and blessings be bestowed on our Nabi Muhammad sallalaahu alayhi wasallam, his family and his Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum.

Remembering Arwah Umar Myanmar

All praise is for Allah. We praise Him and seek help from Him. We believe in Him and have complete trust in Him. There can be none to misguide the person the person whom Allah has guided and there can be none to guide the person whom Allah has caused to go astray.

Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Yusuf rahmatullah alayhi said, "We urge all our brothers, 'Spend a little time of your busy schedules to learn and practice dakwah. When returning to your homes or work, then keep making the effort with usool and tartib as specified.'"

One of the important usool and tartib of dakwah and tabligh effort is to spend at least 2.5 hours of one's time daily for the purpose of going to every Muslim person at our mohalla or locality when we are at home for the purpose of fostering relationship or silaturrahim, engaging in dakwah illallah and conveying the messages of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam. In this way, every Muslim's hearts in the mohalla will be attached and connected to the masjid. This will eventually enliven the aamal of the masjid like the aamal of Masjid-un Nabawi during the time of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam and the Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum where dakwah, ta'leem wata'luum (teaching and learning Deen), ibadat dhikr and khidmat (serving) were prevalent for 24 hours round-the-clock.

In order to achieve this purpose, in every localilty and from every masjid, each jamaat consists of two persons is formed, areas of visit are divided (so as not to miss out anyone), the time of mulaqat (visit) is set and specific targets as well as goals are specified. If 2.5 hours of time is spent diligently everyday, the Deeni mahul (environment) will take place. Mulaqats (visitations) are combined with tashkeel, no matter what time it is, even if it is at 12 midnight, visitation and tashkeel may be carried out if it suits the person that is being visited. If he is yet to perform solah in congregation, tashkeel him to join solah in congregation with other Muslims in the masjid. If he already frequenting the masjid for solah in congregation, then tashkeel him to sit with other Muslims in the circle of ta'leem in the masjid daily. If he already regularly sat in the circle of ta'leem every day, then tashkeel him to join other Muslims for the weekly ghusht in the locality. If he already joined the weekly local ghusht, then tashkeel him to join other Muslims for second ghusht at other nearby masjid area. And next tashkeel him to spend his time in the path of Allah for 3 days, 40 days and 4 months. In this way, everyone is constantly encouraged to sacrifice for and be steadfast in the path of Islam.

Just across the road from our old wooden surau/masjid, there was a newly completed rows of double-storey houses. There were about 250-300 newly built houses within that phase of development that made our mohalla (neighbourhood) grew even larger. At that time there was only the said old wooden surau as the place for worshiping for all the 90% Muslim dwellers of the 243 ha. resort-theme township.

One fine afternoon sometime in October 2000, we were making rounds for mulaqat in our mohalla. We met a few Indonesians and Bangladeshis who were a part of the large construction workforce who have left the completed site for construction works elsewhere. The said few workers were left behind to work on minor repairs and restoration upon complaint by the house-owners of the newly completed houses. We managed to gather about 7-9 workers in one of the houses that they used for their temporary stay. After a brief ta'ruf (introduction), one of us started to remind them about the importance of Imaan and the value of being a Muslim. They were also told about the many benefits of solah and the urgency to safeguard their solah.  As Maghreb was approaching, we then made 'cash tashkeel' for them to immediately get ready and join the other Muslims for solah by performing it in congregation in our nearby surau.

"But this man is not a Muslim", one of the Indonesian workers told us. "He is not?", we asked in surprise. "No, he is a Burmese from Myanmar", they replied. We thought we were talking to a group of Indonesian and Bangladeshi Muslims. The Burmese chap, in his 30's, could not be distinguished from the Indonesians. It was even harder to notice the difference since he just kept silent whilst listening attentively to our conversation and targhib. "Do you like what you just heard?", I asked him. "Yes, I like it very much," he replied with a smile. I said, "Well, if you want to know more about Islam, you are welcome to come along to the surau with your friends." His agreement to the invitation immediately drew excitement among his friends.We asked him to have a bath, and requested his friends to provide him with clean clothes to which they readily agreed.

He and all his friends came to the surau just before Maghreb adzaan wearing a shirt traditionally worn by Indonesian Muslim men, a sarung or lungi (traditionally and commonly worn even by the Burmese Government officials) and a topee. He performed Maghreb solah with us and we took him to the surau's corridor to have a chat whilst a guest ustaadz delivered a lecture that night to the other Musholeens. He was a Buddhist. He has small tattoos on his fingers which he tried to hide from us. He has many Muslim friends when he grew up in Myanmar. He used to stand outside the masjid in Myanmar waiting for his friends while they performed solah in worship. He had a small factory there but he had to flee his native lands when he had a serious dispute with a local military officials there. He lived in Thailand for a few years before deciding to come to Malaysia.

He readily agreed upon our dakwah to him to embrace Islam. In the company of his friends, we explained to him the meaning of the Kalimah Shahadah and coached him in the recitation of the Kalimah. He proficiently professed and testified to Islam after a few attempts. While the ustaadz were still delivering the lecture, we read to him and his friends stories of the Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum from the book Fadha'il Aamal by Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariya rahmatullah alayhi. It has already passed Esha' time and we continued reading while waiting for the ustaadz to wrap-up his lecture. At this point, the Burmese brother said, "I like the story of this man." His words drew smiles from those people sitting nearby him. "Oh! You ought to like him. We all do. He is one of the great companions of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam," the reader said referring to Sayyidina Umar bin Khattab radiyalaahu anhu. It was then decided that he should take the namesake of Umar as his Muslim name to his rejoice. 

It was originally planned for the ustaadz and the other Musholeens to choose a Muslim name for him. Nevertheless, we spoke to the chairman of the surau committee to arrange for a formal recitation of the Shahadah to be carried out by the ustaadz and to be witnessed by the others, in honour and celebration of the blessed occasion. A man who had not been receptive to the effort of dakwah and tabligh wept in happiness witnessing Umar's testification to Islam. Alhamdulillah, praise be only to Allah, he and many others had since positively change his view on the importance of the work of dakwah and tabligh.

Since then, Umar had been spending time with us on regular basis, going out in the path of Allah for 3 days for the effort of dakwah and tabligh, learning Imaan and practising the Sunnah of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam. We also regularly brought him to the dakwah and tabligh markaaz at Masjid Jame' Seri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, where he sat in the circle of fellow Burmese immigrants, meeting and communicating with them in their own native language. He eventually managed to get a Burmese translated copy of Fadha'il Aamal for his own use and reading. He received much help and assistance from the surau people and people easily grew fond of him. Not long after, he married an Indonesian woman and the couple became close to my family.

Towards the end of his life, he was employed by our masjid committee to do the cleaning work of the masjid which suited him best. Allah made it easier for him to safeguard his solah. In 2010, whilst I was in khuruuj in the path of Allah for 40 days, I received a devastating news of his demise. May Allah fill his grave with noor. Ameen.

The Letter from King Abdul Aziz Aali Saud to Hadhrat Maulana Muhammad Ilyas and Maulana Ihteshamul Hassan rahimahumallah

Bismillahirrahmaanirrahim

No: 111/2/21

Date: 3rd Safar, 1357H (Monday 4th April, 1938)

The Government of Saudi Arabia

The Royal Office

Respected Muhammad Ilyas and Muhammad Ihteshamul Hassan, may Allah grants (both of you) peace and tranquility.

Assalamu'alaykum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

Verily his majesty the king had personally studied and reviewed your letter and his majesty the king ordered me to express his gratitude for your noble efforts in dakwah towards the faith of our solafussoleheen and your good ministry in this field. I pray to Allah to bestow upon all of us taufeeq in engaging into the efforts that is full of goodness and benefits.

Wassalamu'alaykum Warrahmatullahi Wabarakatuh

The Royal Office

The Lecture of Hazrat Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan rahmatullah alayh Delivered in England: The Work Commissioned by Allah Ta'ala is "the" Work (Part 2)

Excerpts from a booklet entitled "The Letters of Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan Saheb": Translated by Maulana Mohammed Kadwa (Publisher: Idara Isha'at-e-Diniyat (P) Ltd. 

Following the recitation of a few verses from the Holy Quran, Hadhrat Maulana continued: Do not look at who controls the country and the lands. the most favourable outcome will be for that of the people of taqwa - the pious. The mission of dakwah is a very powerful and dynamic force to be reckoned with. Don't ever attribute the work of dakwah to yourself with the intention to boost your self-image and increase your wealth. Don't employ the work of dakwah as a means of income. Whilst despatching a jamaat to America, Bhai Abdul Wahhab (of Raiwind, Pakistan) vehemently instructed the members of the jamaat not to talk about business nor engage in any financial transaction. Upon the jamaat return, one of them remarked, "Although we didn't talk about business nor did we engage in any commercial activities, we still did business." Bhai Abdul wahhab was astonished. He asked, "How else did you conduct business then?" He answered, "The only thing we did is that we analysed the goods on the American market resolving to manufacture and export the same products on our return home."

Dakwah should be for the sole pleasure of Allah Ta'ala so that the Deen of Allah is elevated and the life-style of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayh wasallam is spread and promoted. This should be our chief objective. If you suffer any pecuniary or physical loss in support of this cause, express gratitude unto Allah Ta'ala.

Dakwah should be instituted with a firm belief in the unseen. The one who engages in dakwah on the basis of what he sees, is not engaged in dakwah in the true sense of the word. Many Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum passed away during the life-time of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam. What did they take with them following the mission of dakwah? Friends! Many when not even fully shrouded with the kaffan. Some died in extreme thirst and hardship. The vision was focussed towards the unseen.

Invite unto Allah Ta'ala. Don't take up dakwah for personal following and honour nor for your own vested interests or else it would result in the unseen help of Allah Ta'ala being withdrawn. If one engages in dakwah making his worldly pursuits his objective, he will be overwhelmed by the misfortunes of the creation and duped into focusing his attention exclusively towards the asbaab (means and causes). If we look towards the unseen, the divine help of Allah Ta'ala will no doubt descend, regardless of our limited means. Allah Ta'ala manifested this fact when He assisted, in the Battle of Badr, the 313 Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum who centred the vision upon the unseen. On the other hand, He taught them a lesson in the Battle of Hunayn wherein they relied upon their means and resources.

If one advances whilst directing his attention towards the unseen in spite of all the obstacles he is faced with, Allah Ta'ala will eradicate them all as though they are cobwebs being destroyed.

We refer to 'purana saati' (veteran workers) as those who have spent 10-20 years in this field or as those who spend 4 months in this field even though they lack in conforming to the local dakwah principles. In actual fact, a veteran worker is he who takes part in ta'leem and ghusht and spends 3 days monthly and 40 days yearly in this path whilst strictly adhering to the principles. The one who has spent 10-20 years whilst shying away from the dakwah principles cannot be referred to as veteran worker. Dakwah should be extended towards this (i.e. taking heed of the principles) whilst endeavouring to inculcate the same within us.

Daescribing a few examples, Hadhrat Maulana went on to say: I once invited my brother to spend 40 days in the path of Allah. Scattering his farming tools before him, he retorted, "How can I ever come out from all this." Look at the glory of Allah that the very next day he was involved in some fight resulting in a broken skull. He finally had to spend two months in hospital. He could not sacrifice 40 days for the sake of Allah, was compelled to spend two months in hospital.

The superintendent of a musafir khana (travellers inn) was once asked to come out for 3 days with a jamaat visiting the suburbs of Madinah Munawarrah. He excused himself saying, "I am charged with such duties in the musafir khana that taking leave for just one night is not possible." Sometime later I met him in Makkah Mukarramah. Upon inquiring, he said, "I am waiting for the last 10 days for my daughter who is expected to arrive from Zahran and I fear an additional 10-day wait." The problem is that the prestige of Deen has vanished (from the hearts of the people). That is why he could not sacrifice 3 days for Deen but he wasted 10-20 days for his daughter.

I once invited a soldier (to come out into the path of Allah Ta'ala). He forwarded many excuses saying, "How can I ever go out? Are you aware of the punishment meted out for absenteeism and so forth." I said, "I am sure it would be less severe than the punishment of Jahannam." He made preparations to leave for 4 months, officially took leave and set out in the path of Allah. When he finally returned after an absence of 5 months instead of the official 4 months, a thick file of complaints were lodged against him. When asked about the reason for his extended absence, he replied, "I went to learn about Deen and Imaan. Hence the slight delay." When this complaint was lodged with the senior officer, he wrote out, "I am in urgent need of a man who has the attributes of this person." Without delay, he issued an order favouring his reinstatement and promotion.

There was a telephone operator in Sudanese fire brigade whose job was to notify his co-workers in the event of any emergencies. Following extensive mehnat (effort) upon him, he set out for one chilla (40 days) and returned to work with a grave concern for his solah. Leaving his work aside, he would proceed towards solah whenever the prescribed hour of solah would approach. Upon witnessing this scene on various occasions, one of the officers asked, "Where are you off to? What would happen in the event of any calls coming in about an outbreak of fire?" He replied, "I am off to extinguish a fire that is much more intense than the fire of this world." (In Fadha'il Solah, Section 1 Hadith No. 8, it has been narrated in detail that Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam said, "As the time of solah approaches, an angel calls out, 'O children of Adam! Rise and extinguish the fire you have started burning upon yourself because of your sins.') When this report reached the chief officer who was a Christian by faith, he said, "Unconditional permission is granted for worshiping the Almighty. And the officer who was preventing him from worship should serve relief for him during solah times."

When Babu Shabeer Saheb set out for 4 months to America, 6 instead of 4 months had elapsed by the time he returned from Makkah and other places. At that time he was holding a post of deputy director in a certain company. Upon his return he was informed that he is dismissed from his post. He suffered no grief nor was he concerned in the least bit. Look at the grandeur of Allah Ta'ala that the director retired, the second in line had either died or was involved in some misfortune or the other. Filling the vacuum had, as a result, become a perplexing issue. Finally an order appointing Babu Shabeer as the new director was issued. Even after spending 6 months instead of 4, he was promoted from deputy director to director. (The idea is to come out into the path of dakwah and tabligh and build yaqeen that everything is possible from Allah Ta'ala).

Intending to spend time in the path of Allah, a brother in Pakistan applied for a passport. The order was issued (from the top) that his application should be turned down. he used to visit the immigration office every 8 days and every time his request was turned down by the officials retorting, "You are still adamant in spite of being refused on so many occasions!" One one occasion, the official's fury had reached a point of indignation. "Your application has been rejected but yet you still insist on harassing us!?", he reproached. The applicant countered back, "If I had applied considering you to be Allah, I would have never approached you. I believe Allah to be the true Allah - if He wills, I will get a passport." Without delay, an order was issued that he be granted a passport.

Friends! The promise of Allah's assistance is subjected to dakwah. "If you help (the cause of) Allah, He will help you." [Surah 47, Verse 7]

Remember, we are nurtured by a transcendal system and with (the barakat) of solah were are being (spiritually) fostered. Medium and causes play no role in this whatsoever. However, means and medium may be adopted according to need. Our minds should be focused upon the unseen system of Allah. He will ensure that all our needs are met with the work of dakwah. 

Recalling the poverty of the Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum who took part in Sariyatul Ambar (the expedition of Ambar), Hadhrat Maulana said: The Sahabah who took part in this expedition used to survive on a single date for 24 hours at a stretch. They would suck on the date followed by a sip of water. Consequently, in accordance of His divine code, Allah Ta'ala assisted them in such way that He provided them with a huge sea-fish that according to Bukhari's narration, they lived on it for 18 days and according to Bayhaqi's narration the fish lasted them for a whole month. Part of the fish still remained as they returned to madinah Munawarrah. Remarking upon this, Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam said, "This is the sustenance of Allah Ta'ala which He provided for you." Describing the size of the fish, Hadhrat Maulana said: The oil its eye socket contained, was likened to a well. At least 8 or 9 of the Sahabah jumped into it massaging themselves with the oil whilst supplementing their strength at the same time.

We are not veteran workers as yet. People refer to us as purana saati or veteran workers because of the time we spent in this field whereas, on account of our attributes, we are not fit to be called veteran. A veteran is he whose sacrifices and attributes are always on the increase. As a person intensifies his sacrifices, so will his commendable attributes increase. "Veterans" are those who consistently make du'a for the removal of all hurdles (and continue treading the path).

Allah Ta'ala will undoubtly bring the day when jamaats will set out from here (Britain) to all corners of the world. Many find setting out in jamaats a great burden on themselves but they get familiar and settle down once they set out and proceed. Therefore brothers! Form an intention and present yourselves for 4 months each.

The Lecture of Hazrat Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan rahmatullah alayh Delivered in England: The Work Commissioned by Allah Ta'ala is "the" Work (Part 1)

Excerpts from a booklet entitled "The Letters of Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan Saheb": Translated by Maulana Mohammed Kadwa (Publisher: Idara Isha'at-e-Diniyat (P) Ltd. 

Allah Ta'ala has structured the foundation of His Deen upon the work of dakwah. Deen can only regain it's universal lushness and vendure upon the buoyant revival of the mission of dakwah. Allah Ta'ala instituted this mission of dakwah with many sacrifices and not with ease and comfort. Subjecting 124,000 Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum to numerous sacrifices, the work of dakwah forged ahead. Hadhrat Nuh alayhis salam was made to undertake dakwah for a lenghty period of 950 years. He was subjected to such sacrifices that he would get "swamped" by the stones hurled at him and Hadhrat Jib'reel alayhis salam would then come to his rescue and haul him out of the mound stones. Similarly, Hadhrat Ibrahim alayhis salam, Hadhrat Musa alayhis salam and other Prophets alayhimus salam were all constrained to toil hard in the field of dakwah. Finally,  Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam was made to embark upon the task of dakwah with a collective struggle and sacrifice of all the Ambiyaa alayhimus salam put together. As he himself once remarked, "In regard to Deen, nobody was harrassed as I was." The implementation of dakwah brings in it's wake numerous mountains and hurdles as this creates the yaqeen of Allah. The yaqeen of the power and control of Allah Ta'ala can never be embedded into the heart until and unless one is faced with hurdles and obstacles. Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam adopted his prophetic sacrifices as well, thereby drawing the Ummah to follow suit.

Following the demise of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam, Hadhrat Abu Bakr radiyalaahu anhu was faced with the opposition of all quarters the moment he extended dakwah to the people. He was faced with many internal problems. meanwhile, extensive preparations were underway to attack Madinah Munawarrah thereby increasing their external problems as well.

We tend to panic over the most trivial hurdles and obstacles. The Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum had to put up with relentless obstacles whilst residing in Makkah. This humble servant means that the most seemingly trivial hurdles of the Sahabah radiyalaahu anhum surpasses the greatest of our hurdles. Apart from the worldly losses they sustained in Makkah, their lives and the lives of their wives, children and parents were all being sacrificed in support of this cause but they valiantly faced up to all the stumbling blocks in the wake of this mission. As a result, following their arrival in Madinah Munawarrah they were able to challenge the mightiest of internal as well as external obstacles and break them as though they were breaking spiders web. The hurdles faced by one who continuously engages in the work of dakwah are nothing more than spiders web. He who has assumed Allah as his Rabb and Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam as his Prophet can never under any circumstances say that he has no time for Deen. In fact, he ought to assert that he has no time for dunya (world) under all circumstances. 

This worldly life is but a life of fun and futile play resembling the life of dreams. Upon reaching the grave, one astoundingly realises that the entire world and it's pursuits which he employed as a pretext to avoid setting aside time for Deen, is nothing but a life of futile amusement and dreams. After his death he will regret and lament (over his life wasted away in the dunya but it would be to no avail). 

Friends! The work which people tender as an excuse is not work in reality. Work in it's true sense is the activity delegated by Allah. As Allah Ta'ala declares: "And I have not created Jinn and mankind (for any reason) except that they worship Me." [Surah 51: Verse 56]

All other forms of activities and pre-occupations are nothing but excuses. Isn't Istinjaa (post-excretory ablution) some form of activity as well? Is this not a necessity? Failure to attend to the call of nature will no doubt have a disastrous effect on the life of a person. A person is therefore compelled to visit the toilet but in accordance to his need. Have you heard of anyone visiting the toilet to take a rest? This is so because it is not a resting-place but a place of necessity.

Work in its true senses lies in obeying the divine commands of Allah Ta'ala and following the blessed life-style of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam. Allah ta'ala had delegated many representatives to carry out His work. In other words, they (the representative) were instructed to establish a relationship between Allah and His servants. But alas! we are guilty of forsaking the work of Allah Ta'ala by engagng in eating, drinking, building houses, running businesses and other futile amusements! Then are we not liable for divine retribution?

I (Maulana Saeed Ahmad Khan rahmatullah alayh)  had the opportunity of visiting Bangladesh when it was still under Pakistani rule. I met about eight Burmese youth. All of them were Surtees - hailing from Surat, Rander and suburbs - who were great businessmen in the glorious times of Rangoon (before the communist regime came into power). On many occasions, aided by Rangoon funds, rugs worth well over 80,000 Rupees used to be purchased for the masjids (of India). The yarn used in the manufacture of those rugs was so thick that they had to be trimmed at least twice before they were suitable for sajdah purposes. (Hadhrat Maulana recollected just this one example to express the wealth of Burmese in former times). Upon inquiring about their purpose of coming over to Bangladesh, they replied that they were owners of massive factories and businesses but they lost everything in just one day. They were owners of those factories and businesses in the morning but by the evening all of it fell into the hands of the government. I asked them, "Is the Almighty Allah of Rangoon different to the Allah of this country? At least your lives were saved out there. Here you may lose your lives as well. There is no annihilator but Allah Ta'ala. Only Allah Ta'ala is the saviour as well as the annihilator. On account of certain divine principles, He either destroys or He protects. If you lead a life of disobedience unto Allah Ta'ala, He will in accordance to His fixed principles, destroy you. If not in this world, He will destroy you in the Hereafter.

Following a detailed narrative about Spain and Russia, Hadhrat Maulana went on to say further: If only people were to proclaim and promote the Kalimah of Allah and adopt the life-style of Rasulullah sallalaahu alayhi wasallam on a universal level, Allah Ta'ala, in conformity to His divine code will bring about a life of peace and tranquility in this world. Once the work of dakwah is promoted, churches will transformed into masjids or else masjids will turn into churches. Allah Ta'ala doesn't require the masjid structures but He looks towards the 'aamal of the masjids. Once the 'aamal of the masjids take leave from the Muslims, the masjids are destined to become churches and stables. Allah Ta'ala does not care about the aftermath of the masjids once their 'aamal are relinquished.

Many years ago, whilst visiting Baitul-Muqaddas, I explicitly mentioned that it (Baitul-Muqaddas) is not in the hands of Muslims. A place where the Imaam deceives the people by performing twenty rakaats of taraweeh with Surah Rahman alone and where naked women shamelessly tour about! How can one then consider it to be in the hands of the Muslims? On the face of it, it was in the hands of the Muslims but in reality it was not. Once the 'aamal of the masjids are done away with, Allah Ta'ala does not require the masjid structure even though it may be Masjid al-Aqsa. The country and the earth belongs to Allah alone. He is at liberty to hand it over to whomever He pleases - to our enemy our to our friend.