The Decline of Muslim Spirituality- II

The task of real spirituality is to restore the sublime faith in Allah the Almighty and to reflect the Divine attributes through the moulding of purified individuals. Islam perfected and preserved in itself the purpose of all religions which preceded it by recognizing the divine revelations of the past. Further, it channelized the continuity of Divine revelations through itself for all times to come. Leading the world on spiritual purification was the heavy responsibility cast on the shoulders of the Muslim Ummah by the Creator of the Universe. Contemporary Muslim leaders have failed to recognize the extraordinary magnitude of the task, nor could they preserve the solid faith of the early Muslims.

In his Friday Sermon of April 06, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius continued his discourse on the ways in which true faith has deserted the present day Muslims. Drawing upon the prescient prophecies of the Holy Prophet (sa), he sketches the causes of spiritual decline. The preservation of the true faith and real spirituality is a Divine Promise engraved upon the Holy Qur’an by Allah the Almighty Himself. At a time when the sectarian divisions have proliferated among Muslims and the spirit of Islam has gone away from the life of Muslims, the raising of a Khalifa by Allah- Khalifatullah- is in tune with the enduring Divine practice.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (103: 1-4)

Like I explained in my sermon last Friday, history has proved that the first Muslims reached the highest degrees of honour and glory whereas Muslims today have taken the opposite route. It is clear according to these verses that the first Muslims reached such a dignified status in life because their faith was solid and they had excellent character.

In contrast, today the situation of the Muslims has become deplorable because there is lots of weakness in our faith and character. It is the opposite of what was found in the first Muslims. Therefore it would not be untrue to say that nowadays, we have just preserved our names as Muslims! In the same context, the truthful Messenger of Allah the Almighty, Hazrat Muhammad (sa) foretold: “There shall be a time soon when Islam shall exist in name only, and the Quran shall exist only in writing.”

The Decline of Muslim Spirituality- I

Early Islam produced men of outstanding ability, extraordinary drive and exemplary personal initiative. They were willing to sacrifice their all for the progress of their deeply held convictions, in the service of their faith. This in turn brought the Muslims victories over victories, successes over successes, grandeur and power which lasted for many centuries altogether. On the contrary, “the deeds of the Muslims (of the present times) have become a big dark spot on the exemplary performance and exceptional exploit of the first and true soldiers of Islam”. The contrasting fortunes of Muslims of the past and of the present have invited considerable scholarly attention in recent times. In his Friday Sermon of March 30, 2012 Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius profoundly reflected upon the lamentable spiritual conditions of the Muslims today and prescribed the spiritual medicines essential for reviving the fortunes of the Community.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:  

We are nowadays in the Islamic year 1433 After Hijra. When we analyse that when the world was plunged into the darkness of ignorance, sins and immorality, a light of true knowledge and guidance (that is, the Holy Prophet Muhammad-sa) made its appearance in the horizon amidst the rocky mountains, Batha (the name of the small mountains surrounding Mecca). Its rays went beyond all boundaries, be it in the east, west, north and south, and these rays (of that divine light) illumine each corner of the earth. In the limited period of twenty-three years, this light leads the way so that people accede to such elevated honourable stations which had not been reached before. It has brightened the Muslims and created in them the profound desire to follow the true message that should guide them in the future towards success.

When they followed the true path, guided by this light, the Muslims won victories over victories, successes over successes and they reached the highest position of honour in history. For many centuries, they reigned over the world with grandeur and power. No (non-Muslim) leader of their time could have got the courage to face them, and if someone did attempt to do so, they risked leading themselves to their own destruction. [Inset: Mughal Emperor Muhiy-ud-Din Aurangzeb Alamgir (1618-1707).   His empire at its zenith spread over the whole of modern South Asia and Central Asia- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, parts of Iran and Uzbekistan and Tajikistan and one-fourth of the then world population lived under his rule. Historians testify that Emperor Aurangzeb inflicted such fear in the minds of the foreign elements trading in the waters of India that it took the British  more than a century and a half to consolidate their hold over India even after his death]. 

This is a historical truth which nobody can ever erase. But it is sad to see that these days this historical truth has become an old tradition, an “ancient story”, only good to be told (for a short time), and which appears farfetched for modern times, especially in our present times whereby the deeds of the Muslims have become a big dark spot on the exemplary performance and exceptional exploit of the first and true soldiers of Islam.

‘Days Shall Testify For or Against Man’

“A century or ten, 

After we are all gone! 

Who thinks of night at dawn?”

-so ruminated the famous medieval Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh in one of his philosophical writings. Death is inevitable and unavoidable; it brings the curtain down even on the lives of the high and the mighty. A profound awareness about the vanishing of all our human agenda in this transient world may give one a sense of perspective on what to value and cherish and what to ignore and avoid.

As a spiritual order, Islam offers profound guidance on how to practically navigate our time in this slippery universe. The Prophetic traditions underscore the accountability of one and all to Allah the Almighty for all the blessings He graciously bestows on us. Believers ought to live with a wider consciousness and awareness about their manifold responsibilities and immortalise their days with the best of works. In his Friday Sermon of April 20, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius profoundly reflected on some of these themes. Life is transient and the lost moment never comes back. So, value your youth and health and knowledge and wealth before it all fades away. Respect your time and do good deeds so that the journey to the Hereafter becomes agreeable when it comes, exhorts the Messenger of Allah.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

“It is a divine blessing to have the heart rid of all afflictions and likewise to have the body free from all diseases. However men are deprived from this, as it is evident from this saying of the Holy Prophet (sa): “There are two blessings in which people are cheated: health and leisure time.” Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) refers to people's attitudes to these two favours. They do not value them as they should; so much so that their free time is lost without being operated for the benefit of the affairs of their religion and their lives. That is the worst loss.

To urge the Muslim to enjoy his free time, to exploit every moment of his life and not to waste it, the Holy Prophet (sa) said “the feet of any human being will not move (from their place before the Lord) on the Day of Resurrection, before he answers to four questions: 1. What did he do during his life? 2. On what has he spent his youth? 3. Where has he earned his money and how did he spend it? 4. What has he done with his knowledge?

As for his words: “take advantage of five things before five things: your youth before your decrepitude, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your leisure time prior to your occupation and your life before your death”, it is a clear allusion that the Muslim must use time while it is still in full possession of his means, as he is still young, rich and available and before age, disease, poverty and worries affect him.

Spiritual Renewal: One Day Camp in Kerala

By the grace of Allah, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Kerala conducted a one-day spiritual camp at the historic Noorul Islam Masjid at Mathra for the benefit of its members on April 6-7, 2012.

With the arrival of our brothers and sisters at the centre of the Jamaat in the morning, formal registration of delegates began at 10.00 am. At 11.00 a.m. members gathered in the premises of the Masjid for an hour-long Waqar-e-Amal Programme, to clear and clean up the surroundings of the Noorul Islam Masjid.

From 12.30 to 1.45 p.m. Namaz-e-Jum’ah was performed. For the occasion, Amir of the Kerala   Jamaat Mukarram Jamaluddin Sahib chose the latest Khutbah of the Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad  Azim Sahib (atba) which was delivered on March 30, 2012 and later led the prayers.

After lunch break, brothers assembled again at the Masjid at 3.00 p.m. the Amir Sahib led an hour-long study session on the importance of Dawa and the necessity and significance of Bai’at. Quoting profusely from the Holy Qur’an and the Ahadith, Amir Sahib made a profound case for standing united under a Divinely-raised Khalifa (Khalifatullah) for the progress of Islam and humanity. He cautioned against the perils of keeping away from Bai’at once Allah sends in His representative with a mission to unite mankind.

After the speech, all brothers had tea and snacks and a general conversation was ensued with the honourable guest, the Soufi Sahib, Shahul Hameed Sahib.

After Maghrib prayer, the Siraj Makin programmed their meeting.

Moreover, Amir Jamaluddin Sahib addressed the gathered members on the importance of the times in the history of the Jamaat - with a Mubahila being signed with Abdul Ghaffar Janbah Sahib of Germany. He underscored the importance of reciting the special prayers taught by Hadhrat Sahib (atba) in this connection and the need to perform Tahajjud prayers on a regular basis invoking special blessings of Allah on the Muhyuiddin and for the Jamaat in general. He also spoke about the importance of carrying on with Dawa activities on a sustained basis.

At 4:30 a.m. members assembled for the Tahajjud Prayers and later, around 5:45 a.m., Namaz-e-Fajr was offered collectively. Amir Sahib led a study session on verses of the Holy Qur’an and some Ahadith on the occasion.

After breakfast at 8:00 a.m., visiting members went back to their respective places. Alhamdulillah, the assembled members left with a feeling of spiritual nourishment and renewal. On this occasion, a video recording was made of the event along with photos.

May Allah enrich the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, Kerala, India branch with outstanding abilities to propagate the word of Truth with the advent of the Hazrat Khalifatullah Muhyiuddin Munir A. Azim (atba). (Ameen)

Kerala Jamaat: Sacrifice and Obedience

Spiritual history is replete with deep and profound ironies. Whenever Allah the Most High raises a Messenger of His, leaders of the society will reject him. The elite of the community will vehemently oppose him. Only a very few, relatively materially-poor and humble in spirit, will accept the Divine Messenger. This small band of believers will go on to undertake extraordinary sacrifices in pursuit of their deeply held convictions. They will display nobility of character against all odds and in the face of adversities, eventually to emerge as the shining stars in the darkest of skies.  

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Kerala today straddles this path of sublime spirituality. In spite of their small numbers, modest economic conditions and adverse social circumstances, members of the Jamaat in Kerala compete among themselves in the spirit of financial sacrifice and to show perfect obedience to the words and wishes of the Messenger of Allah. In his Friday Sermon of 30 March 2012 and also on April 06, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib of Mauritius (atba) took note of the spirit of sacrifice and obedience being displayed by the Kerala Jamaat.

Extracts from the Sermons:

Before ending my sermon, I wish to address all my brothers, sisters and children in Kerala. First of all, Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu (May the peace, grace and blessings of Allah be upon you). It is my humble prayer that Allah keeps you in good physical and spiritual health always, give you long life and increase your wealth, Insha-Allah.

The Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Kerala has made extraordinary efforts in the field of financial sacrifice, only for the pleasure of Allah in the 72 hours which has just went by. From among the existing Jamaats in several countries, the Jamaat of Kerala has excellently done “Fastabikul Khairaat” (vying each other in good deeds). By their deeds, they are reviving Alhamdulillah the great sacrifices of the Sahaba Karaam in the times of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Despite their meagre financial positions, the Sahaba Karaam used to go and work in the market only to receive some money to put in the hands of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to spend in the path of Allah. They have done this with joy in their hearts despite not having any food at home or adequate clothing. For them, Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) came first. Their sacrifices were such that Allah the Almighty blessed them and this blessing made them reached the peak of glory today, spiritually speaking.

With the advent of this humble self, the humble servant of Allah in this era, whereby Allah has raised me with a Jamaat, Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, that beautiful spirit of sacrifice shown by the Sahaba Karaam has been awaken today in Kerala despite their difficult financial situations. Nevertheless they did not hesitate to say “Labbaik” to the Khalifatullah of this era.

Hadhrat Ahmad (as) and the Miracle of the Pen

In his Friday Sermon of March 23, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius paid glowing tributes to the staggering literary contributions and special spiritual achievements of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian. The sermon succinctly summarises the extraordinary efforts of the Promised Massih (as) to defend and espouse the cause of Sahih Al Islam by wielding the pen as the sword of Allah.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

“… Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Mahdi was born to a noble family in Qadian, India. From an early age he had a keen interest in religion and used to devote the majority of his time in reading books and staying in the Mosque because of his love for Allah.

He was also known for his honesty, friendliness and resolve. Over time by the grace of Allah his knowledge and understanding of religion and its application to society deepened. Being a Muslim it was his firm belief that all religions were true at origin and he always sought to uphold the dignity of religion and to demonstrate its relevance to everyone. His earnest defence of religion was ultimately blessed when he started to receive direct revelation from Allah – a blessing that he received for the rest of his life.

His mission was to revitalise the truth that all religions held within them and to revive the teachings of Islam. It was through this that he would bring mankind together and establish everlasting peace. In 1889, under Divine Guidance, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (upon him be peace) founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a community which had grown in stature and strength and conveyed the message of Islam to the ends of the earth.

But today, after having reached its peak, it (this community/Jamaat) has lost its credence and essence as true all because of some rebels (creators of chaos) found therein who have trampled the teachings of Islam under their feet. But Allah remained true to His promise which He made to His Messiah and He sent another Messiah to hold fast the torch of True Islam which Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (upon him be peace) came to revive in his era.

Points for Preaching of Islam

As a religion and spiritual order, Islam offers comprehensive ethical and moral guidance on all aspects of life in its varied facets. And a Muslim will be able to find solutions within the framework of the teachings of Islam to the many problems he or she is confronted with. This can be done even without injecting ideas and processes antithetical to the Islamic perspective (Bid’ah) by seeking to equip oneself with the correct knowledge of Islam. Apart from practicing Sahih Al Islam, a Muslim ought to share the richness of the Islamic path- “beauty, rationality, practicality and completeness”- and its innate ability to appeal to the human mind with all of mankind. 

In his Friday Sermon of March 09, 2012 Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Sahib (atba) of Mauritius gave a discourse on how to conduct the preaching of Islam and underscored certain points to keep in mind in Dawa.

Read the Extracts from the Sermon:

(1) Planning

Dawa requires effective planning and strategy formulation. We should never do Dawa by haste. We have to plan it out very carefully with deliberation. We have to plan how to do Dawa to various kinds of peoples coming from different backgrounds. We need to plan especially if we are organizing Dawa for groups through lectures or seminars. We have to plan ahead of time, plan for the theme, topics, venue, time particulars, speakers concerned. We have to consider planning what to say and how to say it. As Dai-Illallah, it is imperative for us to plan but we have to acknowledge that Allah is the Best of planners like mentioned in the following verses of the Holy Quran:

“And the disbelievers planned, but Allah planned. And Allah is the best of planners.” (3: 55) and “But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” (8: 31)

Thus, we have to pray for His help to bless our plan, our Dawa because “When He decrees a plan, He only says to it, ‘Be’, and it is!” (3: 48); and that,  “He does command according to His will and plan”. (5: 2)

(2) Inviting people with Hikma (wisdom) and beautiful preaching. 

Allah the Almighty commands us, so that we can be successful Dai-Illallah. Allah says:

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is (rightly) guided.” (16: 126)