'Hegira' Lessons in a New Era

 

Towards the Construction of a New Life 

Today the mantra on the lips of the authorities and a section of the population of the world is: “It is imperative to be vaccinated.” But, the question arises: Where to find the vaccines? 

Rich or influential countries like Israel, have already reached rates of over 60%, or are getting there quickly, because they obtained them before the others, particularly the vaccines which are, according to them, the most effective. Some are starting to inoculate [i.e. vaccinate] those who are less at risk, such as their teenagers and even their [small] children. At the same time, in Africa, where less than 2% of the vaccine doses produced against COVID-19 is administered, even medical personnel do not have the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Less effective vaccines are for the poor because the powerful pharmaceutical companies do not want to share their patents and allow countries, like India or South Africa, to manufacture them en masse at a lower cost for their neighbours and for themselves. Forbes magazine has several hundred new billionaires, especially more than 40 enriched thanks to COVID-19, including those at the head of vaccine production, such as Moderna and BioNTech. Now imagine if tomorrow there is the requirement of other additional doses or even new vaccines every year!

Jesus and the 'Sign of Jonah'

In a recent series of Online interactions with Truth-seekers from around the world, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius chose to respond to several questions, explaining the teachings and practice of Deen-e-Islam as well as certain momentous episodes from spiritual history for the benefit of those who were asking. In this context, reproduced below is one of the responses given by Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) to a sister in religion, Ms. Meryl Philips from United Kingdom, explaining the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from an Islamic perspective. 

Contrary to the irrational exaggerations and mythical Divinity claims preferred by people who claim to be his followers, the historical Jesus was a human being like any other human who lived and preached Gospel among his people, a reformer-servant of God among the people of Israel in historical Palestine. While much of his life is shrouded in the distance and unknowns of history, the essence of his truthfulness as well as the shadow of Divine Protection that helped him survive the scheming machinations and plots of his wily opponents is preserved to the benefit of all times, including through the Holy Qur’an which speaks about the trial of crucifixion: 

“And they (the persecutors of Jesus) planned (to crucify him) and Allah planned (to save him) and Allah is the best of planners.” (3:55) 

“They killed him not, nor did they cause his death by crucifixion, but he was made to them to resemble (one crucified to death. Verily, those who differ therein are certainly in (a state of) confusion about it. They have no definite knowledge of the matter but are only following a conjecture. They did not kill him. This much is certain (and thus could not prove the Christ as accursed). Rather Allah exalted him with all honour to His presence”. (4: 158-59)   

While Jewish tradition viewed death on the cross as an accursed imposter’s fate, Jesus himself predicted his escape from death on the cross saying, “As Jonah was three days and three nights in the whales’ belly, so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of death”.  (Matt. 12: 40) The prophecy meant that like Jonah, Jesus would also survive the ‘grave’ trial and survive the attempt on his life. In this brief exposition on the crucifixion of Christ, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) marshals evidence from human mortality, and the sign of Jonah mentioned in the Bible to dispel mythical notions about Jesus prevailing among people in our times. 

Read the Extracts from the Response Below:  

Coping with Grief and Loss

 

The Good Manners/ Deeds When Hearing About the Death of Someone 

Hearing the news of the death of a loved one is certainly not easy for anyone with its share of sadness and grief, in addition to the preparations for the funeral. Having the right reflexes is not always easy in such a situation. I put before you today eight good things to do in these difficult times when someone dies.

Speak Well of the Dead Person

When learning of someone’s death, it is recommended to speak well of that person about the actions he did for the pleasure of Allah. At the same time, one must avoid speaking “good” [so-called good things] about his actions which were not done for the pleasure of Allah [in other words, there are those types of people who speak badly of the actions of a deceased, and they pretend not to know that what they said was not correct. They will say that on the contrary they were saying “good” for the deceased]. 

For example, avoid saying, “What a good card player he was!” Or “This person sang well”. The actions of playing cards and singing [songs that have nothing to do with Islam] are both in themselves Haram (prohibited) actions. So, pretending to flatter the deceased that he was a good card player or a good singer, it is certainly not a good thing or an honour for the deceased. So we must avoid all of this. 

It is reported by Hazrat Anas (ra): “When passing near a funeral procession and hearing the men praising the deceased, the prophet (pbuh) said three times: ‘It is assured [for him]’ [That is to say, the praise on the good deeds of the deceased will have all their importance and honour before the eyes of Allah in his favour]. 

The Signs of 'Qiyamah'- 7

The Signs of the End of Times 

The signs of Qiyamat, both predicted by the founder of Islam Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and also by way of divine revelations when I was preparing this sermon, are such words and happenings which, as per the revelations of Allah, despite already existed and known from before, yet their intensity will be much more grievous, much worse in this era than in the previous eras. People will take the Maal-e-Ghaneemat [spoils of war] and Amanat [trust] which are not theirs [i.e. they will take the wealth and properties of others] as their own. Some will consider the Zakaat as tax; others will learn religion only for this temporal world [only for grandeur and to benefit from the contributions of people who are contributing for religion] and they will take religion as a marketplace, as business for their own gain and to fill in their pockets. Now, we all know that this is what is exactly happening in the case of most politicians, those who make politics to garner grandeur, honour, to fill in their pockets – to spend away [waste] the money of the people – and all this is also happening in the realm of religion as well. 

The Signs of 'Qiyamah'

 

The Signs of the End of Times- 6 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I continue the 6^th part of my sermon today on this very important subject: “The Signs of the End of Times” - The Qiyamah and its signs, such signs which demonstrate that the Qiyamah is not too far and, is indeed close. 

This will be another great sign of Qiyamah - where the wrath of Allah is manifested - when the evildoers attack and assassinate the Amir-ul-Mumineen [Leader of the Believers]. The wrath of Allah will be upon these people. When that happens, there will be a terrible punishment that will fall from the sky; such a punishment that no one will have time to look at their own children and children will not have time to look at their own parents. 

Destiny on the ‘Bridge of Sirat’

All through history, Prophets and Sages appeared among nations calling people to the one and only God promising felicity in this life and the Gardens of Paradise in the world to come when they die and face God with the record of their deeds. “Every person’s deeds have We fastened firmly to his neck, and on the Day of Judgement We shall bring out for him a book which he will find wide open” (17:14).

Invariably, the Divine messengers also cautioned humanity against the trappings of the Satan- following in his footsteps without any moral restraints for mundane gains and glory will only invite the Fires of Hell in this world and on the Day of Reckoning: “Mutual rivalry in seeking worldly increase diverts you from God. Till you reach the graves. Nay! You will soon come to know. Nay again! You will soon come to know. Nay! If you only knew with certain knowledge, You will surely see Hell in this very life. Aye, you will surely see it with the eye of certainty. Then, on that day you shall be called to account about the worldly favours” (102: 2 - 9)    

Indeed, on the Day of Judgement, every human will face his deeds on the ground of gathering, Arz Al Mahshar.  When records speak and accounts settled on the basis of evidence by none other than Allah (swt), man will pass on the Bridge of Sirat to meet his awaited destiny. True believers, walking in the light of their pious good deeds, will become the dwellers of Paradise: “And think of the day when you will see the believing men and the believing women, their light running before them and on their right hands” (57:13)

On the other hand, the wrongdoers will have no Protective Friend, nor any help of light in that dungeon of darkness, in the way to the Valley of Hell: Like the Qur’an says: ‘On that Day, We shall seal their mouths. Their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to that which they used to earn. And had We willed, We would have blotted out their eyes. Then they would race to Al -Sirat, yet how would they see?’ (36: 66- 67)

The Signs of 'Saa'at'- 5

 

Allah (swt) is Most Subtle, All Aware. He knows what lies in the breasts of humans in all that they say and do, whether they disclose their purpose publicly, or keep the intention, in  all secret. Allah (swt) rejects vain-glorious or vanity projects where boasting and earthly glory drive people into action, whereas Allah (swt) rewards pious works, those deeds executed solely for the purpose of seeking the approval and pleasure of Allah by respecting His Law as taught by the Prophet (sa) and following His deputies/Caliphs of Allah in every era.  

Along with showing the true Path of Life, profound Islamic teachings warn humanity against the tentacles of evil in all its manifestations in religious and secular life, especially in turbulent times when fluid conditions prevail in society, and blurring of lines are easier than ever before. That is why in seeking material riches, professional glory, societal eminence; man needs to keep in mind the true values of life as taught through Divine commandments. In the wider pursuit of pleasure and ecstacy in this world and the world to come,  he needs to be mindful of the Shariah, and discriminate between what is lawful and forbidden; while embracing what is Halal, keeping distance from the Haram. Indeed, Divine Law expects, man needs to keep all his deeds- as well as the intentions behind them- pure and lawful at all times.  

In this fascinating and perceptive discourse, delivered as the Friday Sermon of 22 October 2021~15 Rabi’ul Awwal 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius continues his eloquent exposition on the Signs of the End Times- explaining sacred Qur'anic teachings and Prophetic traditions that caution and warn believers about the different types of tests and trials of Faith that they will face in the End Times. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below: