A ‘Mujaddid’ in Islam Today

 

‘You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah. And if the People of the Book had believed, it would have surely been better for them. Some of them are believers, but most of them are disobedient.’ (Holy Quran, 3:111) 

Allah mentions in His divine scriptures that this Muslim community is the best community among all. However, whether the contemporary Muslim community is deserving of this distinction is, unfortunately, a bitter truth to the contrary.

 

This noble community, which is meant to guide other societies, is now under the influence of Mullahs who propagate misleading interpretations. Consequently, Islam, which is fundamentally a path of peace, is portrayed as a ruthless and violent ideology.

 

This community, united by the Quran, now has over 30 different translations of the same Quran in Tamil alone. It is unnecessary to elaborate on the varying interpretations at national and international levels. Movements and their leaders, which aimed to reform and unify Muslims, have instead led to increased divisions and confusion.

What is the real reason for this? Is there no solution in Islam, the path that provides answers to everything? Or has the Almighty abandoned this path? The good news that the Quran conveys is that this is never the case.

 

The Quran is the divinely preserved scripture. In what manner is this preservation ensured?

 

‘Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian.’ (Holy Quran 15:10)

 

God, who revealed the Quran, has also taken on the responsibility of preserving it. The question here is whether preservation means merely the text itself or its pure meanings (Tafsir) as well. If it were only the text, then with the Quran being uniformly available worldwide, why do so many divisions, conflicts, and interpretations exist? Therefore, it is clear that if preservation was solely about the text, it would not provide a complete solution.

 

Such divisions arise from misunderstandings of the Quran. Allah, whenever people deviate from His divine guidance, sends Divine Reformers from among them to protect the purity of His scripture, that is, the essence or spirit of the scripture.

Regarding this, our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:-

 

‘Certainly, Allah Almighty will send a Mujaddid (Divine Reformer) at the beginning of every century for this Ummah who will renew their religion.' (Abu Dawood, Kitab al-Malahim, Chapter ‘Ma Eskuru Fi Karan’, Hadith No. 4278)

 

Among the Muslim community, some scholars deny this hadith. Even those who accept it often interpret 'Mujaddid' as a reformer who engages in da'wah (inviting to Islam), combats superstitions, and advocates for the true teachings. According to Islamic doctrine, the Mujaddidin who emerge are those who align with the reformative principles outlined in the Quran.

 

Some even claim falsely that there is no mention of Mujaddidin in the Quran. However, the Quran does contain references to those who arise as warners or reformers throughout the centuries. Relevant Quranic verses include: Surah Al-Hadid (57: 6-7); Surah Al-Hijr (15:10); Surah Ya-Sin (36: 38-40); Surah Al-Jathiya (45: 6); Surah Al-Lail (92: 2-4); Surah Ad-Duha (93: 5); Surah Al-Qalam (68: 3-5); Surah An-Naba (78: 9-12) and Surah Al-Qadr (97: 2-7)...

 

The aforementioned verses clearly address the concept of Mujaddidin. Allah revealed the Quran on Laylat al-Qadr, which recurs annually. The question naturally arises: Is there not a Divine initiative or group present today, as there was at the time when the Quran was first revealed? Or is Allah’s promise of sending reformers every century still valid? The term 'Mujaddid' implies providing the correct interpretation of the Quran, as a community that believes in the Quran as the foundational text of the faith cannot have an alternate view.

 

It is also evident that the explanation of the Quran must be based on Divine Revelation, as only the One who revealed the Quran truly knows its meanings. Without Divine guidance, human understanding will remain in darkness. If you believe that such reform can occur through an Arabic scholar or preacher, consider how much confusion, divisions, and deviations have emerged in today’s world. The turmoil observed from major cities to remote villages in the Muslim world stands as a testament to this reality.

 

To understand this more clearly, one can see the promise Allah made to Prophet Ibrahim (as) in the light of the Quran.

 

'And remember when his Lord tried Abraham with certain commands which he fulfilled. He said, ‘I will make you a Leader of men.’ Abraham asked, ‘And from among my offspring?’ He said, ‘My covenant does not embrace the transgressors.' (Holy Quran 2:125)

 

According to this promise, Allah sent prophets one after another among the Israelites. However, because these people were ungrateful and unjust towards those sent by Allah, this grace was transferred to the community of Ismail (as). Consequently, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emerged as the leader of the prophets among the community of Ismail(as). 

Just as grace was bestowed upon Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), we ask that grace be granted to our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through every prayer by reciting Darood and Salawat. This is the true essence of the supplication that the global Muslim community seeks.

Thus, Allah fulfills His promise every century by sending Mujaddidin who receive divine revelation and guide people according to the true and correct understanding of the Quran. These individuals are the true 'Imams' appointed by Allah, and such a position is not attained by studying in an Arabic college or leading an organization.

 

Thus, after Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the arrival of these Mujaddidin continues every century.

Insha'Allah, this will persist until the Day of Judgment. Among the Mujaddidin recognized in the past century was Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) from the village of Qadian in Punjab, India. He claimed to be the second coming of Jesus and asserted that he was a Mujaddid and a Ummati Nabi (Prophet) based on the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that 'there is no prophet between me and the Messiah.' Therefore, it is clear that every century will witness the emergence of such leaders or Imams who will be Messiahs and prophets.  

 

Based on this principle, Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (as) of Mauritius, Holy founder of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, is recognized as the Mujaddid, Messiah, Khalifatullah, and prophet of this century. His claims are grounded in Divine Revelation, and he offers guidance for the contemporary era. Additionally, he has provided a Tafsir of the Quran based on divine insight. Both he and his community serve as living proof that Allah continues to speak through His appointed representatives.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, we warmly invite you to join the 'Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam,' which is established under the leadership of the Divinely appointed Imam, and to move beyond all man- made divisions towards the true Islam for success in this world and the Hereafter, Insha- Allah, Ameen.

---Extracts from a forthcoming Public Notice being prepared and issued by Hazrat Mukarram Muhyiuddin Khwajah Saleem Saheb of Tamil Nadu, a distinguished disciple of Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius].