The Knowledge of the Sahaba & Our Spiritual Heritage
The Sahaba received direct training from the Holy Prophet (pbuh). They witnessed the revelation of the Qur’an, heard Hadiths directly, and observed the Prophet’s behaviour. This closeness gave them extraordinary sincerity. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Uthman (ra), Hazrat Ali (ra), and others were not merely scholars, but living models. They could convince entire nations by their conduct.
Today, the Ummah has many
institutions, books, and financial means, yet despite progress in conversions
to Islam, these are often superficial. Many preach Islam without depth, and
some who accept Islam do not embody its teachings in behaviour or modest dress.
Women and men alike sometimes adopt external appearances contrary to Islamic
modesty, thinking Islam allows them to follow modern trends, while Allah has
made clear in the Qur’an that clothing must be pious, covering the head, chest,
and private parts, preserving beauty with modesty inside and out. The focus,
for both men and women, must be to please Allah, restrain their gaze, and
approach society with Taqwa.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “When
Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him understanding of the religion.”
(Bukhari). But understanding is not merely academic; it is illumination given
to the sincere. Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (ra) narrated: “I will tell you a Hadith
none after me will narrate. I heard the Prophet (pbuh) say: ‘Among the signs
of the Hour is that religious knowledge will be taken away (by the death of
scholars) and ignorance will spread…’” (Bukhari, Muslim). This shows that
knowledge depends on sincere scholars. In the Prophet’s time, thousands of
Sahaba existed, but only a handful gave fatwa, aware of the gravity of
speaking on religion. Today, everyone gives opinions and fatwas, which
is a spiritual disease needing cure.
The Prophet (pbuh) also warned: “Ignorance
will increase, adultery will spread, intoxicants will be consumed.” (Bukhari,
Muslim). These signs are visible today: Muslims drinking alcohol, committing
adultery, and limiting their mosque attendance to weddings, funerals, or Eid.
This shows knowledge has diminished in hearts. The secret of the Sahaba was
sincerity (Ikhlaas) and closeness to the Prophet (pbuh). They lived the
Qur’an daily, and Allah gave them spiritual strength to convince people without
many words. A Sahabi could enter a foreign land, and by his conduct and
sincerity, people would accept Islam.
Muslims today must return to that
sincerity. Knowledge must be shared with wisdom (Hikmah). Allah says: “Ud‘u ila sabili Rabbika bil-hikmati wal-maw‘izatil
hasanah” (Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice.)
(An-Nahl 16: 126). Knowledge must be accompanied by wisdom, gentleness, and
sincerity. The Tabi‘een and Tabi Tabi‘een followed the Sahaba, respecting
established decisions, fearing error. Knowledge was rooted in humility. Today,
many lack humility, believing they have the right to issue verdicts, which is
dangerous for Islam.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Six
things will precede Qiyamah: my death, then the appearance of diseases, then
other signs…” (Ahmad). He described diseases affecting animals, such as
sheep, with phlegm and saliva – predicted 1400 years ago, now seen in Europe.
This shows Allah revealed future events to Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims must
learn that knowledge is not limited to books or diplomas; it is light and
guidance given to the sincere. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever acts upon
what he knows, Allah will grant him knowledge of what he does not know.”
(Ahmad). But this must be knowledge aligned with Islamic precepts. When a
Muslim practices his faith properly, Allah increases his knowledge and enriches
him with grace.
Therefore, Muslims must stop merely
accumulating books and degrees; they must practice Qur’an and Sunnah daily.
Practiced knowledge becomes true guidance that convinces people of truth. The
Sahaba had no universities, but they practiced Qur’an and Sunnah sincerely, and
were blessed. Muslims today must stop imitating Western values. Islam has its
own system of values. Adapting Islam to foreign values causes confusion.
Knowledge must be shared in purity, without corruption. The Prophet (pbuh)
taught that Salaam is a universal Sunnah, but today people greet only
those they know, showing relationships are based on worldly interest, not
divine connection. When Salaam disappears, the warmth of faith
disappears.
Therefore, attach yourselves to
Qur’an and Sunnah. I have come in this century as a prophet and messenger of
Allah to teach Islam’s message, not another message. Return to Allah, return to
Islam. Do not let Western influence corrupt Muslim youth. All, young and old,
have a duty in Islam, especially in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, which was not
established to follow Western trends, but to help people leave darkness and
come to Allah’s light. Allah says: “Qad jaa’akum
minallahi noorun wa kitaabun mubeen” (A light and a clear book
has come to you from Allah.) (Al-Ma’ida 5: 16)
Attach yourselves to Qur’an. Follow Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and all prophets of Allah, who all preached Islam – belief in one Allah and submission to Him alone. Follow the example of prophets and their sincere companions. Learn what is good from them. The Sahaba’s knowledge reflected in their hearts as light and extraordinary guidance. Muslims today must return to that perfect model represented by Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and his Sahaba. Knowledge must be shared with wisdom, sincerity, practice, and humility. Without this, books and diplomas remain empty. Allah says: “Innallaha la yughaiyyiru ma biqawmin hatta yughaiyyiru ma bi anfusihim” (Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.) (Ar-Ra’d 13: 12). Change your condition for the better. Become true representatives of Islam in the world, being sincere with Allah, with Islam, and especially you, my disciples, who claim belief in the Divine Manifestation of this century. If you are truly sincere, establish Islam firmly by your example and bring people to Allah’s path with Taqwa and Ikhlaas. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of 10 July 2026~24 Muharram 1448 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al-Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius.