The Houses of Allah- I

The Holy Ka'aba: The House of Humanity

 

“And (remember) when We pointed out for Ibrahim the place of the House (Haram Shariff) saying, “Do not associate anything with Me as My partner, and purify My House for those who make Tawaaf (circumambulation around it), and those who perform Qiyaam (standing up in worship) and those who perform Ruku (bowing down) and Sujuud (prostration). Proclaim the Pilgrimage to all people. They will come to you on foot and on every kind of mount turned lean, emerging from every deep mountain pass to gain benefits for themselves, and to mention Allah’s name on appointed days over such heads of livestock (that they sacrifice) as He has provided them with. “So, eat thereof and feed the distressed, the poor.” (Al-Hajj 22: 27-29).

 

My House, the Holy House, the Sacred Mosque, the House, the Ancient House, the First House, etc., there are so many descriptions used by the Holy Quran to name the cultural structure at Mecca – the Holy Ka’aba. Allah wanted to describe how priceless that monument was, and He did do through the verses of the Holy Quran whereby He gave enough indications and descriptions to show people how it’s value is very high and it has a very lofty distinction in the eyes of Allah because it is the place for the worship of the Unique God (for whole mankind).

 

Allah has already indicated that the location of that House is an honourable place as these words indicate: “We pointed out for Ibrahim the place of the House (Haram Shariff)” (Al-Hajj 22: 27).

 

So through these words, we come to know that this House existed well before the time of Hazrat Ibrahim (as). As I told you in my Eid Sermon, it was built by the prophet Adam (as), and then it became the first centre of the divine religion that has graced this earth, the first place of worship – for the worship of Allah, because it is much later on, after its first erection that many other Temples or Masjids for the glorification of Allah were built.

A 'Khalifatullah' to Revive True Faith

  

In his Friday Sermon of 27 May 2022 ~25 Shawwal 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-din Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius continues his  exposition upon a great spiritual malady afflicting almost all the world of religion today: the problem of worshipping false gods, or the practice of 'Shirk': people joining several deities- an angel, prophet or saints- along with the worship of the True Lord of Humankind. Unfortunately, idolatry has consumed much of the ancient religions. In several Muslim lands even today, the Dargah-related rituals mirror the practices of idolatrous communities of the past- away from the true legacy of Islamic monotheism. In this discourse, based on Qur'anic revelations and Prophetic traditions, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) eloquently elucidates the correct spiritual doctrine of Tawheed and urges folks to avoid 'Shirk' and associated  Satanic practices of deviance in everyday life, in religious practices. 

Moreover, in this era of moral and spiritual corruption where people have lost their inner compass of righteous living, and consequentially, the world is afflicted with many maladies and calamities of all kinds, Hazrat Saheb points out that it is all the more important for humanity to move away from the frenzy of hedonism and return to its sense of balance and moderation by rediscovering the value of Divine-restraints and other higher values of spiritual realization. To guide human kind through this darkness, the All Merciful Lord, our God, has raised a chosen spiritual guide in our midst. In this context, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) in this discourse, once again acknowledges his spiritual mission and Divine mandate, and brings forth to all our collective attention the Divine revelations that were vouchsafed to him almost 14 years ago concerning the appointment of a 'Khalifatullah', the model-exemplar of Faith; the high representative of Allah (swt) in the mantle of the prophets of the past- with all the spiritual titles attached with it, with a view to renew the true legacy of 'Tawhid' and to combat 'Shirk' in all its manifestations,  Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah. 

'Tawheed' & 'Shirk'

 

 

If man is aware that Allah is the Lord Who has created and nourished him, and is the Only True God with no partners associated to Him, and thus, that He is the only True God, Who deserves to be worshipped, and if man knows also that Muhammad (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah to mankind, he must also know that his faith in Allah and His prophet Muhammad (pbuh) will not be perfect unless he is acquainted with the religion of Islam, believes in it, and behaves according to its precepts. This is due to the fact that Islam is the true religion approved by Allah (twt) to mankind. Allah has commanded all His Messengers, before Muhammad (pbuh), to follow Islam, and He sent Muhammad (pbuh) as the seal of His prophets, to propagate Islam, and enjoin people to behave according to its precepts.

 

WHAT IS ISLAM?

Then, let us see what Islam is. Muhammad (pbuh) the seal Messenger of Allah to mankind, defined Islam as follows: “Islam is to testify that there is no god but Allah, that Muhammad (pbuh) is His messenger, to perform prayers, pay the poor tax (Zakat), fast the month of Ramadan and do pilgrimage to the Holy House in Mecca if you have the means for that”. 

Keys of the Ka’aba: A Dream

  

Ka’aba is the first spiritual home of human kind. From Hazrat Adam (as) through Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and Hazrat Ismail (as), the grand legacy of Tawheed, the mantle of sublime worshipful practices in utter devotion to the Unique Lord of the worlds, reached its religious perfection and ethical permanence with the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) and the establishment of Islam. The unique history of that ancient spiritual space in Arabia is commemorated, through the long, thriving spiritual traditions of Tawaf in Makkah, the great Hajj, as well as Umrah. As the Baitullah is in the spiritual heart of the Muslim world, the pilgrims flock to the place from around the world, literally, every day and year.  

 

Indeed, circumambulation at the ancient House of God is emblematic of true spirituality in Islam. In the Islamic tradition, it is recorded that several Adams have performed their Tawaf around the Ka’aba over countless ages. Noble souls, Elects of God in particular, will be eager to perform their Tawaf. Consider the Islamic traditions that preserve glad tidings concerning the advent of Divinely-raised souls to restore Islamic teachings in every era. It is also foretold that such an inspired soul, the Islamic Messiah of the Later Days, will perform Tawaf around Makkah, perform Umrah or Hajj, or both.

By the immense grace and blessings of Allah, the prophecy about the Islamic Messiah entering Makkah to perform Tawaf stands literally fulfilled in our times with the Muhyi-ud-din Al Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, accompanied by members of the holy family, performing Umrah in February 2018, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah. 

A recent, beautiful dream made by Hazrat Saheb (aba) in this blessed month of Ramadan foretells glad tidings for the Jamaat’s future, especially about the continuation of the holy trusteeship of the Divine mission, with a future Khalifa along with countless followers also performing the Tawaf, holding the keys of the Ka’aba in a mystical or literal way, Insha Allah. The dream of the Khalifatullah (aba) on the 22nd of April 2022 also reminds old members of the Jamaat about a remarkable Kashaf (spiritual visions) made by Hazrat Ummul Mu'mineen Fazli Amena Varsally on 20- 21 April 2018 on the larger theme of preservation of Ka'baa keys- a metaphor for the safeguarding of enduring Islamic teachings as taught by the Holy Prophet (sa). For the spiritual benefit of everyone, the extracts from Jamaat communications sent by Hazrat Tayyeba Shaheeda Aliah Nasrine on the two different occasions, narrating these spiritual experiences, are reproduced below:  

Keep Away from 'Shirk'

  

True Oaths in Islam 

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. [Al-Baqarah, 2: 187]

Islam teaches man to address his Creator directly. There is no need to use any intermediary. There is no need to go through creatures to join the Creator. It is on earth that man uses this means to reach another person like him. For example, to join a Minister, you have to make an appointment with his secretary and then later you join him [i.e. the Minister].

 

This is the way [of doing] of man. But talking with Allah is so easy that you just have to call on Him, and He will answer your call. If someone offers a sacrifice (e.g. an ox, a hen etc.) to others besides Allah, he is committing Shirk. He has no right to say: “I am doing this sacrifice on the name of such Pir or such Saint.” It’s Shirk.

'Surah Al-Kafirun': A Commentary

Chapter 109 of the Holy Quran

‘In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Say, “O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.’

 

Despite the fact that before Islam the Arabs did not deny God, but they did not know Him by His true identity of One and Eternal. They did not devalue Him either, but associated Him with other partners, idols who were supposed to represent godly ancestors or angels who they believed were the daughters of God. In addition, they implied that there was a relationship between Him and the jinns. They forgot His attributes and worshiped other idols. But in any case, as the Quran says, they said:

 

“We only worship them that they may bring us nearer to Allah in position.” (Az-Zumar, 39: 4).

 

Moreover, the Quran says: “If you were to ask them: “Who has created the heavens and the earth and subjected the sun and the moon?” They will surely reply: ‘Allah.’” (Al-Ankabut, 29 : 62).

 

“If you were to ask them: ‘Who sends down water (rain) from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death?’ They will surely reply: ‘Allah.’” » (Al-Ankabut 29: 64).

 

Despite their belief in God, polytheism distorted their concept as well as their traditions and rites to such an extent that they allotted part of their property to these gods, and even their children.

The Larger Meaning of 'Kalima'

On the occasion of the 9th Jalsa Salana of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in Kerala (India) at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid, Mathra (South Kerala) on 22-23 December 2019, Imam-e-Jamaat Hadhrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius addressed the gathering of spiritual seekers, elucidating on the purpose of faith. True faith in, and worship of, the Lord Almighty, the Unique creator and sustainer of the universe, requires more than mere verbal declarations. When the heart truly recognizes the Majesty and All-encompassing Power of the Lord over all affairs, it becomes capable of ignoring all selfish desires  and worldly diversions. Such a heart  inspires righteous action, carrying out tasks in service of our common humanity. Hence, true belief in 'Tawheed' is a great blessing: it removes inner vices and transforms our negative emotions, sorrows and worries; thereby creating a veritable state of paradise on earth for the believer, notes Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in the special message. 

Read the Text of the Sermon Below:        

'My dearest disciples,

Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

It gives me great pleasure to know that the Kerala Jamaat is holding its Jalsa Salana on the 22^nd & 23^rd December 2019. Masha-Allah. May Allah (swt) bless your efforts and reward you immensely in this life and the hereafter for all your sacrifices and works for the cause of Allah. I pray to Allah (swt) that this Jalsa Salana may prove to be a step forward towards realizing the aims and objects for which the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam has been founded. Like I keep saying, the banner of Islam has to be raised high; higher than all other banners, and the message of the Holy Quran has to be conveyed to every human being, of every colour, race and culture, etc. We are witnessing a dark era wherein there is a sense of frustration all round. Despite all worldly comforts there is unrest and uneasiness in every heart. This is because people have abandoned the worship of the One True God.

Alhamdulillah, in this darkened era, Allah has manifested His light of guidance through the advent of His Chosen One, i.e. this humble self, the Khalifatullah (Caliph of Allah). I have often made it clear that you should not be happy just with the fact that you are called Muslims and that you believe in the Shahada – Laa Ilaaha Illallah, i.e. There is no god but Allah. Those who read the Holy Quran know well that God Almighty is not pleased with mere verbal statements nor does mere talk develop any inner goodness in a person. Unless the nature of one’s deeds and actions undergoes correction, nothing can be achieved. 

Become A 'Dai-i- Allah'

Dawat-i-Allah: Part II

Inviting people to the Divine Path: Duties of Jamaat Members

There is a group or section of people who present themselves completely before the Jamaat and they do the Dawat-i-Allah. There is another group who devotes little time to it, and there are others who present forward their wealth – which indeed they have got through much efforts – before Allah and in this way they think that by doing so, they are proving their claim of being Dai-Illallah as true; but Allah says: “It is necessary to present forward your own selves also.”

In other words : “present your being before anything else.” That is why each member of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam who are sacrificing their wealth but who cannot sacrifice their time, as taught to us in the Quran, is as if he has accepted a handicapped religion. It is as if he does not have one leg. He is handicapped. To spend one’s wealth in the path of Allah is praiseworthy, there is no doubt in it, but this act is not complete. It is like you are walking with only one leg. To walk with your two legs, feeling like a whole, you must complete it with Dawat-i-Allah.

By citing the desires of the people of Islam to do the Dawat-i-Allah in the times of our beloved prophet (saws) and even in the times of the Promised Messiah (as), each Dai-i-Allah who is doing the Dawat-i-Allah should do it with lots of love and sincerity like the first Muslims and our noble prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Their beliefs were solid like concrete and in whatever position/ status they reached, be it at intellectual or non-intellectual level, or any other works for that matter, they gave preference to the Dawat-i-Allah. Their own (mundane) professions came after their spiritual works. They gave preference to the Dawat-i-Allah before the rest of works. They were ready to each become a Dai-i-Allah to obtain the love of Allah. To call people to Allah were their main work. So, today also in this era, all members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam must also give preference to this work [Dawat-i-Allah] over all other works.

Special Advice for Devout Women

During the recently concluded India Tour, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius addressed the special Ijtema of the Siraj Makin- the Women's Collective of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat, on 24 November 2018 (Rabi’ul Awwal 1440 AH). Reproduced below is the text of the Speech: 

The Believing Women of the Divine Manifestation

Dear Suruj Makin (i.e. the Strong and Firm Lamps of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam), Assalamoualaikum Warahmatullah Wabarakaatuhu.

Like your God-given name indicates, you are such ladies who need always show yourselves strong and firm in faith and also spread this firmness of faith around you, showing the world the beauty of Islam, the true faith.

It is now one year that the light of the Divine Manifestation has reached your good souls and Allah enabled you to accept His signs and Messenger. And more recently, by the immense grace of Allah, many of you have integrated the Jamaat, through various signs from Allah. Allah opened your hearts to accept this New Age’s Divine Manifestation. Now, a new avenue (i.e. path) has been opened for you to pave your way in all serenity (i.e. with peacefulness and firmness in faith) towards Allah and the accomplishments of your duties to Allah.

Always remember that you, the women of the Divine Manifestation are the foundation of tomorrow’s nation. Each one of you is important to the Jamaat of Allah and to ISLAM as a whole. Through your obedience, gentleness, devotion, knowledge and sacrifice, you can reach to the summit of faith. Be it in good times and in times of trials you need always be steadfast (i.e. patient) and keep your trust and faith in Allah and His Khalifatullah of this era ever firm.

Remember, your actions are responsible for the Good and the Bad in the world. Your thoughts are responsible for your actions. Your minds are responsible for your thoughts. So, if you nurture good thoughts in your mind, and transcribe (i.e. put) these good thoughts and intentions into practice, then Islam shall progress in leaps and bounds, going from success to success.

'Tawheed' and 'Taqwa': The Road to Renewal

The Revival of Islam

And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Al-Baqara 2: 39).

By the grace of Allah, it gives me great pleasure to address you all my disciples in Kottar (Tamil Nadu, India) today on “The Revival of Islam”.

Allah says in the Holy Quran, in the verses that I have just recited before you (in Surah Al-Baqara, Chapter 2, Verse 39): 

“And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.”

Since the creation of the heaven and earth and man, Allah has sent again and again over so many centuries His chosen servants who came with the Holy Spirit (Ruh’il Quddus) to bring back the people on the right path. Why did these chosen servants of Allah had to come? It is because, after the passage of time, Satan and his army deviate from time to time – to be precise, he keeps on trying to deviate – people from the path of Allah, and thus, Allah, to save the people from spiritual deaths, send to them His special people, messengers coming from Him, blessed with divine revelations and guidance and the power of prophecy to warn the people of the traps of Satan and to show them the right path.

This right path is primarily the Tawheed, i.e. the Unicity of Allah and Taqwa, i.e. the fear of Allah. If the people establish themselves on Tawheed and have Taqwa, then the fear of the Satan and all his attractions will have no effect on them.

Dealing with "Evil Eyes"

The evil eye is a reality against which we can protect ourselves. Thus, it is our duty to be aware of this fact in order to be able to fight it, Insha-Allah. So we will explain what the evil eye is before addressing the ways in which we can protect ourselves, Insha-Allah.

What is the evil eye? The evil eye is defined as the consequence when the soul arouses a persistent or malicious desire to meet or to see (stare at) a person. So the evil eye takes place when one looks with envy and insistence on a person. The evil eye can even reach a good, even a being or an entity belonging to the mineral, animal or agricultural world. Moreover, the look that one carries with insistence and wonder on a person or a thing has an effect on them. Allah says: “The disbelievers would almost cut you down with their eyes when they hear (you recite) the Reminder (i.e. the Quran).” (Al-Qalam, 68: 52). 

A Quranic verse can have many connotations and for our present subject, it also affirms that it can mean the evil eye. The disbelievers wished to touch the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) with the evil eye, and besides our beloved prophet (pbuh) has left us an enriching inheritance by warning us against the evil eye and the evil of the evil one (i.e., Satan the accursed one).

According to a Hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (ra), the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “The evil eye is a truth, if there is one thing that precedes predestination, it would be the evil eye ...” (Muslim, Ahmad & Tirmidhi).

It is very important to emphasize the importance of protection against the evil eye. We know that this reality is dangerous for us because the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to seek divine protection from the evil eye. Indeed, Abu Said (ra) reported, “The Prophet (pbuh) used to ask for protection from the evil eye of the human being.” (Tirmidhi). This proves to us that the evil eye is a reality that represents an evil for us and from which we must preserve ourselves.

The 10 ways to protect yourselves from such harm are:

1.  The first way is to take refuge with Allah and ask for His protection against the evil of the envious. In Surah Al-Falaq (Chapter 113), we find the request for protection against the evil of the envious. Indeed, Allah says: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn, from the evil of that which He created; from the mischief of Darkness as it overspreads; and from the evil of those who spit on the knots, (i.e., perform malignant witchcraft). And from the evil of the envious when he envies.” The last evil against which we can seek the protection of Allah is evil linked to the evil eye. It is up to us to implore divine protection against such evil!

Khalifatullah: Guardian of the Faith

Each time Allah (swt) sends His Caliph (Khalifatullah) on earth, people refuse to accept him; they not only refuse to accept him but they also make all sorts of evil plans to stop him from spreading the message of His Creator. In the message he gives there is protection for humanity, to safeguard the true faith and guide them towards (the worship of) only the Unique God. He also shows them the path which shall lead them to the Unique God. Unfortunately, through their arrogance and ignorance, they persist in worshipping the idol/idols of their own making.

A Khalifatullah is a guardian of the Tawhid (unicity of Allah) in a particular/special way. Allah (swt) has fulfilled His promise after Nabi Kareem (pbuh) where there were the Khulafa-e-Rashideen and after the Promised Messiah (as), there were the Khulafa-e-Massih; but like Allah (swt) has promised in the Holy Quran, in Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, Verset 56, those who have faith and do good deeds as per the commandments of Allah, and who follow the divine instructions as to how to obtain (true) faith and who obey Allah (swt) in the performance of good deeds – whereby these shall be reflected in their deeds – then Allah shall establish them as His representatives, Khalifatullah on earth like He did with those who came before them. And moreover Allah shall reinforce for them their religion which He has perfected and loved for them and He shall transform their fear into security.

Verily, this promise (and actual materialization of that promise) is a divine gift to the sincere believers who have firm faith in the unicity of Allah, who have Taqwa (fear for Allah only) and not fear for creature/s. They worship Allah only and do not associate anything to Him in this worship. Their love for Allah (swt) is infinite and they are always ready to lay down their lives for the cause of Allah.

A Khalifatullah is a guardian for everybody; he becomes their heart and brain and whenever the Khalifatullah sees a sprout (the manifestation) of Shirk, he eliminates it. A Khalifatullah also does not worry about what the world may think of him – either positive or negative. He trusts that in such situations of negativity (against his person), Allah (swt) shall always help him (His Khalifatullah) for it is Allah who has chosen and raised him.

With the advent of a Khalifatullah, what has transpired in the past in the times of the Khalifatul-Massih, Insha-Allah, with the help of Allah, the Khalifatullah shall not permit that all these mistakes be repeated in the Jamaat wherein the Khalifatullah is found! And I, as the Khalifatullah of this era, I make this firm announcement that wherever there is the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in the world, we shall not let innovations and Shirk enter the Jamaat. If ever these exist in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, that I am not aware of, then (after taking knowledge of it) I cannot let these kinds of Bai’ats remain attached to me as the Khalifatullah of this age; I cannot let Shirk and innovations etc. enter the Jamaat. For me personally, I would prefer that these kinds of people break their Bai’ats and this shall not affect me. If someone becomes Murtad, Allah (swt) shall enable hundred pious and sincere people, Muwahid to enter the fold of the Jamaat (Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam).