Balancing Rights and Duties

 

Man is a social being. Just living requires the recognition of the duties we owe to others, just as we seek to exercise our own individual and other social rights in the community. Islam provides a range of teachings that address the fine balance of rights and duties to be achieved in society as well as in family; in our relations with parents, spouse/s, children, other members of the clan. In this series of special discourses, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius comprehensively explains the vital considerations of justice, compassion and benevolence the Holy Prophet of Islam (sa) took into account while giving shape to the interpretation of rights and duties in social contexts. Read the Part 4 of this series, Friday Sermon of 02 September 2022 ~04 Safar 1444 AH below:  

Fulfilling the Rights of Fellow Muslims 

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I continue today the subject of my sermon on the rights of our fellow Muslims, especially the rights of the parents, and to what limit should they be obeyed, and the rights of one’s own child and spouse in respect of obedience to parents.

'Respect Rights; Fulfill Duties'- 3

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I am continuing today’s sermon on the same subject as the past two weeks, on the rights of our fellow Muslims, and also most specifically since last week, on the rights of the parents, and to what limit should they be obeyed, as well as the rights of the spouses and the children.

 

In the Hadith books of Imam Bukhari and Muslim as well as in Mishkaat, there is a lengthy Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) narrated by Ibn Umar (ra). In this Hadith three people are mentioned. They were on a journey when they were caught up in heavy rain. They took refuge in a cave. A huge boulder rolled and blocked the cave-entrance, cutting off their escape from the cave. The three decided to supplicate to Allah (twt) on the basis of some deeds which they had done with the greatest of sincerity. The deed which one of the three offered to Allah (twt) as his basis of supplication was about his aged parents and little children. He implored Allah (twt) in the following way: “O Allah! My parents were old and I used to go out for grazing (my animals). On my return I would milk (the animals) and take the milk in a vessel to my parents to drink. After they had drunk from it, I would give it to my children, family and wife. One day I was delayed and on my return I found my parents sleeping, and I disliked waking them up. The children were crying at my feet. That state of affairs continued till it was dawn. O Allah! If You regard that I did it for Your sake, then please remove this rock so that we may see the sky.” So, the rock was moved a bit.

Rights and Justice in the Family

 

'Respect Rights; Fulfill Duties'- 2

By the grace of Allah, I pursue the same subject-matter of my sermon of last Friday in which I talked about the having great considerations for the rights of our Muslim brethren. The rights explained are applicable to all Muslims in general. However, it is obvious that the importance and significance of rights will increase if these are related to special people.

 

In regard to rights, parents enjoy priority and greater significance because of their close relationship with their offspring. The rights of parents are unanimously accepted. I will not therefore elaborate on the details of these rights, as they are foremost mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadiths, unless the parents deviates the child and intimates him or her to adopt false gods other than the true God, i.e. Allah. But even then, despite the wall of difference between parents and children who do not share the same faith, whether the parents are true Muslims and their children non-Muslims or vice-versa, even then Islam while ordaining the believers not to obey the disbelievers, even if they be their parents when they force them [i.e. the children] to worship others than Allah, Islam also commands that the non-Muslim parents be respected and treated well. They are not to be obeyed in religious matters, but concerning the affairs of the world, the children should show consideration and respect towards them and pray for their salvation.

 

In all things [and situations] there should be a balance. Like I taught you about the equilibrium which there needs to be in one’s own reform and preaching the unity and message of Allah, likewise, Islam teaches equilibrium of the rights of parents. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Surely, Allah commands you to deliver trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between people, judge with justice.” (An-Nisa, 4: 59)

'Respect Rights; Fulfill Duties'

 

Fulfilling the Rights of Fellow Muslims

“O believers! Do not let any people [group of men] ridicule others, they may be better than them, nor let women ridicule other women, they may be better than them... O believers! Avoid many suspicions (for) indeed, some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, nor backbite one another...” (Al-Hujurat, 49: 12-13)

 

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Masud (ra) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “Verbally abusing a Muslim is an evil sin and fighting him is disbelief.” (Tirmidhi)

 

Hazrat Abu Huraira (ra) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: “When a man observing faults of others says (by way of complaint and adopting a ‘holier than you’ attitude considering himself free of fault): ‘People are corrupt’, then this person will soon become the most corrupted (because he has despised the believers).” (Muslim)

 

Hazrat Huzaifa (ra) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) say: “The person who goes about with calumnies will never enter paradise.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

'People, Strive with Humility'

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Kerala organized a Two-Day Spiritual Retreat Programme at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid- Mathra, on 13-14 August 2022, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah. Mukarram Amir- Jamaat R. Jamaluddin Raother Saheb; Nai'b Amir Mukarram Sulfikar Ali Saheb of Kaliyikkavila; Secretary- Tabligh Mukarram Sadiq Ali Saheb; Secretary-Tarbiyat Mukarram Muhammad Sabir Saheb; Secretary-Finance Mukarram DA Zainul Abdeen Saheb;  Sahib Al Faraj Zachariah Ibn Zain, etc. led the Programme. Women members of the Jamaat, led by Sadr- Siraj Makin Djawaharat-ul-Kamal Fauzia Jamal-Zain Saheba, also took part in the Retreat Programme. Collective prayers, including Tahajjud Namaz, Zikr-e-Ilaahi; Duahs; recitations of the Holy Qur'an; discussions around Ahadith, and also on the explanations of vital spiritual teachings by the Promised Messiah (as) and Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba); singing of  Nazm, etc. characterized the time our members spent together at the premises of the Masjid, Masha Allah.  A meeting of the Central Working Committee (Majlis-e-Aamila) of the Jamaat also took place on the occasion, to take stock of the progress achieved so far, and to plan and strategies for future.  

By the immense Grace and Blessings of Allah, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius addressed the members of the Jamaat gathered on the occasion, on 14 August 2022 (8 Muharram 1444 AH). In his special discourse, Hazrat Imam (aba) exhorted members to keep aside all our human weaknesses and mutual differences and to focus on the Divine expectations and to pursue the path of Divine approval through imbibing true values of life: humility; respect for other people's rights; cultivating empathy and understanding for other's predicaments. Humility elevates ranks and conquers hearts- a quality that testifies to the true faith in God of the believers and a sign of great leaders- notes Hazrat Saheb (aba) in this discourse.

At a time when true Faith is facing various dangers, Hazrat Saheb (aba) points out that to restore the vigour and spirit of Islamic teachings, believers today have the duty to keep firmly in mind the big picture of Divine Mission in our times: we need to recognize the wisdom of a balanced approach: while pursuing personal reform, we also ought to engage in public exhortation of the right path for social transformation. We need to do sincere striving in our own surroundings, among our peoples; we need to make sacrifices; display true commitment by being generous contributors in the cause of God with the absolute trust in Divine Mercy and rewards in this world, and in the world to come, Insha Allah, Aameen.  

The Importance of 'Jumu'ah'

 

In his Friday Sermon of 05 August 2022 ~ 06 Muharram 1444 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius underscores the importance of Jumu’ah in Muslim spiritual and social life.  Drawing upon Qur’anic commandments and Prophetic traditions and the devotional practice of early Muslims, Hazrat Muhyiuddin (aba), in this discourse, traces out the spiritual philosophy and history of Jumu’ah as a veritable institution of Islam.  

Communities before the advent of Islam evolved their own special days of devotion. It was Allah (swt) Who chose Friday for the Muslim Ummah as a day of great blessings: to enable the community of believers to prioritize the call of God to prayer over material pursuits; to foster and develop solidarity and brotherhood in society; a time to come together as a devotional community. Islamic teachings exhort believers to pay attention to this special opportunity of weekly congregational prayer as an occasion to strive to please Allah (swt) and to invoke His blessings on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), and his family and pure companions. Hence, neglect and laziness around participation in Jumu’ah prayer and sermon is a serious matter that the faithful needs to be conscious of, notes Hazrat Saheb (aba).

Speaking about the larger message of Surah Al Jumu’ah, Hazrat Khalifatullah Al Mahdi (aba) notes the dynamics of decline and renewal in the spiritual world. When people ignore Divine commandments in a phase of time and Imaan flies away from amongst them to the Pleiades, it is the Sunnat Allah to raise some purified individuals to bring it back and establish the spiritual way.  These chosen servants of God are raised in the mantle of the Prophets of the past.  As high representatives of Divine Trust on earth, these sages are devoted to the Pure Way- the true living heirs of the Holy Prophet (sa). Hence, in this era of spiritual neglect, Allah (swt) has raised His Khalifatullah (aba) to renew the days of the Prophet and his spiritual practice as a grand blessing for those who believe and follow guidance, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah.  

The Significance of 'Duah'

Supplicating (to Allah) * Making 'Duah'

 

Duah or supplicating is to petition Allah (twt) for one’s needs and requirements, be such needs mundane or spiritual - be they in regard to one’s worldly affairs or Deeni affairs - whether such affairs and needs are within one’s ability of acquisition or not. In all cases, the Muslim has to supplicate to Allah (twt) for the fulfillment of his needs.

 

Duah for unlawful desires and needs is not permissible. While making duahs, all the lawful means and agencies for the requirement should be harnessed, e.g. the farmer while making duah for his farm to yield should at the same time engage in the means and ways of farming; the one making duah for protection against an enemy should at the same time engage in the ways and means of warding off the enemy; the sick while making duah for recovery should resort to medicine and treatment as well; one involved in litigation should while making duah for success in his court-case, engage the proper means of achieving the success as well; one engaged in the acquisition of Qur’ani and Deeni knowledge should make duah for Barakat [blessings] and success while at the same time study properly and acquire whatever ways are essential for the correct acquisition of knowledge; one involved in Ibaadat [worship of Allah] should strive against the lowly desires and the diversions of Satan and the Nafs [ego/ passion] while at the same time make duah [supplications] for aid from Allah (twt) for sincerity and steadfastness in his acts of worship.

 

In affairs in which physical and material means and agencies have no role to play; one should in entirety resort to only duah, e.g. rainfall [protection against rainfall in case of too much rainfall causing floods etc. & prayers for rainfall in case of drought], protection against plagues, the Satan and the deception of the Nafs, protection from the oppression of cruel persons, etc.

Duah does not mean the mere recitation of some words and the ritual reiteration of words after Salat. The nature of duah consists of petitioning in the court of Allah (twt). The earnestness and concern which people have when making appeals in the courts of the world should at least be adopted when making duah in the court of Allah (twt). When making duah, one’s mind and body have to be concentrated and directed into the purpose of duah. One should never lose hope in the event of fulfilment of the duah being delayed or if fulfilment is not discerned. One has to submit to the Will of Allah (twt). Duah is an appeal of His servants. We have no right to become disillusioned and despondent if we cannot discern acceptance of our duah.

Internet Sniffing Scandal in Mauritius

 

[Has the Prime Minister of Mauritius compromised national security by permitting a Third Party to conduct internet sniffing operations in the country? Will his shady actions also have wider strategic and international  ramifications, escalating big-power military rivalry in the region and impacting the peace and tranquility of the Indian Ocean peoples in the neighbourhood of Mauritius? These are serious issues of import for the Mauritian people to deliberate upon today. In his Friday Sermon of 29 July 2022 ~29 Dhul Hijjah 1443 AH Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius took note of these recent developments, especially the huge scandal involving the Prime Minister's ever-shifting statements on the events and issues at the center of the present controversy].   

Read the Extracts from the Friday Sermon Below:

'Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Do not mix truth with falsehood or hide the truth knowingly.” (Al-Baqara 2: 43).

 

With the accusation of high treason brought against the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth in the case of Illegal Access to the SAFE Landing Station in Baie-du-Jacotet, the Government House is betting on a double or quits as an outcome. On the side of the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary opposition, the pressure is increasing to demand the departure of the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, at the head of the government. Circles close to the top chefs, nicknamed members of “The Kitchen”, i.e. the Prime Minister’s Office argue that the recent low profile of Pravind Jugnauth is part of the perspective of a scenario likely to lead to a diplomatic and political Gamble in the process of development. In principle, high-level negotiations between Port-Louis and New Delhi have been initiated with a view to obtain the return to Mauritius of one of the members of the “Mr. Moustache” mission in mid-April to develop “a parade in the offensive” led vigorously by the former Chief Executive Officer of Mauritius Telecom, Sherry Singh, since Friday the first of July.

'Taqdir,' 'Tawakkul' & 'Tadbir'

 

Belief in Destiny & Putting One’s Trust in Allah 

The belief that everything which happened, happen and will happen is according to the knowledge, will and command of Allah the Almighty is called Taqdeer [Destiny]. Belief in Taqdeer is compulsory.

The advantages of belief in Taqdeer (Destiny) and Tawakkul (Trust – Here meaning the Trust in Allah) are as follows:

 

No matter what hardship or misfortune befalls one, it will be accepted without panic and the heart will remain strong in the face of such hardships. Strong belief in Taqdeer will indicate that Allah’s wish is in operation and it cannot be opposed. The hardship will disappear only when so desired by Allah the Almighty. Thus the man of Taqdeer [i.e. who truly believes in Taqdeer] accepts what comes his way with contented resignation.

 

One who has understood and accepted this conception of Taqdeer will not be overcome with frustration at the delay in the passing of the hardship. He will not become despondent and lose hope when the misfortune endures for any length of time. He will banish weakness.

 

The adherent of Taqdeer will not adopt unlawful ways and means of combating the difficulty, for he knows that the adversity has been brought about by Allah (twt). He understands well that elimination of the hardship is not possible without the Will of Allah (twt). He therefore realizes the futility of his efforts in trying to eliminate what Allah (twt) has willed. He will thus not unnecessarily court the displeasure of Allah by the adoption of unlawful measures. Why court Allah’s Wrath when one’s purpose cannot be achieved even after having displeased Him?

‘Al Mubashirat’: An Explanation

  

In the sacred traditions of the Holy Prophet (sa) chronicled in Sahih Al Bukhari, one can read: 

1.   Allah's Messenger (sa) said: 'Nothing is left of Nubuwwah except Al-Mubashirat.' They asked, "What are Al-Mubashirat?" He replied, 'The true good dreams (that conveys glad tidings).'

2.  Allah's Messenger (sa) said: "A good dream (that comes true) of a righteous man is one of forty-six parts of Nubuwwah."

In a recent Question and Answer Session, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius profoundly explained the true concept of ‘Al Mubashirat’ and its linkages with the enduring blessings of Islamic Nubuwwah for human kind for all times till the Day of Judgement.   

Whither Mauritius ?

 

Allah (swt) is Al Jabbaar, the real and only supreme authority in the world, and men should not play God on earth! And when ruling men manifest themselves as tyrants over a land, they create havoc in, and precipitate the destruction of such a social order altogether, as often forewarned by Divine servants in history. The Holy Qur’an preserves several examples of lost nations as an enduring lesson for men in every era.

Indeed, power and authority entail responsibility to office and accountability before God. As the ruler for a period, you have the duty to care for the people; to be just and fair in your dealings; show respect to the dignity and rights of fellow beings, and not to abuse the position to promote wrongdoing in the land, for you shall be held accountable before God on how best you discharged your trust. Yet, in these morally darkened times, when fear of God is virtually absent among powerful politicians, our world is in a permanent state of crisis, almost on the brink of an abyss!

In his Friday Sermon of 15 July 2022 ~15 Dhul Hijjah 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius reflects on the contemporary political, economic and social developments in Mauritius against the wider global backdrop of abuse of power by ruling elites and their tyrannical handling of fellow humans. A man inspired by  Roohul Quddus [Holy Spirit] to share Divine messages on His behalf in our times, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) cautions against the dire situation being obtained as a consequence of  administrative excesses, and reminds about forthcoming accountability before God.  A well-wisher and sincere counsellor of people; Hazrat Saheb (aba) warns about the moment of Divine reckoning that awaits all, encouraging them to shun hubris and excesses so as not to attract Divine anger and punishment for their egregious deeds. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below:

'Eid-ul-Adha' Sermon 2022

 

On 10 July 2022 ~10 Dhul-Hijjah 1443 AH, marking the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius delivered his special sermon on a very vital subject: the enduring legacy of Hazrat Ibrahim (as), the man whose utter devotion to God became a synonym for pure faith, earning him the unique title of Khalilullah, the Friend of God; the great fountainhead of a multitude of spiritual streams in the ancient world: Hagar and Isma'il; Sarah and Isaac, and many other nations- in accordance with the grand Divine promise that his progeny would spread in the earth, just like the numerous stars in the heaven. In the present discourse, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) makes several interesting observations on the basis of historical facts from ancient records, pointing to the striking similarities in the rites and practices of  the religions of India and Persia as well, alluding to the great legacy of Ibrahim/Abraham/ Abram/Brahma in different lands.  

       

Read the Eid-ul-Adha Sermon below: 

The Story of Abraham/Abram/Ibrahim/ Brahma

 

Ibrahim, the Patriarch and Friend of Allah, saw in a vision that he was offering his only son Isma’il as a sacrifice to the Lord. He said to the boy: “O son of mine, I have seen in a dream that I was slaughtering you; So, tell me what you think of it.’

 

The boy replied: “O Father, do as you have been commanded; you will find me, if Allah please, of those who are steadfast.”

 

Ibrahim made the necessary preparations. When all was ready and he was about to proceed to the fulfilment of what he thought he had been commanded to do, he received the revelation that he had indeed fulfilled his dream. (As-Swaffat 37: 104-108).

 

The true meaning of the dream was not that he should sacrifice his son in the manner in which he had seen himself doing in the dream, but that both he and his son should be ready to make a great sacrifice to win the pleasure of God. This great sacrifice was that the boy and his mother should be settled in a distant, barren valley, so that the boy should be made an instrument for the purpose of establishing the true worship of God in and around the Sacred House. (Ibrahim 14: 38).

The Story behind the 'Qurbani'

  

What is 'Qurbani'? 

The Qurbani is practiced by Muslims to commemorate the great sacrifice of Ibrahim (as) (Abraham) who did not hesitate to sacrifice his own son for the sake of Allah [The Almighty & Unique God].

Hazrat Zaidi bn Arqam (ra) states that the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) asked him: “What is Qurbani?” He replied, “It is the Sunnah (tradition) of our father Ibrahim (as).” They inquired, “What benefit do we derive from it?” The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) replied: “A reward for every hair of the sacrificed animal.” [And they asked again], “And what is the reward for the animal whose body is covered with wool?” He (pbuh) replied, “A reward for every strand of wool.”

 

The Aim of the Sacrifice

 

The immolation of an animal in Islam is not done to appease the anger of Allah by offering Him a bribe in order to succeed in any work. Far from all this, Allah does not need anything from us. He is the Almighty and the One to Whom everything belongs. However, the sacrifice is made only in the Name of Allah and to please Him.

 

“Tell them: ‘Verily my prayer, my devotion [sacrificial service], my life, my death, belong to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.” (Al-Anam, 6: 163).

Illnesses of the 'Ummah'- 5

 

DAWA/ TABLIGH: How To Do This Work

 

The most important point in this work of Dawa / Tabligh is the way and method that we will do it. We simply need to follow exactly the principles adopted by the Sahaba (ra) who followed the teachings and practices of the noble prophet (pbuh) to the letter.

In this true form and meaning, the Tabligh is a very important action and a very great benefit. Verily, it is to follow truly the path of the prophets (as), because this work is a great work, and it is also based on the high principles that we must always follow carefully. Each individual needs to feel the need to reform himself instead of changing others. While doing this work, and even outside the Jamaat [Community], he should behave like a true Muslim, a sincere servant who at all times obey and follow Allah’s commandments as per the Shariah and he seeks always the blessing and pleasure of Allah (twt). This is the basic condition, the Ruh (soul) and foundation of this work of Tabligh. Once this has been rooted deeply and firmly into the hearts of the workers [of Deen], the other principles, regulations and actions that I will mention further on will become easy to follow:

Eid-ul-Adha 2022

 

Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam in India commemorated the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha on 10 Dhul Hijjah 1443 AH~ 10 July 2022 with spiritual fervour, collective prayers, distribution of sacrificial meat and community feasting. 

In a special message telecast through YouTube on the occasion on the request of his disciples in India, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Al Muhyi-ud-Din Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (aba) of Mauritius  conveyed a blessed Eid, 'Eid Mubarak' to everyone. Reminding all devout Muslims about the deeper meanings of Eid-ul-Adha by alluding to all Islamic rites attached to this occasion of Hajj, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) exhorts everyone to imbibe profound spiritual lessons by reflecting on the blessed, sacrificial lives of the Patriarch among the Prophets, Hazrat Ibrahim (as), and his holy family. In their ever-readiness or pure willingness to sacrifice personal interests and worldly comforts in the service of Divine commandments, preferring Divine pleasure and approval above all personal wishes; Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and family have left a lasting legacy of utter devotion, pure sacrifice and high spirituality for all generations of men and women to emulate and profit by. While seeking to tread on the path of the Prophets by performing sacred rites of sacrifice on this occasion, it is true piety and righteousness that will attract Divine approval, (Insha Allah, Aameen)-  reminds Hazrat Saheb (aba) in this special discourse.   

Eid-ul-Adha 2022: Special Message

 

[On the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha 2022, the print and electronic media in Mauritius carried a special message of Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba), calling attention to the deeper meanings of the religious festival].

Read the Special Article Below: 

The Muslims enjoy two major celebrations in a year, i.e. the Eid-ul-Fitr and the Eid-ul-Adha. While the Eid-ul-Fitr is the day of rejoicing which the Almighty gives the Muslim believer after a month of fasting for His sake, the Eid-ul-Adha is a time for deep reflection and analysis of one’s own obedience to Allah’s commandments and the teachings and practices of His beloved prophets and role models for mankind.

Illnesses of the 'Ummah'- 4

  

SOLUTIONS

 

As I have already clearly explained before, the sickness that has entered the Muslim Body [Community] these days has been caused by the disappearance of the true value of Islam from our hearts. As a result, the true feelings and love for Islam have died within us and our belief in Islam has disappeared.

 

Certainly, when the “source” has become dry, the paths of good deeds, virtues and excellent qualities which sprung from this source have disappeared. This is exactly what we see today. I have already explained this in detail and made it clear that the only way to rebuild this source and keep it flowing with the deeds of Deen which are profitable is this work which is called Dawa/Tabligh, which we can consider really and truly like the Ruh (soul) of Islam. As long as we do not revive this work, we will not be able to accomplish anything good in this temporal life because no nation, no people can know glory without having excellent qualities and high characters that only Islam can produce.

 

It is our duty as soon as possible to revive this work of Tabligh which is indeed obligatory. Only then can we have hope of bringing the true Deen of Islam to life in the Muslim community. Only by this means can we truly recognize and understand Allah (twt) and His Beloved Prophet (pbuh), and thereafter submit to their commands and desires [i.e., the commands of Allah and of His Messenger (pbuh)].

 

To succeed in doing this, we need to adopt the exact methods and means which Nabi Kareem Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) used and which he put into practice to transform the Arabs (from the period of ignorance to Islam). Allah (twt) says in the Holy Quran: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow...” (Al-Ahzab, 33: 22)

Illnesses of the 'Ummah'- 3

 

In his Friday Sermon of 17 June 2022 ~16 Dhul Qaddah 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius continues the larger reflections on the spiritual maladies that afflict the Muslim psyche today: the mental attitudes and emotional roadblocks that prevent them from engaging with energy, vigour, enthusiasm and enterprise in the larger goals of Dawah (preaching and propagating Islam).  In this discourse, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) points out how to think through the confusing maze of Muslim renewal in this complicated era.  

As Hazrat Saheb (aba) alludes in the discourse, based on Qur'anic principles and Prophetic practices, the Sahaba-e-Kiram, the pure Companions of the Holy Prophet (sa) and the Tabi'un, the pious generations that followed them became living exemplars of the Faith in the early days of Islam, and wherever they went to preach the message of Tawheed, people en masse abandoned their pagan notions and embraced the Light of Islam in their midst. As time went by, and the original spirit of faith ebbed away; decadence and degradation have returned to the societies that were once 'Muslim'. And today, in the fifteenth century after the Holy Prophet (sa), the Muslims in general seem to be bereft of the true essence of Islamic teachings in their everyday lives. Even worse, far from upholding the spirit of Tawheed as Muslims, many among them have turned into tomb-worshippers; instead of praying God, they invoke the intercession of long-dead saints, just like the idol-worshippers performing rituals before the lords beside Allah (swt), [God forbid].   

Against this dismal contemporary scenario of gross misunderstandings and corrupt religious practices, reclaiming the true teachings along with its progressive potential and transformative spirit is the larger responsibility of the lovers of Allah (swt), including common followers of the Faith today. Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) notes that this task can only be achieved through sustained work involving every segment of the Muslim society, and not by the Ulama and others working in silos. Promoting goodness of every kind and forbidding the bad from spreading in society are the real tasks of everyone at their own levels- indeed, duties and responsibilities are attached to every 'Muslim'- the one who has surrendered his God-gifted free will and submitted his everything to the Divine commandments. Moreover, Tabligh, or striving in God's cause by communicating Divine message to people also entail the willingness to withstand hostilities and insults at the hands of unfair critics and enemies of the Faith, like the Prophets in the past has shown: with patience and fortitude, they preached and lived the message of God against all odds, and the strength of their conviction and the beauty of their character changed hearts and they became victorious in the battlefield of Dawah. It is by following in the footsteps of true lovers of the Faith and in adopting their strategies and steps of engagement with the people that we can make progress in the path of Dawah, indicates Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) in this discourse.