The Dangers in Digital Space

The Youth of the Ummah in Peril- II

More than ever before, our times are bearing witness to phenomenal changes in technological innovations and human lives are increasingly organized around smartphones and other technology-based instruments. Thanks to the convergence of communication technologies and the consequent emergence of social media platforms in cyber-space, virtual interactions with people anywhere is easily feasible in our globalized world. Certainly, advanced technologies are vital enablers and a force-multiplier for doing good, allowing individuals and nations to come together on common platforms to discuss specific concerns and to share best practices for addressing challenges. At the same time, we need to be critically-aware of the negative side effects- the many dangers and harmful impacts lurking behind the unprecedented ‘opening-up’ made possible by the new mediums of the digital space, especially for the young people.  

In his Friday Sermon of 22 February 2019~17 Jamadi’ul Aakhir 1440 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius continues the theme of the perils affecting modern-day youth in our societies. Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) warns against the increasingly unabashed pursuit of synthetic happiness- be it in drugs and other deadly cocktails by the youth in our times, and points to the critical need for comprehensive intervention at various levels by the social stakeholders to ensure that our deeply-vulnerable young people are weaned-away from fatal attractions and dangerous choices in their lives, with profound consequences for families and societies as well.

Likewise, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) alludes to the many dangers of the new "addictions" of the youth, represented by their 'trendy gadgets', and the virtual access to social media platforms. The extraordinary reach of the new mediums to capture our emotions, thoughts as well as other inanities through photos, videos and other forms of self- expressions, coupled with the temptations of the young to share it all with both friends and complete strangers can have profoundly negative implications for our emotional happiness, psychological well-being and mental health, especially for the people who are  virtually "addicted" to these devices. As the communication devices are 'neutral' enablers, the danger of criminality and immorality are ever-present, and as such, the new challenges of ubiquitous access requires careful handling, and the prudent deployment of vital ethical teachings on decent engagements and appropriate behaviour. The task ahead for the social actors is to ensure that the youth are constantly-educated and enabled to deal with the challenges and pitfalls of the new platforms so that they may only exploit their true potential in the most appropriate and creative ways for their own progress and the social common good, points out Hadhrat Saheb (atba). 

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

By the grace of Allah, I continue today the second part of my sermon on “The Youth of the Ummah in Peril”. Last Friday I told you how young people also have a mission to accomplish. The youth are our future, and they must be protected from the harmful effects of globalisation. The Islamic faith of the youth of our Ummah must be protected and safeguarded. 

Becoming ‘Maryam’, Bearing ‘Isa’

Our body is like Mary.

Each of us has a Jesus inside.

If a pain and yearning shows up inside us,

the Jesus of our soul is born.

If there is no pain, no yearning,

the Jesus of our soul will return to its origin from

the same secret passageway he came from…

If there is no pain, no yearning,

we will remain deprived

not benefiting from that Jesus of the soul.

 

-Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi (ra) in Mathnawi---Translated by Omid Safi, in Radical Love: Teachings from the Islamic Mystical Tradition (Yale, 2018).

 

A true believer becomes like ‘Maryam’ and is infused with the Holy Spirit

 

In Surah Al Tahrim, we read: “And Allah next compares the believers to Maryam, the daughter of Imran, she took care to guard her chastity, so we breathed into him (the believer who is exemplified here) Our inspiration while she declared her faith in the revelations of her Lord and His scriptures and she became of the devoted ones to prayers and obedient to Him”- (Surah Al Tahrim, HQ, 66: 13)

 

In this Qur’anic verse, Maryam is set as an example for righteous servants of Allah. Like Maryam, true believers- though they are not Prophets of Allah- can also be bestowed with Divine revelations. Such a servant is like Maryam and then Allah will infuse His Ruh in him and he will become the like of Jesus, a servant of God and recipient of His Revelations. According to Hazrat Khalifatul Massih Awwal Allama Hakkim Nuruddin (ra), “the verse clearly informs us that in the Ummah of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), there will be people- both men and women- like Maryam, who will guard their chastity, be devoted to prayers, declare faith in the Scripture and because of being an obedient servant of Allah will receive the blessings of Divine Revelations. This promise has been given in the very first chapter of al-Fatihah in the words, “Show us the path of those whom you bestowed your Mercy”.

Surah An-Nur: A Commentary

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Kerala has just published a new Book in Malayalam: ‘Surah An-Nur: A Commentary’. The present book, originally written in English by  Hadhrat Ummul Mu’mineen Fazli Amena Varsally (International Sadr Saheba- Siraj Makin), is translated into Malayalam by Fauzia Jamal-Zain Saheba, Na’ib Sadr- Siraj Makin, South Kerala. This important treatise contains a treasure trove of spiritual insights and practical guidance useful for all believers who use their God-gifted faculties to study and reflect on the Word of God. The present translation is an important contribution to Qur’anic studies in Malayalam and a vital addition to the growing literature of the Jamaat in Kerala.

Read the Introduction to the Malayalam Edition Below:

‘Surah An Nur’ constitutes the 24^th chapter of the Holy Qur’an. The chapter is named after the Divine Attribute of Light (Nur) indicated in the Light Verse (v.36). Focussing on Allah’s relationship to the humans, the chapter declares that Every Light that is visible in the universe and in human souls is a bounty of Allah’s Grace and Mercy. As the Source of all Lights, mercies and laws; Allah provides illuminating guidance in this chapter for the believers- men, women and children- clarifying several social and legal questions.

The Youth and 'Synthetic' Pleasures

The Youth of the Ummah in Peril

Liberal, lawless practices of the modern era, under the influence of Westerners and Americans, mainly affect young people. If this fringe of society of non-believers does not care so much about misdeeds, damage and other major problems caused by globalization, the youth of the Ummah, on the other hand, cannot and must not remain indifferent to its influence on their way of life, their way of behaving. And especially the harmful effect it causes to their faith and piety. This is disturbing.

The Youth's Mission

Now, the youth is the future. For all, without exception. Nations, countries, organizations, communities, family. All depend on the youth of today to take over for continuity. The same goes for Muslim youth, the youth of the Ummah in the four corners of the earth. This youth has a mission. To take over from the elders. To continue to propagate the Sahih al Islam (true Islam/ true teachings of Islam) in righteousness. To build educational centres for children and adults. But above all, to fraternize with members of other communities. For it is quite clear, according to Qur’anic verses and Hadiths, that to have respect for one’s neighbour is piety.

It is through this respect for everyone that this youth, the pillar of tomorrow, can build solid foundations for the Ummah to live in peace, serenity, tranquillity, and harmony. However, the youth of this century is going through difficult times with the rise of globalization that touches all corners of the world.

The Youth's Embarrassment

This situation really embarrasses the youth of the Ummah because they seem to be caught between two fires: (1) the principle of Islam which makes the clear-cut clear difference between the lawful (Halal) and the unlawful (Haram); (2) The boundless freedom in all matters of the unbelievers in this temporal world.

Service to Humanity as Divine Worship

The following is a revealed text which I initially received from Allah on 09 April 2004 at the beginning of the Divine Manifestation, in the times of the Jamaat Ahmadiyya Al Mouslemeen. Today, under divine instructions I address you, the members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam throughout the world with those same pearls of knowledge, those precious advices and revelations.

Service To Mankind: The Greatest Spiritual Practice

People today are very enthusiastic about the New year. When New year is coming, people spend a lot of money for the celebration of New Year. It is a sign of ignorance to single out one particular day in a year for celebration. For a true devotee, everyday is a festival. In fact, everyday is New Year day. Hence, we should consider every day, every minute as new and celebrate it with joy.

Service is the Highest Spiritual Practice. All that exists in this objective world is impermanent and unreal. Man should contemplate on that which is eternal and real. But man out of his ignorance, wastes his time in brooding over the past and worrying about the future while forgetting the present. The present only is real. Past is past; you cannot get it back, however much you may pray for it. The future is hidden in the womb of time. It is not possible to visualize it. Therefore, only the present is true and real. Instead of wasting your time in thinking about the past and worrying about the future, you should engage yourself in the service of your fellowmen. Service is the foremost spiritual practice. You should therefore, always engage yourself in the service of others. There is no greater spiritual practice than this. People totally forget the importance of service. They should understand that only the fruits of service are eternal. God has given us this body for service to others, and not merely for eating, drinking and wasting our valuable time in mundane activities. We must realise the truth that serving others is the most worthwhile activity for us. There is nothing greater than service to humanity. All great men redeemed their lives only through service.

A 'Ta'lim' Meeting at Mathra

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, South Kerala (India) organized a One-Day Divinity Study Programme for the benefit of its members-men, women and children- at the historic Noor'ul Islam Masjid, Mathra on Saturday, 09 February 2019 ~ 04 Jamadi’ul Aakhir 1440 AH. Many members of the Jamaat from different places across the State- Palakkad, Kodungallur, Alappuzha, Karunagappally, Kaliyikkavila, etc.- reached at the Masjid ahead of the Programme so as to participate also in the Friday Jumu'ah Namaz as well, Alhamdulillah. 

Brothers who participated in the programmes include Muhammad Sabir Saheb of Palakkad; PK Shamsudeen Saheb of Kodungallur; K. Saleem Saheb, and Na'ib Amir YK Hariz Saheb of Alappuzha; DA Zainul Abdeen Saheb of Karunagappally; Na'ib Amir/Jamaat Sadiq Ali Saheb; Zachariah Ibn Zain, Munir Ahmad Azim (Jr.), etc. Mukarram Amir/Jamaat Janab Jamaluddin Raother Saheb led the study sessions.

The Ta’lim/ Tarbiyyat meeting took place at the Masjid in three different sessions through the day: morning, afternoon and evening. In the morning and afternoon, parallel sessions took place for the men and the women. In the men’s section, the meetings were  done in a way like an extended conversation where the ‘floor’ was open for raising points to every one. Maulvi Ismaeel Saheb of Mathra was also present on the occasion.   In an age of doctrinal rigidity and sectarian feelings among the Muslims, it has become difficult to have a civilized dialogue among the co-religionists themselves. How the ‘big picture’ of Islam gets lost out due to such blurred visions and narrow readings of the Divine Will was highlighted. In such bewildering times, Mukarram Amir saheb suggested all members to study the  Friday sermons and discourses of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) on a regular basis to know Islamic teachings and to appreciate the straight and correct path ahead of us in our own individual and collective lives.        

Siraj Makin, the women's collective of the Jamaat, also held its special sessions on the occasion. Senior member Razia Hariz Saheba, Na'ib Sadr Fauzia Jamal- Zain saheba, Rajeena Sadiq Ali saheba, Sofiya Beevi saheba, Mubeena Sabir saheba, Fa-e-zah Maryam Zain and Arshana Sabir participated actively in the various programmes: Tilawat-ul-Qur'an, Nazm recitation, speeches on Qur'an themes as well as topics from Ahadith, etc. Na'ib Sadr Fauzia Jamal saheba, who recently translated into Malayalam the Commentary on Surah An-Nur (originally written in English by Hazrat Ummul Mu'mineen International Sadr Saheba (Siraj Makin), shared parts of the forthcoming book at the meeting. The Malayalam translation of the Commentary is to be published by the Jamaat shortly, Insha-Allah.    

The key take-away from the Study Programme was the Special Address of Hadhrat Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius on the importance of Salat (Prayer) and Zakat (Financial Sacrifice) in our individual and collective spiritual life, including community welfare and progress.  In his discourse, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) notes the foundational role of Salat  in the shaping of our spiritual future: its intrinsic worth in being the "unique gateway" to the Divine Presence and its instrumental role in seeking the mighty help of the Divine in facilitating our challenging tasks. Like wise, Hazrat Khalifatullah (atba)  points to the critical role of Zakat in community life. To meet the manifold expenses of the community in the larger cause of Islam, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) exhorts the believers to assume collective responsibility to contribute liberally to the cause of Allah.

A ‘Luminous Moon’ over Tamil Nadu

Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International has just published a new book entitled “Light-Giving Moon in Tamil Nadu”. Compiled and edited by Mukarram Naib Amir K. Saleem Saheb of the Tamil Nadu Jamaat, the comprehensive report provides a fascinating glimpse into a range of spiritual interactions, Jamaat programmes, and other humanitarian engagements that took place in the State during the historic visit of Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hadhrat Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius and the respected and honoured members of the holy family to India in November-December 2018.

The title of the Book “Light-Giving Moon” alludes to a glorious spiritual title vouchsafed to Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) in the early days of the Divine Manifestation. In the long, mystical tradition of Islam, ‘Qamaran Munira’ or the “Light-Giving Moon” is a profound spiritual concept, pointing to the exalted spiritual station of the Divine savants who follow, reflect and project the glorious Light of Muhammad (sa) for all humanity in their own times. In the Islamic tradition, perfect followers of the Muhammadan Light are people who aspire to cultivate a direct relationship with one’s Maker and live secluded behind the curtain of Divine intimacy. Such persons are blessed with the direct descent of Divine Knowledge, Divine Revelations, and Divine Words on their persons, and their supplications were/are almost always accepted. Such Divinely-imbued souls are the living exemplars of the Faith and as such, the true spiritual heirs of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). Devout Muslims recognize them as the Pole Star of the Religion and the Way or as the ‘Luminous Moon’ of the Faith.

For close to two decades now, Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius has been blessed with an abundance of Divine communications and spiritual messages, to a level and scale unheard of in the records of the Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya since the times of the Promised Massih Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in the previous century. Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) proclaims that Allah (swt) has bestowed upon him several spiritual titles in this era- Khalifatullah; Mujaddid, Messiah; Muhyi-ud-Din, etc.- and that these spiritual titles point to his Divinely-inspired mission: of reclaiming and revitalizing the enduring message of Tawheed in this new century of the Islamic Era- thereby helping people appreciate the correct spiritual path; strengthening them morally and spiritually in these bewildering times. Like all men of God throughout history, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) preaches Divine Love. Sharing pure Divine messages coming from the Unseen, Hadhrat Saheb (atba) invites people to recognize the advent of his humble self in our midst as an Elect of God and consider the extraordinary possibility of acceding to the Divine countenance in this era as well by following his personal example.

Ever since the time Allah (swt) blessed them with the light of faith to recognize and accept His Messenger of the era and the formal establishment of the Sahih Al Islam community in the State, it has been an earnest wish of the Tamil disciples to meet with the Divinely-inspired and appointed Muhyi-ud-Din of this era. Alhamdulillah, it is this cherished spiritual wish of the sincere believers that has come to fruition with the visit of the Khalifatullah (atba) and the blessed family members. The journey of these blessed messengers took place despite several hurdles-including the devastating Cyclonic Storm Gaja that literally brought the State down on its knees- with the shadow of Divine help and special assistance, making every moment of the two- weeks stay in Tamil Nadu, a spiritually uplifting experience for all those who were in the circle of the Divine Manifestation during those days, Soumma Alhamdulillah.