'A Call for International Peace'

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed each year on 2 October – the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, who helped lead India to independence and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. It is a befitting occasion to reflect upon the many ‘fires’ around our conflict-riven world where there is much violence, oppression and injustice. Many ‘powerful’ ones- nations/leaders/groups/entities- are steeped in arrogance and hostility against the ‘wretched of the earth’; seeking to suppress the legitimate interests and rights of the ‘other’ among them. In a special message, Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius calls our attention to the need for individual and collective efforts to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, promote just relations among communities and peoples and to uphold ‘Peace’ as an ethical imperative of our times: 

“It is my humble appeal to the national and international authorities to see to it that human rights are always respected at every step of the way….Each government, and each individual also at his own personal level should strive to help in building a peaceful society, and strive to fight all evils along the way”.

Prayers for the Shade of God

Invocations to Allah- Part 1

وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ ۖ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ ۖ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُوا لِي وَلْيُؤْمِنُوا بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ۝

And when My servants ask you, concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me (by obedience) and believe in Me that they may be (rightly) guided. (Al-Baqara 2: 187).

Today is the 8^th of Muharram of the year 1439 AH. We Muslims, should be grateful that Allah (swt) has given us our Islamic year/ calendar and it is verily mentioned in the Quran and Hadiths that this (i.e. Muharram) is indeed a blessed month. Allah mentions in the Holy Quran that there are four sacred months for the Muslims and that peace should be preserved during these months. There should be no fight/ battle/ war, vain and endless disputes/ discussions which are aggravated for nothing! Bear in mind that all these are highly detestable in the eyes of Allah.

Beware! Let us not attract the wrath of Allah (swt) upon us because of trivial matters. We need to concentrate deeply on the deeds we are doing and see whether they are being done for Allah solely, or as a show - for the eyes of people.

I ask all brothers and sisters in Islam to make lots of duahs (to invoke Allah a lot), to ask help from Allah, and we need to unite, and not be divided. I ask you to listen to all that I am telling you. From this Muharram 1439 AH to the next Muharram 1440 AH - believe me brothers and sisters - there are a lot of happenings/ events/ catastrophes which shall occur: earthquakes, floods, lots of people shall lose their lives, atrocious crimes, wars/ fights (nations against nations), blood of innocents shall be shed. Corruption shall cause havoc in several countries; the powerful (more precisely, the powerful countries) shall crush down the weak ones, and don’t forget that Islam also is in danger. That is, the Muslims’ lives are in danger, especially wherever they are in minority.

O Muslims and Muslim countries! Listen, take into consideration the sufferings which our Muslim brothers and sisters are undergoing. Let us unite. Unity is Strength. Let us not be divided. Let us forget our difference of opinions. That which is coming ahead shall be atrocious, very hard. Let us not fight among ourselves. O Arab countries! Allah has given you lots of riches, so help your brothers and sisters who share the same faith (religion, Islam) as you and do not be beguiled by others to kill your Muslim brothers and sisters, those who share the same faith as you.

I ask you to take this into consideration and start counting - from the 1^st Muharram of this new year 1439 AH till its end. Write down all that which shall happen throughout the world and even small islands and even all that which is found in the Indian Ocean (and its vicinity) shall not be spared from divine punishment, in the form of earthquakes, floods, great wars which shall be very difficult to stop. Believe in what I am saying.

'Seek Refuge in God from All Evils'

 Holy Qur'an, Ch. 113- Surah Al-Falaq : A Commentary

1. In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful

2. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the Dawn, 3. From the evil of that which He created; 4. From the mischief of Darkness as it overspreads; 5. And from the evil of those who spit on the knots, (i.e., perform malignant witchcraft).

6. And from the evil of the envious when he envies.

This chapter (surah) was revealed at Mecca at the beginning of Islam and it gives us an antidote, a solution to fight against the works of the satans (i.e. evil works), superstition, and fear; for it teaches us to seek refuge in Allah against all kinds of evils which may exist on earth, visible or invisible. One example is the plots which people can make to harm others. Thus this surah is also a remedy against the envy and jealousy of other people.

It is Allah Who drives away all obscurity/ darkness when He sends His light, and it is Him Who gives life to people and make them feel that they are truly alive, be it physically and spiritually also, after having gone through a spiritual death. Life and death forms part of a cycle which is in the control of Allah, in the Hands of Allah. It is Allah Who has the capacity to annul all satanic works, and all fears which people use to make you fearful, and this materialises when He sends His spiritual light. Man needs to repel his fear and put his complete trust in Allah. No harm shall befall him when he is found in the protection of Allah, and when he has Allah with him, as his Mighty Help, then no Satan can ever deviate him with its falsehoods to make him and other people become fearful and to lose their trust in Allah.

This surah is a duah (prayer/ supplication) addressed to Allah to ask Him for His help and protection against the evil/ wickedness of ignorant people and those who plot to harm others with their tongues, hands, scheming and backbiting. Man need to seek divine help and protection against jealous hearts because a jealous heart is indeed very dangerous. Why? Because jealousy is found therein and this jealousy eats away that heart little by little and makes it become dark. It works silently as a harmful device to strike physically or morally at that jealous person.

Rohingya Crisis: Special Message

With the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims of Myanmar (Burma) under conditions of intense distress occasioned by the brutal military crackdown in the country, a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in South and South-East Asia. The UN agencies estimate that close to half a million Rohingyas have become refugees in the last three weeks alone, with the pass over of the people fleeing violence in Myanmar to Bangladesh and India, and also seeking to reach to Malaysia and Indonesia through the sea. The crisis is a direct consequence of the disproportionate and wanton use of force by the military in the so-called "counter-terror operations" in the Rakhine State where the majority of the Muslim people live and face acute discrimination over the decades. 

In a special discourse/Message issued on 12 September 2017 against the backdrop of the ongoing persecution of the Rohingya Muslims, Imam Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius reminds us of certain important considerations at the heart of the humanitarian problem engulfing the international community. Anyone who is interested in world peace and believe in our common humanity and shared future in a multi-cultural world (of different nations and diverse religions in co-existence) can only applaud the spirit of the Message of Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba). 

As Hadhrat Saheb (atba) notes, the humanitarian crisis is happening against a backdrop of "Islamophobia" (fear of Islam and the Muslims) in the contemporary world. The international backlash against the horrendous  9/11 terror attacks in the United States- executed by people avenging the US onslaught on the Muslim world- has created political conditions in different nations that de-legitimize the liberation struggles of oppressed peoples. Hence, post 9/11,  robust political struggles are under intense pressure from the politics of framing and media- creation of negative perception: most political struggles taking the garb of "Jihad" in the cultural language of the Muslims, have been negatively branded and media-framed as "terror" operations. Mindless violence targeting innocent civilians also contribute to the stereotyping of Muslim resistance groups as cults of violence and mayhem, providing the perfect excuse for the governments to suppress legitimate political struggles in the pretext of 'national security' and "war on terror".

The failure of religious and political leaderships in guiding the people to the right course of action is apparent in all the 'fires' that are simmering around the world. Just as the Muslim Ulema have abandoned the Qur'an and distorted the Islamic teachings in our times; the Buddhist clergy and political leaders in Myanmar are also guilty of destroying the fair legacy of the Buddha and his teachings on peace and human relations. There is an urgent need for the priests and chiefs (of the different religions and their nations) to return to the foundational values of their respective cultures: protection of the innocent and helping the indigent is a religious and political duty- an obligation of our common humanity. 

Directly addressing the Myanmar leadership responsible for the 'ethnic cleansing'/genocidal crimes against the Rohingya people, Hadhrat Khalifatullah (atba) delivers a note of caution and warning: Governments and leaders who preside over the egregious violation of fundamental human rights and oppress the poor in God's earth shall be condemned and pursued by the long arm of Divine Justice. 

Read the Text of the Speech Below:

'Surah An- Nasr': A Commentary

Chapter 110: Surah An-Nasr

1. In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.

2. When comes the Help of Allah, and Victory,

3. And you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes,

4. Then celebrate the praises of your Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is ever ready to accept repentance (of His servants). (An-Nasr, 110: 1-4).

This beautiful chapter was the last to be revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was revealed approximately some months before his demise. The revelation of this Quranic chapter happened either in Mecca when he went to accomplish his last Hajj or in Medina when he returned. Victory is the result of the accomplishment of a supreme and final duty and it is also a result of our foremost duty to Allah, and thus we need to ever take it seriously. All victory can ever become possible only with the mighty help of Allah.

The help of Allah and victory are ever near for him who is always righteous and good! When the soul attaches itself to Allah and His Messenger, and it unites with others who have faith, therefore, come what may, they fight against falsehood and the miscreants (Kafirs) with all their capabilities/ strength and they humbly carry the flag of faith and they march forward with certitude towards victory; such victory which comes from Allah only. It is to Allah that we need to seek help and it is verily Him who comes to our rescue in all circumstances when we turn to Him with sincerity and it is Him who turns to us with His pity and mercy.

Virtuous Progeny: A Divine Blessing

The Holy Qur’an is an ocean without shore. (18: 110; 31:28) For, the Book of Infinite and Eternal Wisdom in the Arabic language, encompasses within its wide-ranging verses, a world of profound explanations on several matters. Further, the Sublime Book with its inimitable literary style and reasoned argumentation, offers a fascinating glimpse of the ways of the Divine: a human mind can only marvel at the depth and reach of the Divine Book. The Qur’an remains a stunning testimonial to a Living God in complete control of the Universe around us and its clear guidance offers the extraordinary possibility of acceding to the exalted Divine presence for all hearts.  Those who plunge into the sacred text with a purified spiritual perception, shall find pearls of wisdom, illuminating insights and clear guidance on the ultimate questions of our existential, spiritual and ethical universe. 

Consider the diversity of human experiences in the world. How do we comprehend/understand the Divine Will at work in the world around us? How do we explain the contrasting fortunes of fathers and sons who follow different trajectories in exercise of their God-given Free Will? What role does soulful prayers play in the shaping of the destinies of individuals and spiritual communities? How to look at the (non-)linear linkages between spiritual legacy and physical progeny? 

Marriage and Family: A Divine Favour

Several verses of the Qur’an allude to the many phenomenon of nature and the creation of the human beings in a variety of settings: races, languages, religions, cultures and nations. Indeed the Qur’an cites the creation of the humans, from the humble ‘dust’ and the modest ‘clay’, as a fascinating sign of the complete Power and Lordship of Allah (swt) over all things in all the worlds. The plurality of the humans is described as a Divine Sign: 'One of His signs is that He created you from dust and- lo and behold! -you became human and scattered far and wide'. (30: 22). 

Across cultures and peoples, the institution of family is a foundational element of the social order. The relations of family and affinity between men and women through marriage and children are a blessing of this world. The Qur’an says: “And it is Allah who has given you spouses from amongst yourselves, and through them He has given you children and grandchildren and provided you with good things”. (16:73)  

Surah Al-Ma'un: A Commentary

Holy Qur'an: Chapter 107 

1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful 2. Have you seen him who denies the Judgment (to come)? 3. Then such is the one who repulses the orphan (with harshness) 4. And does not encourage the feeding of the indigent/ poor. 5. So woe to those who pray, 6. but are heedless of their prayer; 7. those who are all show (i.e. do their prayers and other good deeds for the eyes of people). 8. And refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs.

 

This chapter deals with the meaning and real way of praying Allah. We need to have a firm conviction and attention during our prayer; we need to have a practical mind and a sincere will by helping others. It is with an absolute sincerity and not with an arrogant mind as a way to show-off that all Muslims need to demonstrate whenever they are accomplishing their devotions and charities. All devotions/ acts of worship shall be rendered vain if we do not put all our heart, soul and conscience towards their fulfilment. We have to perform our prayer with sincerity, understanding and a spotless (clear) concentration.

 Verses 2 &3: 

Ara aytallazii yukazzibu bid Diin. Fa zaalikallazii yadu-‘ul yatiim -  

Have you seen him who denies the Judgment (to come)? 

Then such is the one who repulses the orphan (with harshness);

 

The word “Diin” here means: (1) Judgement Day, taking responsibility in the moral and spiritual worlds, for all deeds which men accomplish, or (2) Faith, religion, the principles of good and evil in spiritual matters which are very often in conflict with egoistic desires and personal preferences (of people).

 

It is those who reject faith or the subsequent responsibility who treat the weak ones with contempt and it is them who lead their lives with egoism and arrogance. Allah loves us all. Why should we then have contempt for the weak and poor?

'Eid-ul-Adha': Celebrate the Spirit of Sacrifice

(A special message of Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Adha, was published in two newspapers in Mauritius on Friday 01 Sep. 2017:   Le Socialiste (Pg. 2), Le Mauricien - Forum (Pg. 15). 

A Mighty Sacrifice for the Cause of Allah

Since time immemorial, men have always been making sacrifices, all for the cause of God Almighty. All religions in the world teach sacrifice for the sake of God and the goodwill of humanity. Likewise, the Muslims also, in the spirit of the Eid-ul-Adha festival are called to do such sacrifices which would assure them the pleasure of Allah if done with sincerity, purity of body and mind; such selfless sacrifices which would be an example for all humanity to follow. 

'Eid-ul-Adha' Sermon 2017

Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the great sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and Hazrat Ismail (as). It is indeed Hazrat Ibrahim (as) who accomplished all rights of fidelity. He could not have become an intimate creature and servant of Allah, were it not for the sincerity, cleanliness and purity he displayed, and it would have been difficult for him to arrive at such stage (in the eyes of Allah/ in the realm of spirituality).

To fulfil all rights of fidelity, Hazrat Ibrahim (as) had to make such efforts to purify his heart and remove all 'Ghairullah' (all that is not Allah) and filled it with the love of Allah and act according to the will of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim (as) had persevered in this path and showed himself ever firm, to such an extent that he once dreamt that he was sacrificing his son. So, concerning his dream, he could have given it several interpretations, but his faith in Allah was so firm that he decided to go through with the literal sacrifice of his young son, with his own hand.

Ponder over this. Imagine the state of a person if his son suddenly dies due to some illness. That person can reach such stage where he starts to have all kinds of doubts on Allah, and thus he opens his mouth to utter countless complaints and objections against Allah.

So, Hazrat Ibrahim (as) crushed the love he had for his son and above all preferred to show his love for Allah (swt). This kind of person, Allah does not let him lose anything and he becomes the friend of Allah.

When you read the Holy Quran, you see how much love he had for Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) in return gave him lots of revelations and granted him, in his progeny, prophets. Both his sons Ismail (as) and Ishaq (as) were prophets and through them (i.e. their bloodline), many more prophets came.  In the example  of Hazrat Ibrahim (as), there is a lesson for all humanity; a lesson of sincerity and faithfulness. That is why Ibrahim (as) has been qualified as the one who showed faithfulness (fidelity) and sincerity.

Surah Quraysh: A Commentary

1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

2. For the covenants (of security and safeguard enjoyed) by the Quraysh,

3. Their covenants (covering) journeys by winter and summer,-

4. Let them worship the Lord of this House,

5. Who provides them with food against hunger, and with security against fear (of danger)!

The Quraysh loved their city, Mecca and they were proud of this place. First of all, Mecca is positioned in such a way that the Quraysh and the other inhabitants of Mecca felt safe and moreover this place was the ideal place for trade and through this they earned a lot of profits. With all the facilities that Allah has given them, they should have been the first to accept that the message that Allah had revealed through His beloved Prophet (pbuh) is a message of truth. But unfortunately they turned their backs except a small part of them who had accepted the Message of Islam.

Who had given the Quraysh their talents for commerce/ trade, manual works and how to straighten out a difficult situation? It is Allah of course! He also gave them intuitions to move at the right time to trade and make Mecca a place where no enemy could enter. Despite all this, they rejected the message of Allah. Instead of showing gratitude to Allah, they denigrated His signs and His prophet.

This Surah shows us that all our successes and the powers we possess on this earth come from Allah. Without Him, we are helpless and powerless. So, for all the blessings that He gives us we must be grateful to Him for this and we must worship Him alone as He deserves and we must see that all our actions are in accord with His will and glory.

Special Advices for a Brilliant Future

A Blessed Friday 

....(B)y the grace of Allah, today “it is a blessed Friday for the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Mauritius, of course!” It is verily a grace, a blessing for the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam of Mauritius. When Allah is blessing the members of our Jamaat, it is tantamount to Him blessing the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam. When Allah is pouring down His grace and blessings upon His chosen servants, upon people who show obedience to Allah and His Prophet, then definitely Allah shall reward them. 

When Allah gives an instruction, the instruction/ message comes from Allah, or even when the Messenger of Allah gives some instructions, advices and messages, then you simply have to say: Labbaik! (Here I am - (In other words) I am ever ready to follow the instructions, to submit to the will of Allah). Likewise, ponder over how many “Labbaik, Allahumma Labbaik” our brothers and sisters who are going for the Hajj shall pronounce. We also, in all our sacrifices for the cause of Allah and to please Allah, we say “Labbaik”. We do not go against those instructions, we do not start any dispute and lengthen it but instead we simply submit and obey Allah and His Prophet.

Benefits of Spiritual Obedience 

And you shall agree (with me) that you have witnessed that, whenever Allah has given an instruction in the past and we have shown obedience, then we have witnessed the (positive) result of such obedience (to Allah) - when we did the works of Allah - despite the countless difficulties we encountered and the restrained means we have. But Allah indeed put in His Spirit/ Breath and blessings in such efforts (from our part) and by the grace of Allah, it is that very obedience which have borne its fruits. It is through that obedience that we were successful.

If there is no obedience towards our Creator and towards the Messenger of Allah, then we shall never succeed in anything. Therefore, obedience towards Allah and His Messenger, like Allah mentioned in the Holy Quran - in many verses therein - “Obey Allah and Obey the Prophet” (Obey Me and Obey My Prophet). Allah says, “Whenever I give you a message, an instruction, a revelation, you just need to obey, and then I shall turn your obedience into success.”

'Surah Al- Fil': A Commentary

Holy Qur'an, Chapter 105

 

1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

2. Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions (i.e., owners) of the elephant?

3. Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?

4. And He sent against them Birds in flocks,

5. Striking them with stones of hard-baked clay.

6. Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the crops) has been eaten up.

 

 

 

This Surah was revealed at Mecca in the early days of the prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). It speaks about the event that took place in the year of the birth of the Holy Prophet (saws), around the year 570 of the Christian calendar. Yemen at that time was under the control of the Abyssinians who were Christians and the latter had driven out the Jewish government that was in power at that time. Abraha Al-Ashram was the governor or Viceroy of Abyssinia. The thirst for power led him to self-proclaim himself king. With a desire to finish Iman (faith), he had walked towards Mecca with his army to attack and destroy the Ka'aba. He had several elephants in his army. But Allah (swt) demonstrated His miracle and sent His curse and wrath upon this army. Those who guarded the Ka'aba were very frightened because the Abyssinian army was very strong, but Allah (swt) sent a rain of rocks over them through birds that destroyed this great army. These rocks opened their flesh and this triggered an epidemic like plague among the entire army and destroyed them all.

This is a lesson for man, teaching him never to be tempted by the power of this temporal world and not to believe that he is superior in authority to other people and he should not also think that he can do all that he wants, even to the extent of going against faith and the will of Allah, for never will Allah allow these kinds of people to live if they try to hurt His honour and go against His will.

'Surah Al-Takathur': A Commentary

1. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

2. The race for (an increase in) wealth distracts you

3. until you visit the graves.

4. But no! You will soon know!

5. Again, You will soon know!

6. No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty...

7. You will certainly see the Furnace.

8. Then you will certainly see it, with the eye of certainty.

9. Then, surely, you will be questioned that day about the delights (which you used to enjoy on this earth).

Competing for More

This chapter, Surah At-Takaathur (Ch.102) - Cupidity (i.e., the desire to have more and more) contains a warning to those who wish to possess everything, those who like to accumulate wealth.

Verse 2: ‘Alhaakumut-Takaathuur - The race for (an increase in) wealth distracts you;

This fanaticism to acquire wealth and to increase one's fortune, position, the number of one's adherents, disciples or supporters, mass production or organization, affects not only one person but Societies and Nations.

What is called 'monopoly' (i.e., the restricted control and management of a thing only by a person who wants to control everything; monopolization) is forbidden and is against morality. Monopoly favours the exploitation of the public. This situation will get worse if people follow such a person, i.e., the monopolist (in respect to the power and wealth/ riches of this lowly world). When monopoly sets in, there is competition. Such a competition surges by others in order to gain access to (and share in) this wealth. 

Therefore, when there is such competition for more wealth, it occupies the attention of that person (who is worried about maintaining his monopoly on wealth against his competitors) and then forgets he to do things of much more importance, i.e., prayer, good conduct, etc. 

It is for this reason that in this verse a clear warning has been given from a spiritual point of view.

Man tends to absorb himself/ herself in these ephemeral things until death surprises him/ her. And at that moment he makes a flashback on his past life on earth and realizes how much his life has been wasted because he has not paid attention to the most important and superior affairs.

Verses 3, 4 & 5: Hatta zurtumul maqaabir; Kallaa sawfa ta’-lamuun; Summa kallaa sawfa ta’-lamuun - until you visit the graves. But no! You will soon know! Again, You will soon know!

This sentence means: Until a time comes when you will find yourself in the graves and you will forsake all that temporal splendour behind you, as well as all the circumstances of a life that was empty. Then, at that moment, this true reality will appear before you. So why do people not try to understand this reality in this very lowly life, before it's too late? 

Verses 6, 7 & 8: Kallaa law ta’-lamuuna ‘ilmal yaqiin; Latara wunnal Jahiim! Summa latara wunnahaa ‘aynal yaqiin ! - No! If you only knew with knowledge of certainty... You will certainly see the Furnace. Then you will certainly see it, with the eye of certainty.

There are three types of "Yaqeen" (certitude of knowledge) which are mentioned in the Quran: 'ilm-ul-yaqeen' - certainty by reasoning or deduction, 'ain-ul-yaqeen' - A personal inspection, 'haqq-ul-yaqeen' - the absolute truth where there is no possibility of error of judgment or error in visual or perception.

The first type, i.e., certainty by reasoning or deduction, is mentioned here: we hear something from a person, or we make deductions for something by our own knowledge; It refers to our personal state of mind.

If we reason in this sense, we shall give greater value and appreciation for the beautiful things of our life on earth, and we will waste precious time in trivialities (i.e., unnecessary/ unimportant things) . But if we do not use our faculty of reasoning now, then we will certainly perceive with our own eyes the punishment for all our sins. We will perceive Hell/ the Furnace.

Verse 9: Summa la-tus’-alunna Yawma-‘izin ‘anin na’iim. - Then, surely, you will be questioned that day about the delights (which you used to enjoy on this earth).

We will be questioned, i.e., we will be held responsible for all the kinds of pleasures we used to enjoy on earth - whether this pleasure was in the form of a false pride, the enjoyment of vain, worthless, or bad things, or even an extravagant enjoyment of things that are halal (licit). Therefore we must follow the prescribed limits.

Islam does not allow us to devote ourselves exclusively to the pleasures of this lowly life. These pleasures make us selfish. 

These pleasures take up our precious time, as well as our money/ wealth, and our abilities, such time, money and capacities/ abilities that we can showcase for the benefit of society. These pleasures make us forget our duty to Allah and the duty which we have towards our own soul. These pleasures give great satisfaction to our physical senses; But our physical body will one day be buried underground and it is our soul that will continue to live after our death. We must not neglect our soul which is also an important part of our own being.

So we must always keep in mind that our sojourn on this earth is very temporary, and we have a duty to do everything in our power so that we do not forget to fulfill our duty to Allah, and towards our own souls. Life on earth is very temporary while it is the future life that is eternal for us. When Allah sent us to this earth, He did not put a burden on us because He knows that our physical body is very weak. Therefore, He allows us to have personal desires and leisure, provided that we do not show ungratefulness to Him (Allah) and that we do not forget to worship Him alone, and that we do not forget also the favours He has poured upon us as well as the commandments He has placed at our disposal so that we always follow the right path. The one who does not forget his duty to Allah is the one who will always prosper, while those who are tempted by the attractions of this world and forget Allah, they are the losers.

May Allah protect us from avarice and gluttony for this temporary world, and help us to reach Him with ease and bliss. Insha-Allah, Ameen.

---Friday Sermon of 11 August 2017(18 Dhul Qaddah 1438 AH) delivered by Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim Saheb (atba) of Mauritius. 

'Surah Al-Bayyinah': A Commentary

Holy Qur'an: Chapter 98

 

1. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 2. Those who disbelieved among the People of the Book and the polytheists were not to be parted (from misbelieve) until there came to them clear evidence - 3. A messenger from Allah, reciting pure pages; 4. Containing correct and straight laws from Allah.

5. And those who were given the Book did not disagree but after the clear proof came to them, 6. And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give Zakah. And that is the correct religion. 

7. Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Book and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures. 

8. Indeed, those who have faith and do righteous deeds,- they are the best of creatures. 9. Their reward with Allah will be gardens of perpetual residence beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them and they with Him. That is for whoever fears his Lord.

Mauritius: Politics over 'Jihad'

'Jihad' in the times of Political Crossfire

The Vice Prime Minister (VPM) and Minister of Housing and Lands, Showkutally Soodhun caused much harm against the honour and values of Islam when he used unacceptable (wrong) words during an Eid-ul-Fitr dinner/ celebration at Flacq on Tuesday 18 July 2017. He used such words which dirtied the teachings of Islam and his behaviour was not at all like how a true Muslim should act. And he dared to say this in an assembly which was supposed to advocate the values ​​of Islam but on the contrary, what happened? With the words which he pronounced there, despite being surrounded by several Mawlanas, he committed a blunder through the bad language which he used against the Leader of the Opposition Xavier-Luc Duval. And no one at that time deemed it necessary to stop him.

This scandal was triggered first in the Parliament in the Private Notice Question (PNQ) on the subject of the Communiqué (Release) which he himself issued, taking upon himself to break all ties with Qatar (to boycott Qatar) in favour of Saudi Arabia. And the VPM Soodhun was really hurt that the Leader of the Opposition had insulted King Salman. So, during a dinner to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in Flacq, he made the following declaration (concerning that which transpired in the Parliament): “Had my bodyguard given me a revolver (gun), I would have killed Xavier Duval in Parliament. I would have killed him… Anyway this is what is called Jihad. Because, I have good relations with Saudi Arabia.” 

In his stupidity, VPM Soodhun gave a death threat to the Leader of the Opposition and linked the whole thing to Islam by using the word Jihad, and he thus started a scandal, a controversy for which he (VPM Soodhun) is the culprit. He was the one to issue the release against Qatar when it was verily not his role/ work to do so. If there was a need to issue a release, if any, on the subject, then it was the role of the Prime Minister or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to do so. So, VPM Soodhun acted wrongfully when he issued the Communiqué on 06 June 2017 and after committing this blunder, he used the platform of an Eid party/ celebration to issue a death threat and he used the word Jihad.

The words he used was an incitement to racial hatred. 

Mauritius is a rainbow country which shelters several cultures and religions, and all religions live in harmony, with each one respecting the religions of others. But with this skidding of Soodhun with the words he used, this caused a controversy which is being inflamed day after day. Because of a chap like Soodhun, it is Islam which is being targeted (and wounded). The Religion of Islam with its excellent teachings is a religion which preaches peace (and not the use of swords) and peaceful living so that others may acquire peace through your (i.e. the Muslims') peaceful behaviour.

The Leader of the Opposition accused VPM Showkutally Soodhun that he violated the article 288 of the penal code and he denounced the false accusations which VPM Soodhun put on him (Xavier Duval). He denounced the words which VPM Soodhun wrongly attributed to him, denying that which he never said against Saudi Arabia and the Muslim faith. So, the Leader of the Opposition filed a complaint against VPM Soodhun under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. He lodged this complaint after VPM Soodhun issued the death threat against him. If VPM Soodhun has used the word Jihad without knowing its meaning, why use it then? Does he really know the meaning of Jihad? All this scandal came as a means to allow people in their ignorance to speak against Jihad, and thus to speak also indirectly against Islam. Some are saying that Jihad means violence, killing, blood shedding, etc. It is really sad that (regarding this case) there is no Mawlana who has been able to give the true meaning of Jihad.

Excesses in the name of Islam

So you see, when you establish innovations in Islam, where all this would lead you! Where have these people learnt to organise Eid Parties or Diners and politicising the whole event by inviting politicians? More than a month has passed since Eid-ul-Fitr; they are still organising Eid parties? 

Did Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) use to organise/ celebrate all these? What lessons have we learnt in the month of Ramadan? And I talked about this during Ramadan and even after Ramadan, that Ramadan is a blessed month wherein you take a great spiritual bath and do all the actions which Allah (swt) has told you to so, and all these are acts of worship. And after a month of Ramadan, after the end of fasting, Allah (swt) is pleased with you and gives you a day to rejoice, and this is what we call Eid.

Eid-ul-Fitr is a one day celebration and the next day (after Eid), one has the right to accomplish his/ her voluntary fasts (or for those who missed some fasts, to replace them). And this is a month of training also for it helps you to prepare yourselves in respect of the accomplishment of good deeds for the remaining eleven months to come after the Ramadan. And one of its good teachings is that you need to be a good human being, honest and not quarrelsome. Had Ramadan not taught us that whenever a person comes to seek quarrel with us, we need to tell him that we are fasting? As Muslim, it is a really deplorable thing which the VPM Soodhun had done. On top of that, just after Ramadan, during the organisation of a party on the theme of Eid-ul-Fitr, this party was politicised and thus wronging the very notion of Eid-ul-Fitr which is very sacred for us, Muslims. After a month of fasting, wherein we made all kinds of sacrifices only for the cause of Allah (swt) and indeed Eid-ul-Fitr is for those who have made such sacrifices for the cause of Allah during the blessed and sacred month of Ramadan, as a sign of obedience to Him, our Creator, and it is for such people that Allah has given such a Rejoicing Day (Eid-ul-Fitr).

So, see what the politicians along with the Mullahs are doing with our Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. Hear what kind of language Soodhun has used after the blessed month (of Ramadan). Indeed Allah has given the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr to the Muttaqeen (those who have the fear of Allah in their hearts) as a day of contentment, and it is most unfortunate that this Eid-ul-Fitr party - in name only - has become a stage for the VPM Soodhun to trampled (hurt) the teachings of Islam and the practices of our beloved Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). In this celebration made more than one month after that sacred festival, he should have given the right example for all Muslims. Not only him, but all of us, Muslims. 

Our conduct influences public perception

We should be role models for the world and continue to do the good acts we used to do during the month of Ramadan. We should not threaten or use words such as Jihad and revolver as means to threaten someone, anyone. 

Is this the lesson that you have learnt in the month of Ramadhan? Moreover, all the Mullahs and Muslims who were listening to him that night, could they not have stopped him when he used such foul words against the Leader of the Opposition? And they (i.e. these kinds of Mullahs and Muslims) shall voice out that it is them who are true Muslims despite the fact that they are supporting or lending a deaf ear and blind eye to all wrongs which are being added to Islam. Now, with this controversy on Jihad, they are not defending Islam and the true nature of Jihad like they deserve, and now the media as well as many Mauritians are causing much upheaval against the very notion of Jihad, and racial hatred has penetrated the hearts of many against the Muslims.

On the other hand, it is most unfortunate to see the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association of Mauritius holding, they also, an Eid Party on Monday 17 July 2017, inviting politicians to address the audience. Much money have been spent for this event, and what is not at all good is that this platform has been used to invite politicians and other guests and broadcasting a film on the fifth caliph. Is this the philosophy of Eid-ul-Fitr? And on top of that, with all the Ahmadis who live in Mauritius, every time it is the same faces, families who are seen and taken as important members of the Jamaat. The poor people, the common people - the other Chanda contributors - are not to be seen. Ahmadiyya of Mauritius has also lost the Nur (light) of Allah. And moreover, there is no Pardah when a woman, the Speaker of the National Assembly had been invited and placed amidst all men. I do not condemn inviting women for spiritual functions, but women should be with women. There is a Sadr (chief) for the women. So the Ahmadi women should have been there, in Pardah to receive their high profiled female guest (or any woman for that matter!). It is not in vain that Allah (swt) has raised another Jamaat and raised His chosen servant.

So, as the chosen servant of Allah of this era, it is my duty to give well detailed explanations on the word Jihad which the extremists have spoilt and dirtied.

The true conception of 'Jihad'

The term Jihad is derived from Jahada which means making intense efforts or struggle to the ultimate limit. Jihad, as it appears in the Holy Quran, and not as per what the VPM Soodhun or the terrorists or ignorant people in the world would like to make you believe, is in three (3) categories:

1) Jihad-i-Akbar (The Greatest Jihad which exists)..

2) Jihad-i-Kabir (the Great Jihad)

3) Jihad-i-Saghir or Jihad-i-Asghar (the lesser Jihad).

1) Jihad-i-Akbar, is the tireless struggle against oneself, against one’s evil tendencies and inclinations, against our nafs (ego/ passions). This is the greatest battle or Jihad which exists and which we have the duty to do every day of our lives. And in this greatest battle/ struggle, we aim to come out of our animalistic state, the savage or anti-gregarious state and we progress to the state of becoming truly humane/ human, imbibed with true moral values as well as spirituality.

2) Jihad-i-Kabir, is the battle or mostly duty which we have as a Muslim to propagate the message of Islam, the message of truth around us. We need to recall the admonition of Allah from the Holy Quran, in which Allah says: “There should be no compulsion in religion” (Al-Baqara, 2: 257).

Our duty as Muslims is to spread the message of peace with peace and tranquillity of heart. And it is forbidden for us to use coercion or armaments to force people to recognise or accept that there is only One God (Allah) and to enter the fold of Islam, despite the fact that we know that Islam is the best religion and way of life which Allah has established for us so that we may succeed in accomplishing the greatest Jihad which exists, i.e. the Jihad against our own nafs. We need to pass through the stage of Jihad-i-Akbar with success so that we may come to an honourable position/ level and with peace and help from Allah, we may call people to Allah, to Islam, i.e. calling them to submit themselves completely to Allah.

3) Jihad-i-Saghir or Jihad-i-Asghar is the minor/ lesser Jihad, , and it mainly concerns the State. And here I need to stress that this Jihad is such a Jihad, a battle or struggle which we do, even if we have to take up arms, but only, and I repeat ONLY, to defend ourselves whenever the enemy comes to attack us. It is then, and then only that we have the permission from Allah and His Messenger, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) to defend ourselves. Anyway, this type of Jihad is what the other non-Islamic governments coin as a defensive war, or self-defence. And Jihad-i-Saghir is such a Jihad which we do to protect our lives and honour as a Muslim, and as protectors of the religion of Islam, only when the enemy comes with the intention to finish Islam. This kind of Jihad is thus only a defensive battle and not an offensive one.

Jihad-i-Saghir does not mean to attack your other Muslim or even non-Muslim brothers so as to take over their mundane status/ positions in the world, their wealth and mundane powers which they have. It does not mean to kill to acquire lands and kingdoms. We establish the Jihad-i-Saghir ONLY for the cause of Allah, to preserve the identity and presence of Islam in the world. And this Jihad can be done even without arms. 

If it happens that someone comes to kill you only because you are a Muslim, then if you do not have a revolver/ gun, then with your good words and with the will of Allah and your duahs (supplications to Allah), that person can have a sudden change of heart and he stops causing you harm, and he can even become Muslim. A most appropriate example of this truth is what transpired during the times of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) at the beginning of Islam when Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, who was a fierce enemy of Islam, took his sword to come and kill the Prophet of Allah (pbuh). But along the way, he learnt that his sister and brother-in-law had accepted Islam. He thus changed his route and came to confront his sister and brother-in-law at their home. It was with great fury and armed with his sword that he went to meet his sister and brother-in-law but when he came at their place he heard the recitation of the Surah Taha (Chapter 20 of the Holy Quran).

At first, he began to fight with his sister and brother-in-law but when he hurt his sister (and saw blood on her), he regretted his action and he asked to read the divine revelations which they were reciting. But his sister asked him to go purify himself first before he touched the words of Allah. He went to purify himself and then read the verses of the Surah Taha. Afterwards he went to meet the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) but instead of killing him like he planned to, his heart which once was filled with hatred against Islam finally gave way to Islam and he became Muslim. And afterwards he learnt that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) had prayed for either him or Abu Jahl - two great enemies of Islam - to become Muslim. With duah (prayer/ supplications to Allah), what was impossible to achieve became possible by the grace of Allah. A great enemy of Islam became after this incident one of the greatest protectors of Islam, he became the second caliph of Islam, and till today we call him (respectfully) as Hazrat Umar Al-Farooq (i.e. The Distinguisher between truth and falsehood).

Follow the example of the greatest of prophets who ever existed, our beloved prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). He did not wage any Jihad for his own cause or family feeling. He waged all wars, in all their forms which exist only for the pleasure of Allah and solely under divine instructions so as to protect the honour, identity and presence of Islam in Arabia and the world.

Even when the enemies provoked the death of his own daughter - Zaynab [and grand-child], he did not extract any personal revenge, but he showed instead worth being a perfect human being and prophet, by always making the dignity and honour of Allah as his first priority, and he thus forgave the assassin of his daughter [and grand-child]. All his actions were based on the preservation of the religion by excellence of Allah, so as to change the hearts of those people, and so that they recognize the grandeur of Allah. Of course, he did not have the power to change the hearts of people, but it is Allah Who helped him a lot. Thus, when he made the necessary efforts, Allah also put in the weight of His power (and breath) in this humble effort of his and changed those barbarous hearts and enabled them to become Muslims. Likewise, through divine help, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) succeeded in teaching people how to make the Jihad-i-Akbar, Jihad-i-Kabir and Jihad-i-Saghir in all spheres of all lives.

This is briefly the true explanation on Jihad which lots of Muslims remain unaware about. I hope that this explanation can help our members, my dear disciples in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, and our other Muslim brothers and sisters throughout the world, as well as the non-Muslims who really want to know about the true meaning of Jihad. Jihad is not a word, which when heard, is to be feared. On the contrary, Jihad is a beautiful term which represents our legal battle (not an illegal one) to spread peace in the world (like in the times of the Promised Messiah (as) when he proclaimed that the Jihad he has come to wage is with the Pen, with his solid arguments in favour of Islam), to spread the true Islam, the Sahih al Islam. Insha-Allah, Ameen.

---Friday Sermon of 28 July 2017(04 Dhul Qaddah 1438 AH) delivered by Muhyi-ud-Din Al Khalifatullah Hadhrat Munir Ahmad Azim (atba) of Mauritius.