Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem
By
Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is`haq Saheb (Daamat Barakaatuhu)
Allah Ta’ala has
informed us that everything that was taught to us or instructed by Rasulullah
Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was Divinely inspired:
“Nor does he speak
of (his own) desire. It is only an Inspiration that is inspired.”
[Surah An-Najm 53 :
3/4]
Allah Ta’ala
commands us:
“…And
whatever the Messenger has given you - take; and what he has forbidden you -
refrain from. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.”
[Surah Ahzaab
59:7]
Whatever Rasulullah
Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam directs us towards, brings goodness and whatever
he prohibits is prohibited due to the corruption that is inherent in it, and
the harms that accrue with it.
In these times, we
are faced with many challenges. We find Fitan engulfing us from every side. In
the name of Islam, there are various seminars, workshops, fairs, programmes,
contests, etc. that are being hosted. However, often these are devoid of the
spirit and reality of Islam. There is compromise and even flouting, of many
Islamic teachings. It may be Islam in name, but not in essence. Very
sadly, we find that in recent years, the vogue and movement is towards
entertainment and amusement, even in matters of Dien.
We should take
lesson from the marriage seminar that was held recently in South Africa, and
many other similar programmes hosted world-wide. It is an eye opener for us.
Like many other events, this too was promoted and was advertised in the name of
Islam …but in such a way that should have made us question the seriousness and
the spirituality of the programme. Speakers were given titles such as ‘love
doctor’, ‘love guru’, ‘love specialist’, ‘love artist’, etc. Together with
this, there was the drawcard of a variety of entertainment – each of which,
offered us warning signals, so that we don’t move in that direction and don’t
attend:
· A shopping “extravaganza” where families can shop
and enjoy. This plainly promoted mixing of males and females;
· An arts festival to give recognition to Nasheed
artists, comedians and others.
· An expo to assist in planning a wedding; catering,
trousseau, etc. – encouraging a lavish and extravagant kind of wedding, which
goes against the Sunnah, since the Hadith is clear: “Verily, the most
blessed Nikah is that which involves the least difficulty (expenditure).”[1]
· Encouragement to the guests, to take selfies, etc.
· and then the promise that, “No topic is off
limits”.
The
stage was set for the people to come and enjoy … a liberal Islam; where men and
women could integrate and be entertained. The event was photographed and
videoed and most unfortunately, Scholars were brought into the picture to
certify the entire event as "Islamic" and they lent their support to the event. Of course, that does not make
the wrong, right. The wrong will remain wrong, no matter who is participating.
A
platform was provided for anything and everything because the licence was given
that “no topic is off limits” … and that opened wide the door of mockery of
Dien and mockery of the Sunnah and mockery of a Sahabi (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu).
The culmination of all these Fitan was that the marriage of Rasulullah
Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam was mocked at and vilified. …Any mockery of Islam
… of the Sha’aair (symbols) of Dien … of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam … is something that throws a person out of the fold of Islam. This
is what follows when we do not refrain from what Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Nabi
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) prohibited us from. This is the outcome when we
do not imbibe within ourselves the Command of Allah Ta’ala, to adopt Taqwa. This
is what happens when we disregard the Qur’aan Shareef and Ahadith, in pursuit
of the whims and fancies of nafs. This is what materialises when we seek to
modernise Islam.
The
seriousness, gravity and repercussions of what happened there were lost to the
people because those involved quickly sought to absolve themselves and they
distanced themselves from the show … yet they were the ones who made the
arrangements; they were the participants; they were the advocates and promoters
and sponsors for the programme. They endorsed everything that was
advertised. Prior to the event, the comedian said, himself: “I
enjoy cracking jokes about Islam. I enjoy pushing the boundary because you
can't take everything at face value. You have to ask and push the boundaries.” This,
itself, was reason for the organisers and the Scholars to cancel and put a stop to the programme....The content of comedy shows is generally vulgar and
immoral, and often religion is ridiculed and satirized. It is not permissible
for us to attend. There is, no doubt, that these shows greatly harm our
Imaan.
Although
there was an apology for the one grave wrong, the repercussions of that were
not addressed by those involved. Joking about Dien or the signs of Dien, (the
Qur’aan Sharief, the Ambiyaa (Alaihimus Salaam), etc) leads to Kufr. Listening
to such jokes and condoning and approving them are equally dangerous. Though
the organisers and participants absolved themselves from the statements of
Kufr, there was no concern regarding all the other sins that were prevalent.
…If we are going in the direction of liberal Islam … free thinking Islam … then
this is the just the tip of the iceberg.
The
person said, in mockery, that he cannot understand how the noble, respected
Sahabi, Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) learnt so many Ahadith in a
short period of time and belittled the marriage of Hazrat Ayesha (Radhiyallahu
‘anha). Those inflammatory and insulting statements are on record. The
programme was videoed and is circulating widely. The situation is aggravated
because the green light has been given for photography and videoing. Yet, the
Ahadith are clear as daylight regarding picture-making and animate images.
...Now, those statements undermine the Sunnah and a great Sahabi (Radhiyallahu
‘Anhu). Whilst the comedian said that he has repented and is regretful,
thousands of people, who are unaware … who have no knowledge of Dien … will be
left in doubt after watching and listening to that obscenity.
If
we were to do some research, we will find that our Aslaaf had written volumes
in Tafsier. We find Tafsier that was compiled in 100 volumes. We will find 30
volumes on Surah Fatihah alone … yet in those times, there was no computer, no
ballpoint pen, no fountain point … just the reed. The reed was used as their
pen and those great ‘Ulama wrote by hand. They wrote volumes and volumes that
leave us amazed. Allah Ta’ala blessed their lives; their time; their efforts.
Even in our times, we have heard of people memorising the entire Qur’aan
Sharief in a matter of a few months and many also memorise thousands of
Ahadith, in short periods of time … so what difficulty is there in
understanding and accepting that a Sahabi of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi
wasallam) memorised thousands of Ahadith?
Hadhrat
Abu Hurairah (Radiyallahu ‘anhu) had explained: “People wonder how I report so
many Ahadith. The fact is that while my Muhaajir brothers were busy in business
and my Ansaar brothers were occupied with their farming, I was always with Nabi
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). I was among the people of Suffah. I never cared
to earn my living. I was happy with the little food that Nabi (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam) gave me. I would be with Nabi (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam)
at times when no one else was there. I once complained to Nabi (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam) about my memory. He said, 'Spread your shawl!' I did so. He
(Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) made some signs on the shawl and said, 'Now wrap
this shawl around you.' I wrapped it around my chest. Since then, I have never
forgotten anything.”
Many
people make a mockery of different aspects of Dien … whether the Hijaab,
Niqaab, the beard, polygamy, etc. Many people deny life of the Qabr and deny
the Mi’raj. Perhaps someone has already, or someone will come along, and make a
comedy of these aspects also. In fact, in the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
‘alayhi wasallam), the Kuffaar of Makkatul Mukarramah also mocked the belief of Qabr; of
life after death.
We
need to understand that Dien is not for fun and amusement. Allah Ta’ala states:
“Indeed, the Qur'aan is a decisive statement
(distinguishing good from evil), And it is not a thing for amusement (joking).”
[Surah Taariq 86 : 13/14]
A
Believer reveres and honours whatever is associated to Islam.
“And whoever honours the symbols of Allah, does so
out of the Taqwa in the heart.”
[Surah Al-Hajj 22: 32]
…We
have to be very alert. These are crucial times. See which direction needs to be
taken. Due to these Fitnahs, which are encircling us, a secure means for
our Imaan and Islam is to maintain contact with those ‘Ulama-e-Haq and
Mashaa’ikh, who will teach us the original, true, pristine Dien; those who will
not compromise on Qur’aan and Sunnah; those who do not concede to a
“free-thinking” and “modern-day” version of Islam. Nowadays, we have scholars
that adopt a modern and liberal approach to Dien and to teaching Dien[2]. We have to be very careful whom we follow. See if their
semblance is with the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), since we are told,
by Allah Ta'ala, to believe like how they believed, and Rasulullah Sallallaahu
'alayhi wasallam directed us: “My Companions are like the stars,
whichever of them you follow you will be rightly guided.”
…Our
Sheikh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb (Rahmatullahi ‘Alayh)
would say that if any of those, whom he had given Khilafat to, were to
participate or lend their support to photography, videoing or any kind of
Fitnah, the Khilafat is cancelled; is null and void, because this Khilafat is
an Amaanat.
Shaytaan
and the agents of shaytaan work in different ways to destroy our Aakhirah.
People … even the learned ones … become puppets to further the agenda of the
enemies of Islam, to destroy the Muslims. As an analogy: When people are
involved in selling drugs, they obviously want to trap people into the
addiction, so that they can make big money. As such, they give out free drugs,
or they ‘spike’ drinks or lace food with some drug. Once the
person is addicted, he will make sure, he gets the drug in whichever way he can
… and in many instances, this continues until the person destroys himself. The
enemies of Islam work far more shrewdly. We are offered the drug of
Dunya in the guise of Dien. We are offered the drug of Kufr in the guise of
Imaan. We are offered the drug of Fisq and Fujur in the guise of Islam. We
become so addicted that we lose our spiritual senses. Spiritual “rehabilitation”
is possible when there is acknowledgement of our weakness, when there is
remorse and regret. However, when there is denial and justification, we will
not be able to overcome our spiritual sicknesses. The need is sincere Taubah,
rectifying our affairs, and coming back to what is pure Imaan and Islam, and staying away from whatever is displeasing to Allah Ta'ala.
Really,
this worldly life is nothing compared to the Hereafter. When death visits, and
the person returns to Allah Ta’ala, without Imaan, the person realises that he
was here for such a short while… and destroyed himself.
On
the Day of Qiyamah, people will play the blame game. Allah Ta’ala describes
that day as the Day of mutual loss and gain, and mutual blaming. People will
blame their leaders, blame shaytaan, blame their idols and blame everyone else
… except themselves. However, those leaders will absolve themselves; shaytaan
too will absolve himself. Each one is for himself and carries his own
burden. We are responsible for our actions.
Not
only do we have to exercise great caution in respect to our own Imaan and
Islam, we have to also take responsibility regarding our children. Allah Ta'ala
commands us:
“O People of Imaan! Save yourselves and your
families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones…”
What
are they being taught at pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary levels?
They are exposed to so much of Haraam and Kufr … but most parents are clueless.
Added to these woes, almost everyone has his or her own cell-phone, tablet,
etc. … and as parents, we are generally unaware as to what they have access to
and what they may be influenced by. Social media and the Internet offer a
platter of vices, at the touch of a button … which often destroys Hayaa and
sometimes Imaan. This is a time for Dua, concern and a concerted effort.
...Just like how we would not like to be touched by the fire of this world, and
we would not like the same for our children, then to a greater extent we should
seek to protect ourselves and our children from a fire which is much more
intense than the worldly fire.
May
Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and the concern, and the Taufeeq to
give strive to protect this valuable bounty of Imaan. May Allah Ta’ala grant us
death on Imaan.
[1] Al-Baihaqi /
Mishkaat
[2] Refer to
Hadhrat Moulana’s Kitaab, “The Scholars & Social Media”
