Following an Imam

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

by Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (Daamat Barakatuhum)

The knowledge of Deen is Qur’aan and Sunnah. The Sunnah is the practical implementation and explanation of the Commandments of the Qur’aan Shareef. …Allah Ta’ala reward our great Fuqaha. They sacrificed their entire lives for this Deen. Day and night were spent in the services of Deen. Many years were spent in learning, and many years in disseminating that knowledge, for the benefit of the Ummah. Allah Ta'ala blessed them with knowledge, understanding, insight and wisdom. They structured and preserved Fiqh, taking from Qur’aan and Sunnah.

Nowadays, we have people – Salafis - who criticise these great Fuqaha and Imams. They openly reject the A’immah al-arba‘ah (the four Imams) and denounce and mock those who follow them. They undermine the noble status of the great Imams and create suspicions and reservations in the minds of those who align themselves to a Madhab. These are people who increase the disunity in the Ummah.

If anyone asks: “Do you follow an Imam?”

A simple, straightforward answer is: “We follow Qur’aan and Sunnah as explained by Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh).”

When a person asks us this question, we should ask in return: “Do you follow an Imam, or do you follow your own understanding of Qur’aan and Hadith?”

If the person is not following an Imam, he is following his own understanding. …Who is more preferable to follow? …You, a product of this century - the 21^st century – or the great Fuqaha who lived closest to the time of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam: Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), Imam Shafi’ee (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), Imam Ahmad Ibn Hambal (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) and Imam Maalik (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh)?

Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) was blessed with seeing and meeting some of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum), such as Hadhrat Anas Ibn Maalik (Radhiyallahu ‘anhu). He was thus a Tabi’ee. How can a person of this day and age, place himself above those great Fuqaha who belonged to “Khayrul Quroon” (the best of eras); who studied under the Sahaba-e-Kiraam (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) or their students?

The Salafis try to place us in a corner so that we suffer from an inferiority complex. They want to make us think that we are not following the Qur’aan and Sunnah – and that we are "ignorantly" and "blindly" following an Imam. We follow what Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) took from Qur’aan and Sunnah. He made it easy for us: All the Masaa’il were taken from Qur’aan and Sunnah and compiled and organised in their respective categories such as Taharah, Salaah and so forth.  We thus follow Qur’aan and Sunnah. …A student of Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) had said: “The Muslim Ummah should make Dua for Imam Abu Hanifa, since the Sunan and the Fiqh were preserved for them, through him.”

The principles and method employed by Imam Abu Hanifa (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), towards Fiqh, was firstly, seeking guidance from the Qur’aan Shareef. If further details were required and sought, he would direct his attention to what is established of the Sunnah. The next source of knowledge was the practise of the Sahabah (Radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and their teachings. If a matter could not be resolved, then other means were adopted such as Qiyaas (deducing laws on matters which are not explicitly covered by the Qur’aan or Sunnah).

Similarly, all the respected and honourable Imams have done a great, immense favour to the Ummah – that is, for those who want to practise Deen. The Madhaahib-e-Arba'a are all based on the Qur’aan and Sunnah. Only the audacious and fool-hardy will try to negate the scholarly contributions of these great masters in the field of Jurisprudence.

...A person appreciates food which is ready. The preparations, arrangements and hard work have been done. Someone undertook the task of preparing and cooking. All that is required, is to sit and eat. They – the Fuqaha – have prepared the spiritual food and presented it to us. It is ready for us to 'eat', so to speak. We do not have to re-invent the wheel and undertake the efforts that they undertook. Their years of study and research, their teachings and explanations are presented to us on a platter. All that is required from us, is Amal – that is, we need to practise on what they have conveyed of the noble and pure teachings of Deen; of Qur’aan and Sunnah.

We should read the authentic biographies of the four great Imams. This will increase us in love, respect, reverence and appreciation for their exceptional and extraordinary services and contributions to Deen. It will give us confidence and conviction that our following is correct; that we are following people who are people of Qur’aan and Sunnah. We should not allow anyone to intimidate or bully us in respect to Taqleed and following a Madhab.

As for Ikhtilaaf (differences), then for those who want to make Amal, choose one righteous, pious ‘Aalim and follow him.  

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the understanding and appreciation and the Taufeeq of practising correctly on Deen, as taught and expounded by our great Imams. 

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Types of Kufr (2)

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From the Tafseer Lessons of 

Hadhrat Moulana Abdul Hamid Is’haq Sahib (DB)

 

 

3.)   KUFR-E-I'RAADH (Turning away)

This is a type of Kufr where a person turns away from the truth; he ignores it or avoids the truth and shows no interest in learning the truth. The majority on the face of the earth have not accepted Imaan and Islam. They have turned their faces away from Islam. This is Kufr.

Islam is recognised by all. Islam and Muslims are often the focus in the media. And although the media portrays and propagates tremendous negativity of Islam, many non-Muslims then choose to research and find out more. They purchase the English copies of the Qur’aan Shareef, seeking to know more and many then accept Islam. Moreover, the Azaan is called throughout the world, five times a day. Whether they like it or not, it is an invitation to Islam. The dressing of the Muslim man and woman is seen all over.  This is a means of Da’wah without any speech.

The Child

A person may ask: “When a child is born in a Christian home, or a Jewish home or Hindu home, the child Is innocent. What wrong did he do?”

The Hadith mentions that every child is born on Fitrah, that is with a natural inclination to Islam. Although the parents may bring him up in another religion, what is required is for him or her to seek out the truth.

We find with our little children of 3 and 4 years of age; they don’t stop asking questions. Everything is, “Why this?”, “Why that?” “Why…?”

If we have to ask them: “Why did you do this?”

They reply: “Because…”  They have no answer but they want answers all the time. This shows us that it is a natural quality of a human being… to ask. It is the natural learning process.

In fact, the child is like a blank slate and when he asks, we have the perfect opportunity to embed in his heart and mind, Imaan and Islam; the love of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. We should take advantage of this time in their lives because they are like sponges which will absorb anything… let it be that they absorb Deen and only good.

We too should be asking. Asking shows our interest and will lead us to the Ma’rifat of Allah Ta’ala.  …Who took out the sun today? Who created me? Who created the beautiful colours of the flowers, etc.?  Who created the fruit and vegetables? …Everything points to a Creator. If behind the cell-phone, car, etc. we all acknowledge that there is a manufacturer, then behind this entire universe, there must be a Creator!

In Islam, ignorance is no excuse. It is a punishable crime in Islam. Allah Ta’ala tells us that if we don’t know, ask the people who know; ask the Ulama-e-Haq.

A Revert

Recently, we met a person who accepted Islam. He was a staunch, practising Christian who believed in the trinity. It was then brought to his attention that Isa (Alaihis Salaam), whom they call Jesus Christ, is not the son of God and cannot be worshipped. He thought to himself: Over a billion people are following Christianity and worshipping Jesus Christ. How can so many be doing something wrong? If we are wrong, why doesn’t God send a reformer?

This brother then had a dream in which he saw a vision of Allah Ta’ala and he also saw Hazrat Isa (Alaihis Salaam). However, Hazrat Isa (Alaihis Salaam) turned away from him (because of his wrong beliefs). He then asks Allah Ta’ala: “We were born as Christians. If our worship of Jesus Christ is wrong, then why don’t you make it known to us, so that we follow the right way.”

In the dream, Allah Ta’ala replied: “There is enough proof in the world of Tauheed[1]. It is up to you to look for it.”

He discussed this with a friend, who informed him that the Muslims believe that Isa (Alaihis Salaam) is not the son of God and he is not to be worshipped and these are the Islamic teachings and beliefs. Alhamdulillah, this became a means of his coming into Islam.

Allah Ta’ala has granted us Aql (Intelligence). The onus is on the individual to seek the truth. We too should look for the Truth and not wait for it to come to us. It is our duty to look for it – like how we look for a treatment for an illness, or how we seek our sustenance. Far more important than seeking a cure or seeking sustenance, is seeking Allah Ta’ala - knowing Allah Ta’ala, knowing His Commandments and practising upon them.

…One brother from America requested an ‘Aalim to attend his Hifz graduation. He is 90 years old. At this age, he has completed the memorisation of the Qur’aan Shareef. Another brother qualified as an 'Aalim at the age of 72 and he has now commenced his Hifz. They have the interest, but what about us? We have so many small excuses not to learn; not to find out. We are unmindful … yet Allah Ta’ala has established the means everywhere. There are Madaaris and other Deeni Institutions and Deeni works whereby we can easily learn and improve.

From another angle, Allah Ta’ala’s Bounties are unlimited but we turn away from them; we do not acknowledge them and show appreciation to Allah Ta’ala. This is also a kind of ‘I'raadh’ which we are guilty of. We don’t pay attention to the bounties of Allah Ta’ala. One is Imaan which is inherited – but because of our lack of appreciation, there is weakness in our Imaan. Another person appreciates and he works and builds on his Imaan. Similarly, we are showered with bounties in every form, at all times, but we are oblivious and don’t think of expressing gratitude. Allah Ta’ala mentions:

“…And few of My servants are grateful.”

[Surah Saba 34 : 13]

4.)   KUFR-E-SHAK (DOUBT)

There is either doubt or surety and conviction (Yaqeen). Wasaawis (whisperings) from shaytaan is something different and does not fall in this category. It is easy to expel these thoughts or whisperings of shaytaan, by turning to Allah Ta’ala and seeking His protection.

However, in Islam, there is no room for doubt.  Allah Ta’ala mentions:

“…who are certain (in their faith)”

This Yaqeen is not only strong on the Aakhirah but on all matters of Deen.

In these times, we find that many non-Muslims influence us, by telling us that if there is a God, then why are there wars in this world; why the starvation, why are thousands becoming orphans, etc.? This then leads to some questioning and doubting and even giving up Islam. May Allah Ta’ala protect us.

To doubt: Is there Allah? Is there Jannah? Is there Jahannum? – indicates that there is no Yaqeen; no Imaan.

Where can we understand the work of Allah Ta’ala? …He knows His work and why He does what He does. Of course, Allah Ta’ala has explained so much to us in the Qur’aan Shareef, which makes clear His Infinite Wisdom and Decisions. However, we cannot be questioning Allah Ta’ala. Sometimes, we behave as if we are the chief-advisors of Allah Ta’ala; when we express our opinions and say that certain things should not have happened or should have happened, etc.

Taqdeer is one of the basic beliefs of a Muslim. We believe that whatever came our way, was meant to be. There should be no ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. What was written, will happen. …It is another issue when someone knowingly does the wrong thing and he thereafter blames Taqdeer.

We must know Allah Ta’ala as He is. Our Yaqeen is more than what we see. To develop this Yaqeen, we require the Suhbat (company) of those who have it. Allah Ta’ala instructs us to keep the company of His friends. It is in their company that our Imaan will develop to Yaqeen and we will Insha-Allah, attain that noble stage of Ihsaan – being conscious of Allah Ta’ala at all times. For Imaan, a continuous effort has to be made.

From another perspective, in these times, many of us have our Yaqeen in university degrees, in our jobs, etc. We think that without this, we won’t survive. Yet, so many who have degrees, don’t have jobs. And many who have no schooling and education are multi-millionaires. …Allah Ta’ala is the Giver of sustenance.

5.)   KUFR OF NIFAAQ (Hypocrisy)

This form of Kufr is when a person lives like a Muslim but does not believe in Islam.

Allah Ta’ala mentions regarding the Munafiqeen:

“When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam], they say, "We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah." And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.”

They would bear witness but they did not believe. What they said with their tongues was not in their hearts. They are the most dangerous group amongst us … Like snakes in the grass; hidden amongst us.

In this day and age as well, we have Munafiqeen; those who proclaim to be champions of Islam but are not. Many excel in their outward practices of Islam, but they are not Muslims. Shias, Qadianis and other deviant groups also practise Islam, but it is null and void in the Court of Allah Ta’ala because their beliefs are Kufr.

Our Shaykh, Hadhrat Moulana Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahib (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) once mentioned to us: “In the United Kingdom, there are people who are so particular on the practices of Islam, that they get up for Tahajjud; they engage in Zikrullah and other Ibaadaat…”  

Listening, to Hadhrat, I said: “SubhanAllah.”

Hadhrat said: “Do you know who they are? …These people are Christian missionaries who are well trained in Islamic teachings and practices, for no other reason but to go and destroy the Imaan of the Muslims – in the third world countries, where poverty and ignorance is rife, etc.”

Although their A’maal seemed very enviable but there is Kufr at heart.

One sister accepted Islam. She was a Christian missionary worker and explained that they were trained in Islam – to learn the Kalima and other aspects of Deen; to work amongst the Muslims and win them over to Christianity. Allah Ta’ala made that a means of guidance and she accepted Islam.

Sultan Nuruddin (RA)

There is a famous incident of Sultan Nuruddin (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh). He was a very just and pious ruler. One night, after performing the Tahajjud Salaah, he fell off to sleep and he dreamt of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam, who pointed towards two people of squint-eye, and said: “Protect me from these two.”

The Sultan had the same dream three times, consecutively, and was naturally very concerned and disturbed. He, with a group of men, travelled speedily to Madina Munawwarah. As the story goes, after inviting all of the people of Madina Munawwarah to a feast, he searched for those two men whom he had seen in the dream. When he was informed that there were two men who are great worshippers and great ascetics, who resided near Jannatul Baqi, he called for them. After some questioning them, he ordered that they be kept in custody whilst their residence was inspected. Finally, the truth was exposed, that they were not Muslims. They submitted that they were actually Christians who had come to Madina Munawwarah, disguised as Hajis. A Christian King promised them great wealth if they steal the Mubarak body of Rasulullah Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam. And this is what they were working towards whilst in Madina Munawwarah, digging a tunnel to the Mubarak grave for that same purpose.

They were Christians, but the people of Madinah Munawwarah described them as people who fasted by day, spent generously on the poor and needy, and who stood in prayer at night. There were A’maal but there was no Imaan in the heart; rather enmity.

Ibnu Abi Mulayka (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh), who was a Tabi’e, said: “I met no less than thirty Sahabah (Radiyallaahu ‘anhum) and each of them feared Nifaaq (hypocrisy) within themselves.”

Hadhrat Hasan Basri (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh) would say in respect to Nifaaq: “No one fears it but a Believer and no one feels safe from it but a hypocrite."

May Allah Ta’ala reward Hadhrat Maulana Idris Kandehlawi  (Rahmatullahi ‘alayh). I benefited a lot and Insha-Allah, it benefits all. 

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[1] Tauheed: The Oneness of Allah Ta’ala