November 29, 2011

Dawah Challenges

Muslim Murasu, November 2011

The objective of Dawah is to convert Hindus into Muslims. Government is functioning under the aegis of Hindu community. ‘Religion conversion’ phrase makes it narrowed and invites troubles. Police and courts will ambush. A mask becomes necessary. ‘Invitation’ comes handy and offers protection.
No one from Hindu community wants to convert. Particularly oppressed sections of Hindu society have been benefactors from various government schemes. No one is willing to sacrifice monetary benefits, employment opportunities, education and hostel allowances and loan waiving.
Eighty years back, some people in Nellai and surrounding region undertook the mission of religious conversion. The governments that followed at the Centre and State have taken special care to uplift oppressed and backward classes in education and economy. Religion conversion has become unnecessary.
Those who are born as Hindus like to live as Hindus. Strong reasons are required to embrace Islam. People from Chettiar, Brahmin, Mudaliar, Devar, Vanniyar communities do not enter Islam. Dawah movements can candidly publish a white paper.
It is sufficient to say ‘La ilaha Illallah’. A Hindu will become Muslim. And then one can follow exemplary character of the Prophet. This will impart spirituality.
But there are no experts among Muslim clergy who can elucidate ‘Kalima’. They are delivering homilies based on anecdotes, some incidents and rituals. A Kalima mission that can be applicable to entire Tamil community has not blossomed.
First eleven years were spent emphasizing relation between God and man. Prophet’s method was totally renounced and ignored in Tamilnadu. Muslim themselves don’t know Kalima meaning. How can they enforce this on Hindus.
Saudi currency has helped Dawah domain flourish for thirty years. Hired cadres cannot preach Kalima. Those who have occupied positions for fifty years in mosques, madrasas and religious centres have not brought a single person into the fold of Islam. This is the ground reality.
Dawah department is an imported department in Tamilnadu. Dawah is imported concept. Muslim community should, in the first place, strive to get the hang of Kalima. Later they can impose Islam on others.

November 26, 2011

Intellect In Government Offices

Muslim Murasu, November 2011

The imperialistic government installed by the British imposed many limits and restrictions on employees. Rulers of yore were not willing to believe anyone on Indian soil. Strict supervision, monitoring, severity and authoritative attitude prevailed and continued on employees.
Employees of these days who feel air of liberty do not submit to restrictions. Caste, religion, reservation and economic background are bringing down the office edifice. Tell the person; I will tell the rule. This is the practical wisdom that is in place. Rules are mended and moulded according to each person. Any employee cannot function peacefully using the legal maze that is in practice.
Government employee is arranging wedding ceremony during working day. It becomes unannounced holiday. Around 400 colleagues attend the ceremony. No one applies or gets prior approval for taking off. They blatantly trample rules and regulations. An employee who takes home 30000 per month spends 15 lakh rupees in marriage. There is no point in analyzing how did he get additional money.
Government staff should get permission from government to buy house, vehicle, bullion or luxury materials. Income details should be submitted. But these are old tales.
Information should not be unnecessarily shared with outsiders. Mobile, telephone, written documents exchange are offense. They should not participate in TV or radio debates. They should not be member in political parties, should not offer donations or funds, should not participate in religion, caste, linguistic, district or region-based groups. Gifts are prohibited. They should not expect benefit from others. They should not criticize government functioning and operation. They should not buy or sell property. They should not, directly or indirectly, take up any part time job. They should not occupy government land, nor help or support such activities. They should not give speeches.
There are thousand restrictions for government staff. Perpetual bonded slaves cannot be expected to possess or display intellectual sharpness. Government trick is to cite legal complexities and distract consumers. The state government today that is enjoying full majority should strive to improve intellectual standards of its employees. They can leverage training from MNC managers. Lest government funds will go wasted.

November 23, 2011

Wise Is He Who Remembers Death

Weekly speech at Masjide Amina, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2011

Allah promises in Quran many a bounty and rich rewards in return for Imaan (Faith in God) and good deeds. Heaven and huge graces are promised. It is very essential to set right each activity in life along with Faith in God.
Faith is not of the same standard. There are various levels of Faith.
“Ya ayyuhallajina aamanu aaminu billahi” – “O you who have believed! Believe in Allah”.
Those who have not eaten can be called to eat. But we won’t hear calls for people who have had their food to have food. But God calls upon those who have brought Faith to bring Faith. There is difference.
1. Maujuda Imaan – Faith that we have
2. Matlooba Imaan – Faith that is required
There is huge difference between the two. Standard of Imaan will improve as and when its demands are met. Imaan will go weak if its requirements are not addressed.
Imaan that the companions of Prophet displayed was sublime and outstanding. Allah says, “Aaminu kama aamanannaas” – Have faith like Sahabas. They accepted that God is Master and we are His servants. They did not reject or turn away from any of His commands. They understood the meaning and purpose of life as worship.
In today’s world, we have to give thousand explanations for why some things are haraam (forbidden). Still people do not pay heed. Companions of the Prophet took this world as an examination hall. This is not place for reward. Recompense will be in the next world. They carried out all the commands with humility. Imaan will penetrate in life if we are serious and work on it. We got Imaan as a result of missionary works of elders.
We can know the standard of one’s Imaan by looking his deeds. Any element in vegetation and natural world proclaims the class it belongs to. Leaf, bud, seed or branch of neem tree clearly establishes that it is from neem tree. The same way Kalima should reflect in each aspect and facet of our lives. We should be known to be people of Kalima from our concerns and thoughts. Our character should emulate our Prophet. If we are kind and merciful, others will know that we follow our Prophet. We should strive for this.
Missionary zeal should not be incomplete. We will accept a house as fully constructed when everything including foundation, wall, ceiling, doors and windows, electricity, sanitation and water facilities and carpentry are in place. Then we will be prepared to move into such house. Islam has completely vanished from all facets of our lives. But still we contend that we have Imaan.
We should do worship when it is time for worship. And we should display sincere honesty in our dealings and businesses. By accepting our servitude and sincerely carrying out God’s wishes, our lives will turn for the better.
One Sahaba narrates – Ten of us went to the Prophet. One of us asked who is wise? Prophet replied that one who remembers death often and prepares for it is the wise person.
No one can stay permanently in this world. Moomin (faithful) should believe there is a life after death. That is the biggest challenge. Other challenges that we face in our day-to-day lives are insignificant. We have come to this world with a fixed time to return. We have two options - either to live extravagant life or lead a simple and humble life. One who gorges on food and one who eats little, both will have to taste death. Death is certain. We have to think in which condition and position are we going to return.
In this world, one can commit crime in one country and hide in another country. But there is no escape in Allah’s kingdom. Only virtuous character, best behavior, lofty attitude and purity in worship can help us. First trial in the next world will be about our dealings and exchanges. In the weight balance of deeds, it is aqlaq (character) that will have highest proportion. Character will be valued a lot. A good person should stay with his family.
There are severe decrees pertaining to character and behavior. Misappropriation of property of others means Imaan is void. Once Prophet repeated thrice that he is not a Moomin. This severe diktat was about he from whom his neighbor do not feel safe. He cannot be a Moomin. It is the responsibility of Moomin to assure safety and security to his neighbor. We cannot claim to be religious just by following two or three precepts. This is incomplete religion. We are careful about dress and food. But we do not pay any attention to our character or behavior.
Let us put our earnest efforts towards Kalima, Ibadath, Ilm, Zikr and Ikraam. Namaz (prayer) teaches us worthy lessons. Do not see here and there, listen only to Imaam’s commands and tell what should be told and at correct time. Allah says, “Akimi salatha lizikri” – “Establish prayer for My remembrance”.

November 21, 2011

Material Happiness Is Not Permanent

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech,
Muslim Murasu, November 2011

Surah 18, Al Kahf, verse 109 – If you turn ocean into ink and write Allah’s words, ocean will drain out before His words are completed.
One world is intellectual world and another is material world. A very tiny miniscule part of the world has been discovered through science researches. This is called as knowledge explosion. Experts are not having extensive knowledge in any domain. When we learn more, we understand how much more is left to be known. Knowledge in the world is overwhelming and looks never ending.
Intellectual pleasure is much powerful than that from material consumption. Materialistic happiness is meager compared to intellectual joy.
Greek scientist was taking bath. A law about water suddenly struck his mind. He became ecstatic and unconsciously ran naked in the streets.
Gorging on food, drinking, driving vehicles and wearing costly clothes, pleasures from these things are unworthy and insignificant. Spiritual, knowledge-based ecstasy is mightier and loftier. Intellectual world will be revealed in heaven. That will be a super explosion of knowledge and it will give maximum thrill and excitement. What is heaven? It is complete realization of intellectual spirit. It is the utmost spiritual, holistic joy.
Archimedes understood that iron will sink in water but if iron is made in tray form, it will stay afloat. He became euphoric and shouted, ‘Eureka, eureka’, ‘I have found, I have found’ and ran naked, out of control, in the street. He lost his balance for a small discovery. How will one react if the whole world comes under his intellectual grasp. What will be the level of excitement?
Of course, there will be objects that can be consumed in heaven and it will give pleasure. But subtle and more overwhelming pleasure will be out of intellectual experience.
Rich people in this world get bored after some time. Material objects won’t give lasting happiness. They have their limitations.
But there are no limits to intellectual fulfillment. It is limitless and eternal. It won’t cause fatigue or boredom. This is the message from verse 109.
Allah’s wonders and splendors cannot be counted or quantified. Divine wisdom is spread everywhere and in every object.
In science, it is difficult to find an expert who has knowledge in all domains. Scientist in Physics will be ignorant when it comes to Chemistry. Even within Chemistry there will be sub branches. They will be experts only in their sub branches.
This is a small world, and even here knowledge is not complete. Heaven is a much bigger world. How much will it be enjoyable when it is opened up in front of us. Imagine that spiritual journey. That will be the utmost experience.
Now associate with this the capabilities of human brain. Each human brain is made up of billions of particles. A scientist opines that there are as many particles in a human brain as there are in the entire universe. This explains the potential hidden in the brain. There are countless actions and reactions in each tiny part of the brain.
Even the best scientists have not used more than 5% of brain’s capacity. Potential hidden is so huge. This world is not fit for exploiting the potentials of the brain. This world has limits and limitations. But the next world knows no limits.
A person entering heaven will be in a position to exploit his full potential. That will give complete enjoyment. This is indescribable and unbelievable. It is not possible to visualize or realize the enjoyment one will get in heaven.
Allah will convert each man into super man while entering heaven. Only then it will be possible to fully enjoy its merits.
But men aspire unworthy things and are unmindful of heaven. This is a grave error and ignorance. Surah 76, verse 27 - They are after immediate gains and unworthy benefits. They are turning away from the impending Heavy Affair. They forget eternal gains for their lust for temporary profits.
When Kalima is pronounced with proper understanding, one can realize its meaning. If it is uttered without any understanding then it is just a lip service. When Kalima is placed on one side of the balance, it will be heavier than the whole world. This weight is not just for the letters. Kalima is the worthiest of all the discoveries. It is the most significant of all the facts. People are underestimating the value of Kalima. It is the condensed form of whole world. It is the highest meditation and truth. It is the tablet of all the knowledge in the world. It is not a mystic or magic word. It is a symbolic word. First you have to understand and then pronounce it. Kalima should flow in the blood. Turn into real people of Kalima. You will get heaven.

November 17, 2011

Reactions To Omissions

Muslim Murasu, November 2011

There are serious challenges for a speaker or a writer or an intellectual in taking centre stage. They have to work for or under some organization or movement.
Those with monthly income of 50000 rupees can function independently in public arena. They can make impact and become champions. There is no need to surrender or succumb to any organization. One has to be mindful of Indian constitution, legal framework, investigating agencies and police reactions while entering social life. Any untoward incident or loss can be averted.
Men without self-respect, independent ideas, self-sufficiency or ability to survive on their own can take warmth under the support of movement. There is nothing wrong. But this will shut the doors for alternative ideas. Chances are that they will get chained to routine activities like a labor cow. Lifting humanity or raising the locality one lives in will go out of scope.
Today’s world throws new challenges with every passing day. Each one can search for solutions from their individual and unique experiences.
Do not offer fresh approach or new solutions. This will damage our growth. The advice from forerunners is perplexing.
A writer is well received or rejected depending on liking or disliking of the people in the society. Owners and dictators in the society cannot decide unanimously and produce an intellectual. Tamilnadu Muslim society is religiously disciplined. Faith in God is the cornerstone here. It won’t tolerate extravagant, flamboyant, repulsive attitudes for long.
A creator or writer is not harmed in any way when he is rejected or left out. It will only invigorate him to bring out the pain forcefully. Intellectuals do not spend their days counting praises, compliments or stage dramas.
A writer is constantly nudged ahead by the pain, turmoil, helplessness and gullibility he sees among his fellow men. This is what stimulates and fuels him.
Upcoming Muslim writers, creators and intellectuals in Tamilnadu will hereafter brush aside the rejections and omissions. Their work will continue until there is any pain, injury or injustice in the land. Dramas of conferences, heart burns and omissions that come and go in their way will only make them more resolute and determined. They won’t get tired.

November 14, 2011

Self-Sustaining Community

Muslim Murasu, November 2011

Developmental trends in Muslim society in Tamilnadu can be viewed from two angles – outward growth and inner development.
A Muslim should fare as honest, skilled and hard working, with individualistic merits. Quran always, eternally, preaches about an ideal group. This is its target from the first verse to the last verse. One in the crowd, with no distinction, is not allowed or approved here.
Muslim politics, Muslim literature, Muslim religious mission and Muslim education group should work independently. They can support and help each other. There is no mistake in it. But one group should not try to dominate another.
Field should be independent, group and funding should be independent. If they operate independently, it will yield experts in politics, education, literature and religion. It will create a stock of expertise.
But the situation is chaotic in Muslim society in Tamilnadu. People from one field interfere in another field. They try to play smart and dominate others. They often change their masks and occupy different daises. The disastrous result of this trend is that we see only clowns everywhere. We have lost experts and specialists.
This hampers inner concrete development. Handling overbearing attitude of some people has become a tough challenge, and this spoils any chance of development in the field.
Of the forty lakh Muslims in Tamilnadu, twenty lakh are women who are hapless insects or worms. They don’t take any interest in social life. Five lakh of the remaining twenty lakh are children and elders who depend on others for their sustenance.
Ten percent, that is one and half lakh Muslims can be groomed for public life. This can give 40000 for each movement. 36,000 cadres will labor aimlessly and obediently for the leadership. Last 4000 cadres should be controlled for the movement. Forty candidates should be identified and labeled as flag bearers and champions of next generation and trained properly. They should be searched from all over 31 districts, filtered and hand picked carefully for future leadership.
It will be enough for those who are in the field today to produce even one candidate as their descendent. This will demand continuous monitoring and mentoring for ten years.
There is no use in gathering crowd looking like froth on sea waves. There is not going to be any input from villains, hypocrites and cheats. Outward growth or inner development is not going to result from economic might or crowd swelling.
Grooming descendents is essential. Let us publish list of descendents for politics, education, religion and literature to revive, survive and prosper. This is the first step to sustained development.

November 10, 2011

Beware Of Westernism

Discussion with Ustad Gulam Fariduddin Ayaz AlHussaini on 23-09-2011 at Lamakaan, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2011

I belong to Delhi Gharana school of music. Amir Khursrao was our mentor. Today, many mediocre artists take refuge under Gharana banner and pretend like musical experts. ‘My father was a great music exponent’. This ancestral pride won’t help much. Only those who are properly trained and honed their skills can survive. One who sacrifices 15 years in his life relentlessly pursuing Sur naturally commands great respect. He will stand undefeated in the face of ancestral arrogance.
My forefather Tan Ras Khan was music teacher to Bahadhur Shah Jafar. I received prestigious ‘Pride of Performance’ award from Pakistan government. Journalists asked me at that occasion how did I feel. I replied that I get awards and accolades in every performance when I face audience. This thing in my hand is just a piece of gold.
My father used to tell me, “If you leave music for one day, music will leave you for one month”. I used to practice Sur while massaging his legs. He will be snoring and sleeping. But even in that condition, if I make mistakes in Sur, he will kick me. Gifted people seldom sleep.
First lesson in Tasawwuf, spirituality, is to completely surrender to God’s Will. This is spiritual discipline. Quran tells as 'Nafsun mutmainna'. It is impossible to translate it. A rough translation would be 'satisfied soul.' A lover feels delighted only when he sees his beloved. In Tasawwuf, it is taught to be satisfied and contended without seeing. But when you get a glimpse of the other world, you should not talk or brag about it.
Now music schools and groups are getting polluted. Such deterioration is visible in spiritual centers also. Hypocrisy is penetrating. Guru, saint, is roaming with a convoy of half a dozen Pajeros. But some Qanqahs (spiritual center) are doing exceptionally good jobs.
Language or words are not important in Sufi music. Message is more important. Our job is done when you feel divine presence. Objective is to realize God. The feeling penetrates from one heart to another. The message comes out of one veil and goes behind another veil. You can feel it, but not describe in words. Other music forms are entertainment to ears. They do not touch the hearts.
Our people who settled in western countries totally succumbed to their culture. Now they feel distressed when they see their offspring growing and going even further. I have traveled all across the world with my father. My father always gave me Tarbiyyath, he taught me good values.
There was a deluge of pop music 20 years earlier. We realized that we have not erected walls and barriers for our culture. We were flooded by pop and rock music. I will always teach Tarbiyyath, discipline, to my son. He won’t go astray.
Two hundred events are organized annually in the cultural center. This is a great job. You have to transform each of your houses into castles of culture.
I sing Qawwal in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, German, French, Marathi and Pasthun.
Prophets and Messengers served and guided human society in their times. Sufis and saints are now reforming and inculcating good values in the society.

November 08, 2011

Hasbunallahu Va Nihmal Vakeel - Quran Dars

Darse Quran by Maulana Rizwan Pasha Quadri at Masjide Shujath, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2011

Surah AlaImran, rukooh 18 comprises nine verses. Initial verses portrays scenes from the aftermath of Uhud battle. Subsequent two verses throws light on supreme nature of Prophet’s divine knowledge. Last verse illustrates the evil nature of parsimony.
Muslims faced setback in Uhud battle as a consequence of not heeding to Prophet’s advice. Uhud battlefield is situated around 2 k.m from Masjide Nabavi. Kafirs (non-believers) had an opportunity to wipe out Muslims. But for some mysterious reasons they fled away. They ran till HamraAl Aswath that is at a distance of nearly 7 k.m.
Abu Sufiyan pondered – why did we run when in fact we had an upper hand. We could have destroyed Muslims. They did not return to Meccah. They celebrated their victory in that place. They had a discussion the second day when Abu Sufiyan finally said to return and launch a fresh attack. This is the best chance to annihilate Islam from Masjide Nabavi and from the surface of earth. This chance won’t come again.
This news reached the ears of Prophet who was stationed at Masjide Munawwara. Some spies appointed by him brought this news. Prophet took stock of the situation. Army and force available is less. “Let us attack first”. This was Prophet’s decision. If enemies attack us then our losses can be terrible.
The companions of Prophets had suffered severe physical loss. Their limbs were badly injured. Prophet announced, “I am starting now. Those of you following me can join me”. Immediately all of them hurried towards battleground. Intention is to make clear that we won’t back down or cow down. All Sahabas (companions) followed the Prophet.
Kafirs misunderstood that some additional contingent is coming from Medinah and they ran away.
The situation was very treacherous, with intensely hot climate, enormous physical injuries, low on food and resources and extension of war. Under such bitter situation, companions of Prophet answered ‘labbaika’ and honored Prophet’s call. This immensely pleased Allah. He sent down verses honoring them.
‘Istijabu’ means presenting oneself as answer to one’s call.
They answered the call even after being wounded. Surah 3, Verse 172. This verse tells that they answered the call of God and the Prophet. In reality only Prophet had called them. This explains that though tongue is that of Prophet, call is from God. Verse continues that they did a good deed, they practiced Taqwa, they have a great reward.
Companions of Prophet were not bogged down by physical injury or loss of life or property. All that they cared was ‘Deen’. We have got this religion as a result of such supreme sacrifice.
We don’t show any sacrifice in our lives. We don’t come to mosque if it showers. If a friend visits us, we ignore attending Quran Dars. We look for excuses to escape. Sahabas looked for excuses to sacrifice their lives. If they were lazy then this Deen would not have reached us. They gave away their dearest things under stressful situations.
While running, Abu Sufiyan challenged that they will return next year to Badr battleground and will destroy Muslims.
Prophet answered, “Let us see that when it comes. Now you leave”. Prophet was firm in his faith in God and God’s support. He was unruffled by the loss. Non-believers prepared for the battle after one year.
Abu Sufiyan appointed a person to spread rumor that a huge army has come with mammoth ammunition. We see such rumor enthusiasts even today. When there is a small scuffle, they will scare us not to come out of our houses. They will spread rumor without knowing the fact.
Verse continues – “Men said to them ‘A great army is gathering against you’ and threatened them”. You know what happened in Uhud battle. So don’t come to the field. What will be the reaction from Moomin when they are threatened. Verse 3:173 tells us. It increased their Faith. If Moomin is oppressed, it will strengthen him and increase his Faith.
Verse 2 in Surah Anfal (eigth Surah) narrates Moomin character as those whose heart rejoices when God is mentioned and their faith increases when God’s verse is rehearsed in front of them.
Companions of Prophet answered, ‘Hasbunallahu va nihmal vakeel’ – ‘For us God sufficeth and He is the best disposer of affairs’. Memorize this verse and rehearse it all the time.
Companions did not go to the field having confidence in support, money, power or physical prowess. They went to the field with nothing but Faith in God. Allah is more than enough and He decides best on all matters. When Prophet Ibrahim was put in fire, he recited these same words. He told Jibreel (alai), “Hasbunallahu va nihmal vakeel”. You recite this to get rid of tension, anxiety, worries and concerns. Understand and recite it. God will not bring loss to His servants.
Sahabas stayed for eight days in Badr battleground. AbuSufiyan did not appear. Companions went to a nearby market and did some merchandise. They feasted and had a good time there. Verse 174 says, “they returned with grace and bounty from God”. It is permissible to do some personal works while in the middle of a religious journey. But one should stay focused on the objective.
Continuation of verse tells that Shaitan has his Auliyas (friends). He fronts them and threatens. God has Auliyas, and similarly Shaitan has Auliyas. Those who act against Islam are friends of Shaitan.
You need not fear them. Fear God. (verse 175). There were many kings during the period of Auliya Nijamuddin (rah). He never cared them. He remained focused in his mission. Moomin will not fear any force.
There will be options to earn God’s pleasure or God’s wrath. One should honor deeds that God will approve. This is the meaning of fearing God. Then the whole world will fear to mess up with you.
When faced with defeat, some hypocrites bluntly said Islam won’t prosper hereafter, we are indeed non-believers.
Verse continues – Let not those grieve thee who rush headlong into unbelief (3:176). Not the least harm will they do to God.
Muslims were 40000 in number during Yarmuk battle. Enemy strength was 7 lakhs. But Muslims turned victors.
Hypocrites made fun of Prophet that we stay close with him, but he is unable to identify our true nature.
Verse 179 was sent. Prophet stepped on the Mimbar (pedestal in mosque) and said, “Ask whatever doubt you have till Qayamat (end of this world). I will give you answers”. Umar (rali) understood the gravity of the situation and in a supplicating gesture convinced Prophet not to be angry.