November 26, 2012

Showing Pity For Ignorance

Maulana Muhammad Ilyas (rah) Malfuzat compiled by Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nuhmani (rah)
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2012

The main objective of our missionary work is to get relieved from Tagoot (evil) forces and turn back to Allah. This cannot happen without sacrifice. There are two sacrifices for the religion, one is related to life and another related to wealth.
To come out of house or nation and traveling to preach Kalima (God’s word) belongs to first type. Owning the expenses for this travel and sponsoring for others belong to second type. If we pay for another missionary worker, we will get full reward for it. ‘addaalu alal khairi kafaayili’. Those who travel on our behalf are helping us. We should consider leaders, field workers, hard workers as our benefactors. This is the correct religious perspective.
Ilm (knowledge) and Zikr (remembrance) are important. There is no good deed without knowledge and no Marifat without deeds. Knowledge devoid of remembrance of God is only gloom. It won’t have luminance. We witness lacunae and weakness in our mission on this front. Religious scholars should give importance to this mission and join us widely. This mission will benefit from the participation of scholars. We should invite Ahle Ilm (scholars) and Ahle Zikr (hermits) to join our mission.
Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi has written a letter. He explains that there are only two types of Muslims: 1. He travels in the cause of Allah 2. He sponsors and helps those who travel in Allah’s cause. There is no third type of Muslims.
This illustrates his good understanding. To encourage and exhort also is one way of helping missionary workers. If because of our effort, Quran Dars is organized, we will get full reward for it. It is important to explain these nuances to field workers. This is the essence of preaching.
We have to learn from learned people and take the message to people of lower rank. Ignorant, unlearned people are our helpers. When their Kalima becomes complete, our Kalima also will become complete. Bringing perfection in their prayers will make our prayers perfect.
‘manlaa yarham laa yurham irhumu manfil aril yarhamkum manfissamaayi’.
We feel pity when we see Muslims hungry, poor or ill. We don’t feel pity when we see them ignorant about religion. We are concerned about material loss, we ignore greater spiritual loss. Allah will not show mercy on us if this is our attitude. The cornerstone of our mission is having mercy for lack of awareness about religion. Let us continue our mission with sympathy. Otherwise we may feel proud and arrogant.

November 23, 2012

Journey To Political Power

Muslim Murasu, November 2012

Muslims have played a pivotal role in the past 65 years of political history of Tamilnadu. When EVR Periyar’s mission faced severe troubles, obstacles and insult during 1955 timeframe, Muslims offered their support. They spent all their resources including money, efforts, influence and time and backed Periyar. Main reason was Periyar’s reformative ideas.
When DMK transformed into a political force, Muslims came to field to defeat economically strong and socially well-respected Congress giant party. Muslims coordinated devout Brahmin Rajaji and atheists to form a seven party alliance. But selfishness reared its head high within two years of coming to power. Poor politicians started extracting money and getting bribes in the garb of ward secretary, regional or district leader.
Tamilnadu politics became victim to fight between two individuals. Wakf lands were completely encroached by Dravidian, Tamil fanatics. Kabrastan (graveyard) were converted for government offices and slum rehabilitation colonies. As a reaction, Muslims had to go back to support Congress during emergency period of 1975-77.
Muslims lost political strength and were subjected to poverty. They were completely ignored during the rule of Honorable MGR. Arab employment gave timely help. 50000 crore rupees of foreign income brought prosperity to even villages and hamlets in Tamilnadu. Muslim families in significant chunk came out of poverty. New colleges, movements, media activities and religious institutions were raised. Now mosques are getting enhanced with air-conditioners. Muslim community is producing students of international caliber for Tamilnadu.
Muslims have not lagged in educational growth, economic strength or religious fundamentals. Now only one thing is missing – political power.
Muslims are now gearing up to win political command. Field workers are helping them with intellectual doses. Muslims in Tamilnadu have remained voters for 65 years and seen enough of cultural vandals, paupers, illiterates, hapless, street actors and rowdies becoming politicians and gaining influence. Now their journey towards political power is certain, inevitable. Tamilnadu will pave way.

Trichy As Capital

Muslim Murasu, November 2012

25000 was Chennai population in its initial days. Today it reaches one crore. Tamilnadu stretches 750 km to the south of Chennai. Chennai got a new life in 1640 when St George Fort became power center. A city of 178 sq km is congested to suffocating limits with population density of 30000. Trichy district is spread over 4400 sq km with population density of 600. It has perennial rivers Cauvery and Kollidam and numerous tributaries and canals. Trichy population is 30 lakh currently, equal to that of Kuwait. 85 percent are educated. It is a peaceful region.
Trichy Uraiyur was capital of Chola dynasty even 2300 years earlier. Kalappirar, Pallavar, Pandiyar, Nayakkar, Nawab, British, each have fought for the wealth and domination of Trichy. Trichy district was formed in 1801. River Coovum and Buckingham canal in Chennai were once sources of good water. Now they are in utter ruins. Chennai city was formed after decimating 150 lakes.
Chennai city cannot hold any new population inflow. Public hygiene, road conditions, rainwater drainage, drinking water facility, sewage are in tatters. Political demons should show at least little mercy on people of Chennai.
Trichy should be transformed urgently as capital of Tamilnadu. Honorable MGR announced the scheme. Political rivals opposed it saying it will cost 700 crore rupees. Compare this with 750 crore rupees wasted only for Veeranam drinking water project.
River Cauvery is supplying drinking water to eight districts. When Trichy becomes capital, prosperity will spread in its surrounding districts Perambalur, Karoor, Tanjavur, Pudukottai, Dindugal, Viluppuram. Political power will diffuse.
Chennai is restricted with ocean to its east and Andhra to its north. Real estate scandal reaches tragic levels. One square feet costs 4000 rupees. Politicians and middlemen should not be continually allowed to plunder Chennai. Multinational capitalists from Secundrabad, Sri Perumbudur and Old Mahabalipuram gave it new shape. Only government nod is required. Trichy can transform and glow like New Delhi within few months. Chennai residents will feel relieved.

November 18, 2012

Chaotic Language Policy

Muslim Murasu, November 2012

For the past fifty years, Tamilnadu has been facing dilemma in framing a language policy.
Policy of single language, bilingual policy, trilingual policy; politicians have been whimsical, taking for granted the future of students. It is sufficient to gather 120 MLAs, any legislative shift is possible. Those who retained their constituency with hundred votes margin, electoral rigging, money for vote, caste votes, uncompetitive rival, criminal background are trampling welfare of Tamilians. Rajaji introduced Hindi in Tamilnadu schools in 1937. After 75 years, still there is no clarity in language policy. Offspring of rulers should be compulsorily admitted in government schools. Otherwise solution won't emerge.
Different rule for rulers and plebeian is in practice in educational sector. Educated and illiterate have equal franchise. But educational rights are denied. Competitive, Christian, upper-caste, English convents are balkanizing the nation. Children studying in public schools don’t receive social status.
In 1986, Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi ruled to open exemplary Navodaya school in each district. Selfish Tamil politicians opposed the move. They spent huge funds to secure a good future for their wards. They push public towards government run schools. It shows their duplicity. Courts have thrust their share by giving judgments every other month. Learning multiple languages is the need of the hour. Education is one thing, language proficiency is another.
English educated are great. Their qualities are good. Pants, shirts and shoes will pave way for handsome salary. They won’t have to go in sun or rain. They don’t have to sweat. They can enjoy luxurious life generation after generation. This notion created by English speaking elites is perilous.
Tamilians are not provided opportunity to learn Arabic, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, neighboring languages Malayalam, Telugu or Kannada. Let us remember the three lakh crore rupees foreign income gifted by Arab soil. Expertise in Urdu can defuse tension between India and Pakistan. One lakh crore expenditure for army annually can be saved. Tamil politicians use language passion for their own selfish, party agenda. Privatization is government policy. It applies for language too.

November 17, 2012

Missionary Work Will Certainly Yield Result

Weekly speech at Tableeghi Markaz, Masjide Amina, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2012

Allah has given mankind the best place of all creations. Reason is that man is capable of best realization of God. Other creations are ordained and hardwired to praise God.
Surah Noor, 24, verse 41 – ‘ qullun qad alima salaatahu watasbeehahu’. Every being knows to worship and praise God.  Animals, vegetation, birds, each one praises Allah. This is ordained. Man is commanded but not forced. He is given choice.
Other creations are led naturally. Man is advised about good and bad ways. He has to struggle. He takes pain. His reward is exalted position. He has to overcome evil situation, Shaitan and his own self to attain the path of righteousness. Angels carry out what they are told. Surah Nahl, 16, verse 50. ‘yafaluna maayahmaroon’. They carry out commands.
Man has to toil for each good deed. That makes him ‘Ashraful maqlooqat’, best of creations. He is related to the entire world. Every man on earth is connected to the whole world.
Surah Room, 30, verse 41 – ‘zaharal fasaadu fil barri wal bahri bimaa kasabat aidinnaas’. Mischief spread in land and ocean out of what men earned.
Allah says the world will bear the consequences of your actions. ‘kasabat’ here refers to evil deeds. Some people argue that what they do is their business, others have nothing to lose. This argument is wrong. Everyone on earth will experience the consequence.
Every word a man utters and every action he does will bring benefit or ruin. Light will emanate from good actions and darkness will spread from evil deeds. Your single mistake can put whole world in trouble. Entire world will benefit when you do good. A Hadees says that earth and sky will cry when a good person dies. They will realize that a door of mercy is now closed and pray for his forgiveness. They will rejoice when an evil person dies.
Allah’s judgments are descending on earth according to the deeds of mankind. Prophet witnessed this during Mehraj. Allah is kind and merciful. But rain is stalled and drought prevails. This is also part of God’s mercy. Verse 41 continues – ‘li yuzikahum bahlallazi amilu la allahum yarjiun’. ‘we make them taste some of their deeds in order that they may turn back from evil’.
These consequences are only a fraction of what men have done. Remaining full punishment will be served in hell. If Allah sends down the full judgment, not even a single species can escape. This world runs from God’s mercy. Nothing can survive if God sends His judgment. Situation in society is in complete contravention to religion. Yet Allah conducts the world. This is a small world. Full penalty can’t be given here. Only a fraction is given here. Men should mend their ways. Every person has his share of worries and troubles. His deeds earned them for him. But he pursues solutions with materialistic mindset. If he acts wrongly, he will have to suffer the consequences in his life. Good actions will make him succeed. A doctor cannot be certain of his medication. Allah’s rules are certain. Introspect when you face trouble. Evaluate if you have done anything wrong. That is the guideline to be best creation.
Surah Furqan, 25, verse 44 – ‘inhum illa kalanaam balhum azallu sabeela’. They are like cattle, worse than them. They are far astray. They can’t be called lofty creations. They are worse than animals. Honor will remain only when good deeds are done.
Prophet says, ‘khairunnaasi man yanfaunnaas’. ‘Best among men are those who do good to them’. Allah says you have been raised for the sake of humanity, not for your personal needs. ‘khaira ummati’. Your job is to work constructively for the goodness and well-being of humanity. You may feed hungry people, clothe naked ones and build houses for destitute. Best of all help is ‘tahmaroona bil ma’roof wa tanhauna anil munkar’. ‘enjoin goodness and forbid evil’.
To teach a man to live like man and regard needs of others is a huge favor. Good person is who helps, assists. The results will be permanent. This is a perpetual need.
The sole reason for your creation is to work and preach righteousness. If water comes from a single faucet in a Hauz (tank), it will spread in the entire tank. Sometimes our efforts and preaching may appear like not bearing any fruit or result in the place we work. But goodness will emerge somewhere remote. If a speech is arranged here, it will change someone’s heart. Result will spring from a different Mohalla. Don’t worry about the result. Result is certain. Don’t lose hope. Good changes will come. No effort will go in vain. Daawath (missionary work) is a duty. It is a Farz like prayer. Surah Ahraaf, 7, verse 164. We have delivered the message and discharged our duty. Repeated preaching may bring change in their hearts. Daawath was not mandatory during Moosa (alai) period. It was only a moral duty. In our Ummat, it is moral as well as statutory duty. ‘qaalu mahziratan ilaa rabbikum wala allahum yattakun’. Saturday fishing incident in Bani Israel holds lesson for us.

November 15, 2012

Humiliating Agreement Signed By Prophet

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2012

Intellectual awakening will start once conflicts come to an end. Inhabitants of Mecca were steeped in negative, hateful, violent thoughts. Hudaibiya agreement was unilateral, lopsided. Prophet ratified it. Mecca became Islamised within two years. War attitude was an impediment to thought process of people of Mecca. Companions of Prophet despised this agreement. They did not understand its nature. They were irritated for being stopped and returned without fulfilling Umra. On the outward, this appeared as victory for unbelievers.
When two groups are clashing, establish peace at any cost. Preaching will work only in peaceful situation. People will listen to goodness.
Umar (rali) asked Prophet not to ratify the agreement, it means to humiliate us. Surah 48, Fath, verse 1 – ‘inna fatahna laka fathan mubin’. ‘We have given you a clear victoy’.
Sahabas were feeling ashamed of this agreement humiliating Muslims. It was in this backdrop, above verse was sent. Natural law came into play. Under peaceful circumstance, people with better ideology will succeed. Unbelievers had no principle or creed, they only had idol worship. Prophet preached oneness of God. When truce was established, people of Mecca started to reason. They evaluated whether oneness of God is acceptable or idol worship is still agreeable. People who spewed hatred now thought with cool head. This Quran verse explained this natural course of events.
Today, Muslims are encouraging wars and conflicts. They are directly indulging or offering clandestine help. No one hates suicide bombing culture with outright honesty. America, Israel, BJP, RSS, they want to blame one or the other.
Muslims did not grasp Quranic ideology. They lost their strength. Quran can win over hearts and bring humility. Even mighty rulers will accept. Bombings should not be justified. All Muslims are not terrorists. But they have abandoned caring for humanity. They have lost intellect.
Two Muslims were fighting when Lailatul Qadr was about to be announced. Lailatul Qadr announcement got impaired. Gun culture among Muslims today is ravaging their knowledge. Intelligent people will say – throw all weapons in ocean and come, let us go and preach Quran.
During the period of Sahabas, they had to memorize Quran and go in person to preach it. Now it has been simplified through video, CD, books and internet. Quran is nature’s voice. Quran is veritable power. It will overpower humanity.
Current protests are not Islamic. Come forward to implement Quranic life. Abolish bomb culture and bring forward missionary culture. The time when Moomins (believers) were feared is long gone. Now what is remaining is only Muslim crowd. The believer that Prophet pictured will be tolerant, devoid of vengeance; he will open doors of knowledge and wisdom and cultivate constructive ideas. ‘ittaku firasattul moomin fa innahu yaraa bi noorillah’. ‘Fear the vision of believer, he sees with Allah’s light’. He will be a new person. He will follow Allah’s commands and gain His Maarifat.
Current Muslim crowd will either fight or root for conflicts. They believe in the strength of weapons than in the strength of Quran. I saw a poster asking people to read and learn Arabic. Important thing is to get common sense. First acquire knowledge and wisdom. Everyone in Arab nations knows Arabic. But they are caught in fight for 65 years. They are ruining peace. Three important battles were waged in the time of Prophet – Badr, Uhud and Hunain. They lasted for half a day each. It will start in the afternoon and will be over by evening. Sixty five year conflict cannot be called Jihad. They are squealing about Jihad related Hadees.
Quran says that believers will have upper hand. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 139 – ‘antumul a’launa in kuntum mumineen’. But now believers are continually losing. Reasoning won’t exist amid unrest.

November 14, 2012

Lesson From The Demise Of Rabbani Abdul Quddoos

Muslim Murasu, November 2012

One should get mentally prepared for death after reaching sixty three. God is very fond of Prophet. He is fountain of goodness, yet it is important to accept the need to vacate the place from earth. No one can escape death. Death will conquer. Time and age remain undisclosed.
It is a huge fortune for a cadre to get close to leader in a democratic political party. After gradual advancement and submitting oneself to the goals of the organization, a cadre can evolve as personal assistant for his leader.
Leader is different. No one will respect us as leader. A loyal follower skillfully handles burden, grief, routine tasks and functions of the leader. He shouldn’t show any reflex to different moods, countenance, appreciation, irritation or rejection that he may encounter. He should not take crown on his head either.
Leader props an organization and assistant props the leader. His responsibilities and talent match with the leader. An ill-intentioned assistant will ruin the organization and the leader. He will alienate approaching people and cause disconnection with public.
He should know to handle black sheep. It is not wrong to be deceptive to hypocrites.
Activities in an organization are confidential. It is impossible to become MP without spending twenty crore rupees. An organization cannot be run without crores and crores of rupees of black money. The person accompanying and shadowing the leader will not reveal economic strength and weakness to outsiders. Absolute silence is required about how the money and post came and how they disappeared. Silence and smile should suffice.
His service may be acknowledged and a big cabin may be given. When the scenes change, treatment can be different, adverse. A person devoted to nation, community, God and immersed in public life should maintain balance and composure. He should neither be overwhelmed nor despair.
Only good things shall be said of a deceased person. This is religious guideline.
Rabbani Abdul Quddoos is a candidate for heaven. His death holds numerous lessons for cadres and leaders alike. A person despising death will commit grave mistakes. A person accepting death will be satisfied in people interaction. Let us rededicate ourselves to the interest and wellbeing of every life form. We will be blessed with the friendship of Rabbani Abdul Quddoos.

November 12, 2012

Allah Does Not Lose Anything

Syed Muhammad Raza'ul Haq Aleemi Shah Aamiri speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2012

Is the servant taking his worship seriously or offering them casually. Is he worshiping to feel proud or to earn God’s pleasure. Allah observes all.
Many people worship only to be seen as pious people. Some people seek to impress others and thereby take some gains. Purity of intention is essential. Allah observes intentions. Allah’s displeasure is worse than death. Dying with Allah’s pleasure is better than life.
Some people worship God in the desire for heaven and out of fear of hell.
I am thirsty and ask for water. I need it. Allah needs nothing. He has no need for even worship by Prophets or best of sages. Ibadath is only to please God. Allah gains nothing from it. Allah will not lose anything if we earn His hatred. Man’s hatred is different, Allah’s hatred is different. If I earn a person’s hatred, it is because I have harmed him in some way. But Allah incurs no loss. Allah’s hatred causes Him no loss. We can’t understand Allah’s attributes. We use common words, but there is a world of difference between attributes of Allah and man.
Surah Tahreem, 66, verse 6 – ‘ya ayyuhallazina aamanu ku anfusakum wa ahlikum naaran wakuduhannaasu wal hijara’. Protect your families from fire. Allah has instructed us to fear the fire in hell. There is no wrong in worshiping God out of fear of hell.
Understand clearly. There is no point in shouting ‘wah, wah’ and appreciating my speech. Why are you appreciating? This is not fish market. You don’t have to shout like in market.
If a person worships Allah desiring heaven and fearing hell, Allah is pleased with him. That person has Ikhlaas (purity of purpose). But this purity is of lower level. ‘Taleem’ is to explain these various levels. ‘Taleem’ means to explain human potential.
Understand the religion clearly. See with respect the people who explain and attempt to make you understand about religion. This is a huge mercy. It is all right to fell excited from speech and dance, but first understand what is being said.
A Sufi poet Shah Kamaal narrates a phenomenon. Arabs used to travel on camels. Camels used to get tried and become sloppy after some time. Arabs will sing songs to motivate them. Camels will sway to the tune and increase its pace. Exult when Prophet’s praise is sung.
Worshiping for heaven or hell belongs to lower level. Worshiping purely to please God is loftier. Heaven and hell are immaterial for them.
‘wamaa nursalil mursaleena illa mubashireena wa munzireen’. Allah has sent Prophets to say good news and to warn.
Prophet will explain both Jamaal and Jalaal attributes. They will explain God’s mercy and retribution in equal measure. Allah is merciful and full of bounty. Harping only on this is against Islam. It runs counter to the message of the religion. It will earn Allah’s anger and is detrimental to the society. It is inappropriate to focus only on ‘Rahmat’ attribute. People produced out of such school of thought will make fun of Shariat and will not practice prayer or observe fasting.
Let us understand Rahman and Raheem as well as Kahhaar and Muntaqim. Allah will reward good ones and destroy evil ones. Each Prophet will explain both the qualities. People should be attracted towards religion by preaching about Rahman quality. Religion should appear easy for them and they should be motivated towards good deeds and following Islam. This is first step. When laxity is seen in their deeds, Allah’s punishment should be explained. A mother will be kind and loving to her kids. She will rebuke them if they do wrong but she won’t put them in fire in any case. Allah will throw people in fire. Mother’s kindness and Allah’s kindness are not the same. Allah created mother. ‘Kahhariyat’, extreme anger, is one of Allah’s attributes. A mother cannot show same level of anger. Understand the truth in religion as it is. Otherwise you will jeopardize your Akhirat, afterlife. You may think that you have learned religion from a very good guide. Misdeeds will be met with severe punishment. Allah is capable of punishing. Allah has not only created heaven, He has created hell as well. Just Rahman, Raheem qualities do not constitute entirety of Sunnat Jamaat principle. Mercy alone is not our creed. Faith alone is inadequate. Deeds are indispensable.
Majority of people in the society don’t follow religion. They will face Allah’s punishment. At any point in human history, only a minority has followed God’s religion.

November 08, 2012

Direct Contact With God

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, November 2012

Surah 10, Yunus, last Rukoo, verse 104; Allah addresses every human being, ‘Ya ayyuhannaas’. Christians, Jews or idolaters cannot say that they did not receive the message. This applies to every human being coming till the last day. Allah will use affectionate words ‘Ya ayyuhallazina aamanu’ when He explains any Shariat related matter. ‘Ya ayyuhannaas’ will be used to address everyone while explaining Tawheed or core principle. I use to tell Quran verses while discussing with other educationists. They will express their pleasure and surprise and ask if Quran deals with such things.
But Shaitan hinders men from approaching Quran. Even Muslims mostly don’t read Quran. Seeing Quran will earn good rewards. Reading it will create light and brilliance in heart. My Hazrat often used to say, “Angels will do Tawaaf (circumambulate) around your grave like they do in Kaaba. Keep reading Quran regularly”. Such honor will be given after death. Benefits are even more while alive. The day, month, Prophet, angel, Ummat on which Quran descended are exalted than other days, months, Prophets, angels and Ummats. Connection with Quran brings such exalted status. Atleast quarter Para of Quran should be read everyday after Fajr prayer. This is a duty on you towards Quran.
Verse 104 continues – ‘in kuntum fi shakkin min deeni falaa ahbudullazina tahbuduna min doonillah’. ‘If you are in doubt as to my religion, I don't worship what you worship other than God’.
People of other religions worship everything. They will go on pilgrimage and offer sacrifices. But they won’t worship God. Principle of Islam is that every activity including sacrifice, prayer, life and death are only for God. Surah 6, Anaam, verse 162 – ‘qul inna salaati wanusuki wamahyaya wamamaati lillahi rabbil alameen’.
Even during joyous Eid celebrations, we start with offering prayer to God and thanking Him for granting us the opportunity to fast. Every activity of Muslims is directly attached to God. Going to a Allahwala (saint) is to make it easy. He can teach you in ten minutes what otherwise you may take ten years to learn. A candle will kindle another candle. You can cover the distance on your own but it may take long and hard efforts.
Rasoolullah’s Waseela is enough to approach Allah. A Murshid or Peer (spiritual guide) is enough to reach Prophet. Those who have already seen Shaitan’s ploys, and having experience and knowledge of destination and journey will be helpful to you. “Praise me, prostrate before me, give me donations”. Selfish person cannot be Peer. His job is to lead followers to God. His job ends there.
We prostrate before Allah. One who does not surrender to God will have to surrender to everyone else. Prophet says that Allah will raise the person who surrenders to Him. Beard, skullcap, Kurta, simple dress will give humble appearance. Expensive Sherwani should not be worn as a show of pride. Climate conditions are different in Russia. We can’t wear these dresses there. Islam does not specify or endorse a particular dress. There are three requirements prescribed; conceal and cover body parts, protect from weather and look nice. Scanty, tight, revealing dresses are bad. They should be avoided.
Verse 104 continues – ‘walaakin ahbudullahallazi yatawaffakum’. ‘I worship God who will cause you death’. Science has brought many things under control. Death still remains elusive. No drug has been invented to prevent it. Funds are being spent in America to give life to dead people. These researches have not benefited and will not benefit. Allah has retained some activities in His direct control.
Death can shatter man’s disbelief in God. It humbles him. Prophet said to remember death often, because it will shatter your desires and greed. It is not suggested to recite, ‘death, death’. What is important is to bring those scenes before your eyes. Your body is being washed, people are standing around and witnessing, Sandooq (coffin) is ready. The thought of death will control impulses. A Sufi showed a graveyard and said this is the habitation here. More people are assembling and rushing towards here. This is the place with maximum population density.
Read Malfuzat (conversations) by saints. Readership is dwindling. It is important to read Prophet’s life and history of Auliyas. Interest to find and read good books is not there. This the reason adverse ideas and philosophies are spreading.
Verse continues – ‘wa umirtu an akuna minal mumineen’. ‘I have been commanded to be one of the believers’. ‘wa an akim wajhaka liddeeni hanifa’. ‘Set your face towards religion with true piety’. ‘walaa takunanna minal mushrikeen’. ‘and never become one of the unbelievers’. It is addressed to Prophet but message is to full Ummat. ‘walaa tadwu mindoonillahi maalaa yanfauka walaa yazurruka’. ‘Nor call on any other than God, such will neither profit you nor hurt you’. Call Allah, pledge allegiance only to Him and ask only His help. Some people are using the word ‘Shirk’ indiscriminately. Ask only Allah. Take Rasoolullah and Auliya as Waseela. But don’t ask directly to Rasoolullah or Auliya.
‘fain faalta fainnaka izan minazzaalimeen’. People asking others are unjust. Idolaters had separate idols for everything like rain, prosperity in business, education etc. They will go to Allah only for important things.
Every demand should be submitted to Allah alone. You may get tired of asking. Allah won’t get tired of giving. Allah dislikes those who don’t ask Him. He is pleased with those who plead to him. You will have to run here and there for help if you don’t ask Allah’s help. It is arrogance not to ask Allah’s help. You have succeeded if you pray to Allah. Allah will create means and situations if you pray. ‘wain yamsaskallahu bizurrin falaa kaashifa lahu illa huwa’. No one can stop a loss if Allah desires so. No Musibat (trouble) comes without Allah’s command. ‘Musibat’ means that which arrives. Return to Allah for all your troubles. ‘wain yuridka bikairin falaa raadda lifazlihi’. No one can stop Allah’s favor when He desires. ‘yusibu bihi manyashau min ibadihi wahuwal gafooru raheem’. Allah gives to whoever He pleases. ‘qul ya ayyuhannaas kadjaakumul haq’. Truth has come to you. Truth here refers to Rasoolullah, Quran and Islam.

November 05, 2012

Stay Away From The Way

Muslim Murasu, November 2012

People who have stayed abroad for long cannot learn local problems and their intricacies. Foreign currency has been the main reason behind the ideological divide among Tamil Muslims. Rational, reasonable thinking should be to prioritize and privilege the local people who have stayed, survived and served the society for long. It cannot be denied that Arab petro income contributed in alleviating poverty in Mohalla. But money alone is not adequate for social, religious growth. Those who found riches recently are dividing the society with aplomb. Islamic movement, Muslim political party, literary world, religious scholars, spiritual organization; Arab money has created a culture of obedience to none. Riches acquired over the past thirty years can be spent for the development of Mohalla. But declaring themselves as leaders is inappropriate. This stance should be relegated. Those who traveled abroad in search of money have distanced themselves from the interest of home, family, Mohalla, Jamath, district, state and nation.
Religious, educational and social activities, trends should not be left in their hostage. This will give raise to unnecessary arrogance, tyranny and domination in Mohalla. Order and discipline will be ravaged. Outward growth in reality will be decay from within. Mixing and mingling with native born and grown people and every second, minute, day, week, month spent in their company will impart right perspective and healthy experience. New rich men should leave some space.
New issues, problems faced by Tamil Muslim society in the past thirty, forty years can be easily solved. Five star Islam, extravagant Islam, ostentatious Islam, foreign income Islam can never help Mohalla’s development. It will earn hatred of surrounding Hindu community. Its cruel impacts are already being felt in political sphere. World is shrinking as a village. But adamant Arab petro dollar import has battered and decimated traditional, virtuous Mohallas. Every field worker should analyze this situation seriously.