February 22, 2013

Sixteen Stitches In Caliph Umar's Garment

Weekly speech at Tableeghi Markaz, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Man is formed when two drops meet. A long history goes before this. Blood cannot be made in laboratories. Man is spread in wind, land and water before his birth.
Allah gathered all Rooh (soul) from first person to last person. This included Prophets, Auliyas and everyone else. Allah asked. Surah Ahraf, 7, verse 172 – ‘alastu birabbikum’. Am I not your Lord. ‘qaalu balaa. Shahidnaa’. Yes You are, we do testify. That day we did not have face, body or shape. Seeing and hearing are properties of Rooh. We heard and answered.
The knowledge that Prophet (sal) brought is related to this. We cannot realize it through research or rationality. People rejecting Allah are misleading others. They believe only what they can see. There is no soul in the knowledge that man emphasizes. Kabr (graveyard) can either be a chamber of hell or a garden of heaven. But if we dig, we cannot feel the heat of hell or the fragrance of heaven.
The things that Prophet revealed belong to another world. Doing Amal (good deeds) will not be easy unless we bring faith on unseen things. Imaan bil gaib. A shopkeeper will receive a customer pleasingly only if he believes he will buy something worthy. Window shoppers will not be taken seriously.
Missionary work will strengthen our faith. People believing Mushahida, things that are visible, are away from Imaan. People will be standing around when a person dies. But no one can see angels or the soul departing. Our struggle is between what we see and what we are told. Everyone on the earth are blind. Only Prophet saw angels, Shaitan and hidden things. It is not wrong to be a blind. But wallowing and persisting in blindness is wrong.
Quran starts with aleef, laam, meem. Set aside your knowledge and experiences. Then you can understand this Book. A person often coming to mosque is a Moomin. Prayer is evidence that he surrenders to God. Companions of Prophet were very average people. But they were transformed to rule the world. Once Caesar shuddered on hearing the name of Umar (rali). Abu Huraira (rali) narrates: ‘Umar was giving Kutba. I saw sixteen stitches in his dress’.
Safina was a companion of Prophet. ‘Safina’ means ship. He was once carrying the luggage of all parties in the caravan. Prophet felt happy about him and called him ‘Safina’. We should follow this guidance and help our fellow travelers.
There is a Hadees in Mishkat Shareef. Safina once got lost from the caravan. He was alone and faced a lion. He became happy that he has received Allah’s help. “I belong to Prophet’s Ummat. I am lost from my companions”. Lion showed him the way. He rejoined his companions.
Islam did not spread through political might. Prayer and fasting cannot be brought under political power. Politics will not give the power of Imaan. Go to every house and proclaim Allah’s praise.
Surah Muddashir, 74, verses 1 to 3 – ‘ya ayyuhal muddashir kum fanzir wa rabbaka fakabbir’. Praise your Lord. See the message given to Prophet. Work among men in the daytime and indulge in prayer at night. Surah Muzammil, 73, verses 1 and 2 – ‘ya ayyuhal muzammil qumillaila illa kaleelan’. Stand for prayer at night. Reaching people and proclaiming the message is only vessel. Soul in that vessel is Tahajjad prayer. Prophet used to pray Tahajjad at night.
Surah Muhammad, 47, verse 7 – ‘in tansurullaha yansurkum wa yushabbit akdaamakum’. If you aid Allah, He will aid you and plant your feet firmly. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 160 – ‘in yansurkumullahu falaa gaalibalakum’. None can overcome you if God helps you. This is Allah’s promise.

February 21, 2013

Power Will Keep Changing Hands

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Allah has disclosed the secret of life. There were two creations before Adam (alai). They were Jinns and angels. Man was made vicegerent. He was given political power. Iblis, the leader of Jinns, challenged this decision. Angels raised doubts. Angels reassessed their position, made corrections and were saved. Iblis failed to accept his mistake. He was cursed and removed from the Grace of God.
This is the secret of life. Agree completely to Allah’s plan and scheme. Otherwise you will be at loss.
Supremacy will keep changing. Someone will be enjoying authority for some years, then someone else will replace. This is not only in politics. We should comply with Allah’s scheme in every moment in life. Otherwise we will end up rebelling. One option is possible, another is impossible. Angels agreed to what is possible and succeeded. Iblis chose impossible option and failed.
Two options are given in every sphere of life, be it family life, national outlook, social activities or international problems. One is to agree with God’s plan, another is to challenge and rebel.
From 1952, governments have been rotating in Egypt. Politics will not give complete control. People coming to power seek to extend their authority. Rulers continuously created legislation unilaterally. Everyone was overwhelmed by opposition. Sixty years have passed. Farooq, Najeeb, Naser, Hosni Mubarak, Anwar Saadat, Muhammad Basheer, again new opposition has come. Everyone ascended the throne in the name of Islam and imposed laws on people.
Full control will not be given by entering politics. Fake Islam has been implemented for sixty years. Good things can be done with the limited power available. But they expect complete authority. I should get everything. This was the desire of Iblis. If he had accepted the position of Adam (alai), he would have got his chances.
Some power will be given to you, some to others. This is the model. King addressed Prophet Yusuf (alai) and told, ‘I will be supreme power. You can have other controls’. Yusuf (alai) became the minister for agriculture. Surah Yusuf, 12, verse 76. ‘deenul malik’. ‘kazayinul arl’. Political power should not flow into every domain. It should be restricted. Bible quotes Isa (alai): give to Caesar what is due to Caesar, give to God what is due to God.
Political power belongs to the ruler. Other domains are for the people. Rulers should not interfere in media, education, missionary works and industries. Government is called as ‘Administration’ in America. This is the perfect terminology.
When Prophet (sal) entered Medina along with Abubakkar (rali), people welcomed them saying, “You are our ruler”. A new kingdom blossomed in Medina and extended outwards. ‘Sayeefatul Medina’ declaration was announced. Muslims and Jews can follow their religions. Prophet will be the political head. Everyone will be given religious freedom. Claiming absolute authority is against God’s plan. This will only create conflict and tension and that will escalate up to suicide killings.
Take lessons from the revolution in Europe. Kings were supreme powers. They did not encourage scientific advancements. Scientists were murdered. People discussed and brought forward democracy. Some consider democracy as anti-Islamic. This is wrong. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 140 – ‘wa tilkal ayyaamu nudaawiluhaa bainannaas’. We bring time to men by turns.
Election should be conducted with full freedom. People should elect their rulers. Democracy is the best available solution for us. Ruler will not be given complete power in democracy. There will be restraints. This is completely in tune with God’s plan. But Muslims are opposing. Democracy is missing in Muslim nations. They have not understood it. Authoritarianism is allowed. In some nations, democracy exists only for namesake. But many groups keep waging clashes and conflicts. Some should get political power, others should be free to operate in other fields. Democracy will succeed if this is agreed. Democracy has not succeeded in Pakistan and Egypt. People are failing to understand.

February 19, 2013

Is Double Education Needed

Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Muslims do not seem to let go of two proud things. They flaunt about them in speeches and books. 1. Opposing western education 2. Pioneering scientific works.
Even in the initial days of freedom struggle, Indian Muslims staunchly opposed Western Christian dress, language, governance, music, culture and education. They were rewarded with imprisonment and loss of life and property. All scientific advancements are found mentioned in Quran. Good followers have fared as exemplary medical practitioners, administrators, judges and military commanders.
London Christians ruled the earth for three hundred years as an interlude in the vast human history. They conquered India too. British had a good life looting India's rich wealth and levying huge taxes. Indian upper class compromised with British and in turn took advantage in every field. They reared education and employment sector catering to their own needs. Luxurious life became their birth right. Their domination still continues.
Muslim community was divided between materialistic education and Akhirat education. Those coming out of religious education took refuge in religious institutions like mosques and seminaries. Eight hundred institutions in Tamilnadu impart secular education to Muslims. This includes thirty six arts colleges and eleven engineering colleges.
Some graduates coming out of common education also serve in religious preaching. In this background, religious heads also vie for degrees like M.A and Ph.D. Religious education alone won’t feed us. University degree is needed for basic necessities. They attach university degrees to their religious titles. This will spoil and ruin both the fields.
Primary objective in religious preaching is to guide humanity. It is the responsibility of a religionist to fight against drinking, murder, sexual violence, prostitution, dowry, greed and selfishness. Preaching can be made to shine through simple, stoic life, sacrifice, dedication and courage. The nation is kept slave to western Christian practices and the domination of Indian upper class higher caste people. People with the strength of soul and faith can give guidance. The movement and introduction of double experts will not benefit Muslim community.

Concerted Effort From Writers

Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Writers who can fill ten pages and post them to magazines have increased in Tamilnadu. Prophet had the quality to speak clearly and concisely. God had bestowed this special quality on him.
Reader should understand and most importantly react. Information disseminated from sixty five private news telecasts are reaching every household. Muslim readers are also audience to fifty two weekly speeches. They are privileged participants of Juma prayer. Kitaab Taaleem is given in mosques every morning.
In this situation, telling a new message, finding a new perspective or interpretation is a niche quality. Writing one page is very difficult, anything more is impossible. Only those with less affection towards business, family and money can become exemplary writers.
Interested writers can come together, discuss and develop a new magazine. A functioning magazine should not be preyed upon. Pages should not be filled casually. This is a disastrous thing. Baitul-Maal money is getting ruined. Betrayal of community’s trust will not be forgiven.
People with twenty lakh rupees worth property, house, land or goods shall allot one percent, twenty thousand rupees, for journalistic mission. Those with a monthly income of one lakh rupees can donate one percent, thousand rupees, for journalism.
Minimum annual expenditure for running a magazine is six lakh rupees. A single person should not be left to bear everything. Burden should be shared among writers and patrons. Islamic journalism cannot give revenue. There will be no gain or profit. People with the strength of penance can run magazine. Money and funds will have to rained for magazine, articles and creations. There is no other option. There are black money sharks in Muslim community. They can silently gift a considerable amount. Those bequeathed with ancestral property can donate ten percent for magazine. Only concerted effort can lift journalism. Journalism takes care of protecting unique characteristics and Shariat of Muslims, producing new writers and guarding the esteem of the community. Purity of intention and donation will protect journalism. New responsibility is awaiting writers.

February 17, 2013

Missing Guidance On Talaaq

Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Analyses on divorce and polygamy keep getting published on English and Tamil media. As usual, religious leadership do not care, analyze or react.
Healthy development of opinion is not welcome in Muslim community. One can select either rejection or complete surrender; recklessness or fake sanctity. Talaaq is casually declared. Muslim magazines publish articles on Talaaq and sexual indiscipline. Muslim religious leadership is hesitating to publish accurate, updated details. Alarm bells and sounds of haplessness are heard.
First condition in Islamic marriage is good character. Mohallas are breaking. Urbanization is sixty percent. Muslim men and women, without options, are moving out of their native in search of their needs. There are no means to check and ascertain character, to get to know or recommend personally. Fifty thousand rupees is the monthly expenditure. Women education and working has become a necessity. Share autos and crowded buses clearly show the tragedy. Glamor dress costs three thousand rupees. Pretentious covering of face is puzzling.
Muslim community is dividing into two. Religious leadership thrusting religion stands on one side. Patrons and people serving are on the other side. Marriage presided by Jamaat and Talaaq in front of Jamaat; Minimum number and competency of ‘Jamaat’ are not clear. Self-styled Jamaat, self-styled religionist, self-styled administration and practices are spreading.
Muslim population in Tamilnadu is six percent. Each Muslim is surrounded by seventeen Hindus. Practices in Hindu community are guiding Muslim community. One man-one wife, small, nuclear family, women earning are examples. Honest details on Talaaq, remarriage, widow protection should be announced in Friday speeches. Otherwise there won’t be a solution. Police is a rotting piece of flesh. One can’t get justice without spending money. Four crore cases are pending in courts. Waiting period can be twenty years.
Future of Muslim woman is caught in a difficult situation. Shariat provides a good protecting mechanism. Compulsions of life should be taken into account. Religious leadership need not bury its face in earth. Community is left without any help.

Milad For Social Development

Muslim Murasu, February 2013

The high-handedness of Wahabi, Tawheed, Islamic puritans was not so visible this year. The fervor in Milad celebrations resembled that which existed 30 years earlier. Religionists thrust apt messages through evening and night speeches spread over twelve days.
The intention of these celebrations is to strengthen the religion and establish its rituals. The speeches shall support Muslims in matters related to their food, house, employment and economic growth. Quran’s splendor and Prophet’s holiness is being lavishly praised. Contemporary comparison is necessary.
Privatization was introduced in India in 1980s. Every caste and religious group are availing the opportunity and rising to a better standard of life. Religious preacher should provide guarantee to Muslims for their honor,esteem, independence and self-respect. Speaker should not hide behind Prophet’s holiness. The tragedies in the Mohalla, his contribution and self example should come out in the speech. This is the real religious mission and propaganda. Speaker should not stand above the sky and serve stories. Imaginary explanations help none.
Muslims in Tamilnadu are divided in two categories. 1. Muslim oriented economy. 2. Life dependent on Hindu community.
One group of Muslims work for mosque or seminary, Muslim missionary organizations, Muslim commercial enterprise or Muslim educational institutions. Their owners are Muslims. Another group get paid from government offices, secular educational institutes, banks, enterprises and such establishments. Their lives are at the mercy of Hindu owners.
Twenty percent Muslims live with Muslim Rizk (sustenance). Eighty percent Muslims are dependent on Hindu Rizk. Preaching should address both the groups. An obtuse message, a make-believe, imaginary life is heard from mosques. The life that extends outside mosque, trials faced by a Muslim individual, his challenges, struggles and hardships can give lessons on reality.
Practical speeches will certainly be beneficial.

February 13, 2013

Bring Scholars On Board

Maulana Muhammad Ilyas (rah) Malfuzat compiled by Maulana Muhammad Manzoor Nuhmani (rah)
Published in Muslim Murasu, February 2013

People asking Dua (supplication) seldom understand its place. Many Muslims stay away from asking Dua. Dua is the place to put forth all our needs. We are placing our needs in a lofty platform. Words should be chosen with care. Have complete faith. We ask from the Most Merciful, the Most Bountiful. Entire world is in His control.
Our cadre going to places like Saharanpur, Deoband for Tableeg (missionary) work shall request Ulamas (scholars) there. “Our group has come for Tableeg. Your time is priceless. Allot a little of your time for us without disturbing your priorities or needs of your students”. Students should not participate without the permission of their teachers. Continuously monitor the movement of the students. Don’t harbor hatred for Ulamas if they decline to cooperate. You should understand. They spend day and night in learning and educating. They learn even during night. They have heavy loads. Perhaps we did not earn their contact and acquaintance properly. They focus on those who have been in their touch for many years. Having wrong opinion on even average Muslim can take us to ruin. Bad opinion about Ulamas is very dangerous.
Understand our principle. 1. Respcect for Muslims. 2. Honor for Ulamas. Muslims should be respected for Islam. Scholars should be honored for the knowledge of Islam. Our cadre are lagging in Ilm (knowledge) and Zikr (remembrance of God). This is a very big concern. Solution to this is to do missionary work under Ahle Ilm and Ahle Zikr. We shall benefit from their experience, knowledge and intimacy. Our workers should get trained under them. Maulana Tanwi (rah) has done a very good job. His knowledge and our method can together take the message to the people.
Don’t dwell on Ahkaam (commands) and Masaail (rules) in your speeches. Focus on three things. 1. Do good deeds to please Allah. 2. Have faith in Akhirat (afterlife). 3. Don’t make any reward that can accrue before death as target. Our works and efforts will certainly be rewarded. But that is not our target. Materialistic gains are not our objective.
Hadees. “I leave two things among you. 1. Kitabullah, Holy Book 2. Ahle Bait, my family”. We should take efforts to bring Sadaat elders into this mission. It was through them that Islam spread in earlier times. It is on them we can put our hopes in future too.

February 07, 2013

Proper Training For Prophet Moosa

Darse Quran by Maulana Muhammad Mustafa Shareef Naqshbandhi
Published in Muslim Murasu, February 2013

Surah Hud, 11, verse 96 – ‘wa lakad arsalnaa moosa bi aayaatina wa sultaanin mubeen’. We sent Moosa with clear signs and evidence.
Prophets will be the best in their societies. They will be best in appearance and character, in every aspect and activity. No stage in their lives can be subjected to criticism. Prophethood is a big position. Allah will groom them from their childhood.
Associates of Firaun warned him. “A person from Banu Israel will defeat you and your kingdom”. Surah Baqara, 2, verse 49 – ‘yuzabbihoona abnaa’akum wa yastahyoona nisa’akum’. Firaun slaughtered their sons and took the girls as slaves.
Allah protected Moosa (alai) in this situation. We should do our work. Allah will give protection and respect. We work too hard. We go to jobs and on top of it do part time as well. Man should do two things. 1. Pray 2. Work. Open shop. Allah will bring customers. Plant apple tree. You will get apples. This is a world of means and materials. Make use of them. Even Auliyas of Allah used them. Result should be left in Allah’s hands.
Moosa’s (alai) mother felt fear. ‘wa makaroo wa makarallah’. There is a rule in Quran called ‘Mushakalaa’. A word can mean different when used for Allah and mean different when used for man. Men did ‘Makar’ means they plotted and conspired evil things. Allah is most forgiving. He won’t desire destruction for His creations. Allah did ‘Makar’ means He devised a plan.
Quran translations were not available two hundred years earlier. Ummat was united at that time. There was no Devband–Barelvi conflict. When translations came, each group translated on the basis of their beliefs. Books that came before two hundred years were drenched in the love of God and Prophet. There is a six hundred page book available on the meaning of the word ‘Zanbun’. It means sin when used for men. But it should not be construed to mean sin when used for Prophets. Same word will have different meaning depending on the context.
Pyramids in Egypt are considered a world wonder. They were constructed under terrible conditions of hunger and pain by Banu Israel slaves.  They are symbols of their tortures. Firaun (Pharaoh) is a title. Seven Nizams have ruled Hyderabad. The name of the Firaun of Moosa’s time was Ramses. Roman rulers were called as Caesar. Iranian rulers were Kisra.
Don’t chide your sickness. Allah is talking through illness. Firaun never caught a sneeze or illness for many years. Man can become Firaun if he is healthy all the time. ‘ana rabbukum’. He declared, ‘I am god’. People started worshiping him. He will sit in the throne in the morning with pearls attached to this beard. It will create halo effect when sun’s rays fall on him. This had psychological effect on people. Allah was patient after all this. Firaun led his people astray along with him. Allah will send message through his Prophets before punishing a community. Moosa (alai) came to warn them.
Moosa (alai) was born. He grew in the palace. He moved out. He returned to Firaun with clear evidence and argued. Firaun denied him. Moosa faced sea on one side and Firaun’s army on the other. Panic gripped his followers. Surah Shura, 26, verse 62 – ‘inna la mudrakoon’. We will be caught. Moosa (alai) consoled them. ‘kallaa inna ma’iya rabbi sayahdeeni’. My God will guide me. Sea let them a way. Moosa (alai) and his followers escaped. Firaun drowned and died.
This took 35 years. Patience is required to see the fulfillment of God’s plans. It took 35 years for Moosa (alai). ‘Kun fayakoon’. Saying ‘Be’ is enough for Him to make anything happen. But Allah took six days to create this world. God’s plan is gradual, systematic perfection.
‘istayeenu bissabri wassalaati’. Seek help with patience and prayer. Those who got these two have got God’s word. Now missionary workers expect instant answers to their prayers. They plan in the morning and expect results by evening. They are in such hurry.
‘Sultaanun mubeen’. Clear evidence. The rod of Moosa (alai) will become snake when he throws it down. It will be so huge that its lower jaw will touch the floor while its upper jaw will touch the ceiling of Firaun’s palace.
Moosa (alai) had married Shoib’s (alai) daughter. He was traveling with his family through a forest. He saw a fire at some distance. Surah Taha, 20, verse 14 – ‘innani anallahu’. ‘Verily I am God’. Verse 17 – ‘wa maa tilka biyameenika ya moosa’. What is in your right hand. Allah conversed with Moosa (alai). The use of right hand is illustrated here. Moosa (alai) answered. Verse 18. I lean on it, I beat down fodder for my flocks and I have other uses. ‘Kaala alkihaa ya moosa’. Throw it down. It became a snake and moved. Surah Naml, 27, verse 10 – ‘walla mudbiran walam yuakkib’. Moosa (alai) was scared and started running.
Demonstration is held in the forest. Moosa (alai) had to later repeat this in Firaun’s palace. Surah Taha, verse 21 – ‘khuzhaa walaa takaf’. ‘Seize it, don’t fear’.

February 06, 2013

Illicit Love Affairs

Muslim Murasu, January 2013

Urbanization has facilitated interaction between opposite sexes. It has led to a situation of deteriorating Tamil culture, chastity and sexual discipline. The scourge of indiscriminate, inter-caste marriages should not be allowed any further. Only physical glamor takes centre stage here. Tamil films, dance moves, education system, political aggressions and excesses enable mingling and mixing of adolescent boys and girls. Not a single marriage in Tamilnadu has taken place on the basis of bride’s intellectual acuteness, spiritual strength, scientific outlook, memory power, revolutionary and reformative ideas. Love rides on the back of breast attraction, corner-of-the-eye looks, sartorial displays, physical curves and makeup tools. Future growth, education, higher post, post-graduation, perpetual seeking of knowledge, all become prey to illicit affairs. Family planning policy was introduced in Tamilnadu in the seventies. One girl child is enough. Otherwise marriage will gobble up a lot of money. It will not be possible to get them married. Love affairs started in this background. Because parents limited the number of children, they had to put up with the reckless behavior of their offspring. There was no one to monitor and control.
Globalization anchored materialistic, atheist mindset. Savor youth, beauty and adolescence. Take advantage of contraceptives. A fake family picture was painted. 45 years back, an international exhibition was organized in the capital city of Tamilnadu. Upper-class, modern fashion counter ensued. Improper dresses were first introduced to Tamilnadu. Conservative Tamil society was ravaged. Atheist politicians who came to power decimated chastity further. Cinema politics came handy. As a tragic consequence, today forty percent Tamilians are wearing obscene dresses in the name of development. Flirting with girls in private has become common. The recent love affair tragedy came with the backdrop of violent politics. Competition between Scheduled Class Tamilians and Most Backward Tamilians, their political arrogance, misuse of power were in display. Who is going to swallow Tamilnadu wholesale. That is the current debate. Reservations can lead to anarchy. The trend of stalking and chasing and loving girls going for education should be analyzed with multiple backgrounds in mind.

February 05, 2013

My Three Favorites

Weekly speech at Tableeghi Markaz, Masjide Amina, Tolichowki, Hyderabad
Published in Muslim Murasu, January 2013

Meditating about the religion for a short while is better than sixty years of Nafil prayers. Contemplate about propagating religion in the world. Saying ‘Subhanallah’ just once will earn us a reward as huge as Uhud mountain. What will be the rewards if we continuously say this for sixty years. Understanding religion is loftier than this.
Listen with intent. Mobiles can distract you. Listen with the intention to follow. A Sahabi did Hijrat (migration) from Mecca with the intention to marry a lady. Prophet said, ‘innamal a’maal binniyaat’. Rewards will be based on intention. You won’t receive proper benefits if you listen with doubts in your mind.
Shaitan will create confusion. He brought Adam down from heaven to earth. We can’t say where he can take you from here. It is essential to seek refuge with Allah all the time. Maulana Ilyas (rah) said that once a person develops doubt, it is impossible to convince him. Pay attention. It will improve the speech. Speaker and listener, both should be focused.
Prophet once asked Ubay bin Kaab. Which is the most bountiful (Barakat) verse in Quran. He replied that Allah and Prophet will know better. Prophet asked for the second time and the reply was same. Prophet insisted the third time. Ubay said ‘Ayat Kursi’. Prophet expressed his pleasure and prayed Allah to increase Ubay in knowledge. Ubay was a very good scholar. Once Prophet told him, “Allah told me to recite Quran to you”. He asked if Allah mentioned his name. Prophet affirmed. Ubay was such a blessed scholar. But he answers with humility. He did not speak out of line.
Hear about religion with respect and humility. Allah will enable you to follow it. No one now remembers the Surahs that Imam recited during Magrib. How will Allah stay in your hearts. Allah will improve you if you show involvement in following the religion. Imam recited ‘alhaakumu takassur’ in first Rakaat. Reciting this Surah before sleeping is as good as reciting thousand verses. Surah Asr was recited in the second Rakaat. The importance of missionary work, the patience that it needs and the victory that is promised is elucidated in this Surah.
A knee surgery can cost you fifteen lakh rupees. Realize the blessings bestowed on you. Surah Ibrahim, 14, verse 34 – ‘in tauddoo ni’matallahi laa tuhsoohaa’. You cannot count Allah’s blessings. Surah Ibrahim, verse 7 – ‘la in shakartum la azeedannakum’. You will be granted more if you are grateful.
Natural calamities ravage even the most developed countries. They couldn’t stop them. Once a forest fire spread and came close to Medina during the rule of Umar (rali). Umar called a companion and asked him to put this fire back into forest. He treated this fire like cattle and herded it back into forest. We are not even prepared to believe in such things. Sahabas saw Prophet in person. But we have been given the same Quran. We have to follow it. We don’t have another option.
Imaan of grain-size can fetch us paradise that is ten times this world. If we go after this material world, fear and respect for Islam will go away from the hearts of the people. Barakat of Wahi will stop if we don’t preach goodness and forbid evil. If you chide among yourselves, you will fall in the sight of Allah. Those who don’t desire afterlife will be disgraced in this world. Surah Bani Israel, 17, verse 19 – ‘man araadal aakhira’. Desire afterlife.
Tallest, largest, biggest buildings are being constructed in Dubai. Muslim money is being lavishly spent for food, dress and luxurious houses. Umar (rali) gave warning. “Allah will disgrace those who seek respect through dress. Make clear note of this”.
Prophet listed the things that he liked the most as
1.    Good fragrance
2.    His wives
3.    Namaz
There is a huge difference between what we wish and the wishes of Prophet. He used to pray until his legs get swollen. A Sahabi was once praying and he started seeing paradise and fruits in it. He nearly reached for them before remembering that he is in Namaz. He narrated this incident to Prophet. Prophet told that he would have got fruit from paradise had he gone for it.
Abubakkar told his wishlist. 1. Seeing Prophet. 2. Giving his daughters in marriage to Prophet 3. Spending in the cause of Prophet. Abubakkar was ready to spend everything, all his money and all his belongings. We are using words like ‘Mashwara’ and ‘Insha Allah’ and finding ways out.
Umar (rali) listed his wishes. 1. Preaching goodness 2. Forbidding evil 3. Wearing old dress.
Allah has raised us for missionary work. Surah Ala Imran, 3, verse 104 – ‘yadwoona ilal khairi wa ya’maroona bil ma’roof wayanhawna anil munkari’. Let there be a group who propagates goodness and stop evil. ‘ulaaika humul muflihoon’. They will succeed.
A horse was being sold for 800 Dirham. The servant haggled and brought the price down to 300 Dirham. It was fag end of the day and the horse was last one. Sahabi saw the horse before buying. He inquired the reason why it is being sold very cheap. The seller explained the situation. Sahabi gave him 800 Dirham. The servant was surprised. Sahabi explained. “I had promised in the hand of Prophet that I will always wish good for this Ummat till my last breath. “

February 01, 2013

Let Us Seek Opportunities In Education, Commerce And Media

Maulana Wahiduddin Khan speech
Published in Muslim Murasu, January 2013

Quran, Hadees and history gives us a message. Twenty first century is an era of peace.
Bal Tackarey was an admirer of Hitler. They share same ideology. Hitler passed away at 56, Bal Tackerey at 86. Hitler sought to rule entire Europe. Israel has smashed Hamas headquarter. Both news items appeared on the same day on newspaper, thanks to media frenzy. Hamas leaders were popular for their lengthy speeches. But they couldn’t achieve.
A trend was set in motion after the second world war. Nothing can be achieved through battle. Japan premiere and Hitler tried to rule and scare the world through aggression. They met abject failure. They later realized. Germany and Japan pooled all their attention towards industrial development. Germany now fares as number one in Europe and Japan is topper among Asian countries. Communist came to power in Russia in 1917. Later they disintegrated. Hitler told three things can get victory: weapons, weapons and weapons. He acquired weapons but couldn’t win. America is a super power. George Bush Senior waged war on Iraq. It was called star war. Bombs were rained on Iraq. 5 trillion dollars, 250 lakh crore rupees was spent. Nothing was achieved. America is now a weak economy. Slogans were raised in Egypt to bring back the era of Sultan Salahuddin. Results were disastrous. 12 trillion dollars, 600 lakh crore rupees has been spent in vain in Israel Palestine conflict. Neither achieved anything. Palestine is now a failed state and Israel an insecure state.
Today, achievements can be made through peaceful means. There is a Saheeh Hadees narrated in Muslim. Prophet said, “A time will come, when you won’t use weapons. You will say ‘la ilaha illallahu allahu akbar’. Walls of castles will come down and you will enter”. Prophet explains the strength of ideology in this Hadees. Swords were the only source of power and authority during the time of Prophet. Such trend should be brought to an end. Surah Anfal, 8, verse 39 – ‘wa kaatiloohum hatta laa takoona fitnatun wa yakoona deenu kulluhu lillahi’. Overcome chaos and bring warfare to end. Only principle, ideology and creed should dominate. Politics should not be mixed in this. Political power won’t be needed once we have opportunities in education, commerce and media.
We have religious freedom. Earlier agriculture was the only occupation and income. Now thousands of employment opportunities are open. Economy has been delinked from agriculture and power has  been isolated from politics. Opportunities are important, not power. We can open schools and seminaries and develop.
A Christian seminar was arranged in Goa. Maulana Abdullah Kasimi distributed copies of Quran translation to the attendees. A lady called from Pune after some twenty days. “I now realize God”. Quran will give clarity.