What festivals do Islam celebrate?
WORSHIP AND FESTIVALS IN ISLAM
Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi
English rendered by Mansoor Durrani
CONTENTS
1. SHAB-E-BAR' AT (English Version of Urdu Shab-e-Bar'at)
2. FASTING AND SELF-RESTRAINT (English version of Urdu Roza Aur
Zabt-e-Nafs)
3. EID-UL-FITR FOR WHOM? (English version of Urdu Eid-ul-Fitr Kis
Ke Liye)
4. EID-UL-AZHA (English version of Urdu Eid-e-Qurban)
5. MEELAD-UN-NABI (English version of Urdu Meelad-un-Nabi)
FOREWORD
In the
name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
Maulana Sayyid Abul A'la Maududi was an outstanding Islamic
scholar; a proficient speaker; an accomplished author; a thinker par
excellence. He illuminated the Twentieth Century by his endeavors of reviving
Islamic way of life in the Muslim society. He laid the foundation of an Islamic
movement which is known in the sub-continent as Jamaat-e-lslami.
Maulana Maududi realized that a true Islamic society cannot come
into existence unless the basic concepts of Muslims, with regard to Islam are
clarified.
He chose to educate Muslims from scratch and authored dozens of
books which helped in attaining this goal. He noticed that because Muslims, in
this part of the world, are living with a huge population of non-Muslim
compatriots, they have been influenced, consciously or unconsciously, by their
culture and civilization.
Islam is a deen which preaches Monotheism, and based on this faith
attempts to build a society which retains exclusivity in every sphere of life.
The philosophy of Islamic ibadah is different and the theory of Islamic
festival is distinct. Maulana Maududi illustrated the true spirit of Ramazan.
He presented the real objective behind the only Islamic festivals namely;
Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ui-Azha. He also laid thread bare the significance of the
other two supposedly Islamic festivals namely; Shab-e-Bar'at and
Eid-e-Meeland- un-Nabee.
Essentially, he presented lectures on each of these subjects which
were subsequently printed in Urdu, in the form of small separate booklets. Now
the publishers decided to bring a combined edition so that readers can take a
holistic view on not only the philosophy of Islamic festivals but also fasting
of Ramazan.
It is a great honor for me to translate these booklets into
English. I am convinced that the spirit and charisma that is present in
Maulana's own language, could not be translated. I still felt it important to
bring forth the true picture of these subjects before the English educated
masses.
I am also aware my constraints that are reflected in the
translati1on, but I have sincerely and honestly attempted to do this in
anticipation of a reward in the Hereafter. May Allah accept this meagre effort
and reward me as I desire. It goes without saying that all deficiencies in this
effort should be solely attributed to the translator.
Mansoor Durrani New Delhi December 30, 1998
1. SHAB-E-BAR'AT
Shab-e-bar'at is generally considered a festival of Muslims.
Certain customs have been evolved which are adhered to, vigorously. From
celebrations point of view, this is second to only Muharram. But the truth is
that this is absolutely man-made festival.
Neither Qur'an nor Hadees and the era of companions of Prophet
Mohammed Sallalallhu Alaihi Wasallam indicate the existence of this festival,
then. None of the Islamic scholars of early post - Khilafat-e- Rashida period
have called such a feast Islamic.
As a matter of fact, Islam is not a religion of customs and
festivities. It is a straightforward and reasonable religion which restrains
human beings from the shackles of rituals, futile and time-consuming fete.
Islam urges people to save precious time, energy and wealth and
pay attention towards unshakable realities of life. It wants people to spend
their time on activities, which prove to be the cause of happiness and
prosperity in this, life and Hereafter.
It is highly uncharacteristic of such a religion to mark one day
in a year for fire-cracking and confectioning and allow people to keep on
wasting valuable time and hard-earned money every year. It is further remote of
the spirit of Islam to make people observe a custom which is not only a drain
on time and money but, at times, even proves fatal and reduces property to
ashes. Instead of asking people to celebrate such baseless customs, if it was
already a trend during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammad Sallalallhu Alaihi
Wasallam. It would have surely been stopped forcefully. All such festivities,
which were performed during those days were banned, as it is.
The matter of confectionery and firework is so explicit that every
individual, with even little knowledge of Islam, will instantly acknowledge
that these practices are against the values of Islam. When it is endeavored to
figure out link of recognized religious belief, with this specific day of
Shaban, no such association is traceable. At the most, Islamic literature
reveals only an event: once, on the night of Shaban the 15th, Hazrat Ayesha did
not find Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam on his bed, so she left in
his search and reached Jannat-ul Baquee.
He was present there. On quizzing, he replied on this night, Allah
turns His attention from the sky to this world and forgives as many sins of
people as the total number of hair of all the sheeps put-together of the clan,
called Kalb. But a prominent writer of Hadees, Imam Tirmizi has declared this tradition
a fragile and has claimed, through his research, that it cannot be believed
with certainty that Hazrath Ayesha was its source. There is other narration
which are found in lesser known compilations of Hadees. The excellence of this
night is said to be only because human fates are decided in this, and affairs
of birth and death are finalized. But all these traditions are w eak. Every
argument, in its favour, suffers one or the other flaw . This is why none of
the reliable old collection of Hadees mentions about these stories.
Even if their authenticity is recognized in toto, then also, the
only inference could be that praying and asking for His forgiveness for the
sins, during this night, is an appreciable act. If this is done individually,
then they will be rewarded. Other than this, the perusal of these narrations
does not prove that either 14th or 15th night of Shaban is proclaimed to be Eid
or some collective prayers are pronounced for this occasion.
The more reliable books on Hadees acknowledge that Prophet
Mohammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to be in a peculiar state, in the
month of Shaban, prior to the commencement of Ramazan. It is in the month of
Ramazan that the stupendous honor of Prophethood was bestowed upon him and the
revelation of immortal Book, the Qur'an, commenced.
Due to these reasons, he not only used to keep unusually regular
fasts and perform longer prayers during Ramazan, but even in advance, Prophet
Mohammad Sallalallhu Alaihi Wasallam would inch closer to Allah. Hazrath Ayesha
and Umme Salma state that besides Ramazan, Shaban was the only month during
which Prophet Mohammad Sallalallhu Alaihi Wasallam fasted most, rather the
entire month was spent in fasting.
But this practice of his was specifically for his own sake. It was
due to his deep spiritual attachment, he had with the month of revelation of
Qur'an. For, common Muslims were instructed by him to stay away from fasting
during the second fortnight of Shaban. He suspected that if Muslims got
habitual of fasting during this period, then gradually this would turn into a
trend and people will have to bear unnecessary burden of 10-15 fasts, in
addition to the compulsory fasting of the entire month of Ramazan. Thus, people
would have borne the burden, which had not been put on them by the injunction
of Allah.
Islam has taken necessary care of the fact that its followers do
not adopt rituals and rites which Allah has not asked them to. None of the
self-created custom, artificial ceremony or any collective practice should take
the shape of Farz. Allah knows better as to what will and what will not be
beneficial for the people. He also knows that how much of it is necessary for
human beings to perform. By exceeding the limits prescribed by Him, if people
establish certain customs and rituals of their own, and practice them like
Faraiz, then they will make the life unnecessarily difficult for themselves.
Past nations had committed the same blunder of pioneering rituals and customs
and made them essential and part of their religion.
Consequently, they were entangled in such a web of their making
that they could not find exit route and eventually got paralyzed. Qur'an has
declared customs as synonymous to "shackles" and the chief objective
of the life of Prophet Mohammad Sallalallhu Alaihi Wasallam is said to be
setting free the mankind from such chains and shackles. Due to this, the
Shariat of Prophet Mohammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasa!lam has proposed a lean and
mean stream of faraiz and eliminated all other customs and traditions. There is
no third festival in Islam other than Eid-ul-Fitr .. and Eid-ul-Azha. There is
no pilgrimage other than Hajj and besides Zakah there is no charity or donation
which is declared as Farz. Thereafter, a simple rule is laid forever that man
is not authorized to cut down on any of the faraiz. Similarly, he is not
mandated to make any additions either.
Initially, people who understood the spirit of Islamic injections,
they strictly adhered to these principles. They restrained from pioneering and
establishing new customs and when they noticed alarming trends, they were
uprooted, for good. They knew that these conventions, though initiated with
noble intentions and considered righteousness, would gradually turn into
sunnah, then wajib and finally farz and thereafter will even overtake farz. Due
to sheer ignorance, people tend to mix up this piety with various ills and make
it an ugly practice. Such customs, put together, become a curse for society and
impediment for the progress of humanity. It is because of this, the Ulemah and
Imams of early Islamic era used to be very careful in guarding Islam from such
unwarranted additions. They had unflinching faith that considering anything as
part of Shariah, which is actually not, and adding more significance to
something than given by Shariah : both instances are heresy and every such act
was considered to be apostasy.
Unfortunately, in subsequent centuries, Muslims became reckless
and gradually started slipping into the vicious circle of customs, as other
nations did.
One of the primary reasons of this has been that nations which
came into Islamic fold in the later era, could not get proper Islamic
orientation and training.
They embraced Islam along with some of their primitive customs and
lifestyles. They were, for ages, accustomed to disgraceful festivities, customs
and pilgrimage, without which their religious lives were colorless. After
embracing Islamic Shariah, instead of feeling relieved from getting rid of old
rituals and freeing themselves from the shackles of bad customs, they got
worried as to how to recapture the burden which Islam had eliminated and how to
wear the shackles which Islam had broken. Thus, they modified the facade of
some of their old customs; they invented some others and even turned Islam into
the same religion of fun and frolicking, as their old religion were.
These inventions were made very aptly, Qur'an and Hadees were
never scrutinized with the objective of learning the principles and guidelines
of leading an Islamic life, rather it was done to find excuses for continuing
their old customs and inventing new conventions. When they managed to find a
minor clue, they converted it into a mammoth and perpetual custom. People felt
proud on filling the gap by inventing festivities, which were originally not
there, without realizing that they have worn the same shackles which were
destroyed by Allah, through His Prophet Mohammad Sallalallhu Alaihi Wasallam,
and they have again fallen into the trap from which no nation has ever managed
to come out.
2. Fasting and Self-Restraint
Among numerous other spiritual and moral benefits of fasting, one
is to prepare man for developing self-control. In order to have a comprehensive
understanding of this, one ought to know the Islamic conception of
self-restraint and then how fasting helps in achieving this.
The meaning of self-restraint is that man's psyche* exercises
blanket control on his body and its energies, and the requisition and desires
of baser-self** should be in its clutches to make them abide by its demands.
Psyche occupies the same position in a human body as that of a ruler in his
empire. Body and its different parts are the subordinates of psyche.
All mental and physical powers are meant to be at its disposal.
The rule of baser-self is limited to presenting them to psyche, with request.
The final decision rests with psyche as to how these energies and tools be put
to use and which of the baser-self requisitions be accepted or rejected. If
one’s psyche is so frail that it is unable to rule the empire of his body,
according to its wishes, and begins to take the desires of baser-self as
command or instructions, then it becomes a paralyzed psyche. Such people cannot
lead a successful and purposeful life. Those who have left a mark in history
and human civilization are the ones who had domination on the human energies,
at their disposal; who have not lived as prisoners of their wishes and slaves
of their desires but have-kept their wishes and desires under check; and those
who have had firm determination and rock-solid resolution.
* Islam defines psyche as that part of one's self, which takes
decision on good or evil deeds.
** In Islamic terminology, baser-self is defined as that part of
one's self which motivates people for evil deeds.
But there is a contrasting difference between a psyche which
itself assumes the role of Allah and the
one which functions under the subordination of Allah. For a successful life,
complete domination on psyche is nevertheless a must, but if it is free of its
Creator and unmindful of its Lord; which is not restrained by a superior moral
system; which presumes that it is not accountable for its deeds, if such a
psyche dominates the power of his baser-self and body and becomes a rock like
psyche, then it could merely produce Fir'aun, Namroud, Hitler and Mussolini.
Such a self-restraint is neither appreciable nor is it desirable in Islam. The
self-restraint whi.ch is required by Islam is that man's self, firstly,
surrenders itself to Allah; makes compliance of His instructions and the desire
to fulfil His wishes its sole objective; assumes himself to be accountable to
Him, then such a virtuous and Muslim psyche exercises iron rule on its body and
wields complete domination on its baser self and its demands, so that it
becomes a strong and vibrant force in this world.
This is the definition of self-restraint, from Islamic point of
view. Now, it is elaborated as to how fasting instills this energy into human
beings.
If the demands of human body and baser-self are analyzed, it will
be inferred that three demands are pivotal, and all of them are most vehement.
First is the demand for food, on which relies the subsistence of life. Second
is the carnal desire, depends on which the survival of humanity. Third is the
longing for rest and relaxation which is a must for reenergizing and
rejuvenating human physique.
All the three demands, within reasonable limits, are absolutely
compatible with nature. But the same three loops, at the disposable of
baser-self and body are such, that at the slightest lapse, they make man's
conscience their own slave. Each of these demands turns into a long list of
sub-demands and each one struggles to make man forget his principles and ignore
the decries of his conscience, in order to attract his entire attention for its
realization. A fragile psyche, once entrapped, the demand for food makes it a
glutton. Sensual desires force him to stoop to inhuman level, and lethargy does
not allow him to reach new heights. It, then, becomes the governed rather than
the ruler of baser-self and its function is reduced to executing orders of
baser-self by hook or crook and through every hanky-punky route, available to
it.
Fasting encompasses these three demands of baser-self and trains
the psyche to control them.
Fasting notifies the psyche, which is faithful to Allah, that your
Allah has prohibited dining and drinking for the whole day; during this period,
you are also forbidden from carnal pleasures; you cannot, from dawn to dusk,
enjoy such pleasure even through means which are otherwise permissible. It also
apprises the psyche that the will of Allah is, after breaking the daylong fast,
do not slacken and lie down, rather get up and offer prayers longer than normal
days. It instructs that after long and tiring prayer, when you go to bed, do
not take a long sleep till morning, rather wake up long before dawn, against
the normal course and eat something before starting the fast. After
communicating these injunctions, the responsibility of pursuing them is left on
every individual. Constabulary, intelligence or any other external agency is
not deployed to implement these instructions. If one dines or gratifies sensual
desire, clandestinely, then no one is around him, except Allah, to notice. If
one makes lame excuses to avoid long prayers in the night (taraveeh), then no
force on the earth will quiz him. Everything depends on his own, if the psyche
of a Muslim is pledged with Allah and if his will power is strong enough to
tame the baser-self, then he will himself mold the demand for food, desire for
sex and wish for rest into a system which has been established, against the routine.
This exercise is not restricted just for a day. One day training
cannot be sufficient for this kind of activity. This is conducted for a month,
at a stretch.
This programme has been chalked out for 720 hours in a year; to
get up towards the last part of the night; stop eating at the break of dawn
(sahar); restrict from dining throughout the day; break the fast (iftaar),
immediately after the sun set; then spend early part of the night by standing
for unusually long prayers (taraveeh); and after relaxing for few hours, repeat
the same course the following day; Thus, three strongest and most common urges
of the baser-self are moulded, perpetually, to provide strength to the psyche
for ruling the baser-self according to the will of Allah. This conditioning
programme is not held just once in a lifetime, rather one month is devoted
every year, from the age of reaching adolescence till one dies. This repetition
is meant to revitalize and strengthen the grip of psyche over baser-self.
This exercise is not carried out to make the psyche of a Muslim
control just his hunger, thirst, carnal desires and the urge to relax. Nor is
this done to retain control over baser-self and body, for a month only.
Strictly, the primary objective is that after having tamed the three strongest
cravings of the psyche, one should emerge strong enough to exercise restrain
over his all desires and emotions; and be prepared to comply with the injunctions
of Allah during the remaining eleven months of the year as well, through his
body; and its forces. One should strive for every piety which consents with the
will of Allah, restrict himself from every vice which is abhorred by Allah and
strictly adhere to those restrictions which Allah has placed on his demands and
demotions. Baser-self should not be put in the driver's seat to steer him at
will, the responsibility of navigation should rather be in his own hands to direct
the urges as desired by Allah. One should not have such a weak will power that
even after recognizing the mandatory instructions (faraiz) as a must and
wishing to fulfill them; but finding the body beyond his control. Never! within
the physical empire, should one behave like a dominant ruler who always
commands his subordinates according to his own whims. Creating this power is
the ultimate objective of fasting. One who fails to achieve this strength
through fasting, he unnecessarily puts himself to the inconvenience of hunger,
thirst and loss of sleep and rest.
Qur’an and Hadees (the sayings of Prophet Mohammed Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam) both have clearly elaborated this: Qur’an states: Fasting has
been made mandatory for you so that you attain the trait of self-restraint.
Hadees of Prophet Mohammed Sa!lallahu Alaihi Wnsnllem is: One who
tells lies and practices lies, he is not required by Allah to stop eating and
drinking. He further added that most of the fasters are such that they do not
gain anything from fasting, except hunger and thirst. (5th July, 1948)
3. EID-UL-FITR FOR WHOM?
Some sections of the society are vigorously pursuing the view that
Eid-ui-Fitr is a prominent symbol lf Islamic unity, therefore all the Muslims
should celebrate it on one particular day. Some people hold the view that all
the Muslims, across the world, should observe it on the same day, while there
are others who feel that at least Pakistani Muslims should certainly have it
concurrently. However, these are the flaws of views and thoughts. Such views
are floated primarily due to the ignorance of religious values: Moreover, those
are the people, on the forefront of such theories, who do not even fast during
Ramazan, but are very 'concerned' about Islamic unity with regard to Eid.
The very first misconception these folks have is that, for them,
Eid is a festival akin to Christmas, Holi or Diwali or it is a national
festival that is manifested as a symbol of unity for Muslims. However, Id is
essentially related to supplication that commences at the beginning of Ramazan
and culminates after the end of Ramazan, by thanking Allah, with special Eid
prayers. According to the clear instructions of Islamic law, this adoration
cannot begin until it is ascertained, through reliable sources, that Ramazan
have commenced and similarly it cannot cease unless it is acknowledged, through
dependable authority, that they have come to an end. Holy Qur’an has clearly
stated:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِیْۤ اُنْزِلَ فِیْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْیَصُمْهُؕ
"Month of Ramazan is that, in which Qur'an is revealed,
therefore each of you who is present, during this month, should fast".
This verse categorically resolves that from the beginning of
Ramazan, and till its end, every Muslim should fast and without the fulfillment
of fasting during this month, there is absolutely no question of commemorating
Eid. This is evident that Ramazan is a lunar month and the commencement of
which depends upon the appearance of crescent and Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam has very clearly instructed to begin and end fasting only after
seeing crescent. But if the horizon is not very clear, complete the fasting of
thirty days, unless two reliable witnesses testify the advent of crescent. In
this· instruction, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam has distinctly
notified two points: firstly, the testimony of appearance is required when the
horizon is not clear and secondly, in that case, the decision of the appearance
of crescent will be based on the testimony of two trustworthy witnesses and not
information.
Because this is an accepted fact that deposition, through telegram
or telephone is invalid. For this, physical presence of witnesses is a must. If
you try to testify in a court through telegram or telephone, you would come to
know immediately whether it is acceptable to the court or not. Here, the
question is that when such "testimony" cannot be acceptable to any
court in this world, then why are we wanted to rely on this, in a matter of
Shariah, depends on which the validity of fast of millions of Muslims.
Those who toe the idea that Muslims, throughout the world, should
celebrate Ed on the same day, clearly speak ridiculously, because the advent of
crescent, throughout the world, always and necessarily, on the same day is
impossible. Even celebration of Eid, in a country or region, on the same day is
not made mandatory in Shariah. If it is made possible in any country through
proper system of telecasting and broadcasting to the entire nation, according
to the principles of Shariah, then this is not forbidden either. But Shariah
never makes it essential, nor Shariah considers it maleficent that people in
different regions celebrate Eid on different days.
The canon of AIlah is meant for the entire humanity and for all
times to come. Today, due to the revolution in information technology that
people expect the Eid to be celebrated concurrently. But just a few decades
back, leave aside communicating about the appearance of crescent throughout the
subcontinent, it was not possible to inform the inhabitants of even one state,
if the crescent appeared on the 29th of Ramazan. If Shariah had made it
mandatory for all Muslims to celebrate Eid on a single day, then how would
Muslims, over the last few centuries, practice this impossible injunction. Even
in today's satellite age, it is not possible to follow it strictly.
Muslims do not live only in metros and urban towns where they have
access to state-of-the-art communication facilities. They are also populated in
far-flung rural areas where communication facilities are not available.
Making the celebration of Eid on the same day a shariah
instruction translates that, to be a Muslim, not only one radio station is
necessary in a country, but also every individual or family or at least one
radio set in every town would be a must. Or else they will not be able to
pursue their religious duties.
Will then communication equipment too become an integral part of
Islam? The Shariah of Allah has laid down such a smooth set of guidelines by
which it is possible for every ·Muslim to easily perform his or her religious
duties. Shariah has not specified the timings of Namaz according to the
movement of watch to make watch an indispensable part of Islamic religion.
Rather, it has made universal indicators like ascent and descend
of sun for determining the timing of Namaz, to which every individual on the
earth has access. Similarly, for commencing and ending fasts also, it has
declared the appearance of Shawwal and Ramazan crescent as a symbol which is a
universal indicator and every Muslim, anywhere in the world, can find out when
did Ramazan begin and end. Had Shariah linked to the dates of calendar, then it
would be necessary for every Muslim to learn the art of reading stars or
calendar would have become inevitable part of his life without having which he
would not be able to perform his religious duties. Or if it was made mandatory
that after the appearance of crescent, in one part of the world the entire
world or every nook and corner of the universe will begin to observe and end
fasting, then before the invention of present means of communication, it would
not be possible for Muslims to practice this religion. Even after the evolution
of present communication network, every Muslim would have to bear the burden of
subscribing to these services, if they want to remain Muslims, regardless of
whether he or she can afford bread and butter for self-feeding.
WHO TRULY DESERVES EID GREETINGS
After necessary clarification on this subject, I extend my
greetings to you and to all of my Muslim ID UL FITR - FOR WHOM brothers. People
who genuinely deserve the greetings of Eid are those who fasted for the whole
month of Ramazan; who endeavored to take maximum benefit from the instructions
of Qur'an; who tried to read, understand and take guidance from Qur’an and took
advantage of the character-building exercise which Ramazan seeks to impart to
every Muslim. Qur’an explains only two primary objectives of the month of
Ramazan firstly, Muslims should build their character
یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَیْكُمُ الصِّیَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَت تَتَّقُوْنَۙ
and secondly, Muslims pay gratitude to Allah for the favor He has
bestowed on Muslims, in the form of revealing Qur'an, during the month of
Ramazan.
لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰى مَا هَدٰىكُمْ وَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُوْنَ۰۰۱۸۵
If there is one biggest favor Allah has done to The humanity, it
is the revelation of Qur'an. This is The greatest divine blessing, because food
and other Resources, for instance, oxygen, water, food grains And similar
sources of economy, through which man earns the bread, constructs house,
provides clothing, though these provisions too are the blessings and kindness
of Allah, but they are merely meant for the human body. Holy Qur'an, is the
blessing which is conceived for the soul of man, for his character and
essentially for his real altruism, is the ultimate benediction. A Muslim can
offer true gratitude to Allah only in a situation when he thanks on the food
provided by Him and also on the gracious commandments which have been issued to
him in the form of Quran. The most appropriate way to thank Him. Is not just
verbal appreciation that thank you Allah for giving us Qur’an, rather the
precise approach for doing that is to acknowledge Qur’an as the well-head of
guidance; recognize it as a true navigator and take practical advantage of its
counseling.
Qur'an gives you instructions about your personal life that how
should you lead a devout life. It forbids you from deeds that are harmful in
shaping a characterful life. It gives you guidelines, by pursuing which, your
personality will develop in an upright manner and you could become an exemplary
human being. It also provides extensive guidance about your collective life.
How to shape your social life and your domestic life? What should be the
outline of your culture and civilization. How should you conduct the affairs of
your state? What would be your constitution? How should you manage the social
life? What should be the avenues to earn your bread and butter? Where should
you and should not spend your earned money? How should be your relation with
Allah? How should be your relation with your own conscience? What should be the
nature of your relationship and behavior with other human beings, your spouse,
your off-springs, your parents, ·your folks, members of your own society and
the entire human population of the earth, even with plants and animals, and
with various blessings of Allah? Our' an gives you specific instructions about
each of these aspects of life. The obligation of every Muslim is to accept it
as real fountainhead for guidance; turn towards it for counseling; truly
recognize those instructions, directions and principles which it is dispensing.
Muslims should reject all those beliefs and practices which contradict them,
whatever is there source. If an individual has, during the month of Ramazan,
read through Qur’an and understood it from this perspective. And has endeavored
to absorb its teachings and instructions, to the maximum possible extent, in
his life and character, then he has offered true gratitude to Allah for this
divine blessings - in the form of Our' an. For this, he literally deserves
the greetings that he has completely fulfilled the responsibility, which the
month of Ramazan placed on him.
Second and equally important objective of fasting, in the month of
Ramazan, for which it has been made mandatory is that you should lead a pious
and righteous life. If you consider the reality of fasting, then you would know
that righteousness and piety cannot be injected in a better and more effective
way than this. What is righteousness and piety? Righteousness is, essentially,
to refrain from violating the command of Allah and adhere to His guidelines.
Fast- allows you to continuously practice this for a month. Deeds which are
usually permissible in your life, they too forbidden during fasts, by the order
or Allah, and continue to be so until they are again permitted by Allah only.
Even water which is pure and permissible, during fasting when Allah instructs
you not to consume this, then not a single drop can be swallowed down the
throat, even if the throat begins to crack by thirst. However, the moment
drinking of water is allowed by Allah, then you tend to rush towards it as if
you were tied down and you have just been released. This process of caging and
freeing persists, for a month, so that you are prepared for the complete
submission to Allah. You get used to stay away from those activities, which are
banned by Him and undertake things, which are permitted by Him. You manage to exercise
full control over your inner-seIf that it could not force you to carry out its
unwarranted demands, against the will of Allah. This is the second real motive
for which fasting is made mandatory for you.
If during the month of Ramadan any individual has imbibed this
spirit of Fast, then he truly justifies the greetings of Eid. And the one who
does not throw up this month-long training on the very first day after Eid, but
keeps benefiting from this for the remaining eleven months of the year, he is
even more worthy for Eid greetings. Consider a hypothetical situation where an
individual eats highly lavish food, which is extremely nutritious for him. But
immediately after feeding, he vomits it out by putting a finger into the
throat, then there will be no benefit of this diet, because he has not allowed
the food to digest and translate into blood. On the contrary, if an individual
eats and digests food and then blood is made which circulates in his body, then
this is the actual reward of eating which he has gained. Eating and digesting
simple food is better than eating very lavish food and throwing it up. This is
the case of Fasts of Ramazan.
The real payoff of Ramadan can be gained only when, after Eid, you
do not puke the vigorous training, imparted to you for a month. Rather, for
remaining eleven months, allow its effects to work on your life.
If one can achieve this goal from Ramazan, then he truly deserves
hearty greetings; that he has bagged a very precious blessing of Allah.
OUR TREATMENT WITH ISLAMIC CHASTITIES
Unfortunately, a large number of people among us are those who do
not turn towards Allah even during Ramazan. The holy month comes and goes but
their homes do not indicate any sign that these are inhabited by Muslims, for
whom this month has any special significance. Leave fasting, they do not even
care to show any respect for this month. Their eating and drinking persists
even during Ramazan, like any Christian, Hindu or Sikh. Clearly, those who
behave like this are akin to a situation of a barren land that, even during
monsoons, when every inch of land turns lush green and the crop blooms and
flourishes, does not produce a single leaf of grass.
The way monsoons are a season of cultivation and growth for land,
similarly Ramazan is an era of sprouting and flowering of the spirit of Islam.
If Allah had issued the directive of fasting, giving an option to Muslims to
keep 30 days fasts at their own convenience, then there would have never been
this season-like feeling in our religious life. But, the direction of Supreme
Sage has been that all Muslims fast together, in one particular month only.
This move has created the feeling of a season. When the season comes leave
aside high quality fertile lands, even those pieces of land which have limited
level of fertility, buds of vegetables begin to sprout even in those lands. The
bounty of season is such that land with even limited potential of growth is not
deprived from its blessings. And the land that does not grow even a bud, during
monsoons, is indicative that it is free free from the faculty of growth. Similarly,
Ramazan is such a period that those Muslims having a ray of Faith and a shred
of Islamic. emotions, comes this month and the deeply buried Faith in them
becomes restless, however insensitive has been their lifestyle during remaining
eleven months.
Getting up all the Muslims together for Sahar, for a month;
fasting together the whole day; breaking the fast simultaneously; and offering
Taraweeh during nights at various places creates an impressive collective
environment in Muslim districts, by virtue of which Mosques get flooded.
Reciting of Quran becomes a common sight everywhere, even those who do not pray
otherwise, start offering prayers regularly; those also start fasting who are
not inclined towards Islamic way of life, in ordinary months. If a person is
relentless even in this ambience; he does not develop any leaning towards
Allah; his heart is still not inclined for prayers; fasting and reciting of
Our' an, then this is a clear indication that his heart is absolutely empty
from the feeling of Faith. He has no link left with Islam. All ties, which he
could have had with Allah and His religion, and with the Muslim community, he
has severed them all. Thus, how can you trust that, a person who was born and
has opened his eyes in, and being a part of Muslim community, severs his
holiest bonds and connections with the lifestyle and religion of this
community, in future, he will not attempt to backbite and desert this
community.
This is obvious that his conduct is only to satisfy desires of his
inner-self. Here the question is, when his desires are making him behave like
this. The same desires, in future, may move him on a worse course.
Gentlemen, we need to think very sincerely about the reasons that
have resulted into this situation. If handful of people behaved like this, it
could have been ignored. But we find hundreds of thousands of people present
among us, who very vocally and proudly keep eating and drinking in Ramazan and
perversely humiliate to those who fast. This is clearly a very alarming development
and we should attempt to understand the causes behind this.
This situation is actually born because for a long time we are
oblivion of the fact that the greatest reforms Allah, His prophet, His book had
affected in our lives is still left in our society or it is lost. We have been
very conscious about the economic prosperity of our community, and we have been
making great efforts for this. But we have no concerns about those grand moral
and spiritual reforms on which the nation of our society was established.
Rather, there is widespread existence of such education and training, law and
order system, which is disastrous for Islamic system. Consequently, we are
witnessing that the influential sections of our society careless for the
destruction of most sacred places of Islam than they do for the crease of their
trousers.
LA TUFISIDU FIL ARDE ...
Gentlemen, reforming human beings is a gigantic task; while
vitiating them is amazingly simple.
Reforms are brought about by years of hard work And perpetual
efforts while corrupting them takes no Pains or special efforts. At times, only
negligence of pursuing reforms is enough for this fallout. Take the case of a
child. If you want to groom him as a nice and chaste human being, you will have
to make years of painstaking efforts, only then you will be able to shape his
mind, character and traits. But if you want pervert him, he will not require
any special efforts for that. Giving him a long rope would be enough.
Merely staying in the company of crooks and culprits Will spoil
him on his own. Efforts and stress are required for construction and not for
destruction. If you Want to take a vehicle to a steep hill, it will go up in A
bigger gear, but if you want to bring it down, no Gear is needed, just leave
the breaks loose and it will Descend as long as there is downward slope. Same
Situation exists in a human society. Making a society Adhere to noble ideology
and very high quality of deeds, by carefully shaping it, is a demanding job which
requires centuries. But the fruits and results of these efforts can go waste,
by just stopping the efforts of preserving and maintaining them and; when the
decline spreading in the society goes unnoticed.
The traits, which Muslims had, were not born out of coincidence.
Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and his companions and subsequently
hard work and devotion of virtuous, pious theologians and jurists of Muslim
nation, for centuries together, pulled out billions of human beings from the gloom
of infidelity and polytheism. Destroyed customs and conventions of ignorance.
Prepared them for the worship of one and only Allah. Convinced and instilled
faith in them, about the quiz of Hereafter. Developed their strong character by
imparting superior ethical training and coaching. Established the practice of
chaste rituals like Prayers, Fasts, Hajj pilgrimage and Zakat and prepared a
strong mould of Islamic system of culture and civilization, due to which
Muslims attained those characteristics which fascinated others.
This, which has been developed with hard work of centuries and
unceasing. efforts, if we wish to lose and destroy it, we can very easily do
it. But if we want to regain this, it shall again require centuries.
It is extremely unfortunate that the reforms our ancestors had
made in us, with their efforts of centuries, we have badly let it go in the
last one century only. Firstly, we lost it during the period of British
imperialism and now our own leaders are causing us greater damage. This is the
same aberration on which Qur’an has pointed out at various places “After having
achieved peace on the earth, do not deviate from that.” All the reforms, in the
life of inhabitants of the earth, have been due to the result of the efforts of
thousands of years of Prophets of Allah and chaste individuals of humanity.
In the destruction of every single evil and establishment of each
virtue, pious subjects of Allah have strived for years, only then the
development of human culture, on the lines of universal ethics, could be made
possible in the world. This can very easily be devastated but rebuilding the
same is not a kid stuff. Look at a very tiny example, only convincing, ensuring
and establishing as a strict regulation that sexual relationship between a man
and a woman should not occur, without entering into Nikah, was a tough task
that Prophets and theologians must have struggled for this, for thousands of
years, only then this single social reform must have got implemented.
Since cardinal urge is so intense in human beings, that regulating
it on purely ethical basis is not an easy job. Eradication of this reform,
though, does not call for great efforts. Just throw the doors of intermingling
of men and women wide open. Allow common men to have access to the ways and
means of family planning, then the bull of sexual.
Anarchy, which was caged with great difficulty, once freed, would
demolish the change, which was achieved after thousands of years of struggle.
But after seeing disastrous consequences, the way western society is facing
them in an extremely dreaded form, if you attempt to cage the bull again, it
will not be a cakewalk. This will again need pains of centuries to check this,
Qur' an warns the destroyers of humanity that you do not let go by your idiocy
the reform which have been brought about with great pains.
On the basis of this single case, you can guess That how would
have been the development Of the greatest heritage which is called Islamic
civilization. By wiping out how many ignorance And deceptions and by destroying
so many evils, the ground would have been prepared for this asset.
How many forfeitures it would have taken to drill true convictions
and correct beliefs into human minds.
What labor must have gone into practically implementing moral
guidelines and regulations in the society, and then in supporting this entire
structure, by firmly laying the five pillars of Islamic system namely Shahadah
(Testimony of Allah and His Prophet), Tawheed (Belief in the Unity of Allah},
Namaz (Five Prayers a day), Roza (Mandatory Fasting for the whole month of
Ramazan)' and Hajj (Annual pilgrimage at I Makkah, once in a lifetime).
Whatever is achieved is due to the painstaking effort of our ancestors. We have
inherited this great wealth absolutely free of cost, if we cannot add to this,
at least we must not impair this either.
The manner and speed at which our system of education and
training, our literature, our cultural views, and overall our laws and rules
& regulations; and the whole system of sociology and economics, producing
an army of people to disregard and erode this wealth, on a daily basis, we
cannot rule out the possibility of completely losing this one day. And once it
is lost, replenishing this from scratch will not be a simple exercise. Allah
forbids if we ever come across such a situation and may Allah open our eyes
prior to that.
4. EID-UL-AZHA
Festivals and social life of human beings are closely
inter-related. Since man has commenced social life on the earth, festivals
have, perhaps, been held right through. There is no nation in the world, and
has ever been, which has not earmarked a few days for this purpose, the
festivals are, in fact, the life line of the society. Getting together of
individuals, demonstration of common sentiments, collective merry-making,
performing uniform rituals signifies the binding trait, by which people
collectively transform into a well-knit society, and not only spirit of unity
takes route but gets refresh and revived, intermittently.
Usually, an analytical study of festivals celebrated In different
countries and among various nations shows every festival is celebrated in
memory of prominent events, either linked to a revered personality or concerned
with a specific religious occasion. Nevertheless, one such celebration is
necessary for a festival, which has common interest for members of a nation or
citizens of a country and towards which they have deep emotional attachment.
For this very reason, people of one nation or country Do not take
any interest in the festivities of another Nation or community, and even if
they want to take, for Some formal compulsions, they cannot. The reason For
this is, traditions which are linked to the festivities Of one religion cannot,
as much, stir the sentiments Of people of another nation, as they can in its
own race.
There are numerous ways, in various nations, of celebrating
festivals. Some carnivals are confined to dancing and singing, fun and
frolicking. In others, revelry exceeds all perimeters of civilization to reach
indecency, coercion and horror. In still others, decent recreations are
performed along with serious rituals.
While in some cases, capitalizing on social gatherings, people are
infused with superior values and efforts are made to make them enamor and
endear some singular objective. In other words, the style in which festivities
are conducted, is a scale on which the nature, ambitions and longings of a
nation can be smackly gauged. Higher the moral spirit in a nation, more
civilized and temperate will be its festivities.
Similarly, the more morally depraved will a nation be, the more
degenerating scenes it will present in its feasts.
Since Islam is a universal reforming movement, which is not
related to a specific nation or country, rather invites people of the whole
world towards a single Allah-worshiping culture. Hence, where it has moulded
every part of human life into a peculiar mode, festivals of Islam have also
been given a unique shape, which is contrasting to all the other festivities in
the world. The significance of festivities in a social life and the urge for
collective celebrations, felt in the society, is not ignored in Islam, rather
all efforts have been made to derive maximum benefit from such occasions, but
the style and celebrations of festivals and its moral values are fundamentally
differentiated.
Here, an attempt is being made to draw the attention of the
readers towards the three most significant aspects of which: A global movement
cannot favorably view the national festivals which are based on varying
national traditions, to which are associated the interest and sentiments of
just one community and in which it is naturally impossible for one community to
wholeheartedly celebrate with another. Such are, in fact, the forces which
trigger the national division and disintegration. As they facilitate one
community to consolidate within itself, similarly they also assist in detaching
and driving away one community from another. Thus, a movement which skips
nations and addresses humanity as a whole and strives to bring all the human
creatures on a uni-culture platform, Will not only reject such festivals but
cannot even tolerate them because they prove to be stumbling block in the
achievement of its objectives of global unity and universal brotherhood. The
natural need for its objective is that all nations, which are in its fold, get
rid of their national festivals and earmark festivals in which all of them
could participate: which be simultaneously national and international. The base
of which be not on national traditions and sentiments but on the customs and
maxims having common significance for humanity.
Additionally, when a global movement is Allah fearing too, thu11
It forbids all such festivals and celebrations which remind of pristine faith.
Islam replaces them with festivals which strongly reflect worshipping to the singular
Allah.
Along with the worship of Allah, the objective of high morality
mandatorily comes into existence which demands that a God-worshiping movement
should offer its followers such festivals which are free from cruelty,
arrogance and indecency; in which fun and frolicking in Within civilized limits
and expression of joy is with sophistication; which should not merely end on
carousing, rather the fervor brought about by festival, in a collective life,
should be fully utilized to attain ultimate moral goals.
At the three traits are apparent from the festivals earmarked by
Islam for its followers. Islam dispensed with all national and religious
festivals of nations, in Iran, Egypt, Arabian Peninsula and Syria, which came
into Islamic fold. They were replaced by festivals which are known as
Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-Azha. Former is celebrated after successfully completing
30 days of fasting during Ramazan – observed to obey the instructions of Allah.
Thus after complying with His instructions, Muslims are required to thank Him,
for enabling them to do so. Later is commemorated in the memory of an
unparalleled sacrifice, offered over 4000 years ago by a truly loyal
individual, to his Allah. It can be distinctly established that none of these
two festivals with which the sentiments of all Single-Allah-worshipping human
beings can be evenly attached. Thus both the festivals are a reflection of pure
obedience of Allah. There is not an iota of hero-worshipping or devotion to
some human being. Further, the course prescribed for the celebration of these
festivals is such that a style more decent, sophisticated, sober and brimming
with moral benefits cannot be hypothesized. Subsequent generation of Muslims
have smudged, to some extent, the true glory of Islamic era, by ignorant deeds.
The form of celebrating Eid during the lifetime of Prophet
Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam is outlined below, to give readers an idea,
by which they can accurately visualize the decency of festival.
On the morning of Eid, all Muslim men, women and children would
bathe and slip into the best apparels, provided to them by Allah. Before
leaving for the prayers of Eid-ul-fitr, all the affluent people donated a
specific amount as sadaqah, to ensure that nobody remained unfed on Eid. On the
contrary, after the prayers of Eid-ul-Azha, animals were sacrificed, at the
early hours of the day people would come out of their homes. It was mandatory
for men, women and kids to exit so that the strength and glory of Muslims is
demonstrated; everyone participated in prayers and also got an opportunity to
enjoy this get together. Eid prayers were held on the outskirts of town for
enabling larger number of people participate. All the Muslims would chant:
اللهُ أَکْبَرُ، اللهُ أَکْبَرُ، لاَ إِلہَ إِلاَّ اللهُ، وَاللهُ أَکْبَرُ، َاللهُ أَکْبَرُ، وَلِلّٰہِ الْحَمْدُ
Allah is great, Allah is great. No one but Allah be worshipped.
Only Allah is great. All the praise are reserved for Him--on their way to
prayers. The atmosphere of every lane, by lane, market and street used to be
filled with these slogans, by which the entire town would echo. After
assembling at the Eidgah ground, the entire gathering would line-up to perform
prayer under the stewardship of Prophet Muahammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam.
Then the Prophet Muahmmad sallallahu alaihi wasallam would get up to deliver
sermon. Unlike Friday prayers, the sermon was delivered after the prayers to
allow maximum number of people to listen to the most important speech of their
leader. this occasion came just twice a year. in the absence of microphone,
then, first address used to be to the gathering of men, then Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasallam would move to that part of the ground where women
were gathered, to address them separately. these sermons, besides educating and
persuading, counselling and preaching, would throw light on all the critical
issues, concerning Islamic society, which were present at that time. In case of
potential armed or political mission, the arrangements to be made were also
announced there and then. Attention of the people were and every individual, in
accordance to his status and capacity, would partake in fulfilling them. There
are some precedents where women even offered to remove their jewelry, to
present to the Islamic organization. This gathering would them return from
Eidgah, and the instruction was to return from a different route from the one
they came, so that no part of the town remains untouched by their rejoicing and
from the echo of –Allah is great.
On their return from the prayers, all the affluent Muslims would
offer sacrifice on Eid-ul-Azha. This sacrifice is not only meant to recap the
event but also the spirit of an aged alien from Iraq, who offered to sacrifice
his only son, at the behest of Allah, and by His grace Allah, just in time
permitted him to sacrifice the lamb, instead. Exactly on the same date and
time, every year, Muslims the world over repeat the same act and revive their
spirit that they too, like Prophet Ibraheem alaihissalam, are submissive and
docile subjects of Allah. Like him, they are also prepared to sacrifice their
lives, offsprings, wealth and every other belonging, on the will of Allah and
their life and death is just for Allah. This spirit is reflected by the act of
sacrificing animal and by the words uttered at the time of sacrificing animal.
إِنِّي وَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِيَ لِلَّذِي فَطَرَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ حَنِيفًا ۖ وَمَا أَنَا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (79) قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (162) لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ۖ وَبِذَٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ الھم لک ومنک بسم اللہ اللہ اکبر
I have turn to the One Who is the Creator of the skies and the
earth. I follow the same path, followed by Prophet Ibraheem and I am not among
those who share others with Almighty. My prayers and my sacrifice, my life and
my death, everything is devoted to Allah—the Sustainer of the world—who has no
associate. This is what I have been ordered and I am among the obedient
subordinates of Allah. O Allah! This belongs to You and is being presented to
You, in the name of Allah, Who is great.
While cutting the animal, the above words were voiced and this
scene was watched by all women and children in the family so that all of them
have the same spirit of sacrifice and obedience revived. Then the meat was
distributed among relatives and underprivileged. Skin of the animal or its
monetary value was donated to poor folks. Additionally, charity was done
generously and wholeheartedly so that the Eid is not reduced to be the festival
of only prosperous section of the society.
This was the Eid, celebrated during the era of Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasallam. Besides these “Official celebration”, youngsters
would organize some games privately and girls would get together, at homes, for
singing folk songs. But this practice was confined within the acceptable limits
and nobody was permitted to exceed that. Rather, the leaders and prominent figures
would even maintain arm length distance from these permitted forms of
rejoicings of youths so that they are not encouraged and do not dare to indulge
in unwarranted exhibits.
The attitude of leaders, at that time, can be judged from an
instance, quoted in authentic traditions that once, on the day of Eid, Prophet
Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam entered his house and found that two girls
from the neighborhood were sitting with his wife Hazrat Aisha and singing songs.
The songs were not based on romance and passion or boozing and reveling, rather
they were the songs written at the time of Battle of Baghas. Even the girls
were not professional artists or vocalists but belonged to respectable families
who, when getting together, would sing virtuous songs for the sake of relaxing
and entertaining themselves. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam did
not interfere in their self-entertainment and quietly went into a corner and
lied down by covering himself, with a bed sheet, from the head to toe. After a
while, Hazrat Abu Bakr turned up and scolded his daughter Hazrat Ayesha saying
what menacing act is going on at the residence of Prophet of Allah. Hearing
him, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam removed the sheet from his
face and said: leave them, every nation has an Eid, today is ours. On this,
Hazrat Aisha remained silent but the girls stopped singing. As soon as Hazrat
Abu Bakr turned his back from them, Hazrat Ayesh signaled them and the girls
quickly disappeared. It is evident from this instance that youngsters were
allowed to enjoy, through decent games and singing, but seniors never
participated or encouraged them. Subsequently, the rope was let loose and the
elders jgnored to keep a tab. As a result, in addition to rejoicing and
freaking out, the situation has arisen where:
روز عید است لب خشک مے آلود کنید چارۂ کارِ خود اے تشنہ لباں زود کنید
It is the day of festival, Let dry lips soak wine, O people having
thirsty lips! Manage it as soon as you can.
5. MEELAD-UN-NABI
Today is the day of great bounties for the world, because on this
date, the trailblazer of this planet, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi
wasallam had arrived in this world. Though, Islamic law has not declared the
birthday of Prophet Muahmmad as Eid, nor has it established any customary
practice for its celebration, but if people consider it as Eid, due to this
being the day of arrival of the greatest prophet of Allah and the peerless
savior of the world, and observe it as a day on which the biggest blessing of
Allah for mankind came into existence, then there is no harm either. However,
the manners in which it should be celebrated is not all about eating and
drinking, electrification of private and public premises taking out processions
and parades and undertake wasteful and exhibitory activities for mere
entertainment and self-satisfaction, if you do this, then there will be no
distinction between you and the ignorant communities there too celebrate
distinguished events of their history through fun, fete and frolicking and if
you also ape their style celebration, then you will made their consequences.
Islam has evolved a noble style, commemorating and remembrance the most
remarkable of which is the sacrifice and Prophet Ibraheem, to commemorate
which, Allah has laid down the criterion of prayers and sacrifice of
Eid-ul-Azha and Hajj. After considering this, you can assess as to how Muslims
should celebrate the memory of great historical events. You should also ascertain
that how does this date of 12th of Rabi ul awwal holds and significance for
you. It was not because a baby boy was born in the family of an Arab
individual, but because that day the greatest Prophet was sent down on the
earth and through whom humanity received guidance of Allah, and through whom
man literally learnt to be human, whose individuality was the blessing for the
entire humanity and who spread the light of faith and noble deeds across the
earth. Thus, if these are the reasons for the significance of this date, then
it should be observed by extending the same message of Prophet Muhammad, more
on this day than any other day. Take some lessons from his character and from
his teachings, and at least his message should be resonated in such a manner
that it remains effective for coming one year. If you commemorate like this,
then it will truly demonstrate that you sincerely consider the birthday of
Prophet Muhammad as Eid. But if it is confined to fun, food and frolicking then
it will not be an Islamic Eid but it will only be an ignorant celebration that
has no significance. In line with today’s pertinence, I shall deliver the
sermon, relevant to the occasion. Allah has stated in His Holy Book that the
Prophet whom I have sent, has been sent so that he is followed. This is also
the reason why it is mandatory for every Muslim to follow him, because he was
also Prophet of Allah. Besides this generic instruction, Allah has also issued
specific commands to Muslims pertinent to the status of Prophet Muhammad, which
are given below: Say: “if you do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and
forgive your sins: for Allah is oft-giving, Most Merciful.” (3: 31).
The answer of the Believers, when summoned to Allah and His
Messenger, in order that he may judge between them, is no other than this: They
say, “We hear and we obey.” (24: 51).
It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has
been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option, about their
decision: if anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly
wrong path. (33: 36).
But no by the Lord, they can have no (real) faith. Until they make
you judge in all disputes between them, and find in their souls no resistance
against the decisions but accept them with the conviction. (4: 65).
Deem not the summons of Messenger among yourselves like the
summons of one of you to another. (24: 63).
Nor is it right for you that you should annoy Allah’s Messenger.
(33: 53).
Those who annoy Allah and His Messenger, Allah has cursed them in
this world and the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating
punishment. (33: 57).
Let those beware who withstands the messenger’s order, lest some
trial befall them. (24: 63).
O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the
Prophet, not speak aloud to him in talk, as you may speak aloud to one another,
lest your deeds become vain and you perceive not. (49: 2).
You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last
Day, (but) loving those who oppose Allah and His Messenger, even though they
are their fathers or their sons, or their brothers or their kindred. (58: 22).
Say: if it be that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your
mates, or you kindred: the wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which
you fear a decline or the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than
Allah or His Messenger, or the striving in his cause; then wait until Allah
brings about His decision; and Allah guides not the rebellious. (9: 24).
It is difficult to state all relevant verses here. My sole
objective is to make you understand as Muslim that what is the nature of your
relationship with Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam. This fact is
highlighted by few verses that I have stated above. It is evident from them
that an individual cease to be Muslim unless he is obedient to Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasallam gives some instructions and in turn if someone says
that I do not accept this, then it shows that his heart is free from Faith. The
demand of Faith is to bow down after hearing the command. Faith cannot co-exist
with ifs and buts.
Now please listen carefully, the instructions Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasallam has given on behalf of Allah. Thereafter every
individual should go on assessing the level of Faith in his or her heart and
how sincere he or she is.
Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe. Means
who does not trouble his fellow brothers-in-Islam either through his tongue or
his hands.
None of you can be Faithful unless he prefers the same path for
others, which he chooses for himself. Means the way you want your own
wellbeing. Similarly, you should desire it for your brothers-in-Islam and the
way you do not want to harm yourself, do not wish the same for your brother.
Hazrat Abu Zar Ghaffari raziallhu anhu narrates that once I had
picked up fight with someone and I abused him. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu
alaihi wasallam heard it and said: “You still have shades of ignorance left in
you and Islam has not completely entered your life.” Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasallam states that there are four attributes of hypocrisy
and the one who has all of them is an accomplished hypocrite and the one who
has one of them, he too has one part of duplicity. First sign is that when
something is handed over to him in good faith, he swindles it; secondly, when
he converses, he certainly misrepresents; thirdly when he promises or enters
into a contract with someone, he invariably backtracks; and finally, when he
has a brawl with somebody, he turns abusive and gets down to humiliate his
opponent, through wrongful means.
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallm stated: A Muslim is the
brother of another Muslim, he himself will not suppress him nor will he hand
him over to a cruel. One who is busy fulfilling the needs of his brother, Allah
does the same for him; and the one who saves fellow Muslims from inconvenience,
Allah will curtail one of his pains of the Day of Judgement; and the one who
conceals the deficiencies of a fellow Muslim, will receive the same treatment
from Allah on the Day of Judgement.” Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi
wasallam says: “Help your brother, whether he is tyrant or aggrieved.” When his
companion sought clarification that we shall certainly aid the oppressed but
how should we help the cruel? He replied, “the aid of an oppressor is to hold
his hand so that he does not commit atrocities.” On another occasion he said:
“Beware of the curse of an oppressed, because there is nothing between him and
Allah, means it directly flies to the thorn of Allah.” Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasllam stated: the one who deprived his Muslim brother from
his rights or has caused damage to his respect, wealth or any other thing, he
should compensate him in this life only or else if it is carried forward to the
day when money or other material objects would not exist, rather he will have
to pay out of his good deeds or a part of a tyrant’s burden will be shifted to
his account.” Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam enumerates: “If
someone has grabbed even an inch of land, he will have to wear a collar in his
neck, seven times the weight of that land.” Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi
wasallam said that three sins are the gravest: (1) Sharing the Unity of Allah
with someone (2) Disobedience of parents and recklessness towards their rights
and (3) Lying and false testimony.
He further stated that Gabriel (Jibra’eil) told me so repeatedly
about treating the neighbor decently, that I began to wonder whether they would
be entitled to share the inheritance as well.
On another occasion, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam
said, “That person is absolutely apostate, completely faithless whose neighbor
is scared of his mischief.” One more traditions of Prophet Muhammad sallallahu
alaihi wasallam is: The one who is faithful, should not cause pain to his
neighbor, treats his guest with respect; and when speaks, it should be with
kindness or else remain quiet.
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam stated that one of the
worst persons, on the Day of Judgement, would be the one who has dual face,
means if he meets one of the two rivals, he speaks in his favor while meeting
the other rival, takes his side; speaks one thing on the face and another
behind the back.
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasllam said: بین العبد وبین الکفر ترک الصلاۃ Abdication of
prayers (salat) lies between man and infidelity. It means that there
is one stage in between approaching infidelity from Islam and that is forsaking
prayers. If you have renounced prayers that means you are hanging between
Faithlessness and Islam, one step more and you will enter the boundary of apostasy.
On one occasion, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam
enumerated: those who stay at home, even after hearing azaan, I feel like
torching their homes. There are numerous traditions for the reiteration of
prayers, but I have talked about these two only, from which you can assess that
how strong is this instruction, and what is the meaning of this defiance. This
is with regard to that farz from which Muslims are becoming usually oblivious
these days.
Secondly, you must also know about the sin which is proving most
disastrous for Muslims, meaning interest based financing. Prophet Muhammad
sallallahu alaihi wasallam has categorically stated that taking interest,
keeping record of and being witness to it are all prohibited, and men
committing any of these acts will be punished in hell. Brothers, you celebrate
EID-E-MEELAD UN NABI, it is very nice, but I would only say that at the time of
entering the darbar of our chief, just think what face are taking to that pious
spirit. If a servant lapses, then he fears in facing his employer and tries to
hide away. Then how should we face someone whose one or two instructions are
not defied every day but numerous. O Allah, guide me to comply with the
instructions of my Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam and to my
brothers as well.
Today is the anniversary of the birth of an incredible
personality, who arrived as a boon for the entire humanity and brought with him
a set of principles, pursuing which guarantees even triumph and well-being for
every individual, every nation and country and the whole mankind. Though this
day comes every year, but this year it has come at such a crucial time when
inhabitants of the earth are more indigent of the guidance of the sagacious person,
than ever before. It is difficult to say whether Mr. Bernard Shaw made this
statement consciously or not, but whatever he stated was absolutely fitting
that “Had Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam been the dictator of the world,
at present, then peace would have been prevailing in the world.” I would go one
step further and say that, though Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam
is not present in this world, yet the doctrine presented by him are available
hook line and sinker. If we sincerely presume his tenets as Dictator, then all
the evils can be rid, the fire of which has turned the abode of humanity into
hell.
Over fourteen hundred years back, when Prophet Muhammad sallallahu
alaihi wasallam set his foot on the earth, that time his own nation had reached
the nadir of moral ebb, chaos and turmoil. Quran has explained the situation of
that, in these words: you were standing on the edge of fire-filled pit, from
which Allah rescued you. Other countries of the world had no better condition
than this. Persian and Roman empires were, the, the biggest cradle of human
civilization, and both of them were engulfed economic inequality, economic
distinctions and religious rifts on the other hand. Under these circumstances,
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam got up and within a span of 23
years, not only did he change the shape of Arabian Peninsula, but the movement
which set off under his command from Arab, within a quarter of a century,
reformed a large portion of the earth, from the borders of India to North
Africa, in culture & civilization, economics & politics, and all other
spheres of life.
How this revamping was achieved? It is difficult to spell out the
details in one brief talk, but I shall present you its broad principles: The
very first point which he stressed upon was that all human beings should
recognize only Allah as their real King, real Owner, the Most Wise and the
Sovereign. Do not accept to be the subject of anyone else other than Allah, not
only within the limited confines of religious matters, but in every sphere of
life. Besides, second important aspect of his preaching was that human
sovereignty and recklessness should come to a grinding halt. Every person,
individually, considers himself to be accountable to Allah, and similarly human
organizations too, whether they are in the form of families and clans or
sections; in the form of nations of governments and states. Nevertheless, all
of them should consider themselves responsible and accountable before Allah.
The very image of men, which Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam
presented was that of a representative or deputy of Allah on the earth. In
whatever and whichever capacity he is empowered, that is essentially not his
own rights, rather they have been entrusted by Allah and in its dispensation he
is answerable to Allah.
On the basis of supreme sovereignty of Allah and every human being
his deputy, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam established the
relationship of equitable unity and cooperation among human beings which could
not have been achieved otherwise. Race and lineage, language and color,
national and economic interests and all other elements forming the genesis of
the society, necessarily divide human beings into various groups and make them
rival of one another. Even if they find unanimity among themselves, that
compatibility is temporary and purely on selfish motives. Conflicts and
hostilities are the mandatory consequences. There is no way to avert this,
except having the entire humanity united on the allegiance of Allah and by
making them aware of their accountability before Allah, the should be persuaded
to do justice.
Instead of nationalism and socialism, Prophet Muhammad sallallahu
alaihi wasallam laid the foundation of universal social life on the basis of
obedience of Allah and Khilafah. He molded every aspect of that life into
durable moral principles. His morality were not meant for reclusive saints, but
for very people who run the show on the earth like farmers, landlords,
laborers, industrialists, traders, customers, cops, jurists, administrators,
governors, soldiers, supreme commanders, ministers, and diplomats. Each of
these functionaries were made to adhere to moral code within its precincts, the
bolting and unbolting of which and the making and breaking of its principles
would not rest on the desires of any individual of masses. He disciplined all
facets of human life on the basis of rectitude, whether it is social or
interpersonal relation, art or culture, trade or commerce, politics or
administration, international relations or war and peace. Everything that is
linked to human life was denied the right to bloom and prosper independent of
moral restrictions.
These are the broader principles depended on which the reforms
program of Prophet Muhammad. The strategy he adopted to implement this program
commenced from individual reform. He did not overlook the fact that every map
of collective reforms eventually depends upon the success of individual reform.
Even the best of programs cannot be successfully implemented with having people
of loose character of individuals may cause serious damage in the
implementation of a noble system, which cannot be averted by merely theoretical
remedies. Theoretically, whatever imaginary precautions one can take for the
prevention of deficiencies. But practically, if the people who are responsible
for executing the conseptual plan are vulnerable to desires, vested interests
and partisan; if they lack true piety and character, then despite your utmost
caution, there would be impediments for your plans and that too from quarters
which you never expected. On the contrary, by looking at the black board, you
can prove the possibility of a number of loopholes. But if a reliable team is
available for executing this plan, then their correct actions will plug the
holes, which you think can pop up in your hypothetical simulation. This is why
prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam expended all his energy on the
grooming of such human capital that could put his plan of transforming the
world into action in the best manner. He produced people who were God-fearing
and pious under every situation. Who held themselves accountable to Allah in
every sphere of their lives. Who restrained themselves from every single deed
which they suspected could make Allah furious with them and who were willing to
dedicate themselves to a cause which they felt would please Allah. Who could
sacrifice everything which could win them favor of Allah. In whose heart there
was no fear, no greed of favors or desires of awards from anyone other than
Allah. For whom there was no distinction between their private and public
lives. Who could prove to be trustworthy, if they were entrusted with the
responsibility of protecting the life, property and honor of the servants of
Allah. If they took oath on behalf of their self, nation or government, they
would not backtrack. If they were made jurist, they would not be held cruel. If
they undertook commercial transaction, they would not be declared as crooks.
They might be slow in claiming their rights, but will be quick in dispensing
others. They used their intelligence, prudence, diligence and qualifications
for truth and justice and for the welfare and prosperity of humanity and not
for deceiving and depriving others from their rights because of individual and
national gains.
After spending full 15 years for the development of such people,
Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaihi wasallam raised a taskforce of true
believers which was not committed to the reforms of only Arabian Peninsula but
for the mankind of the whole world, and which was comprised of people other
than Arab nationals also.
Having raised this team, he moved on to make large scale efforts
to bring about social reforms and in merely eight years, brought comprehensive
social, economic, cultural and political revolution on the land of Arabian
Peninsula, spreading over 1500000 square miles. Then, the same team, which was
integrated by him, accomplished its task of reforming Arabs, proceeded further
and showered the grace of this revolution, which was initiated in Arab, over a
large part of the then civilized world. These days we hear the idea of new
world order everywhere, but we fail to understand that how the very fundamental
flaws which have ultimately turned the old system into turmoil, if still exist
in the new system, with a different face, can be considered a new order? It
would essentially be the same system whose bites and stings have pushed us to
the deathbed for which we are seeking antidote of the new system. Fearlessness
and apathy towards Supreme authority of Allah by human beings, national and
racial distinction, political and economic self-interests of nations and
regions and not-god-gearing people ruling the roost are the real drawbacks
which have been destroying the humanity till date and will continue to do so if
our lifestyle remains the victim of the same evils. If reforms are to be
brought about, then only on those principles through which one of the greatest
well-wisher of humanity not only guided us, centuries back, but practically
showed us reforms.
(The speech delivered on 30th march 1942, from all India Radio
Station, at Lahore).
COMMENTS