One should realize that the prohibition of picture making is EXTREMELY SEVERE. It is counted among the enormities, and there are strict warnings against doing it.

Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim relate that a man came to Syedna Abdulla Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with them both) and said, “My livelihood comes solely from my hands, and I make these pictures. Can you give me a legal opinion about them?” Ibn Abbas told him, “Come closer,” and the man did. “Closer,” he said, and the man did, until he put his hand on the man’s head and said: “Shall I tell you what I heard from the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammed (Allah bless him and give him peace)? I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “Every maker of pictures will go into the fire, where a beast will be set upon him to torment him in hell for each picture he made. So if you must, draw trees and things without animate life in them.”

Imam Tirmidhi relates that the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “On the Day of Judgment, a part of hell fire will come forth with two eyes with which to see, two ears with which to hear, and a tongue with which to speak, saying, ‘I have been ordered to deal with three: he who holds that there is another god besides Allah, with every arrogant tyrant, and with makers of pictures.”

Further, Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Nasa’i relate the prophetic hadeeth from Ibn Abbas, “Whoever makes a picture, Allah will torture him with it on the Day of Judgment until he can breathe life into it, and he will never be able to do so.”
The reason for the prohibition of pictorial representation is that it imitates the creative act of Allah, the Supreme, as is indicated by the hadeeth related by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim that Syedah A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) returned from a trip, and I had draped a cloth with a picture on it over a small closet. When he saw it, he ripped it down, his face reddened, and he said, “A’isha, the people most severely tortured by Allah on the Day of Judgment will be those who try to imitate what Allah has created.”

The foregoing ahadeeth show that producing representation is prohibited under any circumstances. Similarly just as making a picture is unlawful, so too is procuring one, because of the warning that pertains to the users, for pictures are only made to be used.

The determining factor in the prohibition of procuring images is the purposes for which they are procured. For example, someone who buys cookies with the shape of animals is not doing wrong if his purpose is to eat, though the maker of them is doing wrong. And similarly with books containing pictures, if the buyer intends obtaining the text, then the presence of pictures is the fault of the printer, not the buyer. The same holds for photographs required for official documents: the authorities are responsible for the sin, not the individual forced to comply.

This book is written for all those:
· Who sincerely want to know about the differences between the scholars of the Ahle Sunnah School and the scholars of the Deobandi School and who wish to remove the real obstacles towards unification.
· Who in their private meetings address these serious and principled differences as (1) a deceit of the Maulvis, (2) a means of making money, (3) a way of making a living etc., – and who receive applause from the people, for expressing such thoughts.
· Who, despite being highly educated, consider making attempts at understanding and removing such differences as a waste of time.
· Who consider the differences between the Ahle Sunnah scholars and the Deobandi scholars, as merely trivial or secondary.
· Who spend their scholarly and research capabilities in clarifying and interpreting the insolent writings of the Deobandis. (Perhaps religion will remain incomplete without such explanations!)
· Who consider researching the differences between the Ahle Sunnah and Deobandi scholars just a waste of time, whereas at the same time they are the most zealous advocators of unification!
· Who consider that Teejah (meals for the poor on the third day of passing away of a Muslim), Daswaan (meals for the poor on the tenth day of passing away of a Muslim), Chaleeswan (meals for the poor on the fortieth day of passing away of a Muslim), and visits to mausoleums are the actual differences between the Ahle Sunnah scholars and Deobandi scholars.
· Who consider the publication and sale of literature based on blasphemous and insolent writings, as the most important service to Islam!
· Who feel uneasy at the mention of religious differences, but who spend all their physical and monetary resources in tolerating and solving with elegance all their official problems and business affairs.
· Who advise that as per the circumstances, disputed writings & problems should not be discussed – but do not render this advice to the institutions that are ceaselessly publishing such literature.
· Who term the issues of (a) Respecting our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), (b) The status of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), (c) The attributes of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), (d) Veneration of the Companions and of the members of the family of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), (e) Sainthood and (f) other Islamic issues, as “Sectarianism” perpetrated by the Ahle Sunnah school of thought – and in this way such persons intentionally or unintentionally support infidelity and heresy.
· Who understand the real causes of the differences and have the true spirit of presenting a program on the national (or international) level, through which the wide gulf of differences can be bridged and an initiative can be taken towards unification.

If you have a soft corner in your heart for the scholars of Deobandi school, the obvious effect of reading this booklet will be that you will close it and put is aside with frustration. However, if you are a great thinker and have the spirit for searching facts by going deep into events, you will definitely attempt to find out why the foundations of this dispute were laid – and what are the causes owing to which the dispute still continues all over the world, after so many years.

If the dispute was limited to a few people, it could be ignored by considering that personal or family interests may be involved – but the range of this dispute is so wide that not only the whole country (Indian Sub Continent) but a very large region abroad has been dragged into it. From mosques to religious schools (madressahs), all aspects of our religious life have been so deeply affected by it that from villages to cities, the entire country has been divided by it. Therefore the real reasons that actually started the dispute cannot be overlooked by just terming it just as an individual strife between Bareilly and Deoband.

Regretfully until now historians have not attempted make an impartial research into the real basis of our dispute with the scholars of the Deobandi school – a dispute which is going on among millions of Muslims at home and abroad since the last several decades. Due to it, the entire Muslim society has fallen prey to spiritual agony and confusion. Can there be a greater mockery of our innocence that our protest is termed as “Spread of Dissension”, whereas it the right of every innocent individual to disclose his anger and sorrow?

After these introductory words, we now present the details of this religious dispute before our readers trusting that they will ascertain the real causes in light of what is written here below. Even if reading this booklet is a burden on you, I would still request you to read the details, because a seeker of the truth does not have a bias towards any group.

PART ONE

THE THREE FOUNDATIONS OF DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AHLE SUNNAH SCHOLARS & THE DEOBANDI SCHOLARS:
The religious enmity between Deoband and Bareilly, and its negative effects that are prominent from the press to the stage, and which started in the previous century is not a baseless one. If your mind is open to the truth read below the real foundations of the differences of this religious dispute that has divided the Muslim nation into two groups.

A) THE FIRST FOUNDATION OF DIFFERENCES (Insolent Writings Of Deobandis Against The Holy Prophet – peace and blessings be upon him).
Everyone is aware that a Muslim has a very strong and devoted relation with his Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The belief regarding the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is so reverential and sensitive that a Muslim cannot bear any insult towards the Holy Prophet. In order to protect his honor, the Muslims of the subcontinent have offered sacrifices in every era and with such an exemplary spirit that it is now a part of history. This aspect of a Muslim’s love for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) should be remembered – that while expressing anger and regret against the insolent, a Muslim has never bothered to see who will be targeted. Whoever commits any disrespect or blasphemy against our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) – whether the individual is an outsider or from among us – the swords of the Muslims have become unsheathed against such people.

The contemporary example of the outcast Salman Rushdie is before you. He made the entire Muslim world his enemy by attacking the honor of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Indeed all those who gave numerous sacrifices to defend the donor of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), deserve immense praise.

This itself is the main foundation of our anger against the scholars of the Deobandi school – because their elders have written insolent words and phrases against our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). A few examples of such insolent writings are as follows: –

1. The religious leader of the scholars of Deoband, Maulvi Ashraf Ali Thanvi in his book entitled “Hifz-ul-Iman” (The Protection of Faith) has compared the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), with the knowledge of lowly creatures such as animals and beasts – and he himself has confessed to this heinous crime! (May Allah protect us!)

Learned people know that if anything is compared with a respectable thing, it implies respect – whereas on the contrary, if anything is compared with a disgraceful and shameful thing, it implies defamation and disrespect. This principle is so well known and widely accepted in the Urdu language, that no learned person can deny the authenticity of this interpretation.

On this basis we claim that, beyond doubt, Mr. Thanvi is guilty of insolence towards the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). By comparing the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) with that of animals and lowly creatures, he has definitely committed the heinous crime of insulting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

2. The second and third leaders of the Deobandi school i.e. Maulvi Khalil Ahmed Ambethvi and Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi have written in their book “Baraheene Qatia” (The Definite Proofs), that on the issue of encompassing the knowledge of the earth, the knowledge of Satan exceeds the knowledge of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Furthermore, they claimed that if one believes that the knowledge of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) exceeds that of Satan, such a person will become a “polytheist” (Mushrik), because the vastness of Satan’s knowledge is proven from Qur’an and Hadith, whereas no such proof exists in respect of the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). (May Allah protect us!).

In the above-mentioned case, there are no two opinions that assessing the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to be inferior to that of Satan, is a blatant blasphemy and insolence towards the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Similarly, it is a blatant insolence and a blasphemy to say that in contrast to Satan, anyone who believes in the vast extent of the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is a “polytheist” (Mushrik), but having the same belief about Satan is not polytheism!

Likewise it is also a clear disrespect towards our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to say that there is no clear proof in the Qur’an on the vast extent of his knowledge, but there is proof in Qur’an as well as Hadith regarding the vast knowledge of Satan!

3. The most important leader of the Deobandi school, and also the founder of the Deoband Madressah i.e. Maulvi Qasim Nanotvi, in his book “Tahzeer-ul-Naas” has refused to accept our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as the Last Prophet – whereas to believe in Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings be upon him), as the Last Prophet of Allah is proven both from the Qur’an and the Hadith.

He has gone to the extent of writing that “even if it were assumed that a New Prophet can come during the era of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), or after the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), it would not have an effect on the “Finality” (Khatemiat) of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)”. Whereas every sane person can easily understand the simple principle that the belief regarding the Finality of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) gets negated upon the arrival of a new Prophet. It is this very book of Maulvi Qasim Nanotvi – i.e. “Tahzeer-ul-Naas” which the Qadianis term a precursor to validate the prophethood of Mirza Gulam Ahmed Qadiani (May Allah protect us).

It should be clear that our dispute with Deobandi scholars on the issue of Khatm – e- Nubuwat (The Finality of Prophethood) is not a secondary one, but is regarding Islamic principles and is fundamental. It is not concerned just with the permissibility (hillat) or prohibition (hurmat), but with infidelity and Islam.

A CALL FOR JUSTICE

The first root cause of our disagreement with the Deobandi scholars with references to their books, is before you. It should be clear that this basic cause of disagreement is concerned with (1) Insulting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and (2) Denial of the necessities of Islam. And there is no doubt in their infidelity. A number of verses of the Holy Qur’an bear testimony to the fact that even a minor disrespect towards the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), breaks one’s relation with faith and Islam. Under no circumstances can superiority in knowledge or worship save one from the evil consequences of insolence.

Here I will request my readers NOT to read the defamatory writings of the Deobandi scholars with a view that it is just a religious dispute between Bareilly and Deoband. Rather what must be kept in mind is that the attack of the Deobandi scholars is upon the great personality of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The attack of their insolent pen is NOT upon the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars, but especially on the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) himself!

If you read these lines with a view that it is just a dispute between the scholars of Bareilly and Deoband then the sincerity you need to make a fair decision, will vanish. The purpose of my above request is because to prefer the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) above any other beloved person is a requirement of our faith. Therefore put aside the scholars of Bareilly for a while and ask your faithful conscience the following questions: –

         (a) Do the writings of the Deobandi scholars attack the sanctity of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), or not?
         (b) Do these writings deviate from the basic requirements and tenets of faith, or not?

If you have any doubt regarding the authenticity and the location of the references given, you can yourself find and read them – these books are openly available at bookshops, even to this day.

So what did the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars do? It was just that after going through these defamatory writings of the Deobandi scholars, the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars openly displayed the reaction of the unbearable distress and the spiritual agony that they were made to suffer all of a sudden. The hurdle of relations did not come in their way.

They contacted the Deobandi scholars and with authentic proofs asked them to first seek repentance according to the Shariah from those writings – which vilify our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and which deny the necessities of Islam – and secondly to delete those writings from their books. But the spurious fame of the Deobandi scholars came in their way and they preferred the everlasting punishment of fire to the disgrace of this world.

A1) A Common Trait Among Those Who Disrespect The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Deviating from the above conversation, I would like to clarify a point to my readers, trusting that the extra moments of waiting will not be a burden upon them.
Going through the annals of history you will notice a common trait among those who were insolent towards the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). After uttering or writing any blasphemous word due to hypocrisy, instead of seeking repentance for their infidelity, they resort to wrong interpretations and verbal jugglery when they are called to account and admonished.

During the era of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the very same attitude existed in the hypocrites of Medinah. Once when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was returning from a journey, the hypocrites used a derogatory word for him – and when the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) called them to account after he was informed by the honorable companions, the hypocrites resorted to giving wrong interpretations and lame excuses. It was revealed in the Holy Qur’an to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as follows: –

“Do not feign excuses, you have turned disbelievers after becoming Muslims” (Surah Tauba -9:66 – from the Holy Quran’s English Translation “Treasure of Faith” by Mohammed Aqib Qadri)

Had the revelations not been going on, the hypocrites’ fraud would not have been disclosed and they would have concealed their infidelity by reciting Kalema in the Muslim society.

A2) A Recent Example Of Verbal Jugglery
If you wish to know about the role of the hypocrites of Medinah in the present age, read about the Pro Vice Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia of New Delhi. In order to be called a supporter of secularism, he expressed his views about the banned book of Salman Rushdie in an interview for an English Magazine that “the ban on this book (Satanic Verses) enforced by the Indian Government should be lifted because everyone has a fundamental right to express his views.”

The clear meaning of this phrase is that Rushdie cannot be called to account of the Blasphemy he has done in his book because he has a fundamental right to express his views. In other words, Mushir-ul-Hasan with his above phrase has openly supported the disrespect towards our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The courageous and sacrificing students of Jamia Millia deserve praise and applause. When they read the interview of Mushir-ul-Hasan, and based on his crime of supporting a blasphemer, they joined hands in the spirit of defending the honor of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and demanded from the then Indian Government that since a supporter of a blasphemer is also a blasphemer, Mushir-ul-Hasan should be sacked from his post – and that they cannot tolerate a blasphemer and cruel person at any cost.

As this was a question of defending the honor of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), a large number of teachers of the Jamia Millia became indifferent of the consequences and announced their support with the students. When the Muslims of Delhi learned about the incident, a wave of hatred and detestation spread, and the people of the city also started supporting the students. The manner in which Anjuman-e-Raza of Zakir Nagar displayed their anger against Mushir-ul-Hasan, gave correct advice to the students and encouraged everyone, should be written down in letters of gold.

But The Scholars Of Deoband! Only according to the Deobandi Scholars (among whom Maulvi Salim Ibne Qari Tayyab Sahab and Maulvi Ahmed Ali Qasimi and the secretary general of Abna-e-qadeem Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband Maulvi Fuzail Ahmed are worth mentioning) the blasphemy of Mushir-ul-Hasan is NOT proved. This is evident from their joint statement in the daily “Qawmi Awaz” dated 18 May 1992 as follows: –

“The students should see in the light of Islamic teachings, whether the one who is being termed an insulter of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), is really an insulter or not.”

How regretful and astonishing it is, that the students and the teachers of Jamia Millia and the general public who are not scholars understood the blasphemy of Mushir-ul-Hasan, but the scholars of Darul Uloom Deoband could not understand it – although the appeal of the Chancellor Mr. Bashiruddin Ahmed about Mushir-ul-Hasan was published on the last page of Qawmi Awaz, and the following excerpt from it perfectly reveals the crime of Mushir-ul-Hasan.

“The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Jamia, Prof. Mushir-ul-Hasan has expressed his opinion about lifting the ban on this book (Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie). As this is a cause of annoyance, an environment of anger and revolt has been created.”

It is clear from the statement of the Vice Chancellor that the charge of the students against Mushir-ul-Hasan is not baseless because he has based his statement on the fact that every one has the right to freely express his views. Therefore whatever Salman Rushdie has written against our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), is Rushdie’s permitted right. But it is a matter of great regret that despite so much explanation, the Deobandi scholars consider Mushir-ul-Hasan guiltless. The most important justification given by them for his innocence is as follows: –

“The one who is being termed an insulter of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has clarified that he is free from this sin and has complete respect in his heart for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)”.

The inanity of the Deobandi scholars is really pathetic that they do not even know that in order to prove any charge, the confession or admission of guilt is NOT required. His statements and the words he has used are more than enough to prove his guilt – or else it should be pointed out where in the history of Islamic punishments has a criminal been punished on the basis of his confession. Whoever has been punished, has been punished on the basis of his words and statements. Can Dar-ul-Ifta of Deoband prove that has anyone who was termed an infidel by it because of uttering blasphemy, been made to confess his infidelity? But it is obvious here that the Deobandi scholars would not have uttered such immature statements if their love for the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), had not been overcome by the motive of supporting Mushir-ul-Hasan. They have now to answer what was the reason of their supporting and advocating for Mushir-ul-Hasan.

We have referred to this event just to clarify to our readers how the love of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), unites the believers against the insulters – and how those whose hearts are devoid of this noble spirit resort to indecent and ridiculous interpretations in order to defend a blasphemer.

In order to expose the mentality of the blasphemers as well as their supporters, I think I have swayed far from the main subject. I now request you to direct your attention to the discussion in the previous pages regarding the charges against the elders of Deoband for insulting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

The very same thing happened at that time. In order to protect the insolent writings of their elders, the Deobandi scholars adopted a stance of hostility and stubbornness, and with all their might began propagating among the masses that they were completely free from the charges of blasphemy. And furthermore, they claimed that the scholars of the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi school had created this entire dispute and that the accusation against them – that of insulting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) – is totally untrue, and baseless.

They had a large number of resources and means of communication at their disposal. When people started getting influenced from their false propaganda, we were left with no other option but to go for discussions and debates and to reveal the fact that the charges on the elders of Deoband school for writing insolent remarks against the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), are NOT baseless, but in fact a reality.

Therefore in every debate, the insolent writings of their elders were read before them along with proper reference to the page numbers and the Deobandi scholars never said that the books from which the reference were given were not written by their elders or that these insolent writings were not present in their books.

The most important benefit derived from these debates was that the general public realized that the charges of blasphemy on the Deobandi scholars are based on solid grounds – and that the protest and agitation of the Ahle Sunnah scholars which is reflected in their speeches is to defend the honour of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

B) THE SECOND FOUNDATION OF DIFFERENCES. (Incorrect Beliefs Of The Deobandi School).
You have read in the previous pages that the first basic cause of our differences with the Deobandi scholars, is their disrespect of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and their denial of the basic tenets of Islam. You would have definitely assessed by now that our hatred and abhorrence of the Deobandi scholars because of their blasphemy can never end – for it is a requirement of our faith.

The first basic cause was quite sufficient for our separation from the Deobandi school, but you will be astonished to know that there are quite a few special beliefs upheld by the Deobandi scholars, which are also playing a vital role in widening the gulf between us. Provided below are some of their beliefs, with reference to their books:
1. A follower (member of the Ummah) can surpass the Prophets in deeds. (Tahzeer-ul-Naas)
2. It is not necessary for the Prophets to be immune from saying blatant lies. (Tasfia-ul-Aqaid)
3. It is wrong to consider that saying lies is against the dignity of Prophethood.(Tasfia-ul-Aqaid)
4. It is wrong to believe that Prophets are innocent of sinning. (Tasfia-ul-Aqaid).
5. A person engaged in prayers becomes a polytheist (mushrik) upon diverting his thoughts towards the Prophet. (Siraate-Mustaqeem)
6. To think about the Prophet whilst one is in prayer is worse than being engrossed in the thoughts of adultery, or thinking about a donkey or an ox. (Siraate-Mustaqeem)
7. It is possible for Allah to tell lies (Yakrozi).
8. It is a heresy to deem Allah free from time and space (Idha-ul-Haq)
9. The deceptions of magicians are greater than the miracles of the Prophets. (Mansabe-Imamat).
10. A person, who labels the Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as “infidels”, is not out of the fold of Jamaat Ahle Sunnah. (Fatawahe Rashidiah)
11. Whoever is named “Mohammed” or “Ali” does not have authority over anything. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman)
12. All creations – whether small (such as common men) or great (such as prophets and saints) – they all are, before Allah’s majesty, more lowly than even a cobbler. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman)
13. One who considers the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as his mediator and intercessor on the Day of Resurrection, is equal to Abu Jahal in polytheism. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman)
14. It is polytheism to have names such as “Rasool Baksh”, “Nabi Baksh”, “Gulam Mohiuddin” and “Gulam Moeenuddin”. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman)
15. To be “A mercy for the entire creation” (Rehmatul Lil Alameen) is not an exclusive attribute of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The followers can also be the “A mercy for the entire creation” (Rehmatul Lil Alameen). (Fatawahe Rashidiah)
16. Eating from the food prepared for Fateha of the saints, causes the heart to die. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman)
17. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is our elder brother, we are his younger brothers. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman)
18. It is polytheism to say, “if Allah and His Prophet will a thing, it will be accomplished”. (Bahishti Zewar).
19. To travel for the sake of visiting the mausoleums of any Prophet (peace be upon them) or any saint, or to illuminate their mausoleums, to carpet them, to sweep there, give people water to drink or make arrangements for their ablution and bathing – (all this) is polytheism. (Taqwiat-ul-Iman).

Here I will request my readers to reflect upon the above mentioned beliefs of the Deobandi school with justice and sincerity. Among these beliefs are a few that affect the belief of Tauheed (the Oneness of Allah) and a few others which if accepted as true would put the faith of a billion Muslims in danger – and this does not stop here. Billions of our ancestors, who accepted faith contrary to these beliefs as true Islam, will also come within the purview of such beliefs.

For a little while, put the Bareillvi scholars aside, and with your religious temperament, decide whether you agree with the above mentioned beliefs and actions or not – and without any hesitation just decide in a clear YES or NO – whether the present Muslim society is based on these beliefs or not. If not and obviously not, then please give a decision regarding the scholars of Bareilly who have disagreed with the above noted beliefs and have struggled to save the Ummah from these filthy beliefs & actions, and have also striven to keep the Ummah associated with the correct beliefs of Islam.

It is now up to the Muslim masses to decide whether this significant achievement of the righteous Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars was in the interest of the Ummah or otherwise – and whether the services they rendered caused dissension within the Ummah or have saved it from breaking up.

If you agree that the faith of the majority of the Muslims worldwide is the same as that which the scholars of Bareilly upheld, you will then have to accept that it was these scholars who were the true leaders of the Muslim masses. Those who, under the influence of false propaganda of the opponents, accuse the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars of sowing the seeds of dissension within the Ummah, deserve to be called the worst ingrates in history.

Even if you do not call yourself a Bareillvi, you must be thankful to the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars for the noble role that they played by saving you from falling victim of the incorrect teachings of the Deobandi school – and for keeping the Muslim Ummah associated with proper beliefs.

C) THE THIRD FOUNDATION OF DIFFERENCES (Improper Decrees Issued By The Deobandi School)
Under this basis of differences are the verdicts and writings of the Deobandi scholars in which the religious traditions of the Muslims masses (Jumhur) have been termed as “Forbidden” (Haram) and heretic innovations. Read please the details below:
1. They term the seeking of mediation (Tawassul) from the Prophets and saints as forbidden and a sin.
2. They do not accept the belief that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon them) had knowledge of the hidden, even if it is given by Allah.
3. According to the explanation of Taqwiat-ul-Iman, they believe that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has mingled with dust.
4. Holding of Meelad (Mawlid) gatherings and Qiyam & Salam (the prevalent way in which a devotee prays for peace and blessings of Allah upon the beloved Prophet, in a state of standing upright) – all these are forbidden according to them.
5. Holding gatherings in order to convey the reward of Fateha, recitation of the Qur’an etc., either for saints or for common Muslims – all these are forbidden according to them.
6. They term it forbidden to hold public meetings to narrate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain or to commemorate Gyarhween Shareef of Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani and Chhatti of Hazrat Shaykh Moeenuddin Chishti.
7. They term the rejoicing, holding of public meetings and taking out of processions on the occasion on the birth of our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as forbidden.
8. According to them, building of domes over the mausoleums of Saints and pious Muslims is forbidden.
9. They term the slogans of “Ya Rasool Allah” and “Ya Nabi Salam Alaika” as forbidden.
10. According to them, inviting relatives and others on the occasion of Khatna (circumcision) and Bismillah (The start of reciting the Qur’an) and Aqeeqah (sacrifice for newborn) is prohibited.
11. Teejah (meals for the poor on the third day of passing away of a Muslim), Daswaan (meals for the poor on the tenth day of passing away of a Muslim), Chaleeswan (meals for the poor on the fortieth day of passing away of a Muslim), preparation of Halwa (sweet dish) on the occasion of Shabe-Bara`at (15th Night of Shabaan) – all these are not permissible according to them.
12. According to them it is impermissible to invite anyone on the occasion of weddings, engagements etc., nor is it permissible for one to attend such gatherings.
13. They decree the wearing of head-garlands by the grooms (on the day of wedding) as an act of polytheism.
14. Regarding the person who places wreaths on the mausoleums of saints, and commemorates the Urs of saints – they term the marriage of any Muslim female with the son of such a person as Haram. They also forbid participation in the funeral prayers of such a person, inquiring after his health and greeting him.
15. They also term the seeking and obtaining of benefit (Faiz) from the souls of saints and seeking their assistance as forbidden.
16. According to them, kissing the thumbs upon hearing the name of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is forbidden.
17. They also term the Fateha of Imam Jafar Sadiq in the month of Rajab, as forbidden.
18. They term the illumination of mosques upon completion of the recitation of Holy Qur’an in the month of Ramadan, as forbidden.
19. They also deem prohibited the placing of epitaphs showing the date of death on the grave of Muslims.
20. To pray for the forgiveness of the deceased after the funeral prayers, is prohibited according to them.
21. They term the act of embracing each other on the Eid days as forbidden.

NOW IT IS UP TO YOU TO DECIDE
Now the third root cause of our differences with the scholars of Deoband is also before you. You have now to decide 3 things, with justice.
Firstly, do you agree with the above mentioned verdicts issued by the Deobandi scholars, or not.
Secondly, are these verdicts contrary to the lawful traditions and customs practiced in the Muslim world, or not.
And thirdly, is the religious and social system of our Muslim society harmed by these verdicts or not.

If yes, and surely yes, then according to these verdicts, is the entire Muslim society involved in forbidden acts from dawn to dusk? And if so, where does our Islamic society stand?

This is the stage where you have to draw a line between the scholars of Deoband and that of Bareilly – and you must arrive at the conclusion that all the efforts of the Deobandi scholars were directed at proving that the entire Muslim society, each and every member of it, was a sinner – whereas the efforts of the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars was to prove that unless an act is explicitly forbidden by Allah or the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), then no one has the right to forbid it. Terming the ethical and religious customs upon which the Muslim society is built, as forbidden (Haram) is a clear deviation from proven facts and an open enmity with the Muslims.

If my readers adopt a fair stance, they will have to admit that all the efforts of the Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars are in support of majority of the Muslim Ummah, whereas those of the Deobandi scholars are directed against it.

Can there be a greater ingratitude other than taking those who are hell bent upon attacking and ruining us, as our greatest well-wishers – whereas on the other hand to deem those who have put their lives and status in danger for us, as our greatest enemies?

CONCLUSION OF PART ONE
The purpose of clarifying the foundations of our differences, up to what I have written until now, is that the readers may clearly understand the nature of differences, and may not attribute our anger, frustration and separation for any other reason.

If the assault of the insolent pen of Deoband was on us, there could have been plenty of ways for forgiveness and reconciliation. But the fact is that they tried to harm the honor of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and have thereby caused suffering to Allah and His Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) – and so the decision regarding them will come from these sources.

We do not have any direct relationship with any scholar – it is through the means of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When someone severs his relationship with the Holy Prophet, then the question our having a relation with him does not arise. Rather the spirit of loyalty towards the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) demands from us that as long as we live, we shall not only have our relations severed with such blasphemers, but shall continue our struggle of keeping each and every Muslim away from them.

PART TWO

A) CHARGES OF THE DEOBANDI SCHOLARS AGAINST THE SCHOLARS OF BAREILLY.
The history of our differences will remain incomplete if we do not narrate here the charges that the Deobandi scholars have leveled against us. The most important blame on us is that we have termed their learned and worthy scholars as infidels and we have been very bold and careless in giving the verdict of infidelity, and furthermore that we have been very biased and fanatical in our views.

In defense, we only wish to state that the verdict of infidelity mentioned in our book “Hussaam-ul-Haramain” (The Sword of the Two Holy Sanctuaries), for the charge of insulting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and on the charge of denial of tenets of Islam, has been given against ONLY 5 (five) persons – and the verdict has been upheld and attested by the then scholars of Mecca and Medinah, and other cities of the Arab world.

Of those five, four are the very same elders from the Deobandi School (the blasphemous writings of whom are detailed above) and the fifth person is the great liar and impostor Gulam Ahmed Qadiani.

So henceforth, if someone supports the blasphemous writings of any one of the 5 mentioned above, he will himself be responsible for the consequences and the due punishment. The scholars of Bareilly are not interested in unnecessarily expelling anyone from the fold of Islam. By supporting the blasphemous and insolent writings and disrespect of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), it is they themselves who make arrangements for their own ruin in this life and in the hereafter. It is absolutely ridiculous to blame anyone else for it.

A Point To Remember
Here, an important matter needs to be explained. A non-Muslim, after his recitation of the Kalema and acceptance of faith and Islam, should be considered a Muslim – and likewise it is necessary that if any Muslim commits blasphemy (Allah forbid), he should be considered an infidel – this is a fundamental rule.

The Ahle Sunnah Bareillvi scholars had to fulfill this unpleasant obligation under specific conditions – and similarly the Deobandi scholars have not lagged far behind. As a proof, please read the letter of Maulvi Amin Ahmed Islahi, extracted from his famous book “Hakeem-ul-Ummah” written by Maulvi Abdul Majeed Daryabadi. This letter was written at the time when Maulvi Islahi was the Chief Administrator of Madrasahe Islah, in Sarae Meer, District Azamgarh, India. The following extract from the letter is worth reading: –

“The verdict given by Maulana (Ashraf Ali) Thanvi that – ‘Maulvi Shibli Nomani and Maulvi Moeenuddin Farahi are infidels, and since the Madrassah is the mission of these two individuals, it follows that the Madrassahe Islah is a teaching place of infidelity and hypocrisy – to the extent that even the scholars who attend its public meetings are also infidels and faithless’ – has now been published.”

Upon receiving this letter, Maulvi Abdul Majeed Daryabadi (a disciple and caliph of Maulvi Thanvi) wrote a detailed letter as a confidante to Maulvi Thanvi in which he referred to the piety, intense worship and “Tahajjud” prayers of Maulvi Shibli Nomani and Maulvi Moeenuddin Farahi, as proofs of their Islam. His aim was to convey that the verdict of infidelity against these two prominent pious persons could not be easily accepted. The reply he received from Maulvi Thanvi was as follows: –

“All these are deeds – and beliefs are quite apart from them. It is possible for wrong deeds to combine with correct faith and beliefs, and the opposite is also possible.” (Hakeem-ul-Ummah – page 476)

The only possible inference from the above reply of Maulvi Thanvi is, that despite Maulvi Shibli Nomani’s and Maulvi Moeenuddin Farahi’s fame, knowledge and piety, the decree of infidelity issued by Maulvi Thanvi against the two is correct. In order to prove that Maulvi Ashraf Ali Thanvi was correct in issuing such a verdict, his devotees and fans will resort to the interpretation that surely Maulvi Thanvi must have seen or noticed some act of infidelity (in writing or in speech) in these two Maulvis – without a solid reason based on Shariah, he would surely not have issued a verdict of infidelity.

Now if we apply the same principle on Mr. Thanvi and other scholars of Deoband, then it transpires that the verdict of infidelity issued against them by the scholars of the 2 holy cities, is also NOT unfounded. They also had solid reasons based on the Shariah for terming them infidels, the details of which you have read in the earlier pages.

If the fame and piety of Maulvi Shibli Nomani and Maulvi Moeenuddin Farahi could not save them from being termed infidels, then has some special revelation descended from the sky which exempts these elders of the Deobandi school from being termed infidels, despite their being guilty of blasphemy and disrespect of the Holy Prophet?

B) AN ANSWER TO THE CHARGE OF BIAS AND FANATICISM.
One of the charges leveled against us by the Deobandi scholars is that we have been very biased and fanatical in our views. At this juncture, it will be most appropriate to show them their own face in the mirror, so that they may think before they point a finger at anyone else!

B1) The First Example of Deobandi Extremism.
You have just read in the previous paragraphs the verdict given by Maulvi Ashraf Ali Thanvi which was as follows: – ‘Maulvi Shibli Nomani and Maulvi Moeenuddin Farahi are infidels – and since the Madrassah (Islah) is the mission of only these two individuals, it follows that the Madrassahe Islah is a teaching place of infidelity and hypocrisy – to the extent that even the scholars who attend its public meetings are also infidels and heretics.’

Now you can decide yourself, can there be fanaticism beyond that?

B2) Second Example of Deobandi Fanaticism.
Maulvi Thanvi is such an extremist in his views that he does not allow his devotees and fans to even read the books of the persons he considers heretics. An extract from the book “Kamalate-Ashrafia” (A collection of Maulvi Thanvi’s sayings etc.,) is as follows: –

“If a person from an astray sect talks about religion, there is always evil hidden in it. Their writings also contain evil hidden within, therefore one should never keep their company and never ever read their books.” (Kamalate-Ashrafia – page 55)

Now please be fair with us – if we adopt the same strict attitude towards those whom we consider infidels because of their denial of the necessities of faith and disrespect of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we are reproached. Why should we not be allowed the same privilege that the Shariah allows them?

B3) Another Example of Deobandi Extremism
Those who are aware of the history of Nadwah, know that the elders of the Deobandi school were against its very formation. To the extent that when the principle of Nadwah Maulvi Mohammed Ali Mongeree went to invite Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi to attend its yearly conference, he not only declined to accept the invitation, but also refused to meet Maulvi Mongeree. When Maulvi Mongeree insisted that if Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi could not attend the conference, he should allow any of his men to attend on his behalf, Maulvi Gangohi’s reply was: –

“It has been made known to me that it (Nadwah) does not have a good ending. I therefore cannot permit any of my men to attend on my behalf.” (Tazkerat-ur-Rasheed Vol 2 page 205).

“It does not have a good ending” – there cannot be better proof of this ILHAM (revelation) other than the fact that Nadwah is now under the control of the Deobandis!

And the horrible picture of its ending will become clearer if you keep its beginning in sight.

Learned people know that Shibli Nomani occupied an important place amongst the founders of “Nadwah”. One of his articles has been published in the sixth volume of “Makalate Shibli”. He wrote this article at a time when there was some misunderstanding between him and the principal of Nadwah. Gradually, the differences rose to such an extent that the students went on strike in support of Shibli. The excerpt is as follows: –

“When the crisis was at its peak, the time of Mawlid Shareef arrived and the students wanted to celebrate it according to their yearly routine – but knowing that I (Shibli) would speak on the occasion of Mawlid Shareef, they were prevented from it. At last some people intervened and persuaded him (the principal) that if Mawlid Shareef celebration was not permitted, there will be widespread anger in the city. So under this compulsion, the celebration of Mawlid Shareef was allowed, but under various conditions and restrictions.” (Makalate Shibli – Vol 6. Page 131)

But can the Mawlid Shareef celebration be held in the courtyard of Dar-ul-Uloom Nadwah in this age? Is the trend of celebrating Mawlid Shareef still prevalent among the students of Nadwah? No. Because Nadwah has now been usurped by Deobandis.

Just think! That was the beginning and this is the end – and strangely enough, note that the “Ilham” of Maulvi Rasheed Gangohi relates only with its “evil” end – not with the beginning!

B4) Yet Another Example Of Deobandi Fanaticism.
You have read one example of the fanaticism of Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi. Now please read one more example of his extremism and stubbornness.

His hatred for the Saints and their mausoleums had reached to such an extent, that he hated even their Urs. The mausoleum of one of the famous Chishti Saints Hazrat Maulana Abdul Quddoos Gangohi is also in the same Gangoh, which happens to be the native place of Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed. The hatred in his heart for the great saint, and for the celebration of the saints’ “Urs” can be gauged from the following extract from the book of Maulvi Zakaria – the Shaykh-ul-Hadith of Saharanpur. He writes in his book “Tareekhe Mashaikhe Chisht” – page 294 (The History of Chishti Shuyukh) as follows: –

“The Urs of Hazrat Maulana Abdul Quddoos Gangohi which Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed was powerless to stop, distressed him so much that it was almost impossible for him to bear it. At first, he used to leave Gangoh and stay in Rampur in those days, but in the last few years of his life he was compelled to bear this anguish and had to spend the time of the Urs in his Khankah (house).During the days of Urs, he also detested his disciples coming to Gangoh to such an extent that he often showed his anger and even avoided speaking to them. One of his Caliphs and disciples, Maulvi Mohammed Saleh Jalandhari set off for Gangoh in order to have the privilege of seeing Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi. Incidentally, the Urs was in full swing. Although Maulvi Mohammed Saleh did not have the faintest idea of the Urs, Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed instead of replying to his greetings, did not even bother to ask him whether he had taken his meal, or even ask him the reason of his arrival.”

“Two days passed away in the same stalemate. Seeing Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi’s face turned away from him, and purposely ignoring his presence was unbearable for Maulvi Mohammed Saleh. At last he approached Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed, and with tears in his eyes he asked Maulvi Rasheed as to what had he done, for which he was being punished so severely. As an apology he further said, ‘Hazrat, Allah knows that from the very beginning, I have no interest in things like Urs. I swear that I have not come to Gangoh for the sake of attending the Urs. I did not know that the Urs was being held in these days.’ Imam Rabbani said, ‘Although your intention was not of attending the Urs, but on the way through which two men were coming to attend the Urs, you were the third!’ “.

Readers must now decide with justice – can there be fanaticism more intense than this? His disciple had not come to Gangoh for the sake of attending the Urs, but had come to meet his Shaykh. But as he had made the terrible mistake of coming at the time of Urs, he was punished severely, as if he had committed a heinous crime!

Now the question arises that if Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed had so much hatred for the Urs of Maulana Abdul Quddoos Gangohi, then why did he ever become a disciple in the Chishti Sabri order of saints? And whereas the fact is that in this order, right from Hazrat Khwaja Moeenuddin Chishti, to Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, Baba Fareeduddin Ganj Shakr, Meboob-e-Ilahi Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya, Hazrat Sabir Pak, Hazrat Chirag Dehli, Hazrat Banda Nawaz Gaysu Daraz, Hazrat Turk Panipati, Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Haq Radolvi, Hazrat Shaykh Abdul Quddoos Gangohi, Hazrat Shaykh Jalaluddin Thanesri, Hazrat Akhi Siraj, Hazrat Alauddin Pindvi and Hazrat Sultan Ashraf Jehangir Samnani – among them there is not a single saint who has not held the Urs of his Shuyukh.

It is quite strange to note that only because of the fact that his disciple had come during the time of Urs, Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi turned his face away from him. Whereas all the Shuyukh of the Chishti order who have kept the tradition of Urs alive, believe him (Shaykh Abdul Quddoos) to be their Dastageer (aide). Now the question which swings like a sword above the head of Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed is – how can someone who (according to the beliefs of Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed) is himself involved in “Moharrimat wa Bidaat” (forbidden acts and innovations), take someone else close to Allah?

C) ANOTHER OBJECTION BY THE DEOBANDI SCHOLARS – AND ITS ANSWER
The people against whom Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza (of Bareilly) used his pen could not bear their wounds, and kept moaning all their life. Revenge is a basic instinct of every wounded person – and naturally, when a person cannot restrict his enemies, he resorts to hurling abuses. The same thing happened with Ala Hazrat. The people who could not defend the charge of insulting the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) through knowledge and proper arguments, concluded that the only way of satisfying their lust for revenge was to tarnish the image of Ala Hazrat – by any means, fair or foul.

When they could not find anything objectionable in the dignity and personality of Ala Hazrat, they concocted the false charge that Ala Hazrat has revived various innovations instead of reviving the Sunnah – whereas as a Renewer of Islam, the greatest accomplishment of Ala Hazrat is his differentiation and segregation of right from wrong, and truth from falsehood – innumerable examples of these are spread over huge volumes of his decrees (fatawas).

The name of Shaykhe Deoband Husain Ahmed Madani, tops the list of those who raised such accusations against Ala Hazrat. In his book entitled “Al Shihab-ul-Saqib”, he has hurled about 600 abuses on Ala Hazrat, among which is “The Renewer of Innovations” – which is a scar on the page of his book.

But at this stage, I wish to salute the character and dignity of Ala Hazrat again and again that despite the Deobandis’ grave enmity, the accusers have not yet been able to prove him as a pioneer of innovations.

The difference in the meaning of “Pioneer” and “Renewer” is well known to every learned person. Those who called Ala Hazrat the “Renewer” of innovations must now prove who is the “Pioneer” of the “innovations” which supposedly Ala Hazrat has revived. And they will also have to give account, as to how many times have they abused the “Pioneers” of such innovations.

Although it is not the main topic, I do have a long list of innovations – the “pioneers” of which are none other than the Deobandi scholars themselves! Though I do not have ample time, but to prove my objection and in relevancy with the occasion, I quote only some of the innovations pioneered by the Deobandi scholars, as listed below:
1. Reading the complete Saheeh Bukhari Shareef (the famous Hadith collection), in order raise money for the Madressah, while giving the excuse that this was done for “repelling calamities & fulfilling needs” – the pioneer of this innovation is none other than the Darul Uloom Deoband itself.
2. Assigning a specific place for funeral prayers in the courtyard of Darul Uloom Deoband, not on the basis of administrative reasons but on the basis of wrong beliefs – the pioneer of this innovation is none other than the Darul Uloom Deoband itself.
3. Stipulating that the shroud of a dead Muslim must always be made of Khaddar (a hand spun coarse cloth) – and refusing to lead / offer the funeral prayers in the absence of Khaddar – the pioneer of this innovation is none other than the Shaykh of Deoband, Maulvi Husain Ahmed!
4. Holding a large celebration upon completion of 100 years of Deoband Madressah, with huge arrangements and publicity for the sake of conferring certificates to scholars – and inviting a polytheist, “Gair Mahram” (forbidden even to look at) woman on the stage, and giving her the seat of “Chief Guest” – and as if this was not enough, seating all their elderly scholars and students at her footsteps below the stage – the pioneers of these several evil innovations are none other than the scholars of Deoband.
5. Standing up respectfully on hearing the National Anthem (of India) which contains several polytheistic phrases, and that too in the courtyard of a religious school – the pioneers of this evil innovation are none other than the scholars of Deoband.
6. Considering that it is a “religious duty” to help a Congress Leader to gain victory in elections – the pioneer of this innovation is none other than the Shaykh of Deoband, Maulvi Husain Ahmed!
7. Holding a public meeting with invitations, for the sake of condoling the death of their elders and then reciting eulogies based on heresy and apostasies – the pioneer of this innovation is none other than the Darul Uloom Deoband itself.
8. Compulsorily stopping the people after a predetermined particular Salat (obligatory prayer) and delivering a lecture from the book “Tableeghi Nisaab” – the pioneers of these several innovations are none other than the scholars of Deoband. (This book has now been named “Fazaile Aamal”).
9. Taking the people out of their homes for “special worship” and on tours around the world in the name of inviting people to recite Kalema and offer Salat – the pioneers of this innovation are none other than the scholars of Deoband.
10. Ordering all the people present to stand up in respect of the Indian President when he arrived, while the national anthem (of India) was being sung in the courtyard of the Darul Uloom – the pioneers of this innovation are none other than the scholars of Deoband, who were themselves present on the stage. Now they must answer as what kind of innovation this was.

These and countless other innovations have been pioneered by the Deobandi school – but they never get tired of terming Ala Hazrat as an Innovator!

Scholars of the Deobandi school give the decree of “heresy” without any hesitation on every newly originated action, and by terming it as prohibited, they create new differences and new intrigues among the Muslims.

Take the case of Mawlid as an example. The most important reason given by them to prove that it is “an innovation, haram (prohibited) and a heresy” is that it is a 700-year-old innovation. In its present state, it was neither at the time of the Holy Prophet, nor in the age of the Companions or Tabayeens. But when it is asked, that if according to you it is a heresy only because of it being a newly invented act, then please point out any of its components which eradicates any Sunnah or comes under the category of forbidden acts – so they have no answer, except to keep silent.

Following are the components of a Mawlid Shareef gathering:
1. Public announcement
2. Carpeting, stage, tent, etc.,
3. Illumination
4. Perfumes and sprinkling of rose water
5. Distribution of sweets
6. Gathering of Muslims
7. Narration of events that took place at the time of birth of the Holy Prophet
8. Remembrance of Allah and His Holy Prophet.
9. Standing and recital of Salaam.

In the above list, except for the standing and recital of Salaam, there is not a single component that is missing in their gatherings for Seerah, sermon, preaching, or for honoring their scholars. Public announcement, stage, illuminations, gathering of people, speeches by one or more speakers – all these are present – so by their own decree, they should also term these as prohibited.

The only remaining issue is that of Standing and reciting Salaam. This too is not the reason of prohibiting Mawlid Shareef – for according to them, the celebration of Mawlid Shareef is prohibited even without this. (According to the explanation of the decree issued by their famous Maulvi, Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi)

And if it is asserted that the reason of prohibition is the narration of incorrect traditions in it, then I would like to remind you that Maulvi Rasheed Ahmed Gangohi prohibited the Mawlid Shareef even if the traditions narrated in it are correct!

In a number of debates I have asked the scholars of the Deobandi school, that when the components of our Mawlid gatherings and that of your various gatherings are one and the same, then why are your gatherings for the purpose of delivering sermons permissible – and at the same time, why are our gatherings for Mawlid impermissible? An act cannot be permitted or prohibited just because the reason of our assembly is Mawlid Shareef and your assembly is for delivering a sermon or for seerah.

When they could not come up with any reply, I said that there is only one reason which comes to my mind – and that is – on the occasion of the birth of the Holy Prophet, when the entire universe was celebrating, only Satan (along with his disciples) was mourning and casting dirt upon his head.

Only Satan the outcast was aggrieved at the birth of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). Possibly you too feel hurt and follow Satan’s footsteps, because the event of his noble birth has taken place a long time ago, and now only its memories are left. When you people celebrate the “Diamond Jubilee” of Madressah Deoband, Shariah does not stop you – and when we celebrate Mawlid Shareef, the Deobandi school starts screaming!

Someone has rightly said – that when the heart is envious of someone, it gets enflamed even at the mention of his name!

PART THREE

A VERY PAINFUL QUESTION AND ITS ANSWER
After going through this article, a question may come to mind – why is it that when there are so many astray sects, that the scholars of Ahle Sunnah seem to come together against only the Deobandi School of thought, and not so much against any other?

Before answering this question, I consider it essential to point out that by Allah’s grace, the scholars of Ahle Sunnah have fought against, and denounced and refuted every stray sect by speech, literature and debate – there is ample proof of this. We have never compromised with anyone in our quest to overcome evil and to protect the true faith. A number of treatises written by Ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza (and other scholars) in denunciation of Shias, Qadianis, and Non-Abiders (Gair Muqallid) have been published in millions and are being published right up to this day. After Ala Hazrat, his caliphs, pupils and disciples performed religious duties through their speeches and writings and the influence of their services has spread all over the world. It would be wrong to assume that we have a soft corner for any deviated sect.

REASONS FOR A STRICT STANCE AGAINST THE DEOBANDI SECT
A point that remains to be clarified is – why is the attitude of the Ahle Sunnah scholars, so severe against the Deobandi sect? There are a number of reasons for it – they must be read and understood with a cool mind.

Reason # 1 – Their Infidelity
The first and foremost reason is the infidelities and blasphemies of the Deobandi scholars – these are actually the fundamental differences – these heretic beliefs are written in their books and are ingrained in the hearts of the Deobandis.

Reason # 2 – Difficulty In Identification
As far as actions are concerned, they too call themselves Hanafi, and apparently they offer Salat (prayer) as we do. Their call of Salat, Salat of Eid etc. are the same as ours. In short, there are no outward signs with which the simple Muslims can identify / recognize them. There is every possibility that simple Muslims will misunderstand them. Therefore it was necessary that the beliefs of the Deobandi school be presented clearly to the masses, in order that there is no difficulty in identifying them.
As far as Shias are concerned, their call for prayers, their mode of prayer etc., are vastly different from that of Sunnis – they are easily identifiable. The same is the case of the Non-Abiders (Gair-Muqallid). Their compulsory prayers, Witr prayers, Taraweeh and Eid prayers clearly warn others that they have different beliefs. Therefore the need to warn people of such deviated sects is not as urgent as is the need to educate them about the deviant Deobandis.

Reason # 3 – Their Methods Of Corrupting The Faith Of Sunni Masses
They are very good impostors. By entering the ranks of our Sunni masses, and impersonating to be on our side, they bring people close to them through various tricks – and when they deduce that they have been successful in doing so, they inculcate respect and adoration in their hearts for the elders of the Deoband school. Thereafter they change them to such an extent that they begin to abhor all the beliefs and customs, which were dear to them like their faith – and consider them polytheism and heresy! Within a few days, their hearts get sealed with such wretchedness that they are not prepared to listen to any reference either from the Qur’an or Hadith. It should be noted very clearly that I am not writing this from imagination. Rather these are our daily observations.

In such circumstances, there is no other way left to save the simple masses from going astray from the Straight Path followed by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) and the saints, but to educate them about the filthy beliefs of the Deobandi sect, and their deceits and fraud.

Reason # 4 – The Hypocrisy Of The Deobandi Sect
Going through the traits of Deobandi sect, it becomes very clear that they are truly the inheritors of the traits of the hypocrites mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. For instance, the hypocrites were double-faced. One face was meant for their own group whilst the other was for the honourable Muslim Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The Holy Qur’an has narrated this trait of theirs in the following words: –

And when they meet with the believers, they say, “We believe”; and when they are alone with their devils, they say, “We are undoubtedly with you, we were just mocking!” (Surah Al Baqarah 2:14 – from the Holy Quran’s English Translation “Treasure of Faith” by Mohammed Aqib Qadri)

The same is the case with the Deobandi sect. They too have two faces – one for the faithful followers of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the other for members of their own group.

An Interesting Example Of Deobandis’ Hypocrisy
If you want to see a living example of the above, come to Delhi. A very famous person by the name of Jamil Ilyasi resides here who is a staunch Deobandi Tableeghi. The addition of the term Ilyasi is sufficient to portray his complete background. On the one hand, he is such an active preacher of Deobandism and Tableeghi Jamaat in Delhi that it is highly unlikely that there is any mosque in Delhi of which he is member of the Delhi Waqf board and Waqf council, which he has not turned into a camp of the Tableeghi Jamaat. But now learn the other side of picture and lament – that there is not a single Mausoleum of the twenty Khwajas of Delhi at which he is not present on the occasion of Urs. When the late Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister for the first time, Jamil Ilyasi was the one who placed the floral wreath on the grave of Khwaja Moeenuddin Chishti on his behalf. Another more interesting fact is that when the late Mrs. Indira Gandhi was removed from her post and was passing her life in the abyss of defeat, Jamil Ilyasi approached her – and like a soothsayer who could see the future, advised her that there is only one person on earth who could restore her rule – and that person is Huzoor Gaws e Azam Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani whose sacred mausoleum is in Baghdad. Indira Gandhi did not want anything else. She immediately arranged for his trip and Jamil Ilyasi set off for Baghdad. He remained in seclusion at the holy shrine for fifteen days – and upon returning he informed her that he had received the good news from the shrine that her (Indira Gandhi’s) rule would be restored within 9 months.

Now please be fair – can someone wage a war more intense against his or her own faith, except the followers of the Deobandi faith? They, according to their own terminology, have “worshipped” graves and accepted those as “faithful” who according to them have spread polytheism. Now you yourself decide – how difficult it is to avoid people who have so many faces. They portray a different face in Deoband and Saharanpur – and a different one in Baghdad and Ajmer.

The Deobandi Faith Murdered!
Those who have read Taqwiat-ul-Iman and Bahishti Zewar are aware of the fact that according to the Deobandi school, seeking assistance from the “graves” is “Shirk-e-Jali” (absolute polytheism). But now read the belief they have for the graves and tombs of their own elders – extracted from the book “Tareekhe Mashaekhe Chisht”, written by none other than the Shaykh-ul-Hadith of Saharanpur, Maulvi Zakaria Sahab.

While writing about the demise of Mianji Noor Mohammed Jhanjhanvi, who was the Shaykh of Haji Imdadullah Makki, he quotes Haji Sahab that his Shaykh (while in his fatal disease) said to him:

“I wanted to put you into toil and exertion (of spiritualism), but I cannot go against the will of God – the call of my last journey has arrived.” When Hazrat Sahab uttered these words, I (Haji Imdadullah) burst into tears. Hazrat comforted me and said that a saint does not die, but rather he moves from one world to another. The same benefit will be derived from the grave of a saint, as was during his lifetime.”

Read one more extract regarding the grave of Mianji Noor Mohammed Jhanjhanvi – from his biography which is published by Idara Talifaat Ashrafia in Thana Bhavan, the preface of which is written by Qari Mohammed Tayyeb Sahab, the principal of Darul Uloom Deoband. The writer says:
“Even after the demise of Mianji Noor Mohammed Jhanjhanvi, the same spring of bounty flows from his honorable soul and according to his own words, the same beneficence which used to be received from his angelic personality is derived from his grave.”

So in order to prove that the same benefits do accrue from Mianji Noor Mohammed Jhanjhanvi’s grave after his demise, the writer of the biography quotes the following event:
“Haji Imdadullah Makki once said that there was a weaver among the disciples of Mianji Noor Mohammed Jhanjhanvi. After the death of Hazrat, the weaver paid a visit to the mausoleum of Hazrat Sahab and after offering “Fateha”, he pleaded that he was very disturbed and was living a life of poverty. He received a reply from Hazrat Sahab that he will get two annas (Indian currency coins) daily from his grave. Once when I visited the mausoleum, I found him there. After narrating the whole event to me, he said that he receives the promised amount from the foot of the grave every day.” (Sawanahe Hazrat Mianjev page 79)

Now please be fair! It is clearly stated in the famous books of the Deobandi sect – namely Taqwiat-ul-Iman, Bahishti Zewar and Fatawahe Rasheediyah – that seeking help by paying a visit to a mausoleum and requesting the saint to help in times of troubles and calamities is blatant polytheism. But now you can see that in this whole event, the verdict of polytheism has been accepted as part of faith!

Now you can yourself decide that when there is such a thick cover of hypocrisy on the face of the sect that it hides the doctrines of its own faith, how difficult it is to identify them. So in order to save the general public from the evils of this double faced religion, the scholars of Ahle Sunnah school felt the need to educate the people time and again regarding the features of their hidden face, so that they be saved from falling into their trap.

PART FOUR

A BRIEF DEBATE REGARDING INNOVATION.
The word “Bidat” (innovation) is a very frequently used term in the Deobandi sect. Every now and then terming the Ahle Sunnah as “Bidati” is part of their daily conversation – to the extent that they have named the Ahle Sunnah as “Bidati” (innovators). For example in his book “Tareekhe Mashaekhe Chisht” Maulvi Zakaria has quoted the following statement of Haji Imdadullah Makki:

“I never decline to make anyone my disciple in order that he may not be trapped by some innovator -upon which Allah may call me to account that ‘This man had come to you – why did you turn him away, because of which he got trapped at such a place?’ ”

There can be no other interpretation of the above statement except that since Haji Sahib is the Shaykh of Deoband, only he is on the proper way of Sunnah – and that all the other Shuyukh are innovators!

At this juncture I feel the need to bring before you the other side of the picture. In the same book, Maulvi Zakaria has written that Haji Imdadullah Makki had affixed a stone at the grave of his Shaykh Mianji Noor Mohammed Jhanjhanvi, on which the following verses are inscribed:

“The city of Jhanjhana is a place of guidance – the place where exists your home and refuge –
Your Lord the Pure, and your mausoleum – is here – therefore know, O wise man!
Here is the sacred grave of the great person, here all the Shuyukh and commoners bow their heads!
Whoever wishes to see the Lord God, should go to pay a visit to his grave,
The moment he sees it, I firmly believe – he will see the Lord of the creation!”

Just imagine! (1) To set off for visiting his grave, and (2) Seeing his grave is equal to seeing Allah – are all these things permitted in the Deobandi faith? I challenge every one right from Maulvi Zakaria down to every elder and student of the Deobandi sect, to prove in the light of their beliefs – as stated in Taqwiat-ul-Iman, Bahishti Zewar and Fatawahe Rasheediyah – that all these verses are according to the Deobandi faith. But regrettably, since this deed has been committed by their own elders, the Deobandis must blindly accept it as correct!

Going against their own principles for the sake of their elders, is the exclusive double-faced policy of the Deobandis that had to be exposed. And in order to expose the Deobandis, the scholars of Ahle Sunnah had to resort to writing books, go for debates, and had to make the spreading of the truth a mission of their lives.

By
Allama Arshad ul Qadri (Rehmatullah Alaih)
Founder & Chief Administrator
Hazrat Nizamuddin Awliya Islamic University – New Delhi.
17 Muharram 1413 (19 July 1992)
Original work entitled “Daawate Insaaf” (Urdu).
Translated into English by Mohammed Aqib Qadri.

All Praises is due to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, Peace and Blessings be upon the most perfect of creations, His Beloved Habeeb, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam his noble Family and the illustrious Sahaba Ridwanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een and all the pious servants of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala.

I have been writing and reciting Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho whenever the name of the Exalted names of Glorious SaHaba and dignified Awliya Allah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhum Ajma’een is mentioned following the practice of highly ranked Ulama (Scholars) and Pious people of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah. And for the same reason, I have been writing Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho with names of Awliya and Ulama in my notes. I found few people, sharing with me their confusion over using Radi Alllah Anhu for other than a SaHabi and I also found few deviants, who were creating cofusions in the minds of our unaware Muslims Brothers and Sisters for which I thought to provide them a note proving it to be permissible and a practice of prominent and pious scholars of Islam.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Use of Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for other than a companion of the Beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him is permissible as written in Durr al-Mukhtar:

1. To use Radi Allahu Ta’ala for a companion is Mustahab and for Taba’een and others, raHmatullahi Ta’ala Alaih is recommended and its opposite, that is , rahmatullahi Ta’ala alaih for a companion and Radi Allahu Ta’ala for Taba’een and others is also permissible. [Durr al-Mukhtar , Vol 5, Page 480]

2. Alla’ma al-Khaffaji in his Naseem ar-Riyadh [Sharah al-Shifa of Qadi Ayad Al Mailki] writes : “It is permissible to use Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Masha’ikh and others.” [Naseem ar-Riyadh, Vol 3, Page 509]

3. Shayh Abdul Haq Muhaddith al Dehalwi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Hadrat Owais al- Qarni, who was not a companion. [Ashi’at-ul-Lama’at, Vol 4, Page 743]

4. Imam Ibn Abideen uses Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa at many places. [Rad Al-Muhtar, Vol 1, Printed from Deoband, Page 35, 36, 37 and Page 42 , Total Six times]

5. Imam Ibn Abideen has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Shafi’i at seven places. [Page  35, 38, 41, 43] and has also used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Sahl bin Abdullah al –Tustari. [Page 38] [Radd al – Muhtar, Vol 1]

6. Imam Haskafi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Shafi’i and Abdullah bin Mubarak. [Durr al-Mukhtar ,Vol 1 , Page 45]

7. Imam Fakhr al-Din Razi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa. [Tafsir al-Kabir, Vol 6, Page 382]

8. Imam Ali Al Qari has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Shafi’i. [Mirqat, Vol 1, Page 3 – Bombay Edition]

9. Sayyid Ahmed Tahtawi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Abu Hanifa. [Tahtawi ‘ala al-Miraqi, Istanbul Edition, Page 11]

10. Imam Al Ghazali has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Malik and Imam Shafi’i. [Ihya al-Uloom al-Deen , Vol 2, Page 7]

11. Imam Hajar al Asqalani has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Bukhari and Imam Shafi’i. [Muqaddima , Fat’h al-Bari , Page 18 and 21]

12. Imam Nawawi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Muslim. [Muqaddima, Sharah Muslim , Page 11]

13. Shayh Abdul Haq Muhaddith al Dehalwi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Shafi’i and Imam Bukhari. [Ashi’at-ul-Lama’at, Vol 1 , Page 9 and 16]

14. Shaykh Al Tibrizi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Baghawi. [Muqadiima , Mishkat al Masabih]

15. Alla’ma Al-Khaffaji has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Imam Qadi Iyad. [Naseem ar-Riyadh, Page 5, Cairo Edition]

16. Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith al Dehalwi has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Qadir al-Jilani al Hasani al Hussaini at more than fifteen places. [Ashi’at-ul-Lama’at, Vol1 , Page 18 and Akhbar al Akhiyar Page 15,16, 18 21, 22, 23, 24 , 209, 210, 211, 212, 213 and 214]

17. Imam Mulla Ali al Qari has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Abdullah bin Mubarak, Layth bin Sa’ad, Imam Malik bin Anas, Dawud Tai’i, Ibrahim Bin Adham and Fudayl ibn Iyaad. [Mirqat, Vol 1 , Page 27]

18. Allama Al-Sa’avi al Maliki has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu for Shaykh Suleyman Jamal, Ahmed Dardeer, Salim Hafnawi, Shaykh Ameer, Imam Abul Hasan Sahykh Saeed Adawi , Allama Mohammed bin Badeeri Dimyati, Nuruddin Ali Shabralsi, Allama Halabi, Allama Ali Ajhori, Burhan Alqi, Shamshuddin Alqami , Imam Ziyaadi, Shaykh Ramli, Shaykhul Islam Zakariyya Anasari, Jalaluddin Muhalli and Imam Suyuti. [Tafsir al-Sawi , Vol 1 , Page 3]

19. Imam al Shatnufi in [Bahjat al-Asraar] has used Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu at many places for other than companions and in Bidaya , Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu has been used for Sahib al-Hidaya by his students at many places.

I hope my effort will be appreciated and my brothers and sisters in faith will surely remember me in their prayers for peace and prosperity, health and happiness and Allah’s SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala Mercy and Favour. May Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, through the intercession of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam accept this humble effort; and may He SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala give us the Toufeeq and Hidayah to restore the true rights and respect towards our Ulama and Awliya as dictated by Islam. Aameen!!

We are sharing this brief note extracted from “Fadl al-Ilm wa al-Ulama”, the Blessed book by Aarife-Billah, ash-Shaykh al-Imam Naqi Ali al-Qadiri Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho on the Excellence of Knowledge and the Ulama. Here we will discuss about some obstacles to the path of seeking knowledge. We humbly pray that this note will enlighten the hearts and encourage my Muslim brothers and sisters to acquire the knowledge of Deen.

Firstly, The strong resistance from the cursed Shaytan.

Be aware that the most hated and dangerous thing to the Cursed Shaytan is the seeking of knowledge. Therefore, he uses all his powers and resources to stop a student from learning. The Shaytan puts the most Waswasa (interference) on a student of Din. No other deed or worship besides the seeking of knowledge experiences such intensified opposition. The methods of combating these interferences are very simple. All the student has to do is remember all the Ayahs and Ahadith pertaining to the excellence of Ilm-e-Din and never pay attention to the obstruction of the evil Shaytan . Surely, an intelligent man will not give preference to the cursed Shaytan over the Bounties of the Merciful Lord SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala.

Secondly, Carnal desires (Nafs) are very demanding.

It hates hardship and loves relaxing. But when one realises that this world (Duniya) is temporary and that the Hereafter (Akhirah) is the everlasting and original abode, then indeed, the hardship of seeking knowledge becomes a pleasure. One must realise that the hardship of seeking knowledge lasts for a very short period and its benefits and pleasures are limitless. As time passes and the student gets the taste of knowledge, he will develop such pleasure that he will never be at peace without reading a book. No matter where he goes or what he does, he will never be relaxed if he does not read a book on Din.

Thirdly, Association with the public.

In the inception, set out some time to study in privacy and as one progress in this field, one will develop the love of knowledge so much so that everything else will have no value.

Fourthly, Worldly fame and honour.

It is obvious that the seeker of worldly fame is never successful and fades away in time to come. Worldly fame and honour is of no comparison to the honour of the Hereafter. How unfortunate are those who seek knowledge for this world and discard the wealth and dignity of the Hereafter? Such people destroy themselves by thinking that they are successful.

On the contrary, those who give preference to Ilm-e-Din over worldly fame, the Merciful Lord SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala certainly blesses them with honour and integrity in both the worlds. Shaykh Abu-Aswad Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho states that there is no merit greater than knowledge. A King rules over the people and the Ulama rules over them. Have you not seen that rulers have no choice but to implement the verdicts of the Ulama when matters are brought to their courts?

Anyone who loves and appreciates knowledge will surely not give preference to the kingdom of the world over it. It is reported that a destitute went to a King for a job. The King said that he was ignorant and not fit to serve him. He left and humbled himself at the feet of Imam Ghazali Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho to study Ilm-e-Din. There, he learnt about the dangers of this world and harms of associating with Kings and the wealthy people. However, Imam Ghazali’s company and tutorship made him an intellectual celebrity. One day, the King called him and assessed his profound knowledge. He was overwhelmed and said: “Now you are worthy of my service. What post would you like to take up?” The ‘Aalim replied, “In the past, I was of no use to you and now you are of no use to me. Previously, you did not like me and now I do not like you.”

Fifthly, The greed of wealth.

It is obvious that the perishable wealth of this mundane world cannot be compared to the wealth of knowledge. When a man dies, his wealth does not accompany him to the grave, but the knowledge accompanies him to the grave and always assists him until he enters Jannah. Worldly wealth decreases when it is spent but knowledge increases when it is imparted. The wealthy have to protect his wealth while knowledge protects the Alim. Furthermore, Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala does not leave one a destitute if one gives preference to the seeking of knowledge over business and trade. Imam Ghazali Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho records in his Ihya al-Uloom,

مَن تَفَقَّهُ فيِ دِينِ اللهِ عَزَّ وَ جَلَّ كَفَاهَ اللهُ تَعَالَى مَا اَهَمّه ُ وَ رَزَقَهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لاَ يَحْتَسِبْ
One who develops understanding in Din, Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala protects him from depression and provides sustenance for him from places he cannot imagine of.

Sixthly, The destruction of wealth.

Man gets very worried and depressed when he thinks of his undetermined life span and shortage of time. Hence, he wrongfully deduces that knowledge is an ocean and one’s entire life span is too little to achieve it. This is absolute ignorance. No soul can reach the ultimate peak of perfection in knowledge in one’s lifetime, so much so that Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala Commands His Beloved Rasool Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him

قُلْ رَبِّ زِدْنِيْ عِلْماً
Beloved Rasool, say, “O my Lord! Increase my knowledge”. [Surah Taha : 114]

Taking all this into account, there is still no seeker of knowledge that is deprived of honour and excellence. A sincere student of Ilm-e-Din will not experience embarrassment and failure. All the branches of Ilm-e-Din are certainly profitable no matter how little is acquired. The Hadith Sharif states that if a person dies whilst studying Ilm-e-Din and did not complete his course, he will be raised amongst the Ulama on the Day of Qiyamah. Another narration says that if a student of Din dies while studying, the Angels will complete his studies for him in his grave. Is this a small benefit that Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala Divinely provides for the people of learning (Ulama)?

Seventh, Not to get a compassionate teacher (Ustaz).

This is of paramount importance to a successful student. Surely, one will not be able to achieve anything if the Ustaaz does not teach correctly. Nowadays, there are very few sincere teachers of Din that are dedicated to their students and this has greatly contributed to the dwindling number of good students.

Eighth, The concern for livelihood.

Eight obstruction is the most difficult one and this refers to obtain just enough to carry on with one’s daily needs. Always remember that extra is always extra. The greed for extra is generally found in every human. This greed for extra has destroyed many people. The last two obstructions are serious problems because if one does not get a compassionate teacher what can one benefit from him and if one does not get enough food to eat then how is one to concentrate on studies? Weakness and hunger are serious problems that cannot be controlled by a student. Therefore, it is very important for the wealthy to cater for the student.

Likewise, financial contributions of generous Muslims to Islamic Institutes will certainly remove these problems. There are enormous virtues for the teachers and students of Din and even more so for those who financially keep these Institutes operational. The same will apply to those who encourage people to support such institution. The Hadith Sharif states:

إِنَّ الدَّالَّ عَلَى الْخَيرِ كَفَاعِلِهِ
Indeed, the promoter of virtue is like the virtuous. [Sunnah Tirmidi, Hadith 2739]

Besides the above Hadith Sharif there are numerous other Ahadith Sharif in the Siha-Sitta that speaks of the virtues on this subject. However, be mindful that the Thawab of actions vary according to situations and moments. Therefore, the status of the noble Sahaba Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho are so lofty because they promoted the Din and sacrificed their lives in the most difficult and volatile moments and situations in the history of Islam. Hence, if one promotes Ilm-e-Din in these distraught moments of poverty, one will certainly achieve more Thawab than the wealthy individuals and rich Kings of the past who promoted knowledge. This is so because firstly, the Kings had great resource available and secondly, they lived in the era when Ilm-e-Din was well and alive, progressing day-by-day. The people too, were very honourable and loved to study the Din.

A Sincere Request

Beloved Muslim brethren! Awaken from your dreams of fantasies and seek the knowledge of Din. This is your guide to success in the Hereafter. Why do you waste so much of time in fruitless activities in this temporary abode and pay no heed to the real success and salvation? Spend some time to acquire Ilm-e-Din so that you may distinguish between good and bad. Ignorance is no excuse in the Divine Court of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala. In fact, it is a sin on its own. This knowledge is helpful in all aspects of this world and the Hereafter. It will save you from embarrassment and humiliation. Spend some money and time to earn this great wealth. Do not wait for the last moment before you think of studying. It will be useless!!

Hadrat Ibn-e-‘Umar Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Do the opposite of what the polytheists do; let the beard grow long and clip the mustache.” A version has, “trim the mustache down and leave the beard.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 875]

Hadrat Zaid ibn Arqam Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever does not take something off his mustache is not one of us (not on our path).” [Sunan Nisa’i, Vol 2, Page 274]

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho reported that the Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him said: “He who does not shave off the hair from the abdomen and does not cut his nails and does not trim his mustaches, is not of us”.

Sayyiduna Anas Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho reported that the maximum exemption for shaving off the hair from the abdomen and armpit and for cutting nails and for trimming the mustaches is forty days. [Sahih Muslim]

Hadrat Abu Huraira Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Cut the mustaches and let the beards grow long; (by doing this) do the opposite of the fire worshipers.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol 2, Page 129]

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho reported that the Glorious Prophet of Islam Peace and Blessings be Upon Him said: “Five things are from the traditions of the Prophets of the old: circumcision, removing the hair below the navel, trimming the mustaches, cutting the nails and removing the hair from armpit”. [Bukhari, Muslim]

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Many of our Muslim brothers have opted to make their beards into a fashion and have a ‘stylish’ effect to it. Many completely shave it off and some leave a bit on the chin. Some keep their beards only 2 fingers long, and believe that they’re following the Shari’ah, despite the fact that those who shave all of their beards and those who shave it to less than one fist are all the same in sin in the eyes of Shari’ah. It has been stated in Bahar-e-Shari’at:

To grow the beard is the Sunnah of the prophets. To shave it all or less than a fist is Haraam.

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq “Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi” has stated:

To shave the beard is Haram, and the way of the English, the hindus and monkey-dancers. It is wajib to leave the beard to grow to one fist. Those fuqaha (scholars) who have stated that to keep the beard one fist is sunnat, then this is not because according to them to keep the beard to one fist is not wajib, but in fact “sunnah” in this context means the Islamic way, or because the wujub (necessity) of keeping a beard one fist has been proven from the Sunnah (the ahadeeth – prophetic traditions of the Beloved Prophet), just as the Eid prayers have been called sunnat, despite the fact that they are wajib.

It has been stated in al-Durr al-Mukhtar (Vol. 2 Pg. 116), Radd al-Muhtar (Vol. 2 Pg. 117), al-Bahr al-Ra’iq (Vol. 2 Pg. 280), Fath al-Qadir (Vol. 2 Pg. 270), Tahtawi (Pg. 411) that: [and the words quoted here are of Tahtawi’s]

According to the unanimous opinion, to shave the beard less than a fist as is the way of some westerners and effeminate persons who are fond of make-up like women, is not permissible. As regards shaving whole of the beard, then this is the way of the Jews of India and the fire-worshippers of Iran.

2. Hadrat Sayyiduna Imam al-Ghazali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho said:

If in a battle the dead amongst the Muslims and non-Muslim become mixed then every corpse will be recognized by their trimmed mustaches and beards (not less than a fist). Those that possess trimmed mustaches and beards will be bathed and dressed according to the Muslim rites and Salat-ul-Janazah read over them while those not possessing the above signs will be buried like the non-Muslims i.e. Without bathing and dressing and Salaat-ul-Janazah.

3. It is permissible to grow the beard more than the Shari’i limit of one fist. However – according to our Imams and scholars – to let the beard grow such that it becomes extremely out of proportion, and which shall be a incite people to point fingers and make humor out of that person, is offensive and disapproved of. [Lum’ah al-duha fi I’fa al-Luha (Imam Ahmed Raza Khan), Fatawa-e-Radawiyyah, Vol 22, Pages 571/573]

I. Hadrat ‘Uthman reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “The best among you is he who learns and teaches the Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page752]

II. Hadrat Mu’adh al-Juhani reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever recited the Qur’an and acts according to its contents, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given to wear a crown whose light is better than the light of the sun in the dwellings of this world if it were among you. So what do you think of him who acts according to this?!” [Musnad aHmad, Vol 4, Page 446]

III. Hadrat ibn Mas’ud reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever recites a letter of the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem are one letter; but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 119 – Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 320]

There are 361, 267 letters in total in the Holy Qur’an. Thus, upon the recitation of the whole Qur’an one shall receive 3,212,670 rewards (good deeds).

IV. Hadrat Bara’ reported that when a man was reciting Surah al-Kahf, with a horse tied up with two ropes at his side, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to jump. He went and mentioned that to the Holy Prophet in the morning who said, “That was the sakinah which came down because of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 749 – Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 268]

V. Hadrat Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that Hadrat Usaid ibn Huzair said that one night, when he was reciting Surah al-Baqarah with his horse tied beside him, it started jumping. But when he stopped reciting it also kept quiet. When he again resumed recitation it again started jumping. So he again stopped reciting and it also kept quiet. Then he again recited and the horse again started jumping. So he finished reciting, for his son Yahya was near it and he was afraid it might injure him. When he had moved him back, he raised his head to the sky and saw something like a canopy with what seemed to be lamps in it; and when he told the Holy Prophet of it in the morning he said, “you should have kept on reciting, O Ibn-e-Huzair, you should have kept on reciting.” He said, “I was afraid, O Messenger of Allah that it might trample on Yahya who was near it, so I went to him, and when I raised my head to the sky and saw something like a canopy with what seemed to be lamps in it, I went out but could not see them.” He asked, “Do you know what it was?” He said, “I do not.” He said, “Those were the angels who had drawn near to listen to your voice. If you had continued reciting, the people would have looked at them in the morning and the angles would not have concealed themselves from the people.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 750 – Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 269]

VI. Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah asked Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka’b, “What do you recite (from the Qur’an) in the prayer?” He recited Ummul Qur’an (Surah al-Fatiha). The Messenger of Allah said, “by Him in Whose power my soul is, nothing like it has been sent down in the Torah, the Injil (Bible), the Zabur, or the Qur’an. It is the Seven oft-repeated verses and the Mighty Qur’an which I have been given.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 115]

VII. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur’an is Yasin. Allah records anyone who recites Yasin as having recited the Qur’an ten times.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 116 – Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 336]

VIII. Hadrat ‘Ata Ibn Rabah reported, “I heard that the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Whoever recites Yasin at the beginning of the day, his desires will be fulfilled.’” [Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 336]

IX. Hadrat Ma’qal ibn Yasar al-Muzani reported that the Holy Prophet has said, “Whoever recites Yasin seeking the pleasure of Allah, his past sins are forgiven. So, recite it over those of you who are dying.” [Mishkat Sharif, Page 189]

X. Hadrat ‘Ali Hadrat reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “everything has an adornment, and the adornment of the Qur’an is (Surah) al-Rehman” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 750 – Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 271]

XI. Hadrat Abu al-Darda’ reported that the Messenger of Allah asked, “Are any of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’an in a night?” They said, “How could we recite a third of the Qur’an?” He said, ARABIC TEXT “Say, He is Allah, One” is equivalent to a third of Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 753 – Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 268]

XII. Hadrat Abu Musa al-Ash’ari reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “keep revising (the learning by heart of) the Qur’an, because I swear by Him in Whose control my soul is, it is more slipping away than a camel which is tied with a rope.” [Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 325]

XIII. Hadrat Sai’d ibn ‘Ubadah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Anyone who recites (i.e. learns off by heart) the Qur’an and then forgets it will meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection in a maimed condition.” [Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol 2, Page 207]

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. The Holy Qur’an (whether in salaah or outside) should be recited clearly, according to the rules of Tajweed. It should not be sung, as this is not allowed.

2. It is better to recite the Holy Qur’an by looking at it than off by heart. [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri]

3. It is Mustahab (act of great reward) to face the Qiblah, to wear nice clothes, to apply fragrance prior to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

4. When starting the recitation from the beginning of a Surah (outside of prayer) to recite, ‘Ta’wwuz’ (Au’dhu Billahi Minash Shaytanir Rajim – I seek the refuge of Allah from Satan, the cursed) is Mustahab.

5. When starting the recitation of the Holy Qur’an from the beginning of a Surah (outside of prayer) to recite ‘Tasmiyah’ (Bismillahir Rehmanir Raheem – Allah in the Name of, the Most Affectionate the Most Merciful) is Sunnah.

6. If one has started the recitation not from the beginning of a surah but from the middle of a surah, then upon commencing the recitation to recite both ‘ta’awwuz’ and ‘tasmiyah’ is Mustahab. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 1]

7. If one has commenced reciting from Surah al-Tawbah (al-Bara’ah) then one should recite both ‘Ta’awwuz’ and ‘Tasmiyah’. If however, surah al-Tawbah comes in the duration of one’s recitation then one should continue and not recite the Tasmiyah. The commonly misunderstood ruling that if one starts the recitation from Surah al-Tawbah (al-Bara’ah) there is still no need to pray ‘Ta’awwuz’ or ‘Tasmiyah’ is wrong. The other misunderstood ruling is that Surah al-Bara’ah (al-Tawbah) comes in the middle of one’s recitation, then one should pray ‘Ta’awwuz’ but not ‘Tasmiyah’ is also wrong. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 1, Chapter 3, Page 309]

8. In some places, (outside of prayer) some start the recitation with: “Laqad Ja’akum Rasoolum Min Anfusikum …” But they do not recite Tasmiyah. This is wrong, as to recite Ta’awwuz and ‘Tasmiyah’ before this ayah (if this ayah is the first to be recited) is Mustahab.

9. Likewise, some in the khatm start the recitation with either of these five verses:

“Wa Ilahukum Ilahuw Wahid…” or
“Inna RehmatAllahi Qareebum minal Muhsineen…” or
“Ma kana Muhammadun Aba Ahadim mir Rijalikum…”

…but do not recite ‘Ta’wwuz’ nor the ‘Tasmiyah’. This is wrong.

10. If all the people in a gathering recite the Holy Qur’an loudly then this is Haram. Often in an Urs or Fatiha (khatm gathering), all the people recite the Holy Qur’an aloud. This is Haram. If there are a few people in a gathering then all should recite quietly. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

11. When the Holy Qur’an is recited loudly in a gathering then it is obligatory on all the people present to listen, if the reason for the gathering was to recite the Holy Qur’an. Otherwise, if only one person listened to the recitation, then it is sufficient regardless if the others are busy in their work or not. [al-Ghunniyah, Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

12. It is Fard-e-Kifaya to memorise the whole of the Qur’an. To learn off-by-heart Surah al-Fatiha and another small surah or three short verses (ayat) equivalent in length to one short surah or one long verse equivalent to three short verses is Wajib-e-‘Ain (necessary for each person individually, to learn).

13. One should differentiate in pronunctiation the following letters, when reciting the Holy Qur’an: ARABIC LETTERS Tha, Sin, Shin, Swad, Ta’, Twa, Dha, Za, Dwa, Ża, Alif, A’ (hamza), ‘Ain, Ha (from the throat), ha (lighter), Qa’, Ka’, Da’ and Dwa’, Jim, and Za’. Otherwise, if one did not pronounce each and every letter correctly with its unique characteristic, then the prayer will not count because of the changes that shall be made in the meanings due to incorrect pronunciation. [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

14. Those who are not able to pronounce letters correctly such as Ha’ (from the middle part of the throat), Twa, ‘Ain, Swad and so on, should try their utmost best, in fact it is obligatory that they make an attempt to rectify their recitation so that the pronunciation of the letters is correct. Otherwise, namaz will be rendered void. [Fatawa-e-Radwiyyah Vol. 3 Page 95 and in Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 1 Page 409]

15. We see many teachers in madressahs who have not learnt how to pronounce each and every letter of the Arabic alphabet correctly, according to its unique characteristic. Moreover, they have not acquired the knowledge pertaining to the correct way of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, by neglecting the rules of Tajweed. [Some teachers recite the letters Arabic text dha’, za’, zwa’ asjeem; qaf as kaf; sheen as seen; ghayn as gaaf. This is an act of great sin.] Therefore, what they teach children is incorrect and they shall be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection for teaching others the incorrect manner of reciting the Holy Qur’an. In fact, some even touch the Holy Qur’an without being in the state of purification. This is indeed strictly forbidden and Haraam, as Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has clearly stated in the Holy Qur’an:

لا يمسه إِلا المطهرون
“which none do touch, but the purified ones.” [Surah:56 – al-Waqi’ah, Verse:79]

16. Many who have memorised the Holy Qur’an off-by-heart (have become hafiz) recite the Holy Qur’an in such a hastily manner that one cannot differentiate between the letters, let alone the words! Such that one can only hear the ya’lamun and the ta’lamun and the rest of the words are not recited correctly. On top of this, the common folk feel pride in these huffaz saying that “such and such a person can recite the Surah in 1 minute!” to recite the Qur’an in such a hastily manner is strictly unlawful and Haram. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 3 Page 306]

17. It is permissible, without any disapproval, to recite the Holy Qur’an in those times in which to perform salaah is Makruh-e-Tehrimi. These times are:

• Approximately twenty-minutes after sunrise.
• At zawaal time (mid-day) till the beginning time for Zohar.
• Approximately twenty-minutes before sunset.

However, it is better that one does not recite the Holy Qur’an in these times. One should recite durud sharif (invoke blessings and salutations upon the Messenger of Allah) instead. [Bahar-e-Shari’at Vol. 3 Page 230, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq Vol. 1 Page 251, Radd al-Mohtar Vol. 1 Page 262]

It was very agonizing to have an email from a brother in which he asked us to assist him refuting some so-called Muslim ignorants who accused Prophets Alaihimus Salam being Sinful and Polytheists (Ma’azALLAH). As a matter of fact, the insults of the Prophets made by the deviant sects and insolent individuals have encouraged some people to openly slander and ridicule the Prophets. In addition to this, there has arisen a sect which says that the Prophets are sinners and even polytheists and Infidels (May Allah forbid!), believing that the Prophets were polytheists and Infidels and major sinners and only became Prophets after repenting (Tauba).

It is incumbent upon each and every Muslim to affirm faith (have Imân) in all the Prophets, in such a manner that one does not differ between the Prophets in their core Prophethood. Furthermore, one should respect all the Prophets and believe that they are free from any sin, (major or minor) or imperfections; before their declaration of Prophethood or after, is also an essential element in belief. This is the sound position and this is the opinion of the majority of scholars.

The Major and Minor Sins:

It must be known that leaving obligatory (farḍ) or necessary (wājib) acts even once without excuse is considered an enormity (kabīra). Likewise, committing the unlawful (Harām) is also considered an enormity. Leaving the sunna act once without excuse due to laziness or taking the matter lightly is considered a minor sin (ṣaghīra), as is committing a disliked action (makrūh). However, habitually leaving the sunnah or committing disliked actions also becomes an enormity, though they are considered enormities beneath other enormities. This is because major and minor are relative terms, and thus it is said, “The good deeds of the pious are the sins of the intimate (muqarrabīn).”

Sunnah here is taken in the juridical sense where it refers to an action regularly performed by the Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and left at times in order for it not be taken as an obligation. This is then sub-categorized into the emphasized sunnahs and the non-emphasized sunnahs, the latter being more like the mustaHabb (preferred ) acts, i.e., those performed by the Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sometimes or encouraged in general.

Infallibility of the Prophets:

The Prophets (upon them be Blessings and Peace) are all free from major and minor sins, enormities, unbelief, and wicked acts before and after receiving Prophethood (Nubuwwah). However, some slips and mistakes have escaped them.

An example of a slip (zalla) is when Ādam Alaihis Salam ate from the tree, and an example of a mistake (khaṭa’) is when Mūsā Alaihis Salam killed a member of Pharaoh’s people. He did not intend to kill him, but only to strike him with his hand in order to push him away from the Israelite. Thus, the strike was intentional, but the killing a mistake. The killing was also a slip, because every mistake is a slip, but not every slip is a mistake. Therefore, between the two is the universal-particular relationship. A slip sometimes occurs by mistake, sometimes out of forgetfulness, sometimes out of inattentiveness, and sometimes out of leaving the more worthy or preferred action.

Imām ‘Umar al-Nasafī states in his Tafsīr, “The Imāms of Samarqand do not use the word zalla for acts committed by the Prophets (upon them be blessings and peace) because a zalla is a type of sin. Instead, they say, “They performed the good act (fāḍil) and left the preferred one (afḍal), and they were lightly reproved for it, because for prophets to leave the more preferred act is equivalent to others leaving an obligation (wājib).”

Another view is that the slip of a Prophet or a Friend of Allāh Most High is a means of closeness to Him. Abū Sulaymān al-Dārānī (may Allāh have mercy on him) states:

“Dāwūd Alaihis Salam did not perform an act more beneficial for him than a misdeed. He continued to flee from it toward his Lord until he reached Him. Hence, the misdeed was the cause of his fleeing toward Allāh, away from himself and the world.”

Hadrat Shaykh al-MuHaqqiq Shaykh Abd al Haqq Muhaddith Dehlawi (may Allāh have mercy on him) states in his Ashi’ah al-Lam’at:

“What has been stated in the Holy Qur’an as regards to the ‘error’ of Prophet Adam and Allah’s reprimand shows the high status of Prophet Adam and his closeness to the Almighty Allah.” [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at Vol 1 Page 40]

Furthermore, it is Allah’s will, whoever He reprimands or punishes, even though the error committed by His slave, may not have reached the level in which we may say that it was a ‘sin’. No one has the authority to utter anything. There is a criteria and a standard for respect which is necessary to behold, and this standard of respect is that when Allah has reprimanded some of His Prophets, who are the closest to Him, or when one some occasions the Prophets or the Messengers expressed humility, by which someone may assume a defect in these prophets, then it is not permissible for us that we ponder into this and say the words of reprimand or humility to these noble prophets.

There are a number of explanations for why Syeduna Aadam Alaihis Salam ate from the forbidden tree. One is that he ate from it out of forgetfulness. Another is that he did not eat from the specific tree that Allāh forbade, but from another tree of the same type, assuming that the prohibition of Allāh was only regarding the specific tree, as Allāh said, “but approach not this tree.” He thus chose the less superior or suboptimal (rukhṣa) path, in accord with the wisdom of Allāh in order illustrate the weakness of the human ability and condition and to express the strength of divine forgiveness. This is why a Hadīth states, “If you did not sin, Allāh would bring forth a people who would sin and seek forgiveness and Allāh would forgive them” (Muslim, Tirmidhī).

Also Ādam’s Alaihis Salam offense was in Paradise, which was not considered an abode of accountability (dār al-taklīf ), in spite of the fact that Allāh forbade him from eating from the tree. In other words, he had no knowledge of the consequences for disobedience. Thus his disobedience was not open defiance as in the case of Satan.

Foot Mark of Hadrat Syeduna Aadam Alaihis Salam on
Mount Adam or Adam’s Peak in Srilanka… First Foot Mark on Earth!!

Prophets are even protected from Minor Sins:

Imam Qadi `Iyad in al-Shifa’ said that the Jumhur (Consensus) of the Jurists from the schools of Malik, al-Shafi`i, and Abu Hanifa, agree that the Prophets are protected from all minor sins because one is required to follow them in the minutest matters. It is even reported from Malik that this is obligatory to believe.

Abu Ishaq al-Isfarayini’s (d. 418) position was that no sin great or small issues from Prophets whether deliberately or by mistake and this is also our position. [Taj al-Din al-Subki Tabaqat al-Shafi`iyya al-Wusta as cited in the Kubra (4:260)]

Imam al-Zarqani said in his monumental commentary on al-Qastallani’s al-Mawahib al-Laduniyya (5:361) [Al-Qastallani’s original text is in parentheses):

(And among his Mu’jizaat is that he is immune from sins) before Prophethood and after it (both great and small, both by deliberate commission and by mistake) according to the soundest view, outwardly and inwardly, in secret and in public, in earnest and in jest, in contentment and in anger. And how not, when the Companions were unanimous in following him and faithfully imitating him in all his acts? (As were the Prophets)

Imam Taj al-Din al-Subki said:

“The Ummah concurs on the true immunity (‘isma) of Prophets, in what pertains to conveyance and other, from grave and small, contemptible sins as well as persistence in small sins but there is disagreement over small sins that do not detract from their rank. The Mu’tazila and many others allow them. The preferred view is that they are precluded because we have been ordered to follow them in what issues from them; how then could something inappropriate occur on their part? As for those that deemed it possible, they did not do so on the basis of any textual stipulation or proof.”

That is, they only clang to externalities which, if they followed their logical conclusions, would lead them to violate consensus and take positions no Muslim takes, as expounded by `Iyad [in al-Shifa’].

A very Interesting Fact:

It is stated in Radd al MuHtar, “The Prophets are protected from yawning, as yawning is from the Satan. The best way to stop this is that when one starts to feel yawning then he/she should immediately think (in their hearts) that the Prophets never yawned and were protected from it. By going this, the yawning shall immediately terminate.” [Radd al-Mohtar – Vol. 1 Pg. 336]

Any person having a slight Common Sense would be able to conclude that when the Exalted Prophets Alaihimus Salam are protected from Yawing as it is from Satan then how come the Prophets be accused of committing the sins or being the culprits?

CONCLUSION

Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala is the Lord and Creator of the Prophets and they are His beloved. He can mention their mistakes in whatever way He wishes and they can demonstrate their humility to Him in whatever way they wish. We have no right to speak about their mistakes or disrespect and slander them unless we want our record books blackened with sins. Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala has ordered us to respect and revere His Prophets. If a Prophet became a sinner, both opposing him and obeying him would become necessary, and this is a concentration of two opposite things. So, the majority of the Scholars including the Imams of the Four Schools of Law followed what they considered to be the stronger position, namely that Prophets are protected even from minor sins. Beware… Beware.. Beware O My Muslim Brothers and Sisters!! To disrespect any Prophet, to find any faults or defect in them or to be rude or insolent to these Prophets is Kufr (Infidelity).

May ALLAH keep us and our Generations be respectful towards the exalted Prophets Alaihimus Salam and protect us and our Generations for the misguided sects and deviant indivisuals. May ALLAH keep us on the path of those whom HE have favoured and refrain us from the path and even the shadow of those who earned HIS anger and those who are astray… Aameen!

Question: What is the ruling of Shari’ah (Islamic Law) on saying, “Convey my Salams to the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam)”? Is it an Innovation (Bid’ah) ? Please guide us shedding some light in this context.

Answer: A person is allowed to ask someone traveling to the noble grave of the Beloved Prophet of Allah to give his greetings if he is unable to physically go himself. There is sufficient evidence that the Tabi’un would do this and therefore censoring it is erroneous as the reader shall notice from the below quotes of the great Imams of Hadith.

Shaykh Abdullah Siraajudin al-Halabi Rahmatullahi Ta’ala Alaih writes in his Salah al-Nabiy [Page 154-155]:
[Imam Shams al-Din] Sakhawi [1427 or 8-1497], May Allah have mercy on him, said [In al-Qawl al-Badee fi al-Salah ala al-Habeeb al-Shafee]: on the authority of Yazeed ibn Abi Sa’eed al-Madani who said: I gave my farewell greetings to Umar ibn Abd al-Azeez [d. 720] whilst leaving for the blessed trip to al-Madinah al-Munawwarah] who said: I need you to do something for me. He replied: “Oh Amir al-Muminin, what kind of a need do you ask me to fulfill?” Umar ibn Abd al-Azeez replied: “When you reach Madinah (al-Munawwarah) and you visit the Prophet’s grave, may Allah give him peace and blessings, give him greetings from me”.

Ibn Abi Dunya [823-894] narrated this and Bayhaqi [994-1066] cited it in his Shu’ab al-Iman through the former’s pathway.
Al-Hafiz al-Sakahwi also said: Bayhaqi [994-1066] narrated in Shu’ab al-Iman on the authority of Hatim ibn Wardan who related that Umar Ibn Abd al-Azeez, may Allah be pleased with him, used to send al-Bareed from Shaam to go to Madinah (al-Munawwarah) especially to give greetings to the Messenger of Allah, may Allah give him peace and blessings, on his behalf.
Shaykh al-Islam Imam Taqi al-Din as-Subki [1284-1355] states in his Shifa al-Siqam Fi Ziyarati Khayr al-Anaam:
Here I shall summarize some points given above in the passage by Imam Subki [1284-1355] in his unrivalled Shifa al-Siqam:

1. The report that Umar ibn Abd al-Azeez [d. 720] used to send al-Bareed from Shaam is well-circulated and a popular report .

2. Imam Subki saw this report in Mutheer al-Azm al-Sakin by Ibn al-Jawzi [1116 (ca.)-1201] in his handwriting.

3. Ibn Abi Asim [822-900] narrated it in his Manasik and declared it was an established report.

4. The only purpose of Umar II for sending someone from Shaam [this was in the era of the Tabi’un] was to give greetings to the Noble Prophet at his grave and then return.

5. Asking someone to give greetings to the Noble Prophet has been reported from others scholars too.

6. Abu al-Layth Samarqandi [d. 983] mentioned in his Fatawa, chapter on Hajj, that Abul Qasim said: When I was leaving for Madinah (al-Munawwarah), Qasim ibn Gassan told me that I should give the Prophet greetings from him. He said: I remembered this as soon as I entered the Masjid. Samarqandi thereafter remarked: in this is evidence that whoever is not able to physically make the journey, if he asks someone to convey his greetings, there is hope insha-Allah that he will get the reward of the greetings .

Lastly, there is no doubt that there are angels that carry the greetings to the Noble Prophet from wherever someone sends greetings but that does not restrict one from physically sending his greetings too. Various hadiths describe a single greeting reaches the Noble Prophet several times, Imam Ahmad Rida Khan [1856-1921] showed in his works that it reaches him 10 times [Ref: Inba al-Hay & Saltanat al-Mustafa]!

So what harm is there in sending the greeting through someone physically? The various ways a greeting reaches the Noble Prophet are in order to venerate the great station of the Beloved of Allah . After all, Allah Most High could have had a single means of having the greeting reach the Blessed Prophet but He chose not to. A faithful believer should not feel troubled with this view. Does that person not feel the pleasure of his name and greeting being presented before the Prophet through the angels as well as through someone who endured the pains of travel to reach the Noble Habeeb ? A faithful believer should feel the joy of this in his heart and not any bitterness.

We ask Allah Most High for the sweetness of greetings in our hearts and on our tongues and that He allows us to visit the Blessed Habeeb in order that we may humble ourselves before him and utter our greetings at his gracious door, Aameen!! I pray this suffices the seeker of guidance.

Allah – in the name of – the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

At the outset please know, that in Islam, death is not perceived as an end of life. It is just the end of the worldly existence as we witness it, and the beginning of a new existence, in which the soul experiences a new world called “Barzakh.” The soul may experience this new life with or without its original body, according to its own rank allotted to it by Allah the Almighty, the Supreme. There are too many proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Hadeeth (Holy Prophet’s Traditions) regarding the above, and warrant an extensive article on the same. But that is not the question here.

The question that some people ask is that if a person is dead, can we increase its status or decrease its torment by conveying rewards of OUR deeds

It is the consensus of the Sahaba, the earlier Ulema, and the latter ones that the above is (a) Effective and that (b) it is certainly permissible, in fact meritorious, to do so.

If one wants to convey the reward of one’s recital of Holy Qur’an, charity, Nafil Salaat (Non Obligatory), fasts and good deeds, Hajj, Umrah etc., then one should convey it to the virtuous soul of our beloved Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), one’s relatives, and all the Muslim men and women. All of them will receive the same reward without any deduction; the one who has carried this out will also receive the same reward without any loss. It is also valid to convey the reward to the living persons. (Fatawa Shami).

Before we back up the above statements with several proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Hadeeth, we should, as a matter of justice, look into the objections brought against the above belief.

Those who object to this act, cite the following verse from the Holy Qur’an:
“And that man will not obtain anything except what he strove for” (Najm 53:39)

They allege that the above verse clarifies that none of our deeds can benefit one who has passed away. Such a view is incorrect. Firstly, this Ayah exhorts people to remember that good deeds will bring good results and evil deeds, an evil result. So they must always persist is seeking good. And that that they must not simply depend on other people’s prayers. Secondly, most scholars are of the opinion that the message in this verse is abrogated by the verse: “And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith, — to them We shall join their families: nor shall We deprive them of the fruit of anything of their works: yet each individual is in pledge for his deeds” (Toor 52:21).” This verse enters the children into Paradise because of the righteousness of the parents.

They also cite a famous Hadeeth from Muslim Shareef:
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased).

Please closely examine the above Hadeeth. The words say ” his acts” (except three) come to an end. What comes to an end, then, is the deceased person’s own actions. This does not mean that a dead person does not benefit from anything else. He cannot increase his own reward by any new act (even if he prays or does Zikr in the grave, as proven from various Hadeeth). But his reward can go on increasing because of the prayers of his son.
The above Hadeeth therefore cannot be quoted in support of the argument that our actions cannot benefit those who are dead. In fact, it supports the case for conveying rewards to the dead!.

Also note that the actions and beliefs of none else than the beloved Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) are proof of their wrong opinion. And also against their narrow minded opinion are the actions and beliefs of none else than the great Sahaba (Allah be well pleased with them).

Having negated the objections, we bring forth for your perusal several proofs from the Holy Qur’an and Hadeeth supporting the act of conveying rewards to those who passed away before us.

A. PROOFS FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Verse 1
And those who came after them say, “O our Lord! Forgive us, and our brothers who accepted faith before us, and do not keep any malice in our hearts towards the believers – O our Lord! Indeed You only are the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.” (Hashr 59:10)

Note that the above verse is a very strong evidence of the practice of the Sahaba, which was so loved by Allah that it is part of the Holy Qur’an. Why would the Sahaba pray for the deceased people if their prayer was of no benefit And to top it all, Allah the Almighty has approved and praised their action!

Verse 2
“O our Lord! And forgive me, and my parents, and all the Muslims on the day when the account will be established.” (Ibrahim 14:41)

The benefit of the above verse is obvious. The prayer of Prophet Syedna Ibrahim (peace be upon him), includes all believers – right from the beginning i.e. those before him, and till the end of this world i.e. even those who are not yet born. Al Hamdo Lillah! And this prayer is often made in the last part (Qaadah) of our Salaat.

Verse 3
And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith, — to them We shall join their families: nor shall We deprive them of the fruit of anything of their works: yet each individual is in pledge for his deeds.” (Toor 52:21)

This verse says that children will be admitted into Paradise because of the righteousness of the parents.

Verse 4
And lower your wing humbly for them, with mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Have mercy on them both, the way they nursed me when I was young.” (Bani Israel 17:24)

This verse is in fact a command from Allah for all believers to seek mercy for their parents. So what is your opinion Will not the command of Allah hold any benefit for the deceased parent It certainly does.

Also note that there are several other verses from the Holy Qur’an that teach us to pray, and the prayer includes all Muslim brothers & sisters (living, passed away or yet to be borne).

Readers are requested to reflect on the fact that the above verses are part of the Holy Qur’an – they are read perhaps millions of times every day all over the world, as part of regular recitation, and also as Qirat within Salaat, and also as prayer in the last part (Qaadah) of Salaat.

B. PROOFS FROM THE HADEETH

GENERAL PERMISSIONS (HADEETH # 1 – 4)

Hadeeth 1
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased). (Muslim)

Hadeeth 2
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “What is credited to a believer of his action and good deed after his death is any useful knowledge he might have taught or spread, a Allah-fearing child he might have left behind, a copy of the Qur’an he might have left to an heir, a mosque he might have built, a house he might have dedicated for use by travelers, a stream or river he might have caused to run, a donation to charity (i.e. sadaqah) he might have set aside when he was enjoying good health. All that catches up with him after his death.” (Ibn Majah)

Hadeeth 3
Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘Aas (Allah be well pleased with him): Al-‘As ibn Wa’il left his will that a hundred slaves should be emancipated on his behalf. His son Hisham emancipated fifty slaves and his son Amr intended to emancipate the remaining fifty on his behalf, but he said: I should ask first the Apostle of Allah. He, therefore, came to the Holy Prophet and said: Apostle of Allah, my father left in his will that a hundred slaves should be emancipated on his behalf and Hisham has emancipated fifty on his behalf and fifty remain. Shall I emancipate them on his behalf The Apostle of Allah said: Had he been a Muslim and you had emancipated slaves on his behalf, or given sadaqah on his behalf, or performed the pilgrimage, that would have reached him. (Abu Daud)

Hadeeth 4
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for one who is hard pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter, and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of know- ledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur’an (among themselves) there would descend upon them the tranquility and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah makes a mention of them in the presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) lineage does not make him go ahead. (Muslim)

FUNERALS (HADEETH # 5 – 9)

When a Muslim dies, it is a duty on the community of Muslims to offer a special prayer for him during which they pray Allah to forgive him and admit him into heaven. The funeral prayer is Fard Kifayah for the living Muslim brothers i.e. if just one person offers it, the entire community is absolved of this duty. But see the importance attached to the more and more people joining the prayer. And the benefit reaching the deceased person is obvious.

Hadeeth 5
Syeda ‘A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) reported Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: If a company of Muslims numbering one hundred pray over a dead person, all of them interceding for him, their intercession for him will be accepted. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 6
‘Abdullah b. ‘Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reported that his son died in Qudaid or ‘Usfan. He said to Kuraib to see as to how many people had gathered there for his (funeral). He (Kuraib) said: So I went out and I informed him about the people who had gathered there. He (Ibn ‘Abbas) said: Do you think they are forty He (Kuraib) said: Yes. Ibn ‘Abbas then said to them: Bring him (the dead body) out for I have heard Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: If any Muslim dies and forty men who associate nothing with Allah stand over his prayer (they offer prayer over him), Allah will accept them as intercessors for him. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 7
Narrated Syedna Uthman ibn Affan (Allah be well pleased with him): Whenever the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) became free from burying the dead, he used to stay at him (i.e. his grave) and say: “Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now”. (Abu Daud)

Hadeeth 8
It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that a dark-complexioned woman (or a youth) used to sweep the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) missed her (or him) and inquired about her (or him). The people told him that she (or he) had died. He asked why they did not inform him, and it appears as if they had treated her (or him) or her (or his) affairs as of little account. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Lead me to her (or his) grave. They led him to that place and he said prayer over her (or him) and then remarked: Verily, these graves are full of darkness for their dwellers. Verily, the Mighty and Glorious Allah illuminates them for their occupants by reason of my prayer over them. (Muslim, Bukhari, Mishkaat)

Hadeeth 9
Reported S. Jaber (Allah be well pleased with him): We came out with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Saa’d bin Muaz when he expired. When the Holy Prophet performed his funeral prayer, and he was buried in his grave and the earth was levelled upon him, the Holy Prophet read “Tasbeeh” and we also recited “Tasbeeh” for a long time. Then he recited “Takbeer”, so we too recited “Takbeer”. It was asked “;O the Messenger of Allah! Why have you recited “Tasbeeh” and “Takbeer” He said, “The grave became too narrow for this pious man till Allah made it spacious because of it (the recitation).” (Ahmed, Mishkaat)

VISITING GRAVEYARDS. (HADEETH # 10 – 11)

Hadeeth 10
Sulaiman b. Buraida (Allah be well pleased with him) narrated on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach them when they went out to the graveyard. One of the narrators used to say this in the narration transmitted on the authority of Abu Bakr:” Peace be upon the inhabitants of the city (i. e. graveyard).” In the hadeeth transmitted by Zuhair (the words are):” Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the city, among the believers, and Muslims, and Allah willing we shall join you. I beg of Allah peace for us and for you.” (Muslim)

Hadeeth 11
Narrated Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him): The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)said while standing near the graves of the martyrs of Uhud, “I bear witness that you are alive in the sight of Allah.” Then turning towards those present he said, “So visit them, and greet them – I swear by the One in whose power lies my life, they will answer back to whoever greets them until the Last Day.” (Hakim, Baihaqi)

There are numerous Ahadeeth about supplications to be made when visiting the graveyard – the benefit of which to one’;s self and to the deceased, it quite evident.

Also note that there are several other Ahadeeth that teach us to pray, and the prayer includes all Muslim brothers & sisters (living, passed away or yet to be borne).

PERFORMING HAJJ (HADEETH # 12 – 13)

Ahadeeth in support of offering the pilgrimage on behalf of a deceased person or one who is unable to undertake the journey are numerous. Also note that performing Hajj includes Umrah, Tawaf of the Ka’ba, and also Salaat (after Tawaf) – all these are credited to the deceased.

Hadeeth 12
“A woman came to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, ‘ I have given charity on behalf of my dead mother by giving away her female servant.’ The Holy Prophet answered, ‘You will have its reward [and so will she] but return the female servant so that the inheritance [may be properly divided].’ The woman then said, ‘She used to owe fasts, can I fast on her behalf’ He answered, ‘You may fast on her behalf.’ The woman then said, ‘She did not perform Hajj, can I perform on her behalf’ The Holy Prophet answered, ‘Yes. You may perform Hajj on her behalf.” (Tirmizi)

Hadeeth 13
A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Holy Prophet and said, “My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj on my mother’s behalf” The Holy Prophet replied, “Perform Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not So, pay Allah’s debt as He has more right to be paid.” (Bukhari)

GIVING OF CHARITY / SADAQAH (HADEETH # 14 – 18)

Hadeeth 14
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported that a person said to Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him): My father died and left behind property without making any will regarding it. Would he be relieved of the burden of his sin if I give sadaqah on his behalf He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 15
Syeda A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) reported that a man said to Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him): My mother died all of a sudden, and I think if she (could have the opportunity) to speak she would have (made a will) regarding Sadaqah’. Will I be entitled to reward if I give charity on her behalf He (the Holy Prophet) said: “Yes”. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 16
Anas b. Malik (Allah be well pleased with him) is reported as saying: Abu Talha was the one among the Ansar of Medina who possessed the largest property and among his property he valued most was his garden known as Bairaha’ which was opposite the mosque, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) often visited it and he drank of its sweet water. When this verse was revealed:” You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you Have” (iii. 91), Abu Talha got up and, going to Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), said: Allah says in His Book:” You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you love,” and the dearest of my property is Bairaha’ so I give it as Sadaqah to Allah from Whom I hope for reward for it and the treasure with Allah; so spend it, Messenger of Allah, on whatever purpose you deem it proper. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Bravo! That is profit earning property. I have heard what you have said, but I think you should spend it on your nearest relatives. So Abu Talha distributed it among the nearest relatives and his cousins on his father’s side. (Muslim, Bukhari). It is said that Abu Talha donated it on behalf of his mother.

Hadeeth 17
Narrated Sa’d ibn Ubadah (Allah be well pleased with him): Sa’d asked: Apostle of Allah, Umm Sa’d has died; what form of sadaqah is best He replied: Water (is best). He dug a well and said: It is for Umm Sa’d. (Abu Daud, Mishkaat)

Hadeeth 18
Narrated Ibn `Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him): The mother of Sa`d bin ‘Ubada died in his absence. He said, “O Allah’s Apostle! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqah on her behalf” The Prophet said, “Yes,” Sa`d said, “I make you a witness that I gave my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf.” (Bukhari)

SETTLING OF DEBTS. (HADEETH # 19 – 20)

It is unanimously agreed by scholars that if a person dies without settling an outstanding debt, leaving no money to settle it, anyone (whether related to him or not) could pay it on his behalf, and the deceased would be absolved of the burden. The benefit from a living person to the deceased is very apparent. If the case is such and the deceased person may benefit by a financial payment, why should he not benefit by a gift made of the reward for a good action

Hadeeth 19
Narrated Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him): The Holy Prophet said, “I am more closer to the believers than their own selves, so whoever (of them) dies while being in debt and leaves nothing for its repayment, then we are to pay his debts on his behalf and whoever (among the believers) dies leaving some property, then that property is for his heirs.” (Bukhari)

Hadeeth 20
Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa (Allah be well pleased with him) : Once, while we were sitting in the company of Holy Prophet, a dead man was brought. The Holy Prophet was requested to lead the funeral prayer for the deceased. He said, “Is he in debt” The people replied in the negative. He said, “Has he left any wealth” They said, “No” So, he led his funeral prayer. Another dead man was brought and the people said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer.” The Holy Prophet said, “Is he in debt” They said, “Yes.” He said, “Has he left any wealth” They said, ”Three Dinars.” So, he led the prayer. Then a third dead man was brought and the people said (to the Holy Prophet), Please lead his funeral prayer.” He said, “Has he left any wealth” They said, “No.” He asked, “Is he in debt” They said, (“Yes! He has to pay) three Diners.’, He (refused to pray and) said, “Then pray for your (dead) companion.” Abu Qatadah said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer, and I will pay his debt.” So, he led the prayer. (Bukhari)

FASTING (HADEETH # 21 – 24)

Hadeeth 21
Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reports that a woman traveled in a boat and pledged that should Allah save her life, she would fast for a month. She was saved but she did not fast before she died. Her daughter or her sister asked the Holy Prophet about that and he ordered her to fast on behalf of the deceased woman. (Abu-Daud, Nasai, Ahmad and others).

Hadeeth 22
“A woman came to the Holy Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and said, ‘I have given charity on behalf of my dead mother by giving away her female servant.’ The Holy Prophet answered, ‘You will have its reward [and so will she] but return the female servant so that the inheritance [may be properly divided].’ The woman then said, ‘She used to owe fasts, can I fast on her behalf’ He answered, ‘You may fast on her behalf.‘ The woman then said, ‘She did not perform Hajj, can I perform on her behalf’ The Holy Prophet answered, ‘Yes. You may perform Hajj on her behalf.” (Tirmizi)

Hadeeth 23
Narrated `Aisha (Allah be well pleased with her): Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan) then his guardians must fast on his behalf.” (Bukhari)

Hadeeth 24
Narrated Ibn `Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him): A man came to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf” The Holy Prophet replied in the affirmative and said, “Allah’s debts have more right to be paid.” In another narration a woman is reported to have said, “My sister died…” (Bukhari)

READING OF QUR’AN AND ZIKR (HADEETH # 25 – 30)

Hadeeth 25
Narrated Abdullah Bin Umar (Allah be well pleased with him) that our beloved Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said, “that if anyone dies amongst you then do not keep it, send it towards the Kabr, and after burying it, Stand before its head side and recite the first Ruku of “Surah Bakarah”, i.e. from Alif Laam Meem Zaalikal Kitaab to Humul Muflihoon; and recite by it’s feet side the last Ruku of “Surah Bakarah”, i.e. From Aamanar rasoolu till the end of the Surah, Fansurna alal qumil kaafireen. (Mishkaat).

Hadeeth 26
The Holy Prophet said: “Recite Ya Seen [Qur’an 36] over your dead.” (Abu Daud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)

Hadeeth 27
Ata’ ibn Abi Rabah (Allah be well pleased with him) said: I heard Ibn `Umar (Allah be well pleased with him) say: I heard the Holy Prophet say: “When one of you dies do not tarry, but make haste and take him to his grave, and let someone read at his head the opening of Surah Baqarah, and at his feet its closure when he lies in the grave.” (Tabarani)

Hadeeth 28
The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “What is credited to a believer of his action and good deed after his death is any useful knowledge he might have taught or spread, a Allah-fearing child he might have left behind, a copy of the Qur’an he might have left to an heir, a mosque he might have built, a house he might have dedicated for use by travelers, a stream or river he might have caused to run, a donation to charity (i.e. sadaqah) he might have set aside when he was enjoying good health. All that catches up with him after his death.” (Ibn Majah).

The underlined words “a copy of the Qur’an he might have left to an heir” are an ample proof that when the heir will read from it, the reward will be passed on to the deceased.!!!

Hadeeth 29
Jaber reported: We came out with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Saa’d bin Muaz when he expired. When the Holy Prophet performed his funeral prayer, and he was buried in his grave and the earth was levelled upon him, the Holy Prophet read “Tasbeeh” and we also recited “Tasbeeh” for a long time. Then he recited “Takbeer”, so we too recited “Takbeer”. It was asked “;O the Messenger of Allah! Why have you recited “Tasbeeh” and “Takbeer” He said, “The grave became too narrow for this pious man till Allah made it spacious because of it (the recitation).” (Ahmed, Mishkaat)

Hadeeth 30
Narrated on the authority of Ibn Shamasa Mahri : He said: We went to Amr b. al-As and he was about to die. He said: When I die, let neither female mourner nor fire accompany me. When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth, then stand around it for the time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy and (in your company) ascertain what answer I can give to the messengers (angels) of Allah. (Muslim – part of a longer Hadeeth.)

It is desirable that after burial the people sit at graveside for the duration of slaughtering a camel and distributing its meat, and that during that time the sitters busy themselves with reciting Qur’an, supplicating for the deceased, exhortation, and the stories of the Holy Prophets etc. Imam Shafie said that it is better to recite the Holy Qur’an and all those present should also recite – and it is better if the entire Qur’an is recited. Also documented by Imam Nawawi in Riyadh-us-Saleheen.

It is the opinion of most scholars that when visiting the graveyard, a person should recite the following Surahs because of their individual excellence, and then convey the reward of recitation: Surah Fateha (one of the best prayers), Surah Yaseen (the heart of the Holy Qur’an), Surah Ikhlas (equal to one third of Holy Qur’an in reward) and Surah Mulk (intercedes for the reader till the reader is forgiven).

PLANTING OF TREES (HADEETH # 31)

Hadeeth 31
Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) happened to pass by two graves and said: They (their occupants) are being tormented, but they are not tormented for a grievous sin. One of them carried tales and the other did not keep himself safe from being defiled by urine. He then called for a fresh twig and split it into two parts, and planted them on each grave and then said: Perhaps, their punishment way be mitigated as long as these twigs remain fresh.(Muslim)

Imam Nawawi said in commenting on the above in his Sharh Sahih Muslim (al-Mays ed. 3/4:206): “The scholars have declared desirable — mustahabb — the recitation of the Qur’an over the grave due to the above Hadeeth, because if relief from punishment is hoped for through the glorification of date-palm stalks, then the recitation of the Qur’an is more deserving yet, and Allah knows best.” This Hadeeth also constitutes a legal basis for the planting of trees at the site of graves.

Among the Companions Hazrat Abu Barza al-Aslami (Allah be well pleased with him) and Hazrat Burayda (Allah be well pleased with him) asked to be buried together with two fresh stalks. Imam Suyuti mentioned this in “Sharh al-sudur”.

PERFORMING SACRIFICE (HADEETH # 32 – 33)

Hadeeth 32
Reported S. ‘A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) : Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He said to ‘A’;isha: Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying: Bismillah, Allah-humma Taqabbal min Muhammadin wa Al-i-Muhammadin, wa min Ummati Muhammadin (In the name of Allah,” O Allah, accept on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Umma of Muhammad”). (Muslim)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) slaughtered 100 sheep during his farewell Hajj and made intention for himself and all those (alive, deceased and to come) who bring faith on his Holy Prophethood. (Nasbur Raaya, Allama Zailee)

The evidence here is that the Holy Prophet sacrificed animals and donated its reward to his entire Ummah -; which includes both the living and the dead – i.e. all those who existed in his time and to all those who were to come after him, until the last day.

Hadeeth 33
Hazrat Hanash (Allah be well pleased with him) said: I saw Ali (Allah be well pleased with him) sacrificing two rams; so I asked him: What is this He replied. The Apostle of Allah enjoined upon me to sacrifice on his behalf, so that is what I am doing. (Abu Daud)

Whilst most Muslims do offer sacrifice for themselves, their relatives (alive and deceased) etc. they should also remember the above Hadeeth, and offer a sacrifice on behalf of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). May Allah grant us Tawfeeq – Aameen.

GATHERING FOR QUR’AN RECITATION & ZIKR (HADEETH # 34 – 36)

Reciting the Holy Qur’an carries great reward, is one of the best Sunnahs, and the number of Ahadeeth describing its merits are numerous. The intention here is to list only the merits of gathering to recite the Qur’an and supplicate – not to list the merits of reading the Holy Qur’an itself.

Hadeeth 34
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for one who is hard pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter, and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of know- ledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur’an there would descend upon them the tranquility and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah makes a mention of them in the presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) lineage does not make him go ahead. (Muslim)

It is mentioned in Tafseer Rooh-ul-Bayan that when the recitation of the Qur’an is completed, 4000 angels say Aameen on the supplication after it, and they pray for the forgiveness of the reader(s).

Imam Nawawi mentions in “Al Azkaar” that the famous Sahabi Syedna Anas (Allah be well pleased with him) used to call people to his house to attend the supplication after the completion of Holy Qur’an’s recitation.

Hadeeth 35
Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying that Allah has mobile squads of angels, who have no other work (to attend to) but to follow the assemblies of Zikr and when they find such assemblies in which there is Zikr (of Allah) they sit in them and some of them surround the others with their wings till the space between them and the sky of the world is fully covered, and when they disperse (after the assembly of Zikr is adjourned) they go upward to the heaven and Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, asks them although He is best informed about them: Where have you come from They say: We come from Your servants upon the earth who had been glorifying You (reciting Subhan Allah), uttering Your Greatness (saying Allah o-Akbar) and uttering Your Oneness (La ilaha ill Allah) and praising You (uttering al-Hamdu Lillah) and begging of You. He would say: What do they beg of Me They would say: They beg of You the Your Paradise. He (Allah) would say: Have they seen My Paradise They said: No, our Lord. He would say: (What it would be then) if they were to see My Paradise They (the angels) said: They seek Your protection. He (Allah) would say: Against what do they seek My protection They (the angels) would say: Our Lord, from the Hell-Fire. He (Allah) would say: Have they seen My Fire They would say: No. He (Allah) would say: What it would be if they were to see My Fire They would say: They beg of You forgiveness. He would say: I grant pardon to them, and confer upon them what they ask for and grant them protection against which they seek protection. They (the angels) would again say: Our Lord, there is one amongst them such and such simple servant who happened to pass by (that assembly) and sat there along with them (who had been participating in that assembly). He (Allah) would say: I also grant him pardon, for they are a people the seat-fellows of whom are in no way unfortunate – (Muslim, Bukhari, Tirmizi, and Nasa’i)

Hadeeth 36
Reported Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him), that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When you pray for a dead man, make your prayer sincere for him” (Abu Daud, Ibn Majah)

So what is the Islamic view of “Qur’an Khuwanee” ?Did the Holy Prophet or the Sahaba do it in the manner of having say 30 people each reciting one part of the Qur’;an And what if is held on particular days such as (3rd, 10th, 40th, Annually etc)?

From the above we have proved that gathering to read the Holy Qur’an (a very meritorious act) is of course permitted, and to convey the reward (several types of meritorious acts) is commendable. When the Hadeeth says it is commendable, we need not pursue as to whether there is any “historical” evidence as to when and where it was actually done.

Observe the Hadeeth mentioned under number 2 and 28 – it specifically mentions the deceased leaving behind a copy of the Holy Qur’an. It is very clear that when the heir will read from it, the reward will be passed on to the deceased.!!!

We have also cited the practice of the Sahaba who used to gather at the house of Syedna Anas, and that should suffice as proof.

As regards having 30 or so persons reading the Holy Qur’an separately, it would not have been possible at the time of the Holy Prophet or the Sahaba immediately after him since the Holy Qur’an was not compiled, nor was it printed. The first compilation was hand written, and then only a few manuscripts were copied for preservation. The number of companions who had memorized the entire Qur’an were just a few. Also most of the early companions knew the Qur’an only in small parts, and that too not in the order we have it printed today. It would have thus been very difficult for them to coordinate reciting the entire Holy Qur’an in one sitting. The practice followed now is a matter of convenience and in no way can be termed against Sunnah.

It is also a very convenient way for the poor Muslims (who cannot afford charity, Hajj or sacrifice etc) to convey reward to their near ones, by reciting alone, or by arranging such recitation in mosques, homes etc.

We do not find any proof within Islamic Sources that forbid the holding of the Qur’an Khwanee on the 3rd, 10th or 40th day. Nor is it compulsory to do it on these very days. After all, this is a Mustahab Act, not a compulsory act (which usually has a time limit). From the prayers for the dead mentioned in the Qur’an and Hadeeth, there is no time limit. The Holy Prophets, and the Sahaba prayed for all Muslims, no matter when they had died. The Holy Qur’an also commands us likewise for our parents. However, these are scheduled for the following reasons:

1. It is easier to remember. If not planned or programmed, it will never be held. Look, the Holy Qur’an commands us to offer prayer, but does not command us to put up notices within our mosques declaring the congregation timings, or to announce the Azaan on loud speakers – but we do that although Muslims are aware of the 5 daily prayers.
2. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to regularly visit the graves of the martyrs of Uhud regularly once every week. He also exhorted others to visit Uhud, and greet the martyrs. (See Hadeeth above). It is also mentioned that he offered charity on their behalf. The actions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) (i.e. visiting every week) are a very good example for us.
3. The 3rd day probably signifies the end of the permitted mourning period (except for widows). It is also the last day for people to pay condolences. So the last thing to do before the mourning ends would be, of course, to pray for the departed soul.
4. The 10th day means that a week has passed by after the mourning period. It is therefore chosen as a grim reminder.
5. The number 40 occurs in the Qur’an and Hadeeth in many places. It is an important number to indicate change from one state to another. According to some Hadeeth, the fetus in the womb of a mother changes from one state to another every forty days. Holy Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) was asked by Allah to spend forty nights at mount Sinai (al-Baqarah 2:51). Bani Israil were kept wandering in the wilderness of Sinai for forty years (al-Ma’idah 5:26). Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was bestowed with revelation from the Holy Qur’an at the age of forty. If 40 Muslims attend a funeral and pray for the deceased’s salvation, their intercession will be accepted by Allah. And there are many other important events in history associated with the number 40. The 40th day also means that a month has passed by since the last grim reminder.
6. The annual day speaks for itself. Another year has passed -even for the person who is alive.

Please note a person may be saddened by the loss of someone near for his entire life – there is nothing forbidden in it – but he may not “mourn” the loss after 3 days (except in case of widows).

We must also remember that:

1. These are occasions of solemnity, and not ostentation or show.
2. The purpose should be seeking Allah’;s pleasure, of conveying reward to the departed soul, and praying for their salvation.
3. These occasions should serve as reminders of our own deaths and the after life.
4. Giving charity to the needy & deserving, along with such recitations, on behalf of the deceased is commendable.
5. The conveyance of reward not only benefits the deceased but also has immense reward for the doers of the good, and they remind them of the hereafter. The person performing the good deed gets the reward multiplied by the number of people to whom the reward was conveyed!

May Allah keep us on the Straight Path – Aameen. Peace and abundant blessings be upon the Holy Prophet, his family, his companions and his entire Ummah. Aameen.

M. Aqib Farid Qadri
21 Safar 1424 (23 April 2003)

Another element of the reverence and esteem for Beloved Prophet Muhammad Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him is found in all things and places connected to him in Makkah al-Mukarrama, Madinah al-Munawwarah and elsewhere.

Hadrat Saffiyah bint Najda Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha tells us that Abu Madhura Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho had a long lock of hair on his forehead that touched the ground when he sat down. When he was asked why he did not cut it he replied,

لم أكن بالذي أحلفها ، و قد مسها رسول الله صلى الله عليه و سلم بيده
“I will not cut off something that the hand of the Messenger of Allah Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him touched.” [Ash-Shifa, Vol. 2, Page 62]

The Sword of Islam, Hadrat Sayyiduna Khalid Ibn Waleed Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho had some strands of the Prophet’s of hair that he placed inside his cap. During one of the battles the cap fell off whereupon he fought zealously to retrieve it. He told his companions that,

لم أفعلها بسبب القلنسوة ، بل لما تضمنه من شعره صلى الله عليه و سلم لئلا أسلب بركتها و تقع في أيدي المشركين
I didn’t fight for the sake of the cap, rather I fought to retrieve the strands of the Prophet’s hair that were tucked within it so that I would not be deprived of their blessing, and also to avoid them falling into the hands of the unbelievers. [Majma’ az-Zawaid, Vol. 9, Page 349 – Mustadrik, Vol. 3, Page 239]

Ibn al-Sakan narrated through Safwan ibn Hubayra from the latter’s father: Thabit al-Bunani said: Anas ibn Malik said to me (on his death-bed):

هذه شعرة من شعر رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فضعها تحت لساني فوضعتها تحت لسانه فدفن وهي تحت لسانه
“This is one of the hairs of Allah’s Messenger, Allah’s blessings and peace upon him. I want you to place it under my tongue.” Thabit continued: I placed it under his tongue, and he was buried with it under his tongue.” [al-Isaba fi tamyiz al-Sahaba (Calcutta – 1853), Vol. 1, Page 72]

Imam al-Bayhaqi records in his Dalail al-Nabuwwah and Imam Qadi Iyad al-Maliki states in his Ash-Shifa:

رئي ابن عمر واضعاً يده على مقعد النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم من المنبر ، ثم وضعها على وجهه
Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn Umar Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho was seen placing his hand on the seat of the Beloved Prophet’s pulpit and then wipe it over his face. [Dalail an-Nabuwwah lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 6, Page 249]

Abu Abd ar-RaHman Salma Alaihir raHma narrated from Ahmad Ibn Fadlwiya Zahid Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho that he was a famous archer in Battles. He says:

ما مسست القوس بيدي إلا على طهارة منذ بلغني أن النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم أخذ القوس بيده
I never touched my bow without Ablution from the time Beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) took it in his Blessed Hands. [Ash-Shifa, Vol. 2, Page 63]

It was on account of the esteem Imam Malik Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho had for the Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him that we would not ride a mount in Madinah al-Munawwarah. He would say,

أستحي من الله أن أطأ تربة فيها رسول الله بحافر دابة
“I am too shy before Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala to trample with the hoof of an animal upon the earth in which the Messenger of Allah Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him is buried.” [Ash-Shifa, Vol. 2, Page 63]

Someone in Madinah al-Munawwarah said, “The soil of Madinah al-Munawwarah is bad.” (May Allah Forbid) This outrageous statement caused Imam Malik to pronounce the judgement against him that he should be beaten and jailed. The man had connections to the hierarchy of Madinah al-Munawwarah but Imam Malik did not retract his judgement and said,

تربة دفن فيها النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم يزعم أنها غير طيبة
“He claims the soil in which the Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him is buried is not good!” [Ash-Shifa, Vol. 2, Page 63]

Of Madinah al-Munawwarah, the Beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him said,

من أحدث فيها حدثاً أو آوى محدثاً فعليه لعنة الله و الملائكة و الناس أجمعين ، لا يقبل الله منه صرفاً و لا عدلاً
“The curse of Allah, the angels and all mankind falls upon whosoever innovates something (against the spirit of Islam) in it or shelters an innovator (of something against the spirit of Islam) therein.” [Ash-Shifa, Vol. 2, Page 63]

Imam Qadi Iyad al-Maliki Alaihir raHmah records in Ash-Shifa bi Ta’rifi Huqooqil Mustafa:

أن جهجاها الغفاري أخذ قضيب النبي صلى الله عليه و سلم من يد عثمان رضي الله عنه ، و تناول ليكسره على ركبته ، فصاح به الناس ، فأخذته الأكله في ركبته فقطعها ، و مات قبل الحول
Jihjah al-Ghifari snatched hold of the Beloved Prophet’s staff from Sayyiduna Uthman’s hand and proceeded to try and break it across his knee. Upon seeing this, the people shouted at him. Thereafter he was stricken by an itching disease in his knee and despite its amputation he died within the year. [Ash-Shifa, Vol. 2, Page 63]

The Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him said,

من حلف على منبري كاذباً فليتبوأ مقعده من النار
“Whosoever swears to a lie on my pulpit will have a seat in the Fire.” [Ash-Shifa, Vol 2, Page 63]

Abu Fadl al-Jowhari Alaihir raHma was blessed to visit the City of Madinah al-Munawwarah and as he approached he recited:

رفع الحجاب لنا فلاح لناظر  ـــ  قمر تقطع دونه الأوهام
و إذا المطي بنا بلغن محمداً  ـــ  فظهورهن على الرجال حرام
قربننا من يخر من وطيء الثرى  ـــ  و لها علينا حرمة و ذمام
“The veil has been lifted from us and a moon shines; out to those who look on, banishing all illusions.
As our mounts reach Muhammad; it is forbidden for us to be found in our saddles.
We are drawing near to the best man to have ever walked upon the earth; so it is with respect and honor that we hold this ground.” [Ash-Shifa, Vol 2, Page 64]

When a pious Shaykh went on pilgrimage, he went on foot. When asked why he had done so, he replied,

العبد الآبق لا يأتي إلى بيت مولاه راكباً ! لو قدرت أن أمشي على رأسي ما مشيت على قدمي
“What, an offending worshiper going to the home of his master riding! Had I been able to walk upon my head, I would not have walked upon my feet!” [Ash-Shifa, Vol 2, Page 64]

Reverence and respect for the places in which the Revelation were received and which the angels Jibra’il and Mika’il visited, as well as places where the angels descended, also places that heard the sounds of worship and exaltation, and the blessed soil that surrounds the body of the Master of all mankind Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him and places from which the religion of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala and the prophetic quotations of the Messenger of Allah Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him were spread are necessities.

One must also revere and respect the places where verses of the Holy Qur’an were studied, the mosques in which the prayer was offered, places where virtues and good deeds were witnessed, places that saw proofs and miracles, places associated with the rites of the religion and the stations of the pilgrimage and the way marks of the Master of all the messengers of Allah, praise and peace be upon them. The places where the Seal of the Prophets Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him lived and from which the prophecy gushed and where its waves overflowed. The places that witnessed the message, and the first earth that the skin of the Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him touched after his death – its fragrance should be inhaled, its residence and walls kissed.

BELIEFS CONCERNING ALLAH ALMIGHTY

1.) He has the Quality of ‘Badaa’.
2.) This means he forgets.
3.) He makes mistakes.
4.) He plans but this does not take effect.
5.) He does not know who to appoint as the next message conveyor, the next Imaam.
6.) “We (shias) do not worship such a god who gives authority to rascals like Yazid, Mu’awiyyah and Uthmaan.”
7.) Ali is the first and He is the last. He is the manifest and Ali the hidden and Ali is the heir of earth.”
8.) Shias say that the Imaams are the face of Allah,
9.) The eyes of Allah among his creation.
10.) The tongue of Allah among his creation.

References:
(1.) Usul Kafi- Babul bad’aa – Al- Kafi Vol- 1 -P283 India Ed.( 2.) Ibid (3.) Ibid .(4.) Ibid. (5.) Ibid. (6.) Kashful Asraar – 107 – Khomeni.. (7.) Rijaal Kashsi . 138. India Print. (8.) Usul- e-Kaafi -83. (9.) Ibid. 10.) Ibid.

NEW KALIMAH

1.) Laa ilaaha illaahu Muhammadur Rasulullaah -Alli waliyullah, Khomeni Hujjatulillaah
2.) Laa Illaaha Muhammdur – Rasulullah, Ali waliyullah wazi Rasulullah was Khalifauhu bila Faslein”
3.) Shia ‘Islaam’ based on 5 pillars – Salaat, Zakaat, Fasting, Hajj, Wilaayat.
4.) Azaan is “Ash Hadu Anna – alian Waliullah Wasu Rasulullah was Khalifatu hu bila faslrin”

References:
(1.) Wahdat Islaami – June 84 P1- monthly Iranian Goverment. Periodical. (2.) Ali Waliullah – Abdul Kareem Mushtaq. (3.) Usul- Kafi. 4.) Listen in Arafaat.

IMAAMOLOGY

1.) They believe in 12 Imaams after Rasulullaah (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam).
2.) First being Ali (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho).
3.) Last being the 12th Imaam
4.) Who is in a Cave ‘Surra – Man- Raa’.
5.) Imaams they believe are Masoom- innocent.
6.) They can make Halaal- Haraam and Haraam – Halaal .
7.) They can change Deen – Sharia.
8.) They are born of their mothers thighs.
9.) They say Imaams are higher in status than the Ambiyaa including our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam).
10.) No concession regarding Wilaayah (absolute necessary belief).
11.) If one does not accept Imaams then one is a Kaafir.

References:
(1.) Usul -e – Kafi. (2.) Usul -e – Kafi. (3.) Usul -e – Kafi. (4.) Usul -e – Kafi. (5.) Usul -e – Kafi Vol 1 P225 / Kafi – Kitaabul Hujjuah. (6.) Usul -e – Kafi Vol 1 P225. (7.) Ibid. (8.) Ibid /Haqqul Yaqeen P126.(9.) Usul -e – Kafi Vol 1 P225. (10.) Ibid / Al Hukumatul – Islaamiyaa – 52 Khomeni. Hayaatul Qutoob Vol 3, P10 /Ibid Vol 2. P787. Footnote. (11.) Usul -e- Kafi Vol 2. P278. (12.) Usul -e- Kafi Vol 1. P225.

THE 12th IMAAM

1.) When he comes he will bring the original Quraan.
2.) He is in hiding, in a cave.
3.) He is alive observing the world, in totallity.
4.) When he comes, he will be naked. Rasulullaah (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) will swear Allegiance to him. (Allaah protect us).
5.) He will first dig the grave of Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) and Umar (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho), then hang them on a stake – for all sins of mankind.
6.) He will remove the body of Ayesha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) and implement the same punished for Zina.
7.) He will then kill the Sunni Scholars.
8.) Punish the Muslim Ummuah.
9.) First kill Ahle – Sunnah, then Ulama, then Kuffar.

References:
(1.) Usul-e- Kafi. (2.) Islaamic Goverment P42/ Usul -e- Kafi P340. (3.) Hukumatal Islaamia -P52. (4.) Haqqul Yaqeen 2/227- 2/347. (5.) Haqqul Yaqeen P 361/2. (6.) Also Vol 2 P 611/ Haqqul Yaqeen – P 347/ Mullah Baqir Majlisi. (7.) Furoo Kafi – Kitaabul Raudah – P 527 also Tafseer Majmanul Bayan/ Hayaatul Qulub Vol2 P 611. (8.) Hayaatul Qulub Vol2 P 611.( 9.) Haqqul Yaqeen- Vol 2. P 527 ASlo Maj Manul Bayaan.

QUR’AAN

1.) Not Completed.
2.) Has 17,000 Aayats.
3.) Our’s has 6,666.
4.) Abu Bakr’s opposed the text of the Quraan.
5.) Original Quraan with 12th Imaam Mahdi.
6.) Do not produce Haafiz.
7.) Do not perform Taraweeh.
8.) Quraan will be read/ learnt when 12th Imaam brings it.
9.) Ali (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) showd original Quraan to Sahabah(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) who rejected it.
10.) Passages mentioning virtures of Ali(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) has been purposefully deleted from the Quraan.
11.) There are 2,000 shiah traditions making many additions and subtractions in Quraan.
12.) The ‘Murtaddeen’- renegrades have removed the name of Ali(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho).

References:
(1.) Usul Kafi 1:228/ Faslul Kitaab fi Tahrif. Kitaabi Raabul Arbaa of Nuri Tibarsi approved by Khomeni in ‘ Al- Hukumaat -ul- Islamiyaa”. (2.) Usul Kafi P671. (3.) Usul Kafi P671. (4.) Kashful Asraar P111.(5.) Usul Kafi 2-632. (6.) See Iran. (7.) See Iran. (8.) Usul Kafi – p622. (9.) Maqbool – 1067 – Usul Kafi Vol1 P228. (10.)Tafseer Ali Qummi-308 /Usul Kafi 1:416/Footnotes of Maqbool’s translation 637/ Al- Ihtijaj- Tabarsi- 1-254/ Tafseer of Saafi- 1- 32/ Muqaddamah 6 , from Tafseer Saafi P32 Vol -1. (11.) Usul Kafi 1:228/ Faslul Kitaab fi Tahrif. Kitaabi Raabul Arbaa of Nuri Tabarsi.(12.) Surah Muhammad, Ayat 9, Para 26- Molvi Maqbool Dehli P1011.

TAQIYYAH (Lying)

1.) The believe in Taqiyya.
2.) This means ‘Holy Deception’.
3.) To believe in something but express/ say something else.
4.) They say 9/10th of Deen is Taqiyya.
5.) They say, he who has no Taqiyya has no deen.
6.) There is a great reward in Lying.
7.) They say the great Imams Practised ‘Taqiyya’.
8.) They say Alli (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho), Hassan (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho), Hussain(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) practiced ‘Taqiyya’.
9.) They say Hussein (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) practiced ‘Taqiyya’.
10.) Perorm Jamaah salaat with Sunni’s in Taqiyya.
11.) Visit their sick in Taqiyya.
12.) Perform their Janazah Salaat in Taqiyya.

References:
(1.) Usul -e- Kafi. (2.) Ibid. (3.) Ibid. (4.) Ibid. (5.) Ibid. (6.) Ibid. (7.) Islaamic Goverment P35/ 133 .(8.) Ibid. (9.) Ibid. (10.) Usul -e- Kafi. (11.) Ibid.(12.) Ibid.

SAHAABAH

1.) They say all Sahabah (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) companions except 3 left Islaam after demise of Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam).
2.) They say Abu Bakr (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) Umar(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) and Uthmaan (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) robbed Ali(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) of his position of being Khalif.
3.) They say Umar(Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) was a ‘Original Kaafir’ and ‘Zindiq’-renegrade.
4.) “Abu Huraira (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) was one of the fuquaha, but god knows what judement he falsified for Muaw’iyya and others like him, and what damage He inflicted upon Islam.”
5.) They say Abu Huraira (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) used to fabricate Ahadith.
6.) They say Muawiyya (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) poisoined Hassan (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho).
7.) They say Muawiya (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) was a tyrant opressive ruler.
8.) They say Qazi Shurray (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) used to issue judicial pronouncement in favour of the ruling party. He was a sinful wretch occupying position of Judge.
9.) One should dissociate with the 4 idols: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan, Muawiyya and 4 women Ayesha, Hafsa, Harid, Umm- al- Hakam.
10.) One should curse the above after each prayer.
11.) Pharoah and Hamaan refer here to Abu Bakr and Umar.
12.) Faathima should complain about Ali’s big stomach, no wealth and bad features.
13.) Abu Bakr and Umar are Kaafirs
14.) Abu Bakr is calf on Bani Israel.
15.) Ali is a mosquito and a fly.
16.) What did the Zuleikha of Makkah, Bibi Ayesha have, that the 50 year old Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) got moved to her.
17.) Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) accepted (in marriage) an uncouth person such as Hafsa. Not withsatanding the fact that she was a widow and facially deformed.
18.) Imaan refers to Ameerul- Mu’mineen- Alli and Kufr refers to Abu Bakr fisq (weakness) refers To Umar Esyaan(disobedient) Uthmaan in Surah Hujuraat.
19.) Umar is an illegeitimate child.
20.) Abu Bakr and Umar are worse than Shaithaan and they are dwellers of Jahannam.
21.) When I entre Makkah and Madinah as the conqueror, my first duty will be to go to the grave of Huzoor (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) and exhume the bodies of the two idols.
22.) We shia’s know the three Sahabah’s (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthmaan) as being void of Imaan

References:
(1.) Anwaar – No’maan Niyyah – P245. Vol 2. Nimatullah Jafaari./ Furu Kafi, Kitaabul Raudah :15 – Mullah Muhammad bin Yaqoob Kulaini Vol 3 P115/ Usul -e-Kafi Vol 2, P 246 Rijaal Kashsi P504. (2.) Al- Ihtijaaj – Tibrasi 83, 84./Haqqul Yaqeen, P 157. (3.) Haqqul Yaqeen , 551/Kashful Asraar P119. (4.) P 143 – Islam goverment. (5.) Islaamic Goverment (6.) Al-Anwaar un Nomaniyyah – Vol 2. P88-87 Jazaari.(7.) Ibid. (8.) P81, Isl/ gov. (9.) Haqqul Yaqeen- Vol. 2 P519/ Furru Kaafi P342 Vol 3/ Jilaa – ul- Uyoom -P45 – 46/ Hayaatul Quluub P 375. (10.) Ainul Hayaa P559. (11.) Haqqul Yaqeen P342. (12.) Mullah Baqir – Jilal Uyoon- 58 Chapter on Faathima.(13.) Haqqul Yaqeen – P552. (14.) Haqqul Yaqeen – Tafseer Qummi P160. (15.) Tafseer Qummi P29. (16.) Haqeeat Fiqh Hanafi P64 /Ghulaam Hussain Naqui.(17.) Ibid P124.(18.) Usul-e- Kafi P229. Vol 2.(19.) Tazkiratul Aimma – P103-4.(20.) Haqqul Yaqeen – P509 – 510.(21.) Kitaab be Noujawanaan – P8.( 22.) Tajalliyaar-e-Sadaqaat – P201- Muhammed Hussain Dhelvi.

MUT’A (Temporary Marriage)

1.) “It is disliked but permissable to have Mutah with a prostitute, especially ( it will be more enjoyable) if she is famous for her prostitution.”
2.) One time ‘Muta’ reward is Jannat.
3.) When the couple sit in Solitude, angels protect them.
4.) Their Speech is Tasbeeh .
5.) When they touch hands, sins fall from their fingers.
6.) When they Kiss, reward of Hajj and Umrah for both.
7.) On bathing – every drop from each hair brings reward of 10 Thawabs, 10 sins drop, stages raised by 10 fold.
8.) From every drop of water, angels created to make Tasbeeh till Qiyaamat.
9.) ‘Muta’ with believing women is like 70 times journey to Ka’aba.
10.) Contractors of ‘Muta’ will cross the ‘Pul Siraat’ like a flash of lightning.
11.) After making muta Once – The stage of Hussain is reached. After making muta twice – The stage of Hasan is reached. After making muta thrice- The stage of Ali is reached. After making Muta Fourth- The satge of Rasulullaah (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) is reached

References:
(1.) Tahrirul Wasillah Vol-2 P292. (2.) Ujul – e- Hasana P15. (4.) Ibid.( 5.) Ibid.( 6.) Ibid. (7.) Ibid. (8.) Ibid. (9.) Ujul – e- Hasana P16.(10.) Ujul – e- Hasana P17. (11.) Tafseer Mianjajus Sadiqeen 1:356.

GENERAL

1.) They have their own Quraan.
2.) They have their own Ahadith Books (Usul-e-Kafi) etc.
3.) They do not believe in our Ahadith Kitaabs- Bukhari etc.
4.) They have their own Fiqh, Fiqh – Jafari.
5.) They have their own concept about Allaah.
6.) They believe that Imaams get ‘Wahy’ Divine Revelation.
7.) Their Aqaaid, Salaat, Azaan, Hajj, Fiqh is different.
8.) The concept of Ambiyaa (Alaihis Salam) is different (they failed).
9.) Their concept of Sahaabah (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anho) is different.
10.) They Practice ‘Muta’ (Temporary Marriages) .
11.) Terms of Sehri and Iftaar are different.
12.) Ghusl for the dead is different.
13.) 4 Imaams are dogs.
14.) Ummah like Swine’s.
15.) Ayesha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) and Hafsa (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) are both Hypocrites
16.) Ayesha (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) and Hafsa (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha) – Poisoned Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam) before his death.
17.) May Allaah curse them (Ayesha/Hafsa) and their fathers (Abu Bakr and Umar).
18.) Their religion of the state of Iran is Islaam and Jafaari, Ithna Ashaari. This basis is forever, and it is not open to any amendment nor abrogation.
19.) Everybody, exept us Shites are illegitimate.
20.) It is true that Allaah has not created anything more despicable than dogs.
22.) But the Ahlus Sunnah are even more despicable than dogs in the eyes of Allah
23.) People of Makkah openly refute existence of Allaah.
24.) People of Madinah 70 times more unclean and polluted than people of Makkah.

References:
(1.) Usul-e-Kafi .( 6.) Usul -e-Kafi .(7.) Usul-e-Kafi Vol2 P278/ Tafseer – al- Waeelah Vol 1 P280.(8.) Ijtihaad – wa- yak- jihati- Khomeni -15/ Islaamic Goverment P37/ Tehtan Times 29 June 1980/ Knomeni Imaam Mahdi Celebration. (11.) Tafseer – al- Waeelah Vol.(12.) Ibid. (13.) Tazkiratul Aimma P102- Baqir majlasi.(14.) Usul-e-Kafi Vol2 P337.(15.) Hayatul Qutub – 2:745- M.B.Majlis.(16.) Maqbool Dehlavi – Imaam Baqir- Surah Ali Imraan : 134.(17.) Ibid.(18.) Constitution . (19.) Furoo – Kafi in Kitaabul Raudah – 135/245.(20.) Haqqul Yaqeen 521.(21.) Ibid 2/516. (22.) Ibid 2/516/ Ilaalus Sharaa P299 – Shaykh Saduuq. Usul-e-Kafi P410 Vol 2.( 23.) Ibid.

GENERAL UMMAH

1.) Most dirty and polluted left over water is that of a sunni.
2.) Not permissable to marry sunni because they are Kaafir.
3.) Cannot eat animal slaughtered by sunni.
4.) Sunnis created from soul of Jahannam.
5.) Shia’s created from soul of Jannat.

References:
(1.) “Manlaa Yahuruldul Faqiah” – Vol 1. P8.( 2.) Tahdhidul Akaam/ Ibid Vol 3 P258. (3.) Ibid.( 4.) Usul – e- Kafi. (5.) Ibid.

FIQH EXAMPLES

1.) Folding right hand on left hend in Salaat breaks Salaat.
2.) Sex in one’s wifes anus permissible.
3.) The 9th act which breaks Salaat is saying of ‘Aameen’ intentionally after Sura Faatiha. But this, too, is Permissible under Taqaiyyah.

References:
(1.) Tafseer – al- Waseelah. (2.) Tafseer – al- Waseelah- Vol.1 P280. (3.) Ibid.

There is a specific Hadith about Rawafidh that a sect is going to emerge who will be known by a bad connotation. They will be called Rafida. They will come neither on Friday nor in the congregational prayers. They will vilify the first generation (of Ummah).

فلا تؤاكلوهم ولا تشاربوهم ولا تجالسوهم ولا تصلوا عليهم ولا تصلوا معهم

“You should neither keep their company nor dine with them, nor have matrimonial relationship with them. If they fall ill do not go to greet them and if they die do not participate in their funeral prayers.” [Kanz al-Ummal (Berut – Lebanon), Vol 11, Page 765, Hadith 3529]

THUS :

1.) Shia’s because of their (peculiar) beliefs are outside the pale of Islam and as such Kafir’s. Hence Islaamic bonds like :-
2.) Marriage with them ;
3.) Using their Zabiah (Slaughter) ;
4.) Saying the funeral prayer of their dead ones;
5.) Allowing them to participate in the funeral prayer of Sunni Muslims;
6.) Making them shares in Qurbani i.e. sacrificial animals on Eid al-Adha ;
7.) Making them witness in the Nikah of Sunni Muslims;
8.) Accepting their monetary contributions for the building of Masjid ——- all these things are not permissible (in Shari’ah) and should be given up forthwith. Anyone who does not do so is outside the pale of Islam and is similarly like the Shia’s.

It is not permissible for a person to remain silent when he sees someone distorting the Religion of Almighty Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, if he is able to stand up to him. It is not permissible to leave the Muslims without guiding them and warning them against such people who distort the Religion of Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala – once they are able to do so. This falls under the obligatory advice to the Muslims, as it was indicated by the Holy Prophet, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. If the person leaves out ordering al-ma’roof (good) and forbidding aI-munkar (evil), when it is obligatory on him, then this person is committing a sin. The Ahle Sunnah scholars used to take many hardships to warn against someone misrepresenting the Religion of Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala. This has great reward for them. If that obligation was left out in a community, those people would lose the support of Almighty Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala.

Be cautious! If you hear someone claim that it is not permissible to utter “Ya Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam”, do not lend him an ear. Respond to him. Tell such a person about the Hadith of the blind SaHābi. This will be a service to the Religion of Islām.

We are now going to provide a collection of references to prove that to proclaim “Ya RasoolAllah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam” is the Sunnah of the Sahāba, the Taba’in, the A’imma Mujtahidin, the Awliya Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhum Ajma’een and scholars of the Ahle Sunnah and even the leaders of the Opponents have proclaimed so.

Guidance from Qur’an Al Kareem:

To call the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) by way of Nida (invocation) to draw his holy attention is confirmed through the verses of the Holy Quran while mentioning the activities of the Angels and the practices and rituals of the Ummah.

The Holy Quran has addressed the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) on many occasions drawing his holy attention to certain specific purpose or situation where his holy attention was needed as an authority for its solution or implimentation. Such phrases of Nida were Ya Ayyuhal Muzzammil, Ya Ayyuhal Muddassir, Ya Ayyuhan Nabi, Ya Ayyuhar Rasool etc.

Other Exlated Prophets were are also called by their names, e.g. “Ya Musa ,” “Ya Esa,” “Ya Yahya” etc.

Witness of Ahadeeth ash-Sharif:

1. Imām Tabrāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.360/970), in his Mu’jam records the following incident:

أن رجلا كان يختلف إلى عثمان بن عفان رضي الله عنه في حاجة له ، فكان عثمان لا يلتفت إليه ، ولا ينظر في حاجته ، فلقي عثمان بن حنيف ، فشكا ذلك إليه ، فقال له عثمان بن حنيف : ائت الميضأة فتوضأ ، ثم ائت المسجد فصل فيه ركعتين ، ثم قل : اللهم ، إني أسألك وأتوجه إليك بنبينا محمد صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم نبي الرحمة يا محمد إني أتوجه بك إلى ربك عز وجل فيقضي لي حاجتي ، وتذكر حاجتك ، ورح إلي حتى أروح معك ، فانطلق الرجل ، فصنع ما قال له عثمان ، ثم أتى باب عثمان ، فجاء البواب حتى أخذ بيده ، فأدخله على عثمان بن عفان ، فأجلسه معه على الطنفسة ، وقال : حاجتك ؟ فذكر حاجته ، فقضاها له ، ثم قال له : ما ذكرت حاجتك حتى كانت هذه الساعة ، وقال : ما كانت لك من حاجة ، فأتنا ، ثم إن الرجل خرج من عنده ، فلقي عثمان بن حنيف ، فقال : له جزاك الله خيرا ، ما كان ينظر في حاجتي ، ولا يلتفت إلي حتى كلمته في ، فقال عثمان بن حنيف : والله ، ما كلمته ولكن شهدت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم وأتاه ضرير ، فشكا عليه ذهاب بصره ، فقال : له النبي صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم : أفتصبر ؟ ، فقال : يا رسول الله ، إنه ليس لي قائد ، وقد شق علي ، فقال له النبي صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم : ائت الميضأة، فتوضأ ، ثم صل ركعتين ، ثم ادع بهذه الدعوات قال عثمان بن حنيف : فوالله ، ما تفرقنا وطال بنا الحديث حتى دخل علينا الرجل كأنه لم يكن به ضرر قط
Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Hanif Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho narrates: A person in dire need visited Amir al-Mo’minin Sayyiduna ‘Uthman al-Ghani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. The Khalifa was busy with some other work and he did not pay any attention to his need. Thereafter, this person went to Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Hanif Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and complained about the matter. Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Hanif Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho ordered the man to perform Wudu (ablution) and go to the Musjid and offer two Rak’ats of Nafil Salāh. He then ordered the man to recite the following Du’a and mention his need to Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala:

“O Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, I beg of You and I seek Your assistance, through the Wasila (Medium) of Your beloved Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam who is the Prophet of Mercy. ‘O Muhammad!’ I turn to Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala with your Wasila so that my needs be fulfilled.”

After doing this, Sayyiduna ”Uthman bin Hanif Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho ordered the man to now visit Sayyiduna ‘Uthman al-Ghani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho and relay his problem. When he came to the door of Amir al-Mo’minin, the doorkeeper held his hand and took him straight to the great Khalifa. He was shown great respect and the Khalifa made him sit besides him on his personal platform. The Khalifa compassionately spoke to him and fulfilled all his needs. He then said to the man, “Why did you not inform me earlier of your needs? In future if you require anything, come directly to me.” After they had left the court of the Khalifa, the man thanked Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Hanif Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho for recommending him to the Khalifa. However, Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Hanif Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho said that he had not even approached or spoken to the Khalifa concerning this matter. He then said: “By Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, I saw Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam teaching this Du’a to a blind man (Sahaba) who read it. Miraculously, the blind man’s eyesight was restored. He then approached us and before we could even complete our conversation, it appeared to us as if he had never been blind.”

Mu’jam al Kabeer lil Tibraani, Vol 7, Page 410, Hadith 8232
Mu’jam al Sagheer lil Tibraani, Vol 2, Page 106, Hadith 507
Al-Targheeb wal Tahzeeb, Mustafa al Baabi , Vol 1, Page 274
Majma’az Zawa’id, Dar al Kutb [Berut – Lebanon], Vol 2, Page 279

Imām Tabrāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.360/970) and Imām Munzari Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.656/1258) have both recorded this Hadith as authentic. They said والحديث صحيح (and this Hadith is sound).

2. Imām Bukhāri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in his book, Kitāb al Adāb al Muf’rad, Imām Ibn-Sinni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.364/975) and Imām Ibn Bash’kuwal Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.578/1183) have also recorded the following incident:

حديث ابن عمر أنه خَدِرَت رِجْله، فقيل له: ما لِرِجْلِك؟ قال: اجتمعَ عَصَبُها. قيل له: اذْكُر أحَبَّ النَّاسِ إليك قال: يا محمدُ، فَبَسَطَها
Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho once suffered from a cramp. Someone advised him to remember the person whom he loved the most. He proclaimed loudly, “Ya Muhammada!” He was immediately relieved. [al Adāb al Muf’rad, Page 250, Hadith 964]

3. Imām Nawawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in his commentary of the Sahih Muslim, and also in Kitāb al-Azkār, records that some individuals were sitting in the company of Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, when suddenly one of them suffered from cramps. The Noble Companion advised the man to remember the person whom he loved the most. The man screamed, “Ya Muhammada!” He was immediately cured. There are many As’hāb who narrate incidents of similar nature. [Al-Adhkar, Dar al Kitab al Arabi (Berut – Lebanon), Page 271]

4. Substantiating this, ‘Allama Shahāb al-Din Khafāji Misri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.1070/1660) states in his book, Nasim al-Riyād, commentary of Shifā by Imām Qādi Ayād Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.544/1149), that:

هذا مما تعاهدہ، اهل المدینة
It is a common practice of the people of Madina al-Munawwara to proclaim “Ya Muhammada!” in times of difficulty and pain. [Nasim al-Riyād Sharha Shifā, Vol 3, Page 55]

5. Ummul Mu’mineen Sayyida ‘Aisha Siddiqa Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anha narrates that Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam said:

لما أوحى إلي أو نبئت أو كلمة نحوها جعلت لاأمر بحجر ولا شجر إلا قال الصلوة والسلام عليك يارسول الله.
When Jibra’il ‘alaihis salam bought the news of Prophethood, all the trees and stones were saying, “Assalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah”. [Majma ‘al-Zawa’id, Vol 8, Page 260]

6. According to the first Hadith in the Mishkaat, Hadrat Jibrail addressed the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) by name viz.

يا محمد أخبرني عن الإسلام
‘O Muhammad’ SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam tell me something about Islam. [Mishkat, Vol 1, Page 1, Hadith 1]

7. In the same Mishkaat in the Chapter about the Wisal (Wafat) of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) it is that Malak al-Maut (the Angel of death) came to him and said,

يا محمد إن الله أرسلني إليك
‘O Muhammad’ SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam Allah has sent me to you [Mishkat, Vol 3, Page 299, Hadith 5972]

It was also by way of Nida seeking permission for the mission for which he was sent.

8. There is a hadith in the Ibne Majah, Babus Salatil Hajat, in which it is reported that one day a blind man appeared in the presence of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and begged for a dua. He was taught the following dua by way of invocation (nida)

اللهم اني اسئلك و اتوجه اليك بمحمد نبی الرحمة یا محمد اني قد توجهت بك الی ربی في حاجتی هذه لتقضی اللهم فشفعه
O Allah! I beseech Your help and turn to You with the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) . Ya Muhammad SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam I turn to my Allah with your blessings in connection of my need in the hope that with your blessings my desire shall be fulfilled O Allah! accept the interecession of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) on my behalf”. [Sahih Ibn Majah, Vol 4, Page 367, Hadith 1448]

This Dua (invocation) has been taught to the Muslims for observation and abiding by it till the Day of Judgement. This contains the prayer as well as invocation in the Presence of Almighty Allah with the interecession and through the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam.

9. It is said in the the Muslim under the Hadithil Hijrah as reported by Hadrat Baraa that when the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) entered the city of Madinah Munawwarah

فصعد الرجال والنساء فوق البيوت وتفرق الغلمان والخدم فى الطرق ينادون يا محمد يا رسول الله يا محمد يا رسول الله
Then the women and the men climbed on their roof tops, while the children and slaves scattered in streets and lanes all chanting in chorus of their groups ‘Ya Muhammad Ya Rasulallah, Ya Muhammad Ya Rasulallah’. [Sahih Muslim, Vol 19, Page 112, Hadith 7707]

This is sample proof of the Naara-e-Risalat and the Companions also recited the holy Naara or slogan. It is also said as a description of this Hadith that the Companions also took out a precession when the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) entered the Holy city of Madina on Migrtion from the Makka.

10. It is said that it was the practice among the Companions that whenever the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) entered Madina after a long journey they would receive him on the outskirts of the city in a procession of welcome in his honour… It is said that on the angels brought the Tabut e Sakina in a processin… It is reported that the auspicious time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and in the Meraj Sharif the angels received him and congratulated him in the form of procession.

Obviously the following of some good practice and procedure is a source of blessing and to continue it with pious intentions is also beneficial for the people who participate in them as it enhances the love an dignity for the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam).

Act and Belief of the Noble SaHaba:

1. Imam Fakhr al-Din Raazi recorded in his Tafsir al Kabir:

أما أبو بكر رضي الله عنه فمن كراماته أنه لما حملت جنازته إلى باب قبر النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ونودي السلام عليك يا رسول الله هذا أبو بكر بالباب فإذا الباب قد انفتح وإذا بهاتف يهتف من القبر ادخلوا الحبيب إلى الحبيب
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiq Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho expressed his will that my Funeral (Janaza) should be taken to the blessed shrine of Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam and then it should be said, “AsSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah, Abu Bakr is present at your door”. The companions followed his advice. The doors of the shrine opened by themselves and a voice came from the blessed grave saying, bring the beloved to his beloved. [Tafsir al-Kabir, Vol 5, Page 475]

2. Imam Zain al-‘Abideen Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (son of Imam Husain Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho) called out thus when proceeding towards Yazeed:

یارحمة للعلمين ادرک لذين العابدين
محبوس ايدی الظلمين في موكب المزدهم
O the Mercy of the worlds! come to the help of Zainul Abidin,
He is in the clutches of the tyrrants in the crowds of the people. [Sirr al-Shahadatayn – Page 72]

3. Sayyida Zainab Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anha, the sister of Sayyiduna Imam Husain Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, proclaimed at Karbala:

يا محمداه يا محمداه صلى عليك الله ومليك السماه
Ya Muhammadah Ya Muhammadah Salla ‘Alaykallahu wa Malaka al-Samahu. [al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, Vol 8, Page 193]

4. When Sayyiduna Khalid bin Waleed Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho clashed with Musailma Kaddhab, at one point the Muslims were faltering. When Syeduna Khalid Ibn Waleed saw this:

نادى بشعار المسلمين وكان شعارهم يومئذ يا محمداه
He then proclaimed according to the slogan of the Muslims and the slogan of that day was Ya Muhammadah. [al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, Vol 6, Page 324]

5. After the demise of Sayyiduna ‘Umar al-Faruq Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho in 18 AH, there was a severe drought due to which Sayyiduna Bilal Ibn al Harith proclaimed, “Ya Muhammadah”. [al-Bidaya wa al-Nihaya, Vol 7, Page 91]

6. When the companions would arrive in the presence of Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam, they would say Assalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah. [Naseem al-Riyad Sharh Shifa’ Qadi Iyad – Vol 3, Page 485]

7. The slogan of Khalid bin Waleed and the companions at the battle of Yarmook was:

يا محمد يا منصور امتك
O Muhammad O Mansoor, seek news of your ummah. [Nasikh al-Tawareekh, Waqidi]

Sayings of the Glorious Ulama of Islam:

1. It is said in the Qasidah Burdah Sharif.

یا اکرم الخلق مالی من الو ذبہ
سواک عند حلول الحادث العمم
O the Best of the Creatures! there is none for me whose refuge
Should I seek in my general and common misfortunes. [Qasida al Burda, Chapter 10, Couplet 1]

2. Hadrat Imam Azam Abu Hanifa in his Qasidah Noman:

یا سید السادات جئتک قاصدا
ارجور صناک و احتمی بحماک
O the Leader of the leaders! I have come in your presence seeking your pleasures
And I give myself under your protection and refuge. [Al Mustarif, Qasida Nau’maniyah, Vol 1, Page 446]

In these verses there is Nida to the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) as well as request for his help. These solicitations have been said after the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) had left the world. Besides, all the Muslims recite the ‘Attahiyaat’ in their daily prayers which contains the ever blissful phrase ‘Assalamo Alaika Ya Ayyhan Nabi’o wa Rah matullah wa Barakatuhu.’ These may be regarded as individual invocations; But if a multitude of the homage prayers to the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) say in unison as Naara -e- Risalat ‘Ya RasoolALLAH’ it will be equally permisible even praise worthy because in that event it will be a demonstration of the esteem and honour of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) by the Muslims in their unity and solidarity as a community.

3. In Fatawa Alamgiri, Vol One, Kitab al Hajj relating to etquettes and properiety for visiting the Holy Shrines of the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) it is :

ثم یقول السلام علیک یا نبی اللہ اشھد انک رسول اللہ
Then say ‘Peace be on you O Prophet of Allah, I give evidence that you are the Apostle of Allah’. [Fatawa Alamgiri, Kitab al Hajj, Vol 1]

4. Sayyidi Jamāl bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho, in his Fatāwa states:

سالت عمّن يقول في حال الشدائد يا رسول الله او يا شيخ عبدالقادر مثلا هل هو جائز شرعاً ام لا؟ اُجِبْتُ نعم! الاستغاثة بالاولياء و نداؤهم و التوسّل بهم امر مشروعٌ و شيئ مرغوبٌ الا ينكرهٌ الا مكابر و معاند و قد حرّم بركة الاولياء الكرام
I was questioned about those people who in times of difficulty proclaim “Ya Rasūlallah, Ya ‘Ali, Ya Shaykh ‘Abd al-Qādir,” and whether these proclamations were permissible in Islām. The great scholar replied: “Yes, these proclamations are permissible. To call to them is permissible including using their names as Wasila. This is allowed in the light of the Shari’ah. Such an act is desirable and approved. Only the stubborn and arrogant would oppose or question this reality. These individuals are certainly unfortunate and deprived of the Barkāt (blessing) of the Awliya Allāh”. [Fatawa Jamāl bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar Makki]

5. Imām ‘Abd al-Rahmān ibn Jowzi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.597/1201), in his book, Oyun al Hikāyat, narrates a strange and amazing incident of three brothers who loved Jihād so much that they always engaged in it. Once they were engaged in Jihād with the Christians of Rome. They were captured and the Romans began torturing them.

فاسرّهم الروم مرّة فقال لهم الملك اني اجعل فيكم الملك و ازوجكم بناتي و تدخلون فى النصرانية قابلوا، فقالوا يا محمداه
The Roman King told them that if they adopted Christianity, he would set them free. The brothers refused and instead proclaimed aloud, “Ya Muhammada!” [SharH as-Sudoor, Page 89]

6. Imām al Muhadithin Shaykh-e-Muhaqqiq ‘Abd al-Haqq Muhaddith Dehlawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.1052/1642), in his famous book, Akhbār al-Akh’yār fi Ahwal al-Abrar, mentions about Shaykh Baha’udin bin Ibra’him ‘Ata’ullāh al-Ansāri al-Shattari Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.921/1516). The illustrious ‘Ārif is the author of the famous book on Tasawwuf entitled Risālah Shat’tāriyya. He has recorded in his book a specific type of Zikr known as Zikr Kashf al-Arwāh. The great Master says:

ذکرِ کشفِ ارواح یا احمد یا محمد در دو طریق ست ، یک طریق آنست یا احمد را در راستابگوید و یا محمد را درچپا بگوید و دردل ضرب کند یا رسول اﷲ طریق دوم آنست کہ یا احمد را در راستا گوید وچپا یا محمد و در دل و ہم کندیا مصطفٰی دیگر ذکر یا احمد یا محمد یا علی یا حسن یا حسین یا فاطمہ شش طرفی ذکر کندکشف جمیع ارواح شود دیگر اسمائے ملائکہ مقرب ہمیں تاثیر دارند یا جبریل، یا میکائیل یا اسرافیل یا عزرائیل چہار ضربی ، دیگر ذکر اسم شیخ یعنی بگوید یا شیخ یا شیخ ہزار بار بگوید کہ حرفِ نداء را ازدل بکشدطرف راستابرد و لفظ شیخ را در دل ضرب کند
“There are two ways of making the Zikr of ‘Ya Ahmad’ and ‘Ya Muhammad’. The first way is to recite ‘Ya Ahmad’ from the right side and ‘Ya Muhammad’ from the left side, concentrating on the thought of ‘Ya Mustafa.’ The second method is to recite ‘Ya Ahmad, Ya ‘Ali, Ya Hasan, Ya Husain, Ya Fatima’. This is to be read from all six directions. In other words, one should begin with ‘Ya Ahmad’ till the end. Thereafter, the next names and so on. By performing this Zikr in the specified manner, one will obtain the secrets of Kashf al-Arwah (Manifestation of the Souls). The Zikr of the names of Angels are performed in the same manner and has the same effect, namely ‘Ya Jibra’il, Ya Israfil, Ya Mika’il, Ya Izra’il.’ This is performed from all four sides and also results in attaining Kashf al-Arwah. Another method is by reciting ‘Ya Shaykh, Ya Shaykh’ one thousand times in the following manner. The person should pronounce the word, ‘Ya Shaykh’ from the right side of the heart and at the time of pronouncing the word ‘Shaykh’ he should concentrate on striking it on the heart (Dharb). By this method, one can also achieve Kashf Al-Arwah.” [Akhbār al-Akh’yār, Maktaba Nooriya Radawiya (Sukkar – Pakistan), Page 199 – NafHat al Uns, Page 462/463]

From the House of the Opponents:

1. Shah Wali’Allāh Muhaddith Dehlawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho (d.1180/1767), in his book, At’tib al Ni’gham fil Madh al-Sayyid al-‘Arabi wal ‘Ajam, comments on the state of ecstasy in the love for the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam. He writes:

و صلى عليك يا خير خلقه و يا خير هول و يا خير واهب
و يا خير من يرجى لكشف روية من جوده قدفاق جوداً لسحائب
و انت مجيري من هجوم ملة اذا انشبت في القلب شر المخاطب
O Unique! Among those who can be depended on.
O Unique! Among those who can be depended upon to eradicate difficulty.
O Cherisher! Among those whose generosity showers more than rain.
I indeed testify to the fact that at the time when my heart is engulfed in this dilemma,
You are indeed the one who gives me assistance and consolation.” [At’tib al Ni’gham, Page 22]

2. In the commentary of the above verses, Shah Wali-Allāh Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho also writes about the difficult moments in which it is most necessary to seek assistance from the sacred Soul of the Holy Prophet Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho. At the beginning of this chapter, he writes:

بارہا گواہی میدہم کہ تو پناہ دہندہ منی از ہجوم کردن مصیبتے وقتے کہ بخلاند در دل بدترین چنگالہارا
“I cannot perceive any one besides the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam who stretches out a helping hand for a depressed person in times of calamities.” [At’tib al Ni’gham, Page 22]

3. Shah Wali-Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’alan his Madhiyā Hamziyya comments that in the august court of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam one should consider oneself insignificant and inferior. With a broken heart and with total sincerity, one should call to the Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam in Du’a. The person will indeed attain Salvation if he states:

ضارعاً بخضوع قلب و ذلّ وابتهال و التجاء
رسول الله يا خير البرايا لذالك ابتغي يوم القضاء
اذا ما حلّ حطب مدلهم فانت الحصن من كلّ البلاء
اليك توجهي و بك استنادي و يك مطامعي وبك ارتحالي
“O Rasūl of Allāh SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam! O Unique among the Creation!
I seek your favour on the Day of Justice. On that Day when there will be a great test, only you,
O Prophet of Allāh SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam! would give me security from all calamities.
I have turned to you for salvation and placed my trust in you.” [At’tib al Ni’gham, Page 33]

4. Imam Shah Waliullah ‘Alaihir raHmah says that whoever reads the ‘Awrad FatHiya’ he will get a share from 1400 accomplished Awliya. The Awrad FatHiya contains the words:

الصلوة والسلام عليك يا رسول الله، الصلوة والسلام عليك يا حبيب الله، الصلوة والسلام عليك يا رحمة للعلمين، الصلوة والسلام عليك يا شفيع المذنبين
“AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah, AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Habiballah, AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rahmatal lil ‘Alameen, AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Shafee’ al-Mudhnibeen”. [Al-Intibah fi al Salāsil al-Awliya Allah, Page 124]

5. Ibn Qayyim (Imam of Wahabis/Deobandis) writes: Abu Bakr bin Mujahid saw a dream in which Hadrat Shibli ‘Alaihir rahmah was present in the court of Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam. Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam stood for and kissed Shibli in between his eyes. I asked, Ya Rasulallah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam! Why did you do this to Shibli? Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam replied it is because after every prayer, Shibli reads Laqad Jaa’akum Rasoolum min Anfusikum (9:128) till the end of the Sura and then says “Sallallahu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah” thrice. [Jala’ al-Afham, ibn Qayyim]

6. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki ‘Alaihir rahmah (the Pir and Murshid of the Deobandis) says there is no doubt in the validity of reciting AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah. [Imdad al-Mushtaq, Page 59]

7. Haji Imdadullah Muhajir Makki ‘Alaihir Rahmah says:

Ya Muhammad Mustafa faryaad hai
Ay Habeebe Kibriya faryaad hai
Sakht mushkil mein phansa hoon aaj kal
Ay mere mushkil kusha faryaad hai [Munajat Naala-e-Imdad]

8. Deobandit Shaykh al-Hadith Muhammad Zakariya Saharanpuri says that according to me, the following Durood and Salam should be recited at all places:

AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Nabi Allah. [Fada’il A’maal, Durood Shareef, Page 702]

9. Ashraf ‘Ali Thanwi (Deobandi) writes: “Today I feel like reciting Durood Shareef from the depths of my heart and recite it with the following words: “AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasoolallah”. [Shukr al-Ni’mah bi Dhikri Rahmat al-Rahmah, Page 18]

10. It was publish in Monthly Milliya of Fa-alabad in Nov 2005 Edition:

When the companions would pass by the blessed shrine of Rasulullah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam they would say “AsSalatu wasSalamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasulallah” with the grammatical tense of addressing the Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam. [Majalis Shah ‘Abdul Qadir Raipuri from the Monthly Milliya, Faisalabad – November 2005]

Books of the Great Jurists of Islām for reference on this matter:

1. Shifā al-Siqām, by Imām Taqi al Din Abul-Hasan Subki (d.771/1370)
2. Muwāhib al-Ladunniya, the Shar’ha (Commentary) of SaHiH al-Bukhāri, by Khatim al-MuHadithin Imām Hāfiz AHmad Qastalāni (d.923/1517),
3. Zarqāni, the Shar’ha of the Muwāhib al-Ladunniya, by ‘Allama Imām ‘Abd al Bāqi Zarqāni (d.1122/1710),
4. Mutāle’ al-Musar’rāt by Imām ‘Allama MuHammad al-Mahdi al-Fasi,
5. Mirqāt, the Shar’Ha of Mishkāt, by Mulla ‘Ali Qāri Makki (d.1014/1606),
6. AshHat al Lam’āt, Jazb al-Qulñb and Madārij al-Nubuwwah, by Shaykh-e-MuHaqqiq ‘Allama ‘Abd al-Haqq MuHaddith Dehlawi (d.1052/1642),
7. Afdal al-Qur’ra, which is the Shar’Ha of Umm al-Qur’ra by Imām Hāfiz Ibn-Hajr Makki t (d.973/1566), who is the Ustāz of Mulla ‘Ali Qāri.

Personalities who believed in saying Ya RasoolALLAH

Here is list of a few personalities who believed in seeking help from the Ambiyā and Awliya by addressing them with the Harf of Nidā (i.e. Ya).

1. Sayyiduna ‘Uthman bin Hanif Sahābi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
2. Rais al-Mufassirin Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbās Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
3. Sayyiduna Bilāl bin Hārith Munzani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
4. Imām al-Bukhāri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
5. Imām Muslim Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
6. Imām Tabrāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
7. Imām Tirmidi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
8. Imām Nisā’i Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
9. Imām Bay’haqi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
10. Imām Hāfiz al-Jalil ‘Āllama Imām Nawawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
11. ‘Ārife-Billah Imām Taqi al-Din ‘Ali Subki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
12. Imām ‘Abd al-Azim Munzari Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
13. Khatimul-Muhadditin Imām Ahmad Qastalāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
14. Imām Shahāb al-Din Khafāji Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
15. Sayyidi ‘Abd al-Rahmān Huzaili Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
16. Shaykh al-Islām, Shahāb al-Din Ramli al-Ansāri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
17. ‘Allama Khair al-Din Ramli Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
18. Sayyidi Jamāl bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
19. Imām ‘Abd al-Rahmān Ibn Jowzi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
20. Ghawth al A’zam, Sayyid ‘Abd al-Qādir Jilāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
21. Imām Jalal al-Din Suyooti Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
22. Imām Abul-Hasan, Nūr al-Din Shatnoofi Shafa’i Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
23. Imām ‘Abdullah bin Asad Yafa’i Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
24. Imām Mulla ‘Ali Qāri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
25. Shaykh Abul-Ma’āli Muhammad Muslimi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
26. Tāj al-‘Ārifin, Sayyidi ‘Abd al-Razzāq Jilani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
27. Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haqq Muhaddith Dehlawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
28. Sayyidi Qutb Abu-Swaleh Nasr Jilani Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
29. Imām Shams al Din Zah’bi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
30. Imām Muhammad bin Muhammad al-Hizri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
31. Imām ‘Ārife-Billah ‘Abdul-Wah’hāb Sha’rāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
32. Sayyidi ‘Arif Muhammad Ghamzi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
33. Sayyidi Shams al-Din Muhmmad Hanafi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
34. Sayyidi Ahmad Kabhr al-Awliya Badawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
35. Sayyidi Muhammad bin Ahmad Farghal Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
36. Sayyidi Madin bin Ahmad Ashmooni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
37. Sayyidi Moosa Abu-‘Imrān Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
38. Imām Nūr al-Din ‘Abd al-Rahmān Jāmi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
39. Arife Billāh, Mawlana Jalal al-Din Roomi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
40. Shah Wali’Allāh Muhaddith Dehlawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
41. Imām ‘Allama Ziyād Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
42. Shah ‘Abd al-Rahim Dehlawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
43. Imām ‘Allama Ajhoori Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
44. Imām ‘Allama Sayyid Ibn-‘Ābidin Shāmi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
45. Ārife-Billāh Sayyidi Ahmad bin ‘Alwān Yamāni Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho,
46. Sha ‘Abd al-Aziz Muhaddith Dehlawi Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

Some Questions to the Opponents?

I ask all those with incorrect beliefs and who are engaged in misleading others:

• Now what is your opinion about these great luminaries of Islām? They have clearly substantiated the permissibility of calling upon Prophets and Saints for assistance. It is a serious crime to condemn a Muslim as a Kāfir. It is reported in the Sahih Hadith that if anyone calls a Muslim a Kāfir, he himself becomes a Kāfir. The ‘Ulama and A’imma of Din have unanimously agreed on this decision.
• What is your verdict pertaining to the Noble Sahāba, great ‘Ulama and Awliya of Islam who believe that it is permissible to call out with the Harf of Nidā to Ambiyā and Awliya for assistance?
• What will you label such Great Personalities?
• Do you regard them as Kāfirs and Mushriks? If not, then Alhumdulillāh! You are on the straight path.
• Do you classify them as Muslim or Mushrik? If you do, then all we can say is that may the Merciful Lord give you Hidāya to see the truth!

All Praise is due to Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala, who has guided me to compile this note with quotations from the golden era of the noble Sahāba and followed by the generation of illustrious ‘Ulama and Awliya to the present time.

May Almighty Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala keep us steadfast on the Maslak of the Ahle-Sunnah-wa-Jama’ah and protect us from the evil of all misled groups. We ask Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala to bless us with the guidance and to make us steadfast in following the methodology and the path of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.We ask Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala to let us spend all of our life in following the teachings of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam and the Awliya. May this Kitāb illuminate the hearts and souls of the sincere seekers of Truth. Āmin.

Verily Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala and His Beloved Rasūl SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam knows best!

The Battle of Badr is the most important battle in the whole of human history as it firmly established Islam as the only true religion for the whole of humanity till the end of time. It took place on 17 Ramadan 2 A.H, 624 C.E. The beloved holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, together with 313 of his Sahaba (Companions) and angels sent by Allah defeated about 1000 better armed polytheists of the tribe of Quraysh.

We should remind ourselves that Asma’ Ahl Badr (the names of the Muslim warriors of the Battle of Badr) are Jalali (Majestic). They need the Jamal (Beauty) of Salawat (Invocation of Blessings) to cool them. So before we recite these, and after completing the recitation, it is recommended to recite Durood Shareef 100 times. Or instead, we can recite Qasidah al-Burda.  Once we have recited the Salawat, we can come to the Asma’ Ahl al-Badr.

Please recite Sayyidinaa before each name and Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu (Allah is Pleased with Him) after each name.

Allahumma Agithna ya Giyath al-Mustaghitheen bi Haqqi
(O Allah! O The Succour of those who seek help, save us for the sake of)

1. Sayyidina wa Habeebina wa Nabiyyina wa Mawlana Muhammad ibn ‘Abdillah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam
2. Sayyidina Abi Bakr as-Siddaq, ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Uthman al-Muhajiri Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Sayyidina ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Sayyidina ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Sayyidina ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Sayyidina Talha ibn ‘Ubaydillah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Sayyidina az-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwam al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Sayyidina ‘Abdu’rRahman ibn ‘Awf al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Sayyidina Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, Malik ibn Uhayb al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Sayyidina Sa’ad ibn Zayd al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Sayyidina Abi ‘Ubayda ‘amir ibn ‘Abdillah ibn al-Jarrah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Alif

1. Ubayy ibn Ka’b al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. al-Akhnas ibn Khubayb al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. al-Arqam ibn Abi’l Arqam al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. As’ad ibn Yazeed al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Anas ibn Mu’adh al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Anasah, mawla Rasulillah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Unays ibn Qatadah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Aws ibn Thabit al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Aws ibn Khawla al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Aws ibn as-Samit al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Iyas ibn al-Aws al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. Iyas ibn al-Bukayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ba’

1. Bujayr ibn Abi Bujayr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Bahhath ibn Tha’laba al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Basbas ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Bishr ibn Bara’ ibn Ma’rar al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Bashar ibn Sa’d al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Bilal ibn Rabah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ta’

1. Tameem ibn Yu’ar al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Tameem mawla Bana Ghanam al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Tameem mawla Khirash ibn as-Simmah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Tha’

1. Thabit ibn Aqram al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Thabit ibn Tha’labah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Thabit ibn Khalid al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Thabit ibn Khansa’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Thabit ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Thabit ibn Hazzal al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Tha’labah ibn Hatib ibn ‘Amr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Tha’labah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Tha’labah ibn Ghanamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Thaqf ibn ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Jeem

1. Jabir ibn Khalid ibn ‘Abd al-Ash-hal al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Jabir ibn ‘Abdillah ibn Ri’ab al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Jabbar ibn Sakhr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Jabr ibn ‘Atak al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Jubayr ibn Iyas al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ha’

1. al-Harith ibn Anas al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. al-Harith ibn Aws ibn Rafi’ al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. al-Harith ibn Aws ibn Mu’adh al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. al-Harith ibn Hatib al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. al-Harith ibn Khazamah ibn ‘Ada al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. al-Harith ibn Khazamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. al-Harith ibn Abi Khazamah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. al-Harith ibn as-Simmah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. al-Harith ibn ‘Arfajah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. al-Harith ibn Qays al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. al-Harith ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. al-Harith ibn an-Nu’man ibn Umayya al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. Harithah ibn Suraqa ash-Shahad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. Harithah ibn an-Nu’man ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
15. Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
16. Hatib ibn ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
17. Hubeeb ibn al-Mundhir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
18. Habeeb ibn al-Aswad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu19. Haram ibn Milhan al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
20. Hurayth ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
21. Husayn ibn al-Harith ibn al-Muttalib al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
22. Hamza ibn al-Humayyir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
23. Hamza ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Kha’

1. Kharijah ibn al-Humayr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Kharijah ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Khalid ibn al-Bukayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Khalid ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Khabbab mawla ‘Utba al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Khubayb ibn Isaf al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Khubayb ibn ‘Ada al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Khidash ibn Qatadah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Khirash ibn as-Simmah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Khuraym ibn Fatik al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. Khallad ibn Rafi’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. Khallad ibn Suwayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. Khallad ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
15. Khallad ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
16. Khulayd ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
17. Khalafa ibn ‘Ada al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
18. Khunays ibn Hudhafah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
19. Khawwat ibn Jubayr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
20. Khawla ibn Abi Khawla al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Dhal

1. Dhakwan ibn ‘Abdi Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Dhakwan ibn Sa’d al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Dhu’sh-shimalayn ibn ‘Abd ‘Amr ash-Shahad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ra

1. Rashid ibn al-Mu’alla al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Rafi’ ibn al-Harith al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Rafi’ ibn al-Mu’alla ash-Shahad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Rafi’ ibn ‘Unjudah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Rafi’ ibn Malik al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Rafi’ ibn Yazeed al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Rib’a ibn Rafi’ al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Rabee’ ibn Iyas al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Rabee’ah ibn Aktham al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Rukhaylah ibn Tha’labah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Rifa’ah ibn al-Harith al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. Rifa’ah ibn Rafi’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. Rifa’ah ibn ‘Abd al-Mundhir al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. Rifa’ah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Za

1. Ziyad ibn as-Sakan al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Ziyad ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Ziyad ibn Labad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Zayd ibn Aslam al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Zayd ibn Harithah mawla Rasalillah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Zayd ibn al-Khattab al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Zayd ibn al-Muzayyin al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Zayd ibn al-Mu’alla al-Khazraji,Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Zayd ibn Wada’ah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Seen

1. Salim ibn ‘Umayr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Salim mawla Abi Hudhayfa al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. As-Sa’ib ibn ‘Uthman ibn Maz’an al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Sabrah ibn Fatik al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Subay’ ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Suraqa ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Suraqa ibn Ka’b al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Sa’d ibn Khawlah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Sa’d ibn Khaythama ash-Shahad al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Sa’d ibn ar-Raba’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Sa’d ibn Zayd al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. Sa’d ibn Sa’d al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. Sa’d ibn Suhayl al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. Sa’d ibn ‘Ubada al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
15. Sa’d ibn ‘Ubayd al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
16. Sa’d ibn ‘Uthman al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
17. Sa’d ibn Mu’adh al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
18. Sa’d mawla Hatib Abi Balta’a al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
19. Sufyan ibn Bishr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
20. Salamah ibn Aslam al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
21. Salamah ibn Thabit al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
22. Salamah ibn Salamah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
23. Salat ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
24. Sulaym ibn al-Harith al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
25. Sulaym ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
26. Sulaym ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
27. Sulaym ibn Milhan al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
28. Simak ibn Sa’d al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
29. Sinan ibn Sayfa al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
30. Sinan ibn Abi Sinan ibn Mihsan al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
31. Sahl ibn Hunayf al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
32. Sahl ibn Rafi’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
33. Sahl ibn ‘Atak al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
34. Sahl ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
35. Suhayl ibn Rafi’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
36. Suhayl ibn Wahb al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
37. Sawad ibn Razam al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
38. Sawad ibn Ghaziyyah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
39. Suwaybit ibn Sa’d ibn Harmalah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Sheen

1. Shuja’ ibn Wahb ibn Raba’ah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Sharak ibn Anas al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Shammas ibn ‘Uthman al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Sad

1. Sabah mawla Abi’l ‘as al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Safwan ibn Wahb ash-Shahad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Suhayb ibn Sinan ar-Rami al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Sayfiyy ibn Sawad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Dad

1. Dahhak ibn al-Harithah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Dahhak ibn ‘Abdi ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Damrah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ta’

1. Tufayl ibn al-Harith ibn al-Muttalib al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Tufayl ibn Malik al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Tufayl ibn an-Nu’man al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Tulayb ibn ‘Umayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Za’

1. Zuhayr ibn Rafi’ al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

‘Ayn

1. ‘asim ibn Thabit al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. ‘asim ibn ‘Ada al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. ‘asim ibn al-‘Ukayr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. ‘asim ibn Qays al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. ‘aqil ibn al-Bukayr ash-Shahad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. ‘amir ibn Umayyah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. ‘amir ibn al-Bukayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. ‘amir ibn Raba’ah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. ‘amir ibn Sa’d al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. ‘amir ibn Salamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. ‘amir ibn Fuhayrah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. ‘amir ibn Mukhallad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. ‘aidh ibn Ma’is al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. ‘Abbad ibn Bishr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
15. ‘Ubbad ibn al-Khashkhash al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
16. ‘Abbad ibn Qays ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
17. ‘Abbad ibn Qays ibn ‘Ayshah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
18. ‘Ubadah ibn as-Samit al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
19. ‘AbdAllah ibn Tha’labah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
20. ‘AbdAllah ibn Jubayr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
21. ‘AbdAllah ibn Jahsh al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
22. ‘AbdAllah ibn Jadd ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
23. ‘AbdAllah ibn al-Humayr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
24. ‘AbdAllah ibn ar-Raba’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
25. ‘AbdAllah ibn Rawaha al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
26. ‘AbdAllah ibn Zayd ibn Tha’labah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
27. ‘AbdAllah ibn Suraqa al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
28. ‘AbdAllah ibn Salamah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
29. ‘AbdAllah ibn Sahl al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
30. ‘AbdAllah ibn Suhayl ibn ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
31. ‘AbdAllah ibn Sharak al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
32. ‘AbdAllah ibn Tariq al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
33. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
34. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Abdillah ibn Ubay ibn Salal al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
35. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Abdi Manaf ibn an-Nu’man al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
36. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Abs al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
37. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Urfutah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
38. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
39. ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Umayr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
40. ‘AbdAllah ibn Qays ibn Khaldah ibn Khalid al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
41. ‘AbdAllah ibn Qays ibn Sakhr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
42. ‘AbdAllah ibn Ka’b al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
43. ‘AbdAllah ibn Makhramah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
44. ‘AbdAllah ibn Mas’ad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
45. ‘AbdAllah ibn Maz’an al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
46. ‘AbdAllah ibn an-Nu’man al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
47. ‘Abdu’rRahman ibn Jabr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
48. ‘Abdu Rabbihi ibn Haqq al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhi
49. ‘Abs ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
50. ‘Ubayd ibn Aws al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
51. ‘Ubayd ibn at-Tayyihan al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
52. ‘Ubayd ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
53. ‘Ubayd ibn Abi ‘Ubayd al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
54. ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Harith ash-Shahad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
55. ‘Itban ibn Malik al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
56. ‘Utbah ibn Raba’ah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
57. ‘Utbah ibn ‘Abdillah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
58. ‘Utbah ibn Ghazwan al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
59. ‘Uthman ibn Maz’an al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
60. al-‘Ajlan ibn an-Nu’man al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
61. ‘Adiyy ibn Abi az-Zaghba’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
62. ‘Ismah ibn al-Husayn al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
63. ‘Usaymah halaf min Ashja’ al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
64. ‘Atiyya ibn Nuwayrah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
65. ‘Uqbah ibn ‘amir ibn Naba al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
66. ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Uthman al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
67. ‘Uqbah ibn Wahb ibn Khaldah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
68. ‘Uqbah ibn Wahb ibn Raba’ah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
69. ‘Ukkasha ibn Mihsan al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
70. ‘Ammar ibn Yasir al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
71. ‘Umarah ibn Hazm al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
72. ‘Umarah ibn Ziyad al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
73. ‘Amr ibn Iyas al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
74. ‘Amr ibn Tha’labah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
75. ‘Amr ibn al-Jamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
76. ‘Amr ibn al-Harith ibn Zuhayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
77. ‘Amr ibn al-Harith ibn Tha’laba al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
78. ‘Amr ibn Suraqa al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
79. ‘Amr ibn Abi Sarh al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
80. ‘Amr ibn Talq al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
81. ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
82. ‘Amr ibn Qays ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
83. ‘Amr ibn Mu’adh al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
84. ‘Amr ibn Ma’bad al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
85. ‘Umayr ibn Haram ibn al-Jamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
86. ‘Umayr ibn al-Humam ash-Shahad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
87. ‘Umayr ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
88. ‘Umayr ibn Abi Waqqas ash-Shahad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
89. ‘Antarah mawla Sulaym ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
90. ‘Awf ibn al-Harith ash-Shahad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
91. ‘Uwaym ibn Sa’idah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
92. ‘Iyad ibn Zuhayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ghayn

1. Ghannam ibn Aws al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu.

Fa’

1. Fakih ibn Bishr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Farwah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Qaf

1. Qatadah ibn an-Nu’man al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Qudamah ibn Maz’an al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Qutbah ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Qays ibn as-Sakan al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Qays ibn ‘Amr ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Qays ibn Mihsan al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Qays ibn Mukhallad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Kaaf

1. Ka’b ibn Jammaz al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Ka’b ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Laam

1. Libdah ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Meem

1. Malik ibn ad-Dukhshum al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Malik ibn Raba’ah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Malik ibn Rifa’ah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Malik ibn ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Malik ibn Qudama ibn ‘Arfajah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Malik ibn Mas’ad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Malik ibn Numaylah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Malik ibn Abi Khawla al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Mubash-shir ibn ‘Abdi’l Mundhir ash-Shahad al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. al-Mujadhdhar ibn Ziyad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Muhriz ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. Muhriz ibn Nadlah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. Muhammad ibn Maslamah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. Midlaj ibn ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
15. Murarah ibn ar-Raba’ al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
16. Marthad ibn Abi Marthad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
17. Mistah ibn Uthatha al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
18. Mas’ad ibn Aws al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
19. Mas’ad ibn Khaldah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
20. Mas’ad ibn Raba’ah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
21. Mas’ad ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
22. Mas’ad ibn Sa’d ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
23. Mas’ad ibn ‘Abdi Sa’d ibn ‘amir al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
24. Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
25. Muzahhir ibn Rafi’ al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
26. Mu’adh ibn Jabal al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
27. Mu’adh ibn al-Harith al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
28. Mu’adh ibn as-Simmah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
29. Mu’adh ibn ‘Amr bin al-Jamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
30. Mu’adh ibn Ma’is al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
31. Ma’bad ibn ‘Abbad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
32. Ma’bad ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
33. Mu’attib ibn ‘Ubayd al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
34. Mu’attib ibn ‘Awf al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
35. Mu’attib ibn Qushayr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
36. Ma’qil ibn al-Mundhir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
37. Ma’mar ibn al-Harith al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
38. Ma’n ibn ‘Adiyy al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
39. Ma’n ibn Yazeed al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
40. Mu’awwidh ibn al-Harith ash-Shahad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
41. Mu’awwidh ibn ‘Amr ibn al-Jamah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
42. al-Miqdad ibn ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
43. Mulayl ibn Wabrah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
44. al-Mundhir ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
45. al-Mundhir ibn Qudama ibn ‘Arfajah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
46. al-Mundhir ibn Muhammad al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
47. Mihja’ ibn Salih ash-Shahad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Noon

1. an-Nasr ibn al-Harith al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Nu’man ibn al-A’raj ibn Malik al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Nu’man ibn Sinan al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Nu’man ibn ‘Asr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Nu’man ibn ‘Amr ibn Rifa’ah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Nu’man ibn ‘Abdi ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Nu’man ibn Malik al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Nu’man ibn Abi Khazamah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Nu’ayman ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Nawfal ibn ‘Abdillah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ha’

1. Hana’ ibn Niyar al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Hubayl ibn Wabrah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Hilal ibn ‘Umayya al-Waqifa al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Hilal ibn al-Mu’alla al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Waw

1. Waqid ibn ‘Abdillah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Wada’ah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Waraqa ibn Iyas al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Wahb ibn Sa’d ibn Abi Sarh al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Ya’

1. Yazeed ibn al-Akhnas al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Yazeed ibn al-Harith ibn Fushum ash-Shahad al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Yazeed ibn Hiram al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Yazeed ibn Ruqaysh al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Yazeed ibn as-Sakan al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Yazeed ibn al-Mundhir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu

Al-Kuniyah

1. Abu’l A’war, ibn al-Harith al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
2. Abi Ayyab al-Ansara, Khalid ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
3. Abi Habbah, ibn ‘Amr ibn Thabit al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
4. Abi Habab, ibn Zayd al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
5. Abi Hudhayfa, Mihsham ibn ‘Utba al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
6. Abi Hasan, ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
7. Abu’l Hamra’ mawla al-Harith al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
8. Abi Hannah, ibn Malik al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
9. Abi Kharijah, ‘Amr ibn Qays ibn Malik al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
10. Abi Khuzaymah, ibn Aws al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
11. Abi Khallad, ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
12. Abi Dawad, ‘Umayr ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
13. Abi Dujanah, Simak ibn Kharashah al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
14. Abi Sabrah mawla Abi Ruhm al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
15. Abi Salamah, ‘AbdAllah ibn ‘Abd al-Asad al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
16. Abi Salat, Usayra ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
17. Abi Sinan, ibn Mihsan al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
18. Abi Shaykh, Ubayy ibn Thabit al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
19. Abi Sirmah, ibn Qays al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
20. Abi Dayyah, ibn Thabit al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
21. Abi Talha, Zayd ibn Sahl al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
22. Abi ‘Abs, ibn Jabr ibn ‘Amr al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
23. Abi ‘Aqal, ‘Abdu’rRahman ibn ‘Abdillah al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
24. Abi Qatadah, ibn Rib’iyy al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
25. Abi Qays, ibn al-Mu’alla al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
26. Abi Kabshah mawla Rasalillah al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
27. Abi Lubabah, Bashar ibn ‘Abd al-Mundhir al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
28. Abi Makhshiyy, Suwayd ibn Makhshiyy al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
29. Abi Marthad, Kannaz ibn Hisn al-Muhajiri, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
30. Abi Mas’ad al-Badra, ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
31. Abi Mulayl, ibn al-Az’ar al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
32. Abu’l Mundhir, ibn ‘amir al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
33. Abu’l Haytham, Malik at-Tayyihan al-Awsi, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu
34. Abu’l Yasar, Ka’b ibn ‘Amr al-Khazraji, Radi ALLAHu ‘Anhu.

1. Haritha bin Suraqa al-Khazraji, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
2. Dhush-shimaalayn ibn ‘Abdi ‘Amr al-Muhajiri, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
3. Rafi’ bin al-Mu’alla al-Khazraji, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
4. Sa’d bin Khaythama al-Awsi, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
5. Safwan bin Wahb al-Muhajiri, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
6. ‘Aaqil bin al-Bukayr al-Muhajiri, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
7. ‘Ubayda bin al-Harith al-Muhajiri, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
8. ‘Umayr bin al-Humam al-Khazraji, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
9. ‘Umayr bin Abi Waqqas al-Muhajiri, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
10. ‘Awf bin al-Harith al-Khazraji, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
11. Mubashshir bin ‘Abdi’l Mundhir al-Awsi, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
12. Mu’awwidh bin al-Harith al-Khazraji, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
13. Mihja’ bin Salih al-Muhajiri, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.
14. Yazid bin al-Harith bin Fus.hum al-Khazraji, Rady Allahu ‘Anhu.

Wallahu Ta’ala Aa’lam (Allah knows best)

O Allah! O The Ever-Living, O the Self-Existing by Whom all subsist, O The Responder, O The Giver, O The Loving One, O The Reckoner, O The Knower of mysteries,O The Creator of night and day. I beg of you for the sake of Your Most Beautiful Namesand the mystery of the Glorious Qur’an, and for the sake of Your Chosen Prophet Muhammad, on him be the choicest blessings and complete peace, and for the sake of the noble warriors of the Battle of Badr, that You help the religion of Islam and fulfil all our needs. O The Most Merciful of those who show mercy… Aameen!

We have been exploring around Internet and found many websites and articles where people are doing a great mistake and disrespect in their ignorance. They use the Abbreviation of Durood Sharif i.e. SAW, PBUH, RA, AS (ma’azALLAH) instead of writing the complete Durood and Salam. Abbreviating the Salutation with Suad (ص), Sal’am (صلعم) and etc. is strictly forbidden. In this century, leaving aside the ordinary person, even the so-called “learned” and “intellectuals” are guilty of such. Some people, in place of SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), write Sal’am (صلعم) or just Suad (ص) to save a drop of Ink, fraction of paper or a second of time, people are depriving themselves in reaping great excellence and reward. They have instead chosen misfortune.

Imam al-Nawawi, the great Muhaddith and Shafi’i Faqih (Allah have mercy on him) states in his introduction to the commentary of Sahih Muslim:

“It is praiseworthy (mustahab) for a person writing Hadith that…..at the mentioning of the Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), he writes “SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam” in full and not merely using abbreviations, and neither sufficing on one of the two, i.e. Salat & Salam.” [Sharh Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 39]

Thus, when one writes the name of the Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), one should avoid using abbreviations such as SAW, PBUH or something similar. It is inappropriate and disrespectful to do so. The love for the Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) requires that one never tires, both verbally or in writing, from sending blessings and salutations upon him (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam).

Qadhi Iyadh al-Maliki (Allah have mercy on him) mentions a Hadith wherein the Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whosoever sends blessings upon me in a book, the angels seek forgiveness for him until my name remains in that book.” [Narrated by al-Tabrani in his al-Awsat, See: al-Shifa’ by Qadhi Iyadh, Page 557]

Hence, although the requirement would be fulfilled if one verbally sent blessings and salutations upon the Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), but when one writes the name of the beloved of Allah, one should also send blessings upon him in writing. I think its important to aware people with the Laws of Shari’ah regarding writing Short forms of Durood Shareef i.e. S.A.W … Suad … Sal’am and etc.

Hence, to write S.A.W after the name of the Beloved Prophet Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) or A.S in place of Alaihis Salaam is really a sign of being deprived, because Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam or Alaihis Salaam etc. is Durood and we decide to make abbreviations for Durood.

Hadrat Imam Jalaal al-Din as-Suyooti (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) said,

“The person who first introduced the practice of using abbreviation for Durood had his hands cut off”

Allama Sayyad Tahtawi (Radi Allahu Anhu), making a marginal note in “Durr-e-Mukhtar” states, and this quotation is also found in “Fatawa Tatar Khaniah”,

“A person who writes such abbreviation with the name of any Prophet, become a Kafir.” [Hashiyat al-Tahtawi, Dar al-Ma’rifah (Berut – Lebanon), Vol. 1, Page 6]

It means belittling and this deals with the integrity of the Prophets and to belittle the integrity of Prophets in indeed Kufr. It is beyond doubt that to have the intention of belittling the status of the Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam is definitely Kufr and the above ruling pertains to such a condition or intention. The above ruling does not apply to those who, out of sheer laziness and ignorance, use such abbreviations. But, indeed, such persons are unfortunate, ill-fated and unlucky.

At this point, the great Mujaddid, Imam and Wali, A’la Hazrat Imam Ahmed Rida al-Qadiri (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) comments by saying:

Obviously, the pen is also a language and to write any meaningless words in place of is like hearing the sacred name of the glorious Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam and mumbling some meaningless thing. Allah, the Almighty and Powerful, states:

فَبَدَّلَ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ قَوْلاً غَيْرَ الَّذِي قِيلَ لَهُمْ فَأَنزَلْنَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُواْ رِجْزًا مِّنَ السَّمَاء بِمَا كَانُواْ يَفْسُقُونَ
“But the unjust changed the word that had been ordered for another one, so We sent down a punishment on them from the skies, the recompense of their disobedience.” [Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 59]

There Allah has ordered Bani Israel to say (Say our sins be decreased), they said (We got wheat). This word has a meaning and is still a Blessing of Allah (Wheat), but just because of changing the words, it caused the displeasure of Allah and His destruction by His Punishment.

Here the order is:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
“Indeed Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet; O People who Believe! Send blessings and abundant salutations upon him.” [Surah al-Ahzaab, Verse 56]

And this order is compulsory every time that you hear, say or write the sacred name of the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. The fulfillment of the above command when writing the sacred name is to write , but, instead, this was changed to which has absolutely no meaning. Do you not fear the Azab of Allah descending upon you? May Allah save us from this Azab! Aameen!

This concerns the Durood Sharif or Salawat whose excellence is so great that its abbreviation has a reason of Kufr in it.

Now lets deal with the Sahaba and Awliya Allah (Radi Allahu Anhum Ajma’een). After writing their names, instead of writing the meaningless letters are written. This too is nonsensical and unfortunate. This is condemned by the Learned Ulama as Makrooh and a reason of misfortune. Sayyid Allamah Tahtawi (radi Allahu anhu) states:

“It is Makrooh to abbreviate when writing . Write it in full.” [Hashiyat al-Tahtawi, Dar al-Ma’rifah (Berut – Lebanon), Vol. 1, Page 6]

Imam Nawawi (Radi Allahu Anhu), in his commentary of “Muslim Sharif” states:

“One who indulges in this act is stripped from a very great benefit (Khair) and has lost a great reward.”

We hope that the people will take a notice to my humble request and abstain from such acts. May ALLAH Almighty give us more strength to be firm on Maslak of Ahl as-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and propagate the true message of Islam and guide us all to the success… Aameen!!

Fiqah refers to Islamic Jurisprudence and is the explanation of the Shariah in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah. There are four well-known schools of Jurisprudence, namely; Hanafi; Shafi’i; Hambali and Maliki. Fiqh plays a very important part in the life of every Muslim. The learned Jurists (Fuqaha) have derived the important rulings of the Shariah based on the commands of Qur’an and Sunnah. The importance of Fiqh and the excellence in understanding the Deen has been mentioned clearly in the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith.

Shafi’i, Malik, Ahmad, Imam-e-Hanif;
Chaar Baag-e-Imamat pe Laakhon Salam
 

Intellect, acumen and understanding are great blessings of Allah. It is necessary for a Muslim to be blessed with these if he wishes to understand the Holy Qur’an, The Hadith, and the secrets and laws that have been mentioned therein.

Almighty Allah says

إن في ذلك لآيات لقوم يعقلون
‘Verily, in it are signs for those who understand’ [Surah al-Rome, Verse 24]

In another verse of the Holy Qur’an Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala says

إن في ذلك لآيات لقوم يتفكرون
‘Verily, in it are signs for those who deliberate.’ [Surah al-Rome, Verse 21]

Almighty Allah says

وتلك الأمثال نضربها للناس لعلهم يتفكرون
‘And We present these examples for the people, so that they may contemplate’ [Surah al-Hashr, Verse 21]

Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala says

قد فصلنا الآيات لقوم يفقهون
‘Undoubtedly, we have explained the signs in detail; for those who understand.’ [Surah al-An’aam Verse 98]

The above mentioned verses of the Holy Qur’an make it very clear that to attain Tafaqquh fid Deen, i.e. proper understanding and appreciation of the Deen; one has to be blessed with intellect and the capability to understand.

Those who have been blessed with the knowledge of Deen and especially with the knowledge of Fiqh are those who have been bestowed with special blessings by Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala.

The Holy Qur’an makes it very clear that those with knowledge and those who are unaware are not alike. Almighty Allah says

قل هل يستوي الذين يعلمون والذين لا يعلمون إنما يتذكر أولو الألباب
‘(O Beloved) Say you; Are those who know and those who know not equal? Surely, it is the wise alone that recognize the guidance.’ [Surah al-Zumar, Verse 9]

Almighty Allah says:

ومن يؤت الحكمة فقد أوتي خيرا كثيرا
‘And he, who has been blessed with wisdom, has surely been blessed with great virtue.’ [Surah al-Baqarah, Verse 269]

It must be noted that the Mufasireen (commentators of the Qur’an) have mentioned that wherever in the Qur’an the mention of Wisdom has come, it refers to the knowledge of Fiqh. The importance of Fiqh, i.e. understanding the Deen is also evident from this verse of the Holy Qur’an.

Almighty Allah says

فلولا نفر من كل فرقة منهم طائفة ليتفقهوا في الدين ولينذروا قومهم إذا رجعوا إليهم لعلهم يحذرون
‘And it is not possible for all the believers to go out (at once); Then why should a delegation not come forth from every grouping, so that they may attain the understanding of Religion, thereafter returning to their people, warning them, in the hope that they may remain guarded. [Surah al-Tawbah, Verse 122]

Whilst explaining this verse of the Holy Qur’an, Sadrul Afaadil Allama Sayyid Na’eemud’deen Muradabadi Alaihir raHma wa ar-Ridwan says:

‘It is not necessary for every person to become an Aalim or Faqih. However, every individual has to attain sufficient knowledge to be able to differentiate between that which is lawful and unlawful, and to know what Fard is and what Waajib is. To acquire this amount of knowledge is Fard-e-‘Ain upon every Muslim, and to acquire more knowledge than this is Fard-e-Kifaayah. It has been mentioned in the Hadith, that it is Fard upon every Muslim to acquire knowledge (of Deen).’ [Tafseer Khazain al-Irfan]

 The Excellence of a Faqih in the Light of Hadith

Up to now, we have mentioned the importance of Fiqh in the light of the Holy Qur’an. This has been further explained and clarified in the Hadith Sharif.

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ameer Mu’awiyah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu has reported that the Beloved Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) said:

من يرد الله به خيرا يفقهه في الدين
‘If Allah wills to bestow someone with special virtue; He makes him a Faqih of the Religion’.

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Chapter 13, Page 137, Hadith 71
Sahih Muslim, Volume 6, Chapter 34, Page 396, Hadith 2439
Mishkat al-Masabih, Volume 1, Page 43, Hadith 200

Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said:

خيارهم في الجاهلية خيارهم في الإسلام إذا فقهوا
‘Those who were good in the days of ignorance are also good in Islam, if they have understanding of the Deen.’

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 12, Chapter 8, Page 20, Hadith 3353
Sahih Muslim, Volume 15, Chapter 44, Page 450, Hadith 6311
Mishkat al-Masabih, Volume 1, Page 43, Hadith 201

In this Hadith, Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam mentioned that people are bestowed with being better, on the basis of Fiqh, i.e. on the basis of their understanding of their Deen. This also proves that according to Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam, one of the best qualities in a person is for him to have knowledge of Fiqh.

Once the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) made the following Dua for Hadrat Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu by saying:

اللهم فقهه في الدين
‘O Allah! Make him a Faqih of the Religion.’

Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Chapter 10, Page 260, Hadith 143
Sahih Muslim, Volume 16, Chapter 45, Page 195, Hadith 6523
Mishkat al-Masabih, Volume 3, Page 340, Hadith 6139

Hadrat Ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu says that Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said

فقيه واحد أشد على الشيطان من ألف عابد
‘One Faqih is more superior over shaitaan, than a thousand worshippers.’

Sunan Tirmidhi, Volume 10, Chapter 19, Page 203, Hadith 2897
Sunan Ibn Majah, Volume 1, Chapter 39, Page 267, Hadith 227
Mishkat al-Masabih, Volume 1, Page 47, Hadith 217

From this Hadith it is evident that a single Faqih (Jurist) is more powerful over shaitaan, than a thousand devout worshippers. The reason for this is that due to the knowledge which Almighty Allah has bestowed upon him, and due to his understanding of the Deen, he is able to recognise and avoid the traps and the trickery of shaitaan. In reality, he becomes the one who assist others to be protected from the trickery and deception of shaitaan.

In Ilm al-Hadith, there are two things that are fundamental. The first being, the authenticity of the chain of transmission, and its narration; and the second being its meaning and understanding it. The Muhaditheen of the Ummah memorised and preserved the words and chain of transmission of the Hadith, whereas the distinguished Fuqaha carried the responsibility of understanding its true meaning and wisdom. It should also be noted that the distinguished Fuqaha also have complete expertise and proficiency in the subject of Hadith. One incident pointing to the importance and excellence of the Fuqaha is as follows:

Khateeb Baghdadi Alaihir raHma wa ar-Ridwan mentions that a Group of Muhaditheen were present, when a woman who used to bathe deceased females came forth and asked a question, ‘Can a female who is menstruating give Ghusl to a female who has passed away or not?’

Imam Yahya bin Mu’een, Abu Hatheema, Zuhair bin Harb, and Khalf bin Saalim etc. who are regarded amongst distinguished Muhaditheen were present there. Each one of them began to look at the other, and none of them was able to give an answer immediately. At that time, Imam Abu Thaur who with the exception of being a Muhadith; was also a Mujtahid and a Faqih, passed by. The lady approached him and queried regarding the said issue. He said ‘Yes, a female who is menstruating is permitted to give Ghusl to a deceased female.’ The reason being that once Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam said to Hadrat A’isha Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha:

حيضتك ليس في يدك
‘Your menstruation is not in your hand’.

It is also mentioned in the Hadith that whilst in the condition of Haidh, Hadrat A’isha Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anha used to sprinkle water in the hair of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) and she would comb a path in his hair. So, if in such a condition, water can be poured onto the head of a living person, why then can a deceased not be given Ghusl?’

When the distinguished Muhaditheen heard this Fatwa of Imam Abu Thaur they began to discuss the chain of transmission of the Hadith he had mentioned, mentioning who its narrators were and how it was narrated. When the woman heard this, she said ‘Where were you all this while?’ In other words, she tried to say that if that were the case, why then did they not give the answer’. [Tareekh-e-Baghdad, Volume 6, Page 67]

Du‘a is the most powerful weapon of a believer. It can change fate, while no action of ours ever do. It is the essence of ‘Ibadah or worship. With it we can never fail; without it we can never succeed. With all the suffering and disasters Muslims are facing in various parts of the world, the question of Du‘a can be directed to all of us today. It is not that we have forgotten Du‘a completely; we refer to it regularly. But, our ideas and practice regarding Du‘a have become distorted. Often it is reduced to the level of a ritual. It is belittled through actions and sometimes even with words. Almighty Allah says:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ
“And your Lord proclaimed, “Pray to Me, I will accept; indeed those who stay conceited towards worshipping Me, will enter hell in disgrace.” [Surah al-Ghafir, Verse 60]

The Almighty Allah states:

فَلَوْلا إِذْ جَاءَهُمْ بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُواْ وَلَكِن قَسَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَزَيَّنَ لَهُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ مَا كَانُواْ يَعْمَلُونَ
“So why did they not humbly plead when Our punishment came to them? But their hearts were hardened and the devil made all their deeds appear good to them!” [Surah al-An’am, Verse 43]

There are numerous Ahadith relating to the excellence of Du’a.

HADITH NO. 1

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states that Almighty Allah says:

أنا عندَ ظنِّ عبدي بي
I am as My servant thinks of Me. [Recorded in Bukhari (Hadith 7239), Muslim, Tirmidi, Nisa’i  and Ibn Maja on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah]

This means that as a servant imagines or has an opinion concerning Allah, the Merciful Lord accordingly reacts with him. Knowledge and Qudrat is with everything but there is a special proximity of mercy with those who make Du’a to Him. What bigger mercy can a servant ask for than being blessed with the Divine Proximity of the Sublime Lord? Thousands of acceptances and millions of desires and intentions may be sacrificed on such Divine Proximity!

HADITH NO. 2

لَيْسَ شَيءٌ أكْرَمَ عَلَى اللهِ مِنَ الدُّعَاءِ
There is nothing nobler to Allah than Du‘a. [Recorded in Tirmidi, Ibn Maja, Ibn Habban and Hakim narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah. Also cited in Tahzib al-Kamil, Vol. 4, Page 309]

HADITH NO. 3

The Prophet of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam narrates from his Lord who says:

يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ إِنَّكَ مَا دَعَوْتَنِي وَرَجَوْتَنِي غَفَرْتُ لَكَ عَلَى مَا كَانَ فِيكَ وَلَا أُبَالِي
Oh the children of Adam! Until such time you invoke Me and have trust and hope in Me, I will continue forgiving your sins no matter what they are, and I do not care of anything (i.e. He is Independent.) [Tirmidi on the narration of Sayyiduna Anas ibn Malik, Hadith 3463]

HADITH NO. 4

The Beloved Habib SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

لا تعجزوا في الدعاء ، فإنه لن يهلك مع الدعاء أحد
“Do not get fed up with Supplication, for no one will perish with (continuous) Supplication.” [Narrated by Ibn Habban and Hakim, Sahih Ibn Habban, Hadith 872]

HADITH NO. 5

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

الدعاء سلاح المؤمن وعماد الدين ونور السموات والأرض
“Du‘a is a weapon of a Muslim, a Pillar of Deen and the light of the skies and earth.” [Narrated by Hakim from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah and Abu Ya’la from Sayyiduna ‘Ali al-Murtudah, Hadith 6163]

HADITH NO. 6

It is narrated that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said:

إِنَّ الدُّعَاءَ يَنْفَعُ مِمَّا نَزَلَ وَمِمَّا لَمْ يَنْزِلْ فَعَلَيْكُمْ عِبَادَ اللَّهِ بِالدُّعَاءِ
“All those calamities and misfortunes that descends and that which will descend in the future can be averted and protected from, by Du‘a. So, Oh servant of Allah! Observe Du‘a!” [Narrated by Tirmidi and Hakim from Sayyiduna ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar, Sunan al-Tirmidi, Hadith 3471]

HADITH NO. 7

It is reported that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said:

و إن البلاء لينزل فيتلقاه الدعاء فيعتلجان إلى يوم القيامة
“When some misfortune descends, the supplication intercepts it and then they both wrestle till Qiyamah.” (i.e. supplication does not allow the misfortune to descend to the earth.) [Reported by Bazar, Tabrani, and Hakim from Umm al-Mu’minin Sayyidah ‘A’ieshah Siddiqah, Mustadrak al-Hakim, Hadith 1813]

HADITH NO. 8

The Habib of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

الدُّعَاءُ مُخُّ العِبَادَةِ
Supplication is the essence of worship.

HADITH NO. 9

It is reported that the Noble Prophet of Islam SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said:

ألا أدلكم على ما ينجيكم من عدوكم ويدر لكم أرزاقكم؟ تدعون اللّه في ليلكم ونهاركم؟ فإن الدعاء سلاح المؤمن
Must I not inform you of the thing which will protect you from your enemy and increase your sustenance? Make Supplication to Allah day and night because Supplication is a weapon of a Mu‘min. [Narrated by Abu Ya’la from Sayyiduna Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, Hadith 6164]

HADITH NO. 10

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

مَنْ لَمْ يَسْأَلْ اللَّهَ يَغْضَبْ عَلَيْهِ
Allah casts His Anger on those who do not invoke Him. [Reported by Imam Ahmad, Ibn Abi Shaybah, and Al-Bukhari in Adab al Mufrad, Tirmidi, Ibn Maja and Hakim on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah, Hadith 3295]

Such concepts and meanings are also reported in the Hadith al-Qudsi as follows:

عَنِ النَّبى صَلَى اللهُ عَلَيهِ وَ سَلَّمَ قَالَ قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالى مَن ْ لاَ يَدعُو نِى اَغضَب ُعَلَيهِ
One who does not invoke Me, I will direct My Anger at him. (Allah save us from this!) [Reported by Al-Askari in his Mawa’iz]

Oh Beloved! Supplication is an amazing wealth that Allah I blessed His servants with, and through it gave them honour. There is nothing more effective and powerful in fulfilling needs in desperation besides Du‘as. Likewise, nothing is more potent in removing Bala than Du‘as. A person benefits from five things of a single Du‘a:

1. He is included in the category of ‘Abids (worshippers) because Supplication by nature is ‘Ibadah, in fact, the goal of ‘Ibadah.
2. In supplication one acknowledges one’s inferiority and dependency in relation to the Omnipotent Lord and His Divine mercies.
3. Obedience to the sacred Shari’ah because it has laid great stress in making supplications – and the danger of Divine Anger on those who do not supplicate.
4. It is a great Sunnah of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam as he supplicated frequently and ordered others to do the same.
5. It is a deterrent of Bala and achiever of goals as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. If man seeks security from Allah from calamities, then the Merciful Lord will give it to him. If one seeks a desire to be fulfilled, the Sublime Creator will shower His mercies on him or else blesses him with Thawab in the Akhirah.

The Master of the Sinless, Sayyiduna Rasoollulah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam states:

“A servant’s supplication is never void of three things:

1) either his sins are forgiven,
2) or he benefits in this world,
3) or virtues are accumulated for him in the hereafter.

When the servant will observe this reward (Thawab) accumulated for him in the hereaftr in compensation for that which was not fulfilled in the Duniyah, then he will desire that none of his desires should have been fulfilled in the world, but rather be accumulated for the hereafter.”

This desire and benefit is for him who desires so in this Duniyah when supplicating. It is advised that when making Du‘a, this ethic should be considered seriously.
—
Taken from
aHsan al-Wiyah li Aadab al-Du’a by Imam Naqi Ali al-Qadiri

There are many authenticated prophetic quotations that speak of our Prophet’s (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) selection over and above all of the creation of Allah as being “The beloved of Allah” and Muslims often refer to him by this title.

There is a difference between the exalted titles of “close friend” and “beloved” and these will be explained.

The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, spoke of his closeness to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with Him) saying, “If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr.”

We are also informed that the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said “Your companion (referring to himself) is the close friend of Allah” and this is endorsed by the transmission from Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with Him)  in his narration, “Allah took your companion as a close friend.”

Several of the Companions had gathered and waited for the arrival of the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, and during this time they spoke to one another about the ranks of the prophets. Ibn Abbas’ (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported that when the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, came out he overheard their conversation, one of whom was saying, “How astounding, Allah took Ibrahim Alaihis Salam from His creation as His close friend,” Another said, “It is even more astounding that He spoke directly to Moosa Alaihis Salam!” Whereupon another said, “Eisa Alaihis Salam is the word of Allah and His created spirit.” And another said, “Allah chose Adam Alaihis Salam!” Having heard their comments, the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, greeted them and told them that he had heard what they were saying and noticed that they were astounded that Allah had chosen Ibrahim Alaihis Salam as a close friend, and confirmed that this was so. He said, “You also expressed your amazement that Allah took Moosa Alaihis Salam as a close friend, and this too is so. You also spoke of Eisa Alaihis Salam as being the created spirit of Allah, and this is so, and that Adam Alaihis Salam was chosen and this is so. I am the beloved of Allah, and I am not boasting. I will be the Bearer of the Banner of Praise on the Day of Resurrection, and this is not a boast. I will be the first to intercede and the first whose intercession is accepted, and this is not a boast. I will be the first to knock at the Gate of the Garden and Allah will cause it to be opened for me and let me enter together with the poor believers, and this is not a boast. From the first to the last I am the most honored or all, and this is not a boast.”

In addition to the preceding Prophetic quotation, Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported that Allah said to His Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, “I have taken you for a close friend, and written in the Torah is ‘the Beloved of the Merciful.’”

There are differences in opinion regarding the terminology “close friend” and the root word from which it is derived. There are those who say the Arabic word “khalil”, meaning ‘close friend’, also bears the definition of “devoted to Allah.” This is because people who attain such a rank of devotion or love of Allah are not detached from one another. Another opinion is that the word “khalil” can be taken as meaning “chosen”, and that Allah selected this word in preference to others. It has also been said that the root of the word is derived from “taking a matter to be pure”.

Prophet Ibrahim Alaihis Salam was called the close friend of Allah “Khalilullah” on account of the ultimate intensity of his devotion to Allah. The friendship of Allah to Ibrahim was that He made him victorious and a role model. On the other hand, there are those who define the root of “khalil”, which is “khulla” meaning “in need” as being “a poor person in need”. Ibrahim Alaihis Salam was known by this title because his need was only in his Lord and he was devotedly dependent upon Him for his needs and did not depend upon others. We recall how when Ibrahim was about to be cast into the fire, Gabriel Alaihis Salam came to him and asked, “Are you in need of anything?” whereupon he replied, “No, I am not in need of anything from you.”

Ibn Abu Bakr Furack (May Allah be pleased with Him) defined the word “khulla” with the meaning of “pure love that necessitates a person being singled out for being infused by secrets.”

It has also been said that the root of the word “khulla” is love, and incorporates kindness, help, raising and intercession. This is founded in the verse that reads, “The Jews and the Christians said, “We are the sons of Allah and His beloved ones”; say, “Why does He then punish you for your sins?’ [5:18]. It is inconceivable that if a person is beloved, that he should be punished for his sins!

The Prophet-hood has perspectives between people and the prophet, whereas the friendship has a perspective between Allah and Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, which makes it very special.

Because of their devotion to Allah, both Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad, peace be upon them, were titled “close friends.” They looked to Him for all their needs and severed themselves from needing anyone else. And, it was either because of the greatness of the concealed kindness of Allah to them, and the disclosed knowledge of the Divine secrets they received, as well as the matters of the Unseen worlds and faith with which they were infused in their inner self that they forsook other means and causes. Or, because their hearts had been purified from anything other than Him, so that love for anything else was prevented from reaching them. For this reason a scholar said, “A person who is ‘khalil’ is one whose heart has no room for anyone other than Him.” Accordingly he is of the opinion that this is what the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, referred to when he said, “If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with Him, however, in Islam there is brotherhood.”

Opinions vary among the knowledgeable masters of the matters relating to the heart as to which is the higher degree and the question arises is it the degree of close friendship, or the degree of love the higher? On the other hand there are those who consider both degrees as being equal to one another saying that the beloved is a close friend and a close friend is also the beloved. But then, Prophet Ibrahim was given the degree of close friendship and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them both, was given love.

In support of the opinion that the degree of friendship is higher, one of the scholars quotes the saying of the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, that says, “If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord …” but he did not do so and we find him using the word ‘love’ to his daughter Sayyida Fatima, her sons, as well as Osama and others.

The consensus of most scholars is that “love” is higher than “friendship”. To sustain this opinion they use as their proof that Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, was given the title of the “Beloved” whereas Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was titled “Close Friend” .

One must examine the human basis of love and know that it is the inclination of what the beloved finds pleasing. The love of Allah is not connected to unessential matters. His love for His worshipers is comprised of happiness, protection, success, and affairs that bring him/her closer and His Mercy that overflows upon the recipient. The highest degree is reached when the veils of the heart are removed so that the worshiper sees Him with his heart and looks at Him with his inner eye. This is supported by the Divine quotation that tells us, “When I (Allah) love him I am his hearing by which he hears, the sight by which he sees, and his tongue by which he speaks.” One should understand by this that there is nothing better for a worshiper other than seclusion for the sake of Allah, devotion to Him, the turning away from anything other than Allah, the purity of heart and sincerity of actions for the sake of Allah.

Sayyida Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, was asked about the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, and said, “His character was the Qur’an, and his pleasure was its pleasure and his anger was its anger.”

It is an undoubted fact that Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, was blessed to be the receiver of not only the quality of close friendship but also the very special quality of love.

When the unbelievers said, “Muhammad means we should love him just as the Christians love Jesus, the son of Mary”, Allah sent down the verse that reads “Proclaim, (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him), “O mankind! If you love Allah, follow me – Allah will love you and forgive you your sins”; and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [3:31]. And His anger towards them becomes apparent in the following verse that tells us, “Proclaim, “Obey Allah and the Noble Messenger”; so if they turn away – then Allah is not pleased with the disbelievers.” [3:32]. In this verse Allah increased the honor the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him. Note how He issued the command to obey His Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, in connection with obedience to Himself – this is followed by the warning if they choose to turn away, “then truly, Allah does not love the unbelievers.”

A theologian explained the difference between love and close friendship. He said that the close friend reaches Allah through an intermediary. To support his explanation he quoted the verses “And likewise We showed Ibrahim the entire kingdom of the heavens and the earth and so that he be of those who believe as eyewitnesses.” [6:75] whereas He indicated that the beloved, Prophet Muhammad, reaches Him by Him in the verse “So the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less.” [53:9].

It has also been said that the limit of the close friend is the desire for forgiveness. Allah quotes the saying of Ibrahim, “And the One Who, upon Whom I pin my hopes, will forgive me my mistakes on the Day of Judgement.” [26:82]. Whereas the one who is the beloved is absolutely certain that he will be forgiven, and this is supported in the verse that reads, “So that Allah may forgive, for your sake, the sins of those before you and those after you, and complete His favours upon you, and to show you the Straight Path. ” [48:2].

We refer back to Prophet Ibrahim whose rank is that of the close friend and the verse in which he said, “And the One Who, upon Whom I pin my hopes, will forgive me my mistakes on the Day of Judgement.” [26:82] and now to the verse “on the day when Allah will not humble the Prophet and the believers along with him; their light will be running ahead of them and on their right;” [66:8].

The “close friend” Ibrahim said, “And give me proper fame among the succeeding generations.” [26:84]. Whereas Prophet Muhammad, “the beloved”, was told, in the verse “And We have exalted your remembrance for you (O dear Prophet Mohammed – peace and blessings be upon him).” [94:4]. Note how the glad tiding was given to the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, before the questioning.

In times of affliction note how the close friend says, “Allah is sufficient for us” [3:173]. Whereas it was said to Prophet Muhammad, the Beloved, praise and peace be upon him, “O Herald of the Hidden! Allah is Sufficient for you and for all these Muslims who follow you.” [8:64]

And Ibrahim, the close friend of Allah is quoted in the Qur’an saying, “And give me proper fame among the succeeding generations.” [26:84], while Allah said to Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, “And indeed the latter is better for you than the former.” [93:4]

Khalil said: “and safeguard me and my sons from worshiping idols.” [14:35] while Allah said to HIS Habib. “Allah only wills to remove all impurity from you, O the People of the Household, and by cleansing you make you utterly pure. (*The Holy Prophet’s household.)” [33:33]

The preceding information is sufficient to give one a glimpse into the superiority of the rank, degrees and status of Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, and to the inform you of the opinions of the scholars of Islam. Allah says, “Proclaim, Each one works according to his own pattern; and your Lord well knows him who is more upon guidance.” [17:84]

A Question was sent to Syeduna AlaHadrat Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Qadiri Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho by Syed Muhammad Shah Sahib of Amroha on 22nd Sha’ban al Mu’azzam 1311H regarding the ruling on Referring to Madina Sharif as ‘Yathrib’ according to Shari’ah al Mutahhara… Following is the Question and the remarkable Answer given by the Great Imam and Mujaddid Alaihir RaHmatu war-Ridwan!!

Question: Is it permissible in the Shari’ah to call Madina Sharif ‘Yathrib’? What is the ruling for the person who does? Bayyinu Tujiru.

Answer: It is impermissible and forbidden to call Madina Tayyiba as Yathrib. It is a sin and the one who says it a sinner. RasoolAllah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam said:

من سمی المدینة یثرب فلیستغفر اﷲ ھی طابة ھی طابة، رواه الامام احمد بسند صحیح عن البراء ان عازب رضی اﷲ تعالٰی عنه
“Whoever calls Madina Yathrib, it is necessary for him to repent. Madina is Taabah, Madina is Taabah. [Narrated by Bara’ bin ‘Azin, Musnad Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Maktaba al Islami (Berut), Vol 4, Page 285]

‘Allama Manawi writes in al-Taysir Sharh al-Jami’ al-Saghir:

فتسمیتھا بذٰلک حرام لان الاستغفار انما ھو عن خطیئة
From this hadith we learn that it is Haram to name Madina Tayyiba as Yathrib. We are told to repent after calling it so and repentance is only after a sin. [al-Taysir Sharh al-Jami’ al-Saghir, Maktaba Imam Shafa’ee (Riyadh), Vol 2, Page 424]

Mulla ‘Ali Qari rahimahu’l Bari writes in al-Mirqat Sharh Mishkat:

قد حکی عن بعض السلف تحریم تسمیة المدینة بیثرب ویؤیده مارواه احمد لافذکر الحدیث المذکور ثم قال قال الطیبی رحمه اﷲ تعالٰی فظهران من یحقر شان ما عظمه اﷲ تعالٰی ومن وصف ماسماه اﷲ تعالٰی بالایمان بمالایلیق به یستحق ان یسمی عاصیا
It is reported from some of the predecessors that calling Madina as Yathrib is Haram. This is supported by the hadith which is recorded by Imam Ahmad . ‘Allama Tayyibi rahimahullah said that it is evident from this that whoever disrespects anything that Allah has honoured and has given the name Iman and this person talks about it in a way that is unbefitting, then he is worthy of being names ‘Aasi (sinner). [al-Mirqat Sharh Mishkat, Maktaba Habibiya (Quetta), Vol 5, Page 622]

When the Qur’an mentions the word Yathrib, it is to inform us what the hypocrites would say:

واذاقالت طائفة مهنم یااھل یثرب لامقام لکم
And when a party of them said: O folk of Yathrib! There is no stand (possible) for you, therefore turn back. [33:13]

The word Yathrib means fighting and censure. This is why these filthy people referred to it as such. Allah refuted them by naming it Taabah. RasoolAllah SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam said:

یقولون یثرب وھی المدینة
They call it Yathrib but it is Madina. [Bukhari, 1:252]

He SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam also said:

ان اﷲ تعالٰی سمی المدینة طابة

Indeed Allah has named Madina as Taabah.

References:

Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Maktaba al Islami , Vol 5, Page89
Sahih Muslim, Qadeemi Kutb Khana , Vo 1, Page 445

Mulla ‘Ali Qari writes in al-Mirqat Sharh Mishkat:

المعنی ان اﷲ تعالٰی سماھا فی اللوح المحفوظ او امرنبیه ان یسمیھا بها ردا علی المنافقین فی تسمیتھا بیثرب ایماء الی تثریبهم فی الرجوع الیها

It means that Allah had names Madina Munawwara as Taabah on the preserved tablet or He ordered his beloved Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam to name it such. Allah has castigated the hypocrites for reverting to the disreputable name Yathrib. [al-Mirqat Sharh Mishkat, Maktaba Habibiya (Quetta), Vol 5, Page 622]

He also writes:

قال النووی رحمه اﷲ تعالٰی قد حکی عیسٰی بن دینار ان من سماھا یثرب کتب علیه خطیئة واما تسمیتھا فی القراٰن بیثرب فهی حکایة قول المنافقین الذین فی قلوبهم مرض

Imam Nawawi rahimahullah states that it is reported regarding ‘Isa bin Dinar that whoever calls Madina as Yathrib, he is a sinner. When the Qur’an refers to Yathrib, it is only to let us know of the illness present in the hearts of the hypocrites. [al-Mirqat Sharh Mishkat, Maktaba Habibiya (Quetta), Vol 5, Page 622]

Some verses of poetry from the scholars contain this word. Our excuse for them is that they did not know of this hadith and ruling. He who knows the ruling and persists has no excuse, whether it is poetry or otherwise. The Shari’ah governs the poetry, not vice versa. Mawlana Shaykh MuHaqqiq ‘Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi Quddassa Sirrahu writes:

حضرت محمد صلی الله تعالٰی علیه وسلم او رامدینه نام نهاد از جهت تمدن واجتماعی مردم واستیناس و ایتلاف ایشاں دردے ونهی کرد از خواندن یثرب یا از جهت آنکه نام جاهلیت است یا سبب آنکه مشتق از یثرب بمعنی هلاک وفساد وتثریب بمعنی توبیخ وملامت ست یا بتقریب آنکه دراصل نام صنمے یا یکے از جبابره بود، بخاری درتاریخ خود حدیثے آورده که یکبار یثرب گوید باید که ده بار مدینه گوید تاتدارک و تلافی آں کند ودر روایتے دیگر آمده باید که استغفار کند و بعضے گفته اند که تعزیر باید کرد قائل آں را وآنکه درقرآن مجید آمده است یا اهل یثرب از زباں منافقان ست که بذکر آں قصد اهانت آن می کردند عجب که برزبان بعضے اکابر دراشعار لفظ یثرب آمده۔ والله تعالٰی اعلم وعلمه جل مجده

The Prophet SallAllahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam names it Madina. This is because people lived and gathered there and loved the city. He warned against calling it Yathrib because this is the name from the days of ignorance or because it is derived from either Tharb which means destruction and fighting or Tathrib which means reprimand and censure or because Yathrib was the name of an idol or an oppressive and rebellious person. Imam Bukhari narrates a hadith in his Tareekh that whoever says Yathrib once, he should say Madina ten times so that he compensates for it. When the Qur’an says, “Ya ahla yathrib”, it is from the tongues of the hypocrites and by saying Yathrib, they wanted to disrespect Madina. Another narration mentions that whoever says Yathrib should repent towards Allah and seek forgiveness. And some have said that he be punished. Amazing is the fact that some leading people have used Yathrib in their poems. And Allah knows well, the knowledge of the glorious is complete and strong. [Ashi’atul Lum’aat Sharh Mishkat, Maktaba Noori Razavi (Sukkar), Vol 2, Page 393-394]

In the present era, It is really being felt that people must get aware of the Value of Iman and to know what Iman really is? Especially when the Thieves and Robbers of Iman are everywhere putting the garb (attire) of the Scholars of Islam, Aalim, Mufti, Hafiz, Teacher, Imam, Doctor, Professor etc. Who are continuously cropping the deviations and confusions in the minds of a common Muslims who in their ignorance get deceived by the Insolent and Corrupt Creeds. May ALLAH Guide us on the Straight Path!

Following are Golden Words by the Great Mujaddid AlaHadrat Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan al-Qadiri that will surely help us to understand the True meaning of Iman inshaALLAH!

What is Imaan?

Iman is to accept every word of Sayyiduna RasoolAllah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam as absolute and nothing else but truth and to testify whole-heartedly the reality and truth of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam.

One who observes the above would be called a Muslim, that is, if any of his words, actions or conditions does not reject, insult or falsify Almighty Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. His relationship with Almighty Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam must be above all other relationships. He must love and respect all those who are the beloved of Almighty Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam even though that person may be his enemy. He must disrespect and hate all those who disrespect and hate Almighty Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam even if that person may be his beloved son. Whatever he gives should be for Almighty Allah and whatever he abstains from must be for Almighty Allah. Such a persons Iman is known as “Kamil” or “Complete”.

Sayyiduna RasoolAllah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam states:

من أحب لله وأبغض لله وأعطى لله ومنع لله فقد استكمل الإيمان
“One who loves for Allah, hates anyone because of Allah, spends for Allah and holds back for Allah, then, indeed, he has completed his Iman.” [Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol 2, Page 632 – Hadith 4681]

The Value of Iman

Until such a time a person does not love and respect the exalted Nabi SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, even though that person worships all his life, his worship is fruitless and rejected. Numerous Jogees, Monks and Hermits take to seclusion and spend their lives in the Remembrance of Almighty Allah. Some of them even indulge in the Zikr of “La ilaha illal lah” (There is no god but Allah), but they do not respect and love Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. What benefit is such Ibadah? Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quran:

وقدمنا الى ما عملوا من عمل فجعلناه هباء منثورا
“And We turned all the deeds they had performed into scattered floating specks of dust.” [Furqan 25:23]

In another verse concerning such worshipers, Almighty Allah states:

عاملة ناصبة ۔ تصلى نارا حامية
“Laboring, striving hard. (Yet) Going into the blazing fire.” [Ghashiyah 88:3/4]

Say, O Muslims! Does the dependence of Iman, serenity, survival and acceptance of deeds depends on the love and respect for the glorious Prophet of Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam or not? Say “YES” and certainly, YES!

The Validity of Iman on Two Important Points

(A) Respect for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, and
(B) To love him above all creation within the universe.

The correct method to put this to test is to see that all those whom you love and respect, for example, Father, Teacher, Children, Brother, Murshid, Molvi, Mufti, Hafiz, Lecturer, Imam, or Friends, etc., if they at any time show the slightest disrespect for the Station of Sayyiduna Muhammadur Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, then there must not remain an atom of love and respect for that person in your heart. Such an insolent person should be totally severed from family and community. His name should cause great discomfort to you. His knowledge or status should be absolutely rejected and discarded. After all, your respect and connection with him was due to his respect for Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Now that he insults the very reason of respect what more is left to have any reasons to respect such an audacious person.

On the other hand, if you accepted or observed silence to his insult to Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, kept good friends with him, did not regard him as wretched, shameless and mean-spirited and liked his condemnation, the, by Allah, with great justice, analyze where do you stand in the test of Iman!

Dear Muslims! Is it possible that the heart that contains the love and honour of the master of the universe, Sayyiduna Muhammad SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, could ever tolerate insults to him, though it may be his Ustaz, Murshid or father? Would the heart that extremely loves the Holy Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam above all creation, ever respect or love one who belittles the unique and faultless Prophet of Allah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, even though it may be his own child or intimate friend?

Brothers and Sisters in Islam! The reason for showing respect to a learned scholar or Alim is that he is a Waris (Inheritor) to the Knowledge of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. Is that person the Waris of Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam or is that person a Shaitan who goes astray from the path of righteousness? In the former, his respect was the respect of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, and, in the latter, his respect was for Shaitan. This is the case when an alim goes astray, like the Ulema of un-Islamic belief. Then, what can be said about that person who commits Kufr? To regard such a person as Alim-e-Deen is Kufr itself!

A million regrets on him who claims to be a Muslim but respects and regards his Ustaz greater than Almighty Allah and His Rasool SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam. O Allah! With the true respect and mercy of your beloved Habeeb SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam, grant us true Iman. Ameen!

Steadfastness in Belief

Salvation depends on the fact that every single belief of the Ahle Sunnah Wa Jamah be so firm that one will remain firm even is the sky and the earth vanishes. One must have great fear for his belief at all times. The Ulama of Islam state that:

“One who does not fear that his Iman may be taken away, would be stripped of his Iman at the time of death.”

Sayyiduna Umar Faruq (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) states:

“If a voice calls out from the sky that all the people of the earth are forgiven but one, I would fear that the one would be me, and if the voice calls out that all the people on earth are dwellers of Hell but one, I will hope that the one be me.”

The status of “Khouf” (Fear) and “Raja” (Hope) must have a balance as displayed by Sayyiduna Umar Faruq (Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu).

Some deviant and ignorant people claim that the exact date of birth of the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is not known and hence there is little room for the celebration of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) on 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal Sharif.

12 Rabi’ al-Awwal is not only accepted as Milad Day from the classical and ancient scholars, it is also confirmed by the governments of the whole Islamic world. Almost three (3) dozen Islamic countries celebrate it and have public holidays on 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal Sharif.

1. Ibn-e-Ishaq (85-151 H):

Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel. [Ibn Jawzi in al-Wafa, Page 87]

2. Allama Ibn Hisham (213 H):

Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel. [Ibn Hisham in As-Sirat-un-Nabawiya, Vol. 1, Page 158]

3. Imam Ibn Jarir Tabari (224-310 H):

Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel. [Tarikh al-Umam wa al-Muluk, Vol. 2, Page 125]

4. Allama Abu al-Hasan Ali bin Muhammad Al-Mawardi (370-480 H):

Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born 50 days after the event of Ashab-ul-Feel and after the death of His father on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal. [Ailam-un-Nabuwwa, Page 192]

5. Imam Al-Hafiz Abu-ul-Fatah Al-Undalasi (671-734 H):

Our leader and our Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam), the Messenger of Allah, was born on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel. [Aayun al-Asr, Vol. 1, Page 33]

6. Allama Ibn Khaldun (732-808 H):

Messenger of Allah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel. It was the 40th year of Emperor Kasra Noshairwan. [Ibn Khaldun in At-Tarikh Vol. 2, Page 394]

7. Muhammad As-Sadiq Ibrahim Arjoon:

From various turaq (chains) it has been established as true that the Prophet (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel in the reign of Kisra Noshayrwan. [Muhammad Rasoolullah, Vol. 1, Page 102]

8. Shaykh Abdul-Haq Muhadath Dehlvi (950-1052 H):

Know it well, that over-whelming majority of the experts of sayar and tarikh (i.e. biographers and historians) hold the opinion that the Beloved (i.e. the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was born in ‘Aam al-Feel … It is well known that the month was of Rabi’ al-Awwal and its date was 12. Various scholars have shown their agreement with this (date). [Madarij-un-Nabuwwah, Vol. 2, Page 14]

9. Imam Qustallani (Alaihir RaHma) said:

Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born on 12th Rabi ul Awwal and People of Makkah follow it, on this same day they visit (your place of birth).. It is famous that you were born on 12th Rabi ul Awwal, the day was of Monday, Ibn Ishaq and others have narrated this too. [Al Muwahib al Laduniya, Vol. 1, Page 88]

Now we will prove from scholars whom even Wahabi/Salafis consider the top most scholar in Tafsir and Tarikh and they not only say 12th is the mainstream opinion but also rely with exact hadith for it:

10. Ibn Kathir writes in his Seerat un-Nabi:

ورواه ابن أبى شيبة في مصنفه عن عفان ، عن سعيد بن ميناء ، عن جابر وابن عباس أنهما قالا : ولد رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عام الفيل يوم الاثنين الثانى عشر من شهر ربيع الاول
Ibn Abi Shaybah in his Musannaf narrates from Affan, Sa’id, Jabir and Ibn Abbas (Ridwanullahi Ta’ala Alaihim Ajma’een) who said: Rasoolullah (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam) was born in the year of elephant on Monday, the 12th Rabi al-Awwal [Seerat un-Nabi, Volume 1, Page No. 199]

Then he said:

وهذا هو المشهور عند الجمهور والله أعلم
This is what is famous amongst Majority and Allah knows the best

11. Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Hasan Khan Bohapali:

The birth (of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) was happened in Mecca at the time of Fajar on Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal in ‘Aam al-Feel. Majority of scholars holds this opinion. Ibn-e-Jawzi has narrated a consensus (of scholars) on it. [Ash-Shumamat al-Anbariya fi Mawlid Khair al-Bariyyah, Page 7]

You can see that the historians / scholars from the first / second century of Hijri, as well as the scholars of later times, had been authenticating it. The list also includes the well known leader of Salafis, i.e. Nawab Sadiq Hasan Bohapalvi.

Milad-un-Nabi (SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam) is celebrated throughout the Islamic world, with the exception of a few countries. Interestingly, most of the Muslim countries and few non-Muslim countries celebrate it on 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal.

Here is a list of few countries who hold an official holiday on 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal (the actual list is longer than this):

Islamic Countries:

* Islamic Republic of Pakistan
* Afghanistan
* Uzbekistan
* Jordan
* United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.)
* Bahrain
* Bangladesh
* Algeria
* Al-Jazair
* Sudan
* Iraq
* Kuwait
* Morocco
* Yemen
* Tunis
* Syria
* Oman
* Lebanon
* Libya
* Egypt
* Moritaniya
* Palestine
* Brunei
* Indonesia
* Malaysia
* Nigeria
* Somalia
* Turkey (not a public holiday, but mosques are illuminated, special foods and treats are prepared, and you can participate, actively or passively, in the celebrations)

Non-Islamic Countries:

* India
* Sri Lanka
* Tanzania

The most authentic date of Milad-un-Nabi (i.e. Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam’s birth), as agreed upon by the classical and later scholars and historians, and as officially recognized by Islamic countries, is Monday 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal.

Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala and His Beloved Messenger Knows the Best!!

The Companions described the Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam beautiful form that dazzled all who saw him. They said: “The Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had the most beautiful face, and the best form. He was neither excessively tall nor short. His face was like the moon when it is full. No one before or after him has been seen like him, and if you were to see him you would say, ‘The sun has risen.’ And when he would speak, a radiant light would be seen emitting from between his teeth.”

[And from the other reports:] “The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had a black beard and a beautiful mouth. He had long hair and a thick beard.” “The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had broad shoulders. He was the greatest of people and the best of them. His hair reached his ears. Never have I seen anything more beautiful than him!”“It was as if the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was fashioned of silver and his sweat was pearl drops.” “The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was of medium height compared to others; he was neither tall nor short. He had the most beautiful face of all people and was the best of them in character. He was neither excessively tall nor short, but was closer to being tall. Never did a tall person walk with him save that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam appeared taller. Sometimes the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam would walk in between two tall men yet he would seem taller then them, and when they would part ways he would appear once again of medium height.”

Sayyiduna Anas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu said, “I have never smelled ambergris or musk or anything sweeter than the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.” Once, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was brought a bucket of water. He drank from it and dipped it back into the well, which caused the well to emit the fragrance of musk. The Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sweat was more fragrant than the finest scent. Sayyiduna Anas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu said, “The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam came to take a nap at our house and had perspired, so my mother came with a bottle and began to soak up the sweat. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam woke up and said, ‘What are you doing, Umm Sulaym?’ She replied, ‘We mix this sweat in our perfumes, and it is the finest scent.’” Sayyiduna Anas also said, “He was the most beautiful of Allah’s creation I had seen, and his scent was the most fragrant, and his hands the softest.”

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayra Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu said, “The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was the best and most beautiful of people in his qualities. He was of medium height, with broad shoulders. His cheeks were smooth and his hair was black. His eyes were large, as if lined with antimony (kohl), with arched eyebrows. When he would place his over garment over his shoulders it would look like an ingot of silver. When he would laugh his teeth shone like pearls. I saw neither before him nor after him anyone like him SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.”

“When the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam would open his beautiful mouth it was mostly smiles, revealing something like hailstones. Of Allah’s servants, he had the most beautiful lips and the corners of his mouth were the softest.”

His complexion was fair (azhar). This means that the Prophet’s complexion was fair without an admixture of redness, yellowness, or any other color. Inside the Prophet’s Mosque, Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Umar would frequently recite the verses of his uncle Abu Talib in description of the Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam complexion:

Those who would hear him would say, “That is how the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was.”

Some have described him a fair complexioned with a bit of redness. They spoke the truth; however, this slight redness would appear when the sun would shine and when the wind would blow during the forenoon. The fairness of his complexion would take on a reddish tint during that time; all the while the skin color under his garments retained a fair white complexion. No one has any doubts about this. Those who described the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam as fair complexioned meant his skin color under his garments, and they were correct; and those who described him as fair with a bit of redness meant his appearance in the sun during the forenoon, and they were also correct. The Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam complexion was undoubtedly fair, and the rosiness or redness associated with it was on account of the sun and wind.

The beads of the Prophet’s sweat SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam were like pearls, and his scent was more fragrant than the finest perfumes. His hair was natural without a part ; it was beautiful, and was neither curly nor straight…

The Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam hair was above his ears. Some say that it would fall upon his shoulders, and most say that it reached his ear lobes. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam would occasionally plait his hair into four braids; his right ear would come out between the two braids surrounding it, and the left ear would come out between the two braids surrounding it, and the two ears would appear with their whiteness between these braids as if they were two resplendent stars lit up in the midst of the blackness of his hair. The Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam gray hair appeared around his temples… and most of his gray hairs were in his beard above his chin. The Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam gray hairs appeared as if they were strands of silver that shone in the midst of the blackness of his hair. And when he would rub the yellowish gray hairs — which he did frequently — they would appear as if they were strands of gold that shone in the midst of the blackness of his hair.

The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam was the handsomest of men, the most resplendent of them in light. Nobody would describe him without comparing his face to the full moon. Those among them would say, “Perhaps we would look upon the moon when it is full and say, ‘Indeed, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is more beautiful in our eyes than the moon!’ He was of fair complexion, with a bright face that would shine like the full moon.”

“The Prophet’s SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam pleasure and displeasure and happiness could be seen from his face: when he was pleased with something or something made him happy, his face was like a mirror and its brilliant light would shine upon the walls, and when he was angry his face would change color and his eyes would redden.”

The Companions used to say he is as his companion Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddiq Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu described him:

They would say, “He was like that SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.” Sayyiduna Umar Ibn al-Khattab would frequently recite the verses of Zuhayr bin Abi Salma:

The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had a broad forehead and perfectly arched eyebrows. His eyebrows were of medium thickness and no hair in them was out of place. There was a space between them that appeared as if it were pure silver, as well as a vein that would expand when he would become angry. When not angry, this vein would not be seen.

“The Prophet’s eyes were large with dark pupils, showing a slight reddishness, and he had long, lush eyelashes. His nose was aquiline. Between his teeth there was a slight space,” a separation like the teeth of a comb, except that his blessed teeth were straight all around… “When he would smile it would appear as something like hailstones in clouds, and when he would laugh it would shine like the radiance of lightning…” “His face was neither elongated nor completely circular. His beard was thick, his chest broad…” His limbs were well proportioned, as if his fingers were rods of silver. The palms of his hands were softer than silk and were fragrant, as if they were the hands of a perfumist, whether he applied scent to them or not. “When someone would shake his blessed hand it would leave a fragrance that stayed with him for the remainder of his day. And when he would pat the head of a child that child would stand out among the other children due to the fragrance on his head… ”

And yet, despite all of this, Imam al-Qurtubi says:

The Prophet’s complete beauty has not been fully manifested, for if it was disclosed to us in full, our eyes would be unable to behold him SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. The similes, therefore, that are used to describe him SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam are only for the sake of approximating and drawing similitudes, for the Prophet’s essence SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is far too exquisite and his honor is far loftier.

I | Ignorant Ṣūfīs

The noble friends of Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala state – “an ignorant ṣūfī is shayṭān’s joke.” Similarly, a ḥadīth of the noble Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam informs us –

فقيه واحد اشد على الشيطان من الف عابدين
“A single jurist is severer upon shayṭān than a thousand worshippers.” [Tirmidhī and ibn Mājah]

Those who remain ignorant yet strive hard in their worship are merely made to dance by shayṭān upon his fingers. He places bridles in their mouths and tangs in their noses, and thus drags them wherever he wishes, whilst they convince themselves that they are accumulating good deeds.

Sayyidunā Junayd al Baghdādī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu  states –

“my spiritual guide, Sayyidunā Sirrī Saqtī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu  supplicated for me thus – ‘may Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala grant you the knowledge of ḥadīth and then make you a ṣūfī, and may He not make you a ṣūfī before granting you the knowledge of ḥadīth.” [Iḥyā ‘Ulūm ud-Dīn; Vol. 1; Page 13]

Sayyidunā Imām al Ghazālī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu states – whilst explaining this statement –

“here, Sayyidunā Sirrī Saqtī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu meant that the one who steps into the field of taṣawwuf armed with the knowledge of ḥadīth is victorious, whereas the one who ventures forth without knowledge is merely (– Allāh forbid! –) placing himself into destruction.”

Sayyidunā Abu-l Qāsim Junayd al Baghdādī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu states –

“the one who has neither memorised the Qurān, nor written ḥadīth (meaning the one who lacks the knowledge of the jurisprudence) shouldn’t be followed by seekers of the path (of taṣawwuf,) nor should he be taken as a murshid [spiritual guide,] as all our knowledge of ṭarīqah is in obedience to the Book and sunnah.”

Sayyidunā Sirrī Saqtī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu states –

“taṣawwuf is the name of the coming together of three qualities: firstly, the light of his (meaning the spiritual traveller’s) gnosis should not extinguish his light of asceticism. Secondly, he should not utter anything esoterically which exoterically contradicts the Qurān or noble ḥadīth. Finally, none of his miracles should be a means of him revealing that which Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala has forbidden to be revealed.” [Risālat ul Qushayriyah; Page 13]

Sayyidunā Shaykh Shihāb ud-Dīn as-Suharwardī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu states –

“that ‘ḥaqīqah’ which contradicts the sharī’ah is not in reality ḥaqīqah, but rather plain heresy.” [Awārif ul Ma’ārif; Vol. 1; Page 43]

II | The Definition of ‘Ilm

The definition of an ‘ālim is that he –

• is aware of the correct ‘aqāid in their entirety;
• has a firm, independent resolve;
• and is able to extract his necessities from the corpus of religious literature without the help of another.

(‘ilm is not merely attained through the study of books,) but rather is also attained by discussion with the people of knowledge.[Malfūżāt; Page 58]

III | The meanings of Bay’ah and ṭalab

In becoming ṭālib, one’s intent is merely the acquisition of spiritual bounties, whilst the meaning of bay’ah is “to sell oneself entirely.” [Malfūżāt; Page 228]

IV | Conditions of Bay’ah

The bay’ah should be upon the hand of such an individual who embodies the following four qualities – in the case of him lacking even one of these qualities, bay’ah will not be valid upon his hand –

• he must be a sunnī with the correct creed;
• he should possess at least such a level of knowledge that enables him to extract his necessities from the corpus of religious texts without the help of another;
• his chain back to the Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam should be continuous and unbroken;
• and he should be free from open fisq (transgression.) [Malfūżāt; Page 228]

V | Bay’ah in our times

Nowadays, people take bay’ah only as a trend, remaining ignorant of its true meaning. Bay’ah can be understood by means of the following account –

A murīd of Sayyidunā Yaḥya al Munīrī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu was once drowning in the ocean. Sayyidunā Khiḍr appeared to him and said – “give me your hand, I will rescue you.”

He replied – “I have already given my hand to Shaykh Yaḥya al Munīrī, and will now not give it to anyone else.”

Thus Sayyidunā Khiḍr disappeared, to be replaced by Sayyidunā Yaḥya al Munīrī Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu who rescued him. [Malfūżāt; Pages 228/9]

VI | Renewing one’s Bay’ah

The practice of renewing one’s bay’ah dates from the blessed era of the noble Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, with the Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam himself taking bay’ah from Sayyidunā Salāmah bin Akwa Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu three times during a single gathering. They when headed for jihād when bay’ah was taken the first time, and Sayyidunā Salāmah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu pledged his allegiance then.

After a short while, our Master SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said – “Salāmah, will you not take bay’ah?”

When Sayyidunā Salāmah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu replied – “my master, I have already done so,” the Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said – “once more.”

Thus Sayyidunā Salāmah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu took bay’ah again. When all others present had finished pledging their allegiance, the Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said once more – Salāmah, will you not take bay’ah?”

He Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu replied – “my Master, I have already done so twice.”

The Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said – “once more,” and thus he took bay’ah for the third time in that gathering. [Kashūl Faqīr Qādirī; Pages 48/9]

VII | Bay’ah from more than one Shaykh

(It is possible to leave a shaykh and take bay’ah upon the hand of another) in the case of there being some discrepancy (with regards the pristine sharī’ah) in the first shaykh. Otherwise it is not permissible, though one can always renew bay’ah.

‘Adī bin Musāfir Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu says – “whoever comes to me, I accept his bay’ah regardless of his silsilah [spiritual lineage,] with the exception of those pledged in the Qādirī way, for no one leaves the ocean for the river.”

VIII | Acquiring the rank of fanā fis-Shaykh

(The rank of fanā fis-shaykh is attained by the following spiritual practice –)

Envisage that your shaykh is present in front of you, and that your heart is situated below his. Visualise that the spiritual bounty and luminosity of the Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is descending upon the heart of your shaykh and from there, cascading upon your heart. After a period, one will reach such a state where he will clearly see his shaykh upon every surface he sets his eyes upon, to such an extent that he will not be separated even during ṣalāh. Thus, your shaykh will remain with you in every state. [Malfūżāt; Page 234]

IX | Benefits of reciting one’s Shajrah

Amongst the benefits that will be attained by reciting one’s shajrah are –

• memorisation of the continuous spiritual chain which reaches back to the Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam;
• invoking the mention of the pious, which brings about the descent of Divine mercy;
• conveying the rewards of one’s deeds to each Spiritual Master individually, which brings about their generous spiritual focus;
• the mentioning of such luminaries in times of safety will ensure they in turn come to his aid when times of calamity strike. [Aḥkām e Sharī’at; Vol. 1; Page 80]

X | The Acceptance of Ważāif

To achieve the effect of ważā’if and a’māl , (the fulfilment of) three conditions is essential –

1. Confident Expectancy

For the heart to be free from such anxiety where one is constantly deliberating whether it has had an effect or not. Rather, one must trust wholly in Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala that He will definitely accept (this action).  It is mentioned in ḥadīth that the Messenger of Allāh SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam stated –

ادعوا الله وانتم موقنون با لاجابة
“Supplicate to Allāh in such a state that you remain certain of its acceptance.” [Sunan at Tirmidhī; Vol. 5; Page 292; Hadith 3590]

2.  Patience and Forbearance

For one not to become fearful with the passage of time, where one thinks – “even after so many days, no effect has become apparent!” This itself will come to be the cause of (the action) not being accepted! Rather, embrace the mindset that without doubt, Allāh and His Messenger SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam are about to generously favour you! Allāh SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala states –

ولو انهم رضوا ما اتاهم الله ورسوله وقالوا حسبنا الله سيوتينا الله من فضله ورسوله انا الى الله راغبون
If only they were content with that which Allāh and His Messenger have given them, and say, “Allāh is enough for us – He will give us some of His bounty and so will His Messenger – to Allāh alone we turn in hope.” [Sūrah al Tawbah; Verse 59]

یستجاب لاحدکم ما لم يعجل فیقول قد دعوت فلم یستجب لي
“Your supplications are accepted as long as you do not hastily say – ‘I supplicated but it is yet to be accepted.’” [Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim; Page 1563; Hadith 2735]

3. With regards permission (to act upon) the entirety of my (meaning ‘Ālā Ḥaḍrat’s Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu) ważā’if , A’māl and Ta’wīżāt [amulets,] I have stipulated the condition that one must remain regular in offering the five daily ṣalāh with the congregation in the Masjid. And with Allāh is Tawfīq. [Fatāwā Raḍawiyyah; Vol. 23; Page 558]