1. DISCOURSES ONISLAMIC WAY OF LIFE VOL. I BYJustice Mufti Muhammad Taqi UsmaniTranslated ByIqbal Hussain Ansari

2. Discourses 011 Islailiic Way Of Lift (iol.l)Vol. IIncludesI. Linzits Of Reason2. The Montlz Of Rajab3. Be Quick In Doing Good4. Reconzmendation In Islam5. Tlze Fasting Demands And Rewards6. Freedonz Of Women A Delusion7. Deen (Religion) A Complete Subnzission, 8. Bidalz - A Heinous Sin 3. PUBLISHERS NOTEThe English version of the Islahi Khutbat, has beenpublished by Darul Ishaat Pakistan. This is solely becauseof the Favours of Allah on us and the prayers of ourmentors.This is the translation of the reformative speeches ofMufti Justice Mawlana Muhammad Taqi Usmani mayAllah prolong his benefits over us. He has been giventhese lectures for about ten years every week at the Bait ulMukarram Masjid, Karachi. Those who attend theselectures g a i n m u c h k n o w l e d g e t h e o r e t i c a l l y a n dpractically. 1, too, attend these lectures and have beenderiving much advantage. These lectures are beingrecorded on audio cassettes and books are publishedsubsequently. These cassettes and books cater to thosewho understand the Urdu language.We at Darul Ishaat desired that an increased numberof people should benefit from these lectures. Allah helpedus get these books translated into English and publishthem and He also provided us the necessary means.Al-Hamdzl-lil-laah, after six years of continuous effort acomplete set of these books is available to the readers. Letour readers remember that these books have beentranslated from oral lectures of the honourable Mufti 4. Discourses On Islam~cWay Of L ~ f e (Vol: I )8Justice Mawlana Muhammad Taqi Uslnani and not from his writings.They may, therefore, find in them the style of the spoken words that the translator may have retained here CONTENTSand there.Series: IWe have endeavoured to match the get up of the1-ilnits of Reasonbooks with their invaluable content and have paid due careThe term. Fundamentalism has becomea word of Abuse 27in the use of paper, printing and binding. We hope thatWhy "Islamisation"? 28this set of books will be very useful to our readers in Allah has granted us intellect. 29Europe and the United States. They will gain beneficial Is Intellect the last standard? 29knowledge from these books and be prompted to put their Sources of knowledge29knowledge into practice.The Jurisdiction of the Five senses 30 Insha Allah they will find a great change in their The seco~id source of knowledge is the Intellect 30everyday life.The Jurisdiction of the Intellect.31 We have published many books in English andThe third source of knowledge ismany more are under preparation. Do write to us for a fullDivine Revelation 31The difference between Islam and Secularism. 32list of these books.The need for Divine Revelation. 32 Finally, I request my readers to remember me inThe intellect is a deceptive Faculty. 32their prayers as also my parents and family members. MayTo marry ones own sister is not against Intellect. 33Allah reward them.The sister and sexual satisfaction. 33Impossible to repudiate this argumentKHALIL ASHRAF USMANIwith the the help of the intellect. 34 SIO MOMAMMAD RAZl USMANI This is not immoral from the Intellectualpoint of view.34Preservation of genealogy offersno intellectual argument. 34This too is a part of the human urge. 34The result of freedom fi-om Divine Revelation. 35The deception of the Intellect. 35Another deception of the Intellec 36An example ofthe Jurisdiction of the Intellect. 37The difference between Islaiii and secularism. 37The hopeless condition of the organisationthat advocates Freedom of Thought.38The Survey being carried out to day.39 5. Is the tlieor~offreedom of tlioi~ghtAbsolute? 40To be cleverer than a Baniya is madness.56You have no fixed standard or yardstick Who has greater knowledge of Deento determine this fi-eedom of thought. 41 than the ~ o m ~ a n i o n s ?Mankind has no standard (yardstick) It is a id bh to devote to specialother than the Divine Revelation.42 forms of worship on this night.It is olily the Faith that call serve as a standard. 42 Fasting on the 27th of Rajab is not proved.We have no argument against this evil. 43 Hazrat Farooqthe great stopped this B I hh. ~I fail to understand the reason for this Order. 44What harm is there in keeping night vigil?Science and Iechnology ill ~ u ra nDeen (Faith) is the name of obedient and the Ahadith.44 following (of injunctions).Science and Technology areHe is conlinitting excesses in Deen.experimental subjects. 44 The reality of the self-invented customThe Islamic Laws possess Elasticity. 45 of the Koonda.The I~iji~nctions the first category are incapable in This Ummah is lost in nonsense.of any change till the Day ofjudgment. 46 Summary.60Where does ljtihad start fiom? 46 Series:3The meat of swine, i.e. pork should be lawful. 47 Be Quick in Doing GoodWhat is the difference between Usury and Trade?47 Rush towards good deeds. 66A11 event. 48 Go in for colnpetition in doing good deeds. 67The Ijtihad of present - day thiillters. 49 Satans strategy.68Dr. Muhainmad Iqbals opinion about the Benefit by your precious lifetime. 68ljtihad (Independent opinion) of this kind. 49The urge to do good is as if it were, Allahs guest. 68The cry for Tajdeed (Renovation).49 Do not wait for an opportunity to arrive.69Series: 2 The best trick of working. 69The Month of RajabIt is not undesirable to compete withThe practice of the Holy Prophet &one another in good deeds. 69on sighting the Rajab moon. 53Colnpetition is not lawful in worldly matters. 70No proof is available for the virtues Hazrat Umar ;,~ljiecompetesof the night of Miraj. 54with Hazrat Abu Bakr ,,U A I on theThere is difference of opinion aboutoccasioll of the Tabook expedition.71the exact date of the night of Mi ;.aj. 54An exemplary bargain.72Why was the date of Mi ;nj not preserved? 55An infallible prescription for us. 73It was a splendid night.55How did Hazrat Abdullah bin MubarakThe night of Mi ;aj occurred eighteen +&I-,receive coinfort and contentment? 74times during the Prophets & life.55Contentment would never haveThere is no greater fool than he56been attained but for this (advice). 74 6. Recommendation is a source of gain and reward. 96Peace and prosperity cannot be The story of a saint who madepurchased with money.75recommendation for someone.97What is the use of that wealth oil account ofAfter nialting recominendation forwli~cli children cannot see their fathers face?the76soineone do not put hiin under an obligation. 97Everything cannot be purchased with money. 76Directions for making recommendation.98The way to get peace and contentment.77To make recoininendation for an unfit fellow. 98The age of trials is about to overtake us. 78 Recommendation is a kind of witness.98To tliink that one is still in the primeTo recoinmend an examinee to the examiner. 99of youtli is Satans deception.79 A strange case of recommendation. 99Seduce aiid cajole your souls to work. 79Satan of a Molvi (religioils man) is also a Molvi100If you receive a message from the Do not prejudice the mind of theliead of tlie state! 80 Judge with reconimendation. 100Tlie genuine claimant to paradise. 81 To make recomme~idation the Judge of a court. 100toReaction of the Holy Prophet & on My reaction to recommendation.101liearing the prayer call (Azan). 81 Recommendation in unlawful cases is a sin. 10 1The best charity.82 Recommendation is nothing but a deviceA Will is valid only up to one-thirdto call attention.102of the property left.83 This is exercising pressure.103Set aside a portion of your income for charity.83 The directions of Maulana Ashraf AliAlinighty Allah does not mind the Sahib C L S ; U ~ - ~ about recommendation. 103~ ~ u i n b(or tlie quantity). er84 It is not right to appeal for donationsMy respected late fathers routine practice. 84 in a gathering. 103Everyone should give aliiis accordiiig to The Manager of a Madsassall.his capacity.85 collecting donations himself. 104What are you waiting for?85 What should be the wordings of theAre you waiting for poverty? 86 recommendation? 104Are you waiting for affluence? 86 The recommendation should includeAre you waiting for illness? 87 the interests of botli parties. 105Are you waiting for old age? 87 The practice of making recommendationAre you waiting for death? 89 is a curse in the society.105A dialogue with the Angel of death.89 Recommendatioii is only a sort of advice. 106Are you waiting for Dajnl (Antichrist)?91 The events concerning HazratAre you waiting for tlie Doornsday?91 Burairahuilp) and Hazrat MughisLC~I~PJ.107Series:4A slave-girl has the right toRecoinmendation in Islamcancel her marriage.107Recommend for a needy person.96 7. I>~scoursesOn Islamic Way Of Life (Vol I )14OnL>~scourses Islariirc Way Of Lrfe (Vol.1) The advice of the Holy Prophet &$107completed otherwise. 127 A lady turned down the prophets advice. 108As if, you have installed an Air-conditioner Why did the Holy Prophet offer advice? 109of fasting but. 127 The Holy Prophet & taught the The real objective is obeying Commands. 127 Ummah a lesson.109You disobeyed My Command. 128 Why is recommendation a cause of displeasure. 110 Hasten in breaking the Fast.129 Summary. 110To delay in taking Sihri Series:5(the pre-dawn meal) is better. . 129 The Fasting Try to pass one month without committing sins130A month of blessings. 114The Importance of lawful meansWere the Angels not sufficient of sustenance during this month.130for this duty?115Shun forbidden sources of income. 130This is no credit of the Angels 116M a t to do if the entire incomeThere is no credit of a blind man in comes from unlawful sources?131protecting his eyes from vicious glances. 116It is easy to avoid sins. 131This type of worship is not within the Refrain from anger during Ramadhan. 132power of the Angels.117Indulge more in optional worshipThe credit of Hazrat Yusuf ~.JI+118during Ramadhan.132We have made a bargain for our souls. 118Series:6 One should saxifice ones life for such a buyer. 119Freedom of Women: A Delusion Revert in this month to the basic Todays topic.138 objective of life. 119You may inquire about the aim of womens The meaning of Ramadhan. 120creation from their Creator (Allah).138 Get your sins pardoned.120Men and women are two different sexes.139 Let this month be free f h m other engagements. 12 1The means to put a question to Allah are The correct way of welcoming Ramadhan. 121His Prophets.139 A step beyond Fasting and Taraaweeh: 122Two branches of human life.140 Pass one month in this way.123Distribution of duties between men and women. 140 What kind of Fasting is it?123A women should take charge of The reward for Fasting goes waste. 124household duties.141 The aim of Fasting is to light the candle toDistribution of duties between Taqwa (righteousness)124~ i z r a t Ali U L I ~ and Hazrat Fatimah UAIP,, 141 Fasting is a step- ladder to righteousness. 125 What was the temptation in driving My Master is watching me.. 125women out of the house?141 I alone shall recompense him for his fasting. 126 Woman has been entrusted today This training course shall not be with every kind of menial work.143 8. I)ls~oure< n Islam~cMia Of I ~ f (Vol 1)Oerscs 0 1Islam~c1 Way Of 1.14;- I ) (Vol: Has~ ~ e s h a h dlso been invited.&,I,, 158A Queer philosophy of the lnoder~i civilisation. The reason for the Prophets insistence. 158Is this half population idle? A wife also needs lawful recreaction.159The Family system has been totallyshattered today. It is not lawful to go out withGorbachevs opinion about women. adornment and show. 159 Was the order for purdah only for theMoney in itself is nothing.Todays profitable business. sacred wives of the Holy Prophet &? 160An instructive story of a Jew. They were pious ladies. 161Money will increase in its count only. The command of purdah applies to all ladies.161 What is the objective of earning money? The command of purdah during the The cliild needs its mothers care and affection. state of Ihram. 162 The basis of great achieveme~its the Home? isA ladys strict observance of Purdah. 162 Contentment and comfort lie in purdah.Do not mind the taunts of the Westerners. 163 The condition of womensYou will be third grade citizens even then. 164 hair on their heads.Tomorrow it will be our turn to ridicule them.164 Honour lies in Islam. 165 They are naked, although they are putting on clothes. He lost his beard as well as the opportunity A flood of mixed social gatherings. of employment.165 Why should there be no disorder?The face should also be kept under purdah.166 We are pushing our children downPurdah on the intellect of men. 167 into the abyss of Hell. Series:7 Matters have not yet gone out of control. Deen (Religion) A Complete Boycott such gatherings.Submission Good deeds are recorded during the How long will you go on cooperating sickness and journey of a man. 172 with the worldly people. Prayer is not excused under any circumstances. 172 Do not mind the people of the world, if they do not care for your advice.One qhould not worry during sickness.173 Expel these men.Give up your own choice. 173 Dacoity is being committed against Deen.It is Sunnah to take the easier course.174 yet there is complete silence. Deen (Religion) is the name of compliance). 174 Be ready to face divine vengeance.Do not show your bravery to Allah. 175 The Highest status of man. 176Create your own social circle. Do you desire to crush the prideThe result of free mixing. of the beloved?176What is the source to satisfy sexual urge. The Fasting days of RamadhanThere is pern~ission go out of theto will come back.177house under emergencies. 9. 19 Discourses On Ilamic Way Of Lit; (Vol.1)Way Of L.~fe(Vol I )-ses On lslalll~c18 178An easy way of thanksgiving.Allah resides in broken hearts. Series:8Deen is nothing but submissionBidah - A Heinous Sinand contentment. 180The meanings of the words Jabir and Jabbar 202Missing routine acts on account ofnursing a patient. 181The setter of broken bones is only one.203The meaning of the word Qah-haar.203Keep an eye on the needs of the time.182None of the names of Almighty AllahIt is not Deen to satisfy ones wishes.182implies punishment. 204The desire to become a M f iutThe state of the Holy Prophet during(A Doctor in the religious science).183The desire to preach religion (Tabligh).183delivering a sermon.204The desire to go to the Mosque for prayer. 183The Prophets style of preaching (Deen). 204The familiar topic of the Arabs.205The auspicious and fortunate amongThe Prophets mission and the approachingthe wives is one whom her husband loves. 185Day of Resurrection. 206My servant is displeased with boththe worlds only for My sake.185 The Resolution of a difficulty.206 Give up remembrance at the time ofEvery mans death is his Day of Resurrection. 207Azan (prayer-call).186 The best speech and the best life.207id hh (Innovation) is the worst form of sin. 208 All good lies in the obedience to My Command. 186 Namaz (Prayer) is an end in itself. 187id bh is divergence from belief. 209 Why hurry in breaking the Fast? 188 The worst evil of id hh.209id bh results in loss in this worldWhy delay in taking sihri(the pre-dawn food)l88A servant is not free in his own will. 189 and as well as loss in the Hereafter. 210Tell me why are you doing this work? 189 Deen (Faith) is the name of compliance2 11 A wonderful event.212 Hazrat Owais Qarni ~ ? ~ J J I - >191 The account of a saint who used to This is the root of all id bah(Innovations). 192 Entrust your case to Allah. 193 offer prayers with his eyes closed.213 The injunction about praying with closed eyes. 214 The importance of thanksgivingEvil suggestions and thoughts assailingand its method. 194during Namaz (prayer). 215The effective weapon of Satan is The correct definition and explanation of id hh. 2 15the generation of ingratitude.195Send food to the bereaved family.The counter-measure against 2 16 Just the opposite way is being followed today. 2 16Satan-thanksgiving. 195To add something new as a part ofAlways drink cold water.195Deen is id hh.317A recollection of the blessings enjoyedHazrat Abdullah bin Umar ,Afleeing L l I during the day and thanksgiving for from ~ i dh h . them before sleeping.1962 17 10. I)~bcourscs O n I s l a ~ n ~ c Ot L ~ f (Vol I )Wa!r26.The Day of Resurrection and id hh both deserve to be dreaded.27.W h o is our best well-wisher?28. What revolutionized the lives of the Noble Companions 7.+dP,.29. What is id hh?30. The literal meaning of Bid hh.FOREWORD3 1.It is not lawful to restrict the freedom T o T h e English Edition bygranted by the Shari bh.Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani32.The method of conveying Sawab33. (reward) to the dead. One may convey the Sawab of+>I3 w&431 a 5 + , , publishing a book.117tlie t7crnie of Allu/7, the Conl/~rrssioti~rte. Me~.c.tfi/lfhe34.It is Bid bh to specify the third day after death for conveying Sawab.1 the0 1 advice of some of my elders I hold a weekly 35. To observe optional Fasting on Fridaymeeting in Jamia Masjid AIBaitul Multara~nattended by a has been forbidden. large number o f Muslim brothers and sisters. Rather than 36. What are Teeja (the third day). Daswan giving a formal lecture, my basic purpose intended to be (the tenth day) and the Chehlamachieved through these meetings is that we get together for (the fortieth day)?some time to review our ways of life in the light of Islamic 37. Translators additionteachings and to deliberate what is going to happen to 11safter 38. The id hh of kissing the thumbs. we leave this mondane world. When tlie Muslims having true 39. When is it Bid hh to say (sl~-,g Islamic orientation sit together for this purpose, each one of ( 0 Prophet &of Allah).them benefit from the dtlier to create a genuine concern about 40. A fine difference betwen actions.oils coming life which is the real and eternal life as compared 41.When is it an act of Bid bh to embraceto the present one which may come to an end any time.one another on Eid days?I this mutual ~iieetingwhich is meant for self-correction 42.Is it a id hh to read the Tablighi course?I norrnally read a book of Hadith and explain it to tlie audience 43.To appoint a particular procedure for in the light of what I have learned from IIIY elders with specialdelivering speeches on the Prophets life. reference to the current attitude prevailing in O L I society and~ 44.The recitation of the sacred Darood maytouching upo!~the relevant practical issues, social evils and thealso become a id hh. major f a ~ ~ l found in our practical life. My friend Maulana ts 45.No power on earth can declare it Abdulla Memon w h o regularly attended these meetingsan act of Suqnah.usually prepares the audio cassettes of these addresses which 46.A wonderful proverb. are widely circulated in the country and abroad. He has also 47.Summary. transcribed sollie of these audio cassettes in an abridged form and after their compilation he has published them in separate 11. Il~scourscs* Islamic Way Of h f e (Vol- I ) On 22volumes under the title of "lslahi Khutbaat". Nine volumes ofthis co~npilationshave already come out in Urdu by the graceof Allah which were widely circulated. read and benefitedfrom. Since long some of my friends were suggesting that FOREWORDthese addresses be rendered into English as well so that theyTo The Urdu Edition bymay be useful for the English readership. I was reluctant to actJustice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmaniupon the suggestion because, as told earlier, these addresseswere not formal lectures on a particular subject. They were infact discussions, on different aspects of our lives, undertakenwith frankness rather than formalism. They some time lack thesequence usually expected from a well considered writing. 117 the nunie of Alluh, the Co~npussionute, Merc~jiul theTherefore, I do not know how far their .translation will be asmeaningful and effective as it was proved to be in the originalAll Praise belongs to Allah Who is Sufficient. And, peace be on His chosen servant. Urdu language. However, my nephew, Mr. Khalil Ashraf Usmani, the proprietor of Darul Ishaat, requested Mr. Iqbal For many years now, I have been delivering talks oilAnsari and Mr. Rafiq Abdur Rehman to translate these religious subjects in coinpliance with the advice of my elders Khutbaat into English. Both of these gentlemen undertook theevery Friday after Asr prayer.task and the outcome of their noble effort is appearing beforePeople of different walks of life attend these meetings,the readers. I had advised them not to be too strict in literaland there are women too. By the Grace of Allall, I derivetranslation and to render the basic idea in their own style. I had much benefit myself from these talks and my listeners too no opportunity to go through the nianuscript of their feel a sense of advantage. May Allah cause the series of talks translation but had an occasion to have a cursory look on somea means of reforination for all of us. Aameen! passages. To the best of my assessment the translation I haveMy close colleague, Maulana Abdullah Meinon, has seen is correct and conveying. I hope that it will help readers been recording these talks for some time and distributing the to understand the basic theme of these Khutbaat. May Allahcassettes. I have been told by my friends that these cassettes grant the best reward to the translators and publisher of thishave been much beneficial to the general body of Muslims. book and make it beneficial for the readers. I would again The number of cassettes has now exceeded two remind the readers that it is not a book properly authored by hundred and fifty. Maulana Abdullah Memon has reduced me. It is the colnpilation of my extempore discussionssome of these cassettes to writing and brought them out in therefore, I extend my apology if some readers find the the forin of small booklets which are now compiled together sequence of thoughts so~nehow disturbed in some places. in book-form under the name of Islahi Khutbaat (Discourses However, the readers should concentrate on the message givenon Islamic Way of life) and not on the style adopted.I have revised some of the speeches and the Maulana has done a very useful work by annotating quotations of theMulzanznzad Taqi Usnzani 12. Alladit11 in my speeches with proper references to theirsource. This work has proved very useful. In reading this book, my readers must remember that itis not a forinal co~nposition a collection of speeches butmade at different times pelined down froin recording.Therefore. they will sense the style of an oral dialogue inthese articles. The benefit that accrues to any Muslim fromthese articles is merely a blessing of Allah for which he mustbe thankful to Him. But, if there is a slip in these articles orsomething superfluous, then that is a lapse on my part. Imust say, however, that my aiin in delivering these talks wasnot simply to speak out but-before everything else- I had myreformatioll in mind, and then that my listeners may bedrawn towards their own reformation. Do not let the written word please you O r the working o f fate worry you! I have by your memory alone What of the text and what of its meaning May Allah through His Grace and Favour let thesewritings be a means of our reformation, and a treasure forthe Hereafter. May He reward well the colnpiler andpublisher of these articles. Aul71een.Muhanzmad Taqi Usmani.12 Rabi-ul- Awwal 14 14 A.H 13. Venue : Dawa Academy InternationalIslamic University,IslamabadDate: : Sunday, the 25th. August, 1992After Asr Prayers LIMITS OF REASON 6&ahj J, .h- v j j~ jk i .&I--h + bjdJT & jdJyj 2e U ~ jThis is not the first occasion for me to attend the various training courses of this Academy. I have had the opportunity to address some of the training courses held from time to time even before. On this occasion I have been called upon to talk to your assembly on the topic of Islamisation of laws, which is a very lengthy topic and comprehensive. However, in the short time I have at my disposal, I wish to invite your attention to only one aspect of the Islamisation of Laws. The term "Fundamentalism," has become a word of Abuse It is generally demanded by the Muslim population that our law, our living, our politics, rather every aspect of 14. 29 I>~scourses I d a m ~ c onWay of Life (Vol I ) even more than that.life should be moulded 011 the pattern of Islam. A questionnaturally arises as to w11j and on what grounds life shouldAllah has granted us Intellect.be so re-shaped and re-formed. This cluestion arises only In this connection a relevant question arises. Howbecause, to day, we are living in a society in which secular should secular state or a state not based on any religiousand purely worldly trends of thinking and understandingprinciples conduct its affairs? This question is replied tohave overpowered the hearts and lninds of the world. Itby saying that we do possess intellect, we have also thehas been accepted universally as a maxim that the best and facilities of observation and experience which may help usthe most successful system of running the government of adecide as to what are our needs and the demands of life incountry is the secular system. In a society so riddled withthe present conditions of the world by meeting which wethe dazzling charms of the secular system, it looks rather can make the wheels of government revolve peacefullyunnatural and strange to demand that "in our countiy weand safely. We may indeed have to effect changes andshould inould every aspect of our life and activity into the amendments in the system of government, as and whenIslamic pattern , including its laws, life-style and politics" needed. Thus can we follow the path of peace andor in other words, we should adopt that life-style which prosperity.was in vogue fourteen centuries ago. Such a demand andcall in this contemporary world sounds quite strange and Is intellect the last standard?this is dubbed, sarcastically. as "Fundan~entalism." ThisIn a secular system o f government Intellect,term. i.e. "Fundamentalism" has been branded and Observation and Experience have been taken as the finalintroduced in the world as a repulsive term of abuse. In standard to rely upon. We have now to find out howtheir sight everyone is a fundamentalist who demands thatefficient is really this standard. Can this standard be sothe affairs of the governmellt should be settled in the lighteffective and efficient as to guide humanity till the Day ofof the laws of Religion (Islam). Such a person is defamedJudgment? Can this so-called standard based on intellect,with the title of "Fundamental", even though in its real observation and experience alone, prove sufficient andimport this is not a bad term. This term "Fundamentalist"effective for human life?only means one who adopts and abides by the basicprinciples of life. It is very sad that now-a-days the wordSources of Knowledgehas been given the meaning of an abuse.In order to find out an answer to this question we must realize the iruth that no system of life can workWhy Islamisation?successfully, unless it has a t its back a treasure of4 question arises as to why we want to adopt theknowledge to propel it onwards. It should also be noted atIslamic way of life and want to mould the laws of thethis stage that Almighty Allah has bestowed on mancountry into the Islamic pattern when the Islamiccertain sources of knowledge, each source possessing ateachings go back to a period fourteen centuries back or 15. D~scourses Islani~c on Wa! of L ~ f c (Vol 1 )3031Discourses on Islamic Wa? of L ~ f e(Vol: I )specific jurisdiction but beyond this jurisdiction it and is covered with Formica. Yet, none of these sensesbecomes in-effective. helps me to know how this table came into existence,because the process of its manufacture did not take placeThe Jurisdiction of the Five Senses before me. I such a situation my Intellect guides me by It may be mentioned, as an example. that the first ofsuggesting to me that such a finely finished object cannotthese sources for acquiring knowledge are the five senses,come into existence by itself. Some expert artisan hasviz., the eyes, the ears, the nose, the tongue, etc. Man is made this beautiful table and he is the expert carpenter. Itable to acquire knowledge about many things by using hisis my Intellect that has taught me that the table was madeeyesight, by tasting things with the tongue, by smellingby carpenter. It is thus proved that my Intellect came to mythings with the nose, by hearing words with the ears andhelp when my Five senses lefi me helpless.by tocching objects with his hands. However, each ofthese sources of knowledge which fall within theThe Jurisdiction of the Intellectjurisdiction of observation has a limit of its own beyond It should however, be noted that just as thewhich it can do nothing. For example, the eye can see but Jurisdiction of the Five senses is limited in the same way it cannot hear; the ear can hear but it cannot see; the nose the jurisdiction of the Intellect is also limited. Thecan smell but it cannot see. If there is a man who desiresIntellect, too helps man to a certain limit, then leaves himto use each of these organs for a function for which it has helpIess, as if cannot go beyond the limit of its jurisdiction not been created by Allah, that man shall be taken by thein providing guidance to man. world to be a fool, for being ignorant of the functions of these organs.The third source of knowledge is Divine RevelationThe second source of knowledge is the IntellectAlmighty Allah has granted man another source ofAs already mentioned, the working limits of theseknowledge to help and guide him where his Intellectfive senses reach a boundary which they cannot cross. Atleaves him helpless. That source is Divine Revelation,this stage, neither of these senses is effective. This is the meaning provision of knowledge to man by Allah throughstage at which, knowledge of things cannot be acquiredheavenly revelation. This source of knowledge starts fromthrough observation. To meet this challenge, Almighty the place where the jurisdiction of the Intellect fails. ThusAllah has bestowed upon us another source of knowledgeto try to use the Intellect in the presence of Divineand that is the Intellect which helps man to acquireRevelation is just like trying to see things by the ,earsknowledge where the Five Senses become ineffective andinstead of by the eyes and so on so forth. It does not meanhelpless. For example, there is a table lying before me. Ithat the Intellect is a useless faculty. No, it is highlycan know its colour by seeing it with the eyes. I can knowserviceable, rather indispensable to man but within itsby touching it with my hands that it is made of hard wood jurisdiction and not beyond that. 16. D~scourses Islamic Way of Life ( did not do. Fasting on the 27th of Rajab is not provedTo be cleverer than a Baniya is madness.Some people fast on the 27th of Rajab and believeMy father, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi+ h~ -, that fasting on this day has the same virtues as the fastingused to relate a proverb of the Hindi language which ison the days of Aashoorah and the A~.fah.There is one orwidely popular in India. It runs:two weak narratives about this but none is proved byHe is mad who claims to be cleverer than the village authentic evidences.Hindu shop keeper.It means that he is really a mad man who claims that Hazrat Farooq u A I ~ , , the Greathe is cleverer than the Hindu shop-keeper of the village instopped this id hittrading affairs. This is a common proverb that there isSome persons started fasting on the 27th of Rajabnone cleverer than t h e village Hindu shop-keeper during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar Farooq =,. When(Baniya).he came to know that some persons take special care to fast on the 27th of Rajab, he went out to stop this Bidat,Who has greater knowledge of as he could not tolerate the slightest deviation from theDeen than the Companions ? true path of the Faith. He approached everyone suspectedSo far as Deen (faith) is concerned, it is a fact that of fasting and asked him to eat something before him tothe Companions, then the Tabieen, then the Tabaensure that the man was not fasting. He did this to impressTabieen knew and followed Deen (faith) more thoroughlyupon the people that the fasting on that day had no special 29. Discourses on lsiamic Way of Life (Vol: 1 )5859Discourses on Islalnic Way of Llfe (Vol: 1 )virtue and was a ~ i d h hFasting on this day was just like .own. To fast on this date from this point of view is notfasting on anyother day. He took this care and trouble tolawful. There is, however, no objection to fasting on thiseradicate from among the people the practice of id hh, so date by a man who fasts as he does usually on other days.that they may not add to or take from Deen anything ofIt is however, a Bidhh to fast on the 27th of Rajab undertheir own free will.the mistaken impression that it is more virtuous; it is anact of Sunnah (which it is certainly not) and that it isWhat harm is there in keeping night vigil?desirable and it carries greater and better reward.Some people ask: What sin did we commit if wekept night vigil to worship and fasted during the day? DidThe Reality of the Self-Inventedwe commit theft, drink wine or commit dacoity? We onlycustom of the Koondadevoted ourselves to worship during he night and fasted The night of Miraj has an importance in beingduring the day. What harm is there? the night on which the Holy Prophet &$ performed hiscelestial journey. A custom made more important andDeen (Faith) is the name of obedientbinding in our days is that of the Koonda so much sofollowing (of injunctions)that if a person does not observe this baseless customHazrat Umar Farooq ~ C A told the people thatI ~ ~ he is looked down upon as though he were not aAlmighty Allah did not prescribe fasting on that date and Muslim. He must observe this custom, notwithstandingthe real vice lies in self-invented practices. I have explained that he may be missing his prayers, fasts, and may bemany times that essence of the Deen (Faith) consists in the committing sins. The person who does not observe thisobedience to the injunctions of the Shariah. Allah demands custom or advises others against this is cursed andabsolute obedience. Prayer, Fasting etc., are worships only hated. God knows how this irreligious and disgustfulwhen Allah commands His servants to perform these acts of custom sprang up. It is traceable neither in the Quranworship. It is also worship and devotion when Allah nor in the Traditions, nor among the companions, theircommands to shun them. It will be going against Deen if immediate and next followers, nor among the Muslimone does something as worship of his own free will whichsaints and Ulama. Its advocates say that it must beAllah has not prescribed. The essence of Deen is obedient observed even if the obligatory and essential duties offollowing of Deen. If Allah lets people know this truth, then Deen are being ignored. It may be attributed, like manythe practices of id hh shall be uprootedother Bidat, to the pleasures of eating and drinkingand extracting fees from the ignorant public. In He is committing Excesses in Deenobserving the custom of the Koonda and such other Now if anyone gives special importance to fastingcustoms there is show, gaiety, exchange of nicely.on this date he is wilfully committing an excess in thecooked dishes and merry-making. As these are joyous matter of Deen and is thus inventing a fake Deen of hiscustoms, full of fun, Satan has engaged the people in 30. 61onWayDisco~~rses lsla~l~ic of Life (Vol: I )Discourses on Isla~liicWay of 1.1fe (Vo1:l)60their usual programme of life, in order to devote to pietythem and seduced them from other compulsory duties. and righteousness in this sacred month to the best of theircapacity. May Almighty Allah have mercy on us and helpThis Ummah is lost in Nonsense. us to understand and follow the path of Islam. Aameen. These nonsensical customs and activities haveinvolved the Muslim Ummah in frivolities:The truth is lost in false stories and this ( M u s l ~ m )Ummah is lost in nonsense and frivolities. Such useless, rather harmful, practices and activitiesare regarded to be binding. It is necessary to train andinstruct the unwary public in these matters. Most peoplehave fallen victim to such nonsense only owing to theirignorance and not to any hostile tendencies towardsreligion. They think that just like the occasions of the EidFestivals, this too may be a festivity allowed in the QuranI1and the Traditions, as so many people observe it. It isnecessary, therefore, to teach such persons with love andsympathy the true spirit of religion and by avoidingattendance in such baseless and harmful practices.SUMMARYWhat has been explained above may be summarisedby saying that the month of Rajab is an introduction to theholy month of Ramadhan. It is therefore, necessary tokeep yourself prepared in advance for this month. TheHoly Prophet & has prayed for His Ummah and drawnattention to the blessings of Ramadhan three monthsbefore its advent so that they should be able to amend 31. Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: I ) BE QUICK IN DOING GOOD It is a desirable and commendable act to vie with one another in doing good. It is, however bad to vie with one another in worldly matters, viz., earning money, achieving respect, fame, status and position. Do not sit idle, waiting for opportunities, but try to do a good turn as soon as an urge springs in your heart to do that good turn. Do not delay or defer it till tomorrow. 32. 66 67Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: I)Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol. 1) realise in his heart that he owes something to that Master ~ L J , Ii + ir!+~j&*&I ir.C U I ~ who has created this entire Universe, granted himAll praise to Allah. We praise Him and seekblessings and showered on him His mercy. What thenHis help and His forgiveness and we believe in should he do when such thoughts arise in his heart?Him and rely on Him. We seek refuge with Allamah Nuwawi dl-, has framed this chapter toHim from the mischief of ourselves and the furnish an answer to this question whenever an urge arisesvices of our deeds. There is none to lead himto worship Allah and to do some good deed, it is the dutyastray whom Allah guides and there is none toof a believer on such occasions to do that good deedIguide him whom Allah lets go astray. I bearwithout delay. The word Mubadarah means doingwitness that there is no God but Allah aloneI something promptly without hesitation and withoutand that He has no partner. I also bear witnessdeferring it to some future time.that our Master, our Authority, and ourProphet and our Master, Muhammad & is His Go in for Competition in Doing Good Deeds.servant and His Messenger. May Allah bestow First of all Allamah Nuwawi clc AIL., has cited thisupon him, his household and his Companionsverse of the Holy Quran:,, His mercy and blessings in abundance.Addressing entire humanity Almighty, Allah says inRush to the forgiveness of your Lord and athis verse:Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth. Prepared for the righteous. (3 133) I believe in Allah. Our Great Master All has(! Y Y .dl+ JiJ,.,) w, d&i-3, 0 0 spoken the truth and His kind Prophet has also I Rush to wards the forgiveness of your Lord and spoken the truth.. We testify to this and we are (His) Paradise whose width is equal to the grateful. All praise to Allah, the Lord of the width of the heavens and the earth, rather more worlds.which has been prepared for the righteous.The word Musara bf means to do something as earlyRush towards good deeds.as possible, and try to go ahead of others in this race.Allamah Nuwawi .L.JJIS-~ framed a chapter, the hasThere is another verse:Chapter of rushing towards good deeds. This means that( 1 t A i+iJr) ~I&III&~i Go in for a competition in doing good deeds.man should reflect upon his reality, Allahs greatness, HisOmnipotence and His extensive wisdom, His quality ofi When an urge arises in your heart for doing someproviding sustenance (to His creation). As a result of such good turn do not defer it till another time.reflection his heart shall incline towards the worship ofAlmighty Allah. He will then feel disposed spontaneously 33. Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: 1) 68 69Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: 1 )Satans Strategy never visit you again. Although the golden rule is to attendIt is because Satan uses a separate strategy for every to all business with promptitude yet if an urge arises inindividual among the unbelievers and the believers. Satanyou for some particular good deed it is highly appreciablewill never inspire the heart of a believer that he should notto put that urge into practice quickly.do good deed, cleverly showing that good deed to be "baddeed". He knows very well that a believer cannot beDo Not Wait For an Opportunity to Arrivebeguiled to consider a good deed to be a bad deed, He A n urge arises in the heart of anyone forwhispers to the believer that these are indeed very good self-improvement before the expiry of life which is passingdeeds but, "Better begin it", he suggests, "from so fast, yet he thinks that he shall execute this urge aftertomorrow". Thus the good deed may be postponed fromcompleting this task and that task. The precious moments ofday to day and ultimately be forgotten altogether. Solife thus lost in this dilly-dallying will never come back.plausible is Satans strategy. The Best Trick of Working Benefit by Your Precious Lifetime.My respected father Hazrat Mufti Muhammad ~ h a f iThus does revolve the wheel of time. None knows +&I->used to say that a work which is deferred till the what is his decreed age. The Quran admonishes not to arrival of a suitable opportunity gets deferred for ever defer things for future time. If an urge arises to do somenever to be undertaken again. According to him if two good deed do it at once, because the next day you may items are in hand and a third item suddenly arises, then forget the urge or who knows one will live or not live theinsert this third item also between the two items under next day. Even if one lives, the urge may disappear in the process and this third item will also get completed rush of so many pressing vicissitudes of life. In case the together with the other two. On the other hand if you urge remains, the circumstances favourable for execution decide to take up the third item after completing the may not be there.earlier two items, the third item will remain undone. The-habit of chalking out programmes to do one thing now The urge to do Good is, as if it were, and another one afterwards is a way of postponing things Allahs guestnever to be done. This is satans way of seduction. The urge to do good may be considered to be a guest sent of Allah that must be welcomed with honour. The It is not undesirable to compete honour lies in prompt execution of the urge. If the urge iswith one another in good DeedsIThe advice to hasten doing good deeds is based on the to offer some optional prayer and you ignore it by arguing that it is neither obligatory nor essential, then youQuran and the Sunnah. That is why Allamah Nuwawi has dishonour the divine guest that Allah had sent to reform framed a separate chapter for this topic: The chapter of you. If you show this cold attitude to the guest, it may rushing towards doing good deeds. On this occasion 34. 71Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: 1)Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol. I ) 70Allamah Nuwawi h~~kpy> used two words "Mubadarat"hasHazrat Umar SLI PJ competes with Hazrat Abu Bakr &hlpJ on the occasion of the Tabook expeditionmeaning rushing 1 hastening and "Musabaqat" meaningcompeting, racing or trying to get ahead of another person. Just look at the deeds of the sacred companions pJThis competition is desirable and commendable in the,.+on the occasion of the Tabook military expedition. Itmatter of good deeds, but it is condemnable and undesirablewas a very hard expedition, perhaps the hardest of allin worldly matters such as in acquiring worldly gains, statusother expeditions. The season was extremely hot, as if theetc. The Quran itself has commanded:land was emitting fire. A tortuous desert journey of about1200 Kilometers lay before them; the date crop was about (1 *, .i+;jy, b dl I&&to mature and ripen on which depended their livelihood vie with one another in the mattepof doing good deeds.for the entire year. Every Muslim was being called upon to Therefore, try to excel a man whom you find take part in the battle of Tabook at a time when there wasengaged in worship, devotion, avoiding sins etc. a great shortage of conveyance and monetary resources. Standing in his mosque the Holy Prophet &declared thatCompetition is not lawful in worldly matters.conveyance, camels and money were badly needed toTo day, we are on just the opposite track. Our entirefinanca the impending battle. The Muslims were asked toexistence has been devoted to competition in earning morecontribute to this campaign to the best of their capacities.and more money, constructing a more magnificentHe guaranteed paradise for the donors and every Muslimbuilding, purchasing a better car and collecting costlierreadily responded to the call. How could they remainluxuries of life than such and such fellow. In this madbehind in such a critical occasion? Hazrat Umar Farooqcompetition, the thought to make distinction betweenl ; c hd J divided all the resources of his house in two parts.lawful (Jk) and unlawful (yl,7) has disappeared. It is,Reserving one part to meet the needs of his household hehowever, a fact that it is impossible to win thiscalled upon the Holy Prophet & along with the other half.competition with lawful money, so the competitors areHe thought that he.might perhaps surpass Hazrat Abutaking resort to use ill gotten money. Forgetting theBakr & on that occasion. This is an example of the,difference between lawful and unlawful money, all areterm.vying with one another in undesirable activities anda&J-Li!Learning worldly gains and have lagged behind in(the burning desire to compete with someone incompeting with one another in desirable and worthierdoing good).objects of life. What a pity!He never entertained the desire to surpass Hazrat Usman Ghani 4;~h1&,or Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin~ u &,fin their worldly wealth and resources. Instead the desire did arise to outdo Hazrat Abu Bakr WBI &,on this critical occasion. 35. 72 73 Discourses on lslatnic Way of Life (Vol-1)Discourses on lslatntc Way of Life (Vol. I )Soon after, Hazrat Abu Bakr 4;~hl>, also came to thethan all the good deeds of lny life.Holy Prophet & and placed before him whatever he had In short, if we consider carefully the lives of thewith him. The following dialogue took place between theHoly Companions ~ j l s we shall never find in anyone of,Holy Prophet @$and the two companions w ~ p , :them a desire to compete with his fellow companions ,, r j l in the matter of worldly possessions, viz., money,Holy Prophet & : I0 Umar ~ i ~ pWhat have you left behind?, !house, means of conveyance, etc. However, we do findHazrat Umar W&I2,: among them competition in doing good deeds and making0 Prophet &$ of Allah! I have left behind one half oftheir lives righteous. As regards our own behaviour to day,my possessions for my family and I have brought the otherit is just the opposite. We are busy whole day inhalf for the Holy War. competing among ourselves in the matter of worldly The Holy prophet & then prayed for Umar u ~ I & ,wealth and resources, but we never think of surpassingcalling upon Allah to bless him in his possessions.one another in righteous deeds. Then he &$ turned to Hazrat Abu Bakr 4 ; ~ h> ~ : Holy Prophet &:An Infallible Prescription For Us. What have you left behind in your house? The Holy Prophet 8 has given us a wonderful piece Hazrat Abu Bakr ~ i ~ t d , :of advice which is an infallible prescription for us: He has 0 Prophet &$ of Allah! I have left behind in the advised the Ummah, saying; In the matter of worldlyhouse the names of Allah and His Messenger and I have resources always look at those who are at a lower levelbrought here everything that was available in the house.than you. Keep their company and have an eye on their Hazrat Umar Farooq ~ $ 2, the great said that on that 1conditions of life. In matters relating to religion, keep theday he came to know that he could never surpass Hazratcompany of those who are superior to you, and at a higherAbu Bakr Siddiq 4;Ch1p>even if he strived to do so the wholelevel than you. This is because when you see peopleof his life. (Abu Daud, the Book of Zakat. Hadith no 1678). inferior to you in worldly resources, you will value the good things with which Allah has favoured you, which An exemplary Bargain. others do not possess. This will create in you a sense of Once Hazrat Umar Farooq ~ i ~ p , requested Hazratcontentment and gratitude. and the love of acquiring Siddiq 4;~hl to settle with him a bargain for which hep, worldly goods will be uprooted. On the other hand, when in matters concerning religion you cast your eyes on those would feel highly obliged. Hazrat siddiq W ~PJ inquired I as to what that bargain was. Hazrat Umar Farooq U;UI 2, said in reply: Kindly take from me all the good deeds I i who are superior to you and have gone ahead of you, you will realise your inferiority and think of getting rid of it by trying to catching up with your superiors. ( T ~ r m t d h ~Shareef, B O ~ L have done in my life in exchange for the virtue of that sacred night which you passed with the Holy Prophet @$/ on Qtyamah, ch 58, Hadtth No 2512) in the cave of Saur, as the virtue of that night is heavier 36. Discourses on Islatnic Way of Life (Vol. 1) 74 75 Discourses 011 Islamic Way of Life (Vol: I)How did Hazrat Abdullah Bin Mubarak .+&I-, If man gets a valley of gold, he will like to have tworeceive comfort and contentment? valleys. If he gets this, he will desire to have three and soHazrat Abdullah bin Mubrarak elchap-, is a renownedon. In this greed he will spend his entire life withoutMuhaddis, Faqih as well as a sufi who has given theattaining contentment.following account of his life:"I spent the early part of my life with the wealthy Peace and Prosperity cannot bepeople (he was himself wealthy). I passed my days frompurchased with moneymorning till evening with the rich, but as long as 1 lived withWhat a nice point my respected father Hazrat Muftithe wealthy, 1 did not find a more gloomy person than Muhammad ~ h a f i + .dl-, used to mention which needs to myself. Wherever I happened to go 1 saw that these wealthybe carehlly remembered. "Peace and Prosperity", said he,men possessed better houses, better means of conveyance "are one thing and the means of peace and prosperityand better garments than my own. This produced in myanother. The means of peace and prosperity cannotheart jealousy against these favoured men. Later on, Inecessarily procure real peace and prosperity which are aadopted the company of men in poorer classes. As a result, Igift of Allah. Can large amounts of hoarded money be eatenfound comfort and peace of mind, because I saw that I was to satisfy hunger, be put on like a garment to removemore well-off than these men. My food, my garment mynakedness, or can be worn to protect the body from heat; or house. my conveyance, in fact everything I possessed was can you purchase peace and prosperity, even by collectingbetter than theirs. Praise be to Allah that this change of around you all the means needed. Note carefully that the company brought me peace, comfort and contentment." presence of all these means cannot guarantee the attainment of peace and prosperity. A rich man possesses all these Contentment would never have been attained, means; He has an air-conditioned room, furnished with but for this (advice) ultra-modern furniture and appliances; there are many This is a blessing of acting upon the advice of the servants to attend on him but he cannot sleep without taking Holy Prophet f . Anyone may experience this formula for sleeping pills. Did the means of comfort bring comfort? As himself. It is impossible to attain contentment in this against this, there is a man who lives under a roof of iron world as long as a man has an eye on those who are placed sheets and lies down on the floor with one of his arms under in a better position than he. his head. Yet he falls into deep sleep and gets up in the He will always be obsessed by the thought of an morning having enjoyed about an eight hours peaceful inferiority complex and j ealousy as mentioned by the Holysleep. Now decide for yourselfi Did this poor labourer get Prophet &$ :peace and prosperity or the millionaire in possession of P)3 h 3p dJ 3 4 - 3 -11+j iph31j f31 >?r 3G pl untold means of peace and comfort?(t r q + ~ - b ~ l J k l t L d ~ P , ~ jj+ddjk+ jb + ~Note carefully that if you become obsessed with the(Sahih Bukhari. Hadith No: 6439) idea of acquiring the worldly means of comfort and of 37. 77 Discourses 011Islamic Way of Life (Vol.1)[>iscourseson Isla~l~ic of Life (Vo1:l) Way 76Riyals where only 10 Riyals would suffice. After ten dayssurpassing others in this race, you may be able to collectthe same wealthy man was seen sitting at the gate of theall these means, yet with all these you cannot necessarilysacred Haram with his head down cast. On being asked heattain peace, comfort and contentment.said: I got up at sihr time but there was no food availablein the hotel and I had to go without it. Just note thatWhat is the use of that wealth on account of which theAlmighty Allah taught this wealthy man that with moneychildren cannot see their fathers face?in his pocket he had to fast without taking the sihv-food.In my fathers time there was a very big mill-ownerwho owned mills not only in Pakistan but also in variousThe way to get peace and contentment.foreign countries. One day my father asked him incidentally:This money, these means and luxuries of life andHow many children have you? He replied: One son is inthese riches which you are collecting are not, in themselves,Singapore, another son is in another country, in short, all area source of ease and comfort. Comforts cannot be purchasedcarrying on business in foreign countries. My father said:with money which are only a divine gift, you can neverYou might be meeting your children from time to time onattain peace, unless you believe that you are getting alongtheir visits? He told my father that he could not see one ofwith your life with whatever Allah grants you with lawfulhis sons for fifteen years. Look here! Father and son havemeans. How many men there are who possess unlimitednot seen each others face for fifteen years! What is the goodmonetary resources but they are not able to enjoy a of such wealth which stands in the way of father and son tomoments peace. They have no rest, no sleep and no hunger. see each other for such long periods? All this hustle andThis is all due to the race for worldly gains. That iswhy thebustle is for acquiring means of peace and comfort butMessenger of Allah & has very kindly advised not to lookpeace and comfort are hissing. Remember, peace andat a man placed in a better and higher position than you. comfort cannot be purchased with money.Look at one who is at a lower level than you to realise howmuch more Allah has given you than this man. Such Everything cannot be purchased with moneythinking will bring you tranquillity and contentment. As for It is not very long that a man was proceeding forthe faith, you have been advised to look at one who is at a Umrah in Ramadhan, and a very wealthy man was alsohigher level than you. This will urge you to surpass him in going for Ummrah at the same time. The first man advisedrighteousness. The anxiety to earn worldly benefits is the second wealthy man to make advance arrangements for lodging and fooding and other necessaries, so that youpinching and painful, as it disturbs sleep and kills hunger. may not have to face difficulties. The latter, being proudOn the other hand, the anxiety for the faith is very of his wealth, replied; Never mind. I have enough moneycomforting and soothing. A man who is fortunate enough tobe inflicted with this anxiety will pass his entire life in by the grace of Allah. All kinds of comforts and necessaries including fooding and lodging c a n be peace, comfort and contentment. But the condition of these purchased with money. I am in a position to spend 20 hankering after the gains of the world is just the opposite. In 38. Discourses on lslamic Way of Life (Vol: 1)78 79 Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: I)their case the wheel of existence is revolving in the other the parts of the pitch dark night. The Holy Prophet &direction.further said that the ordeal would be so devastating that aMay Allah reform our thinking and feelings and setbeliever in the morning would turn an unbeliever in theour hearts right and help us to walk on the path which Hisevening and vice versa. Thus, the faith will be changing inMessenger Q has shown us. Consider the followingshort intervals. This will happen because a man will Ahadith on this topic: become fascinated so much by the worldly gains that hewill sell his faith for small amounts of money. ForThe age of trials is about to overtake us changing his faith he will be offered charming returns in This first Hadith has been narrated from Hazrat Abukind and money. Since he was used to postpone his workHurairah /, and avoid serious thought about his ultimate gains he willreadily succumb to the temptation of this immediate gainsand accept in exchange for his faith and the ultimate lossin the Hereafter. May Allah protect us all from the vices ofsuch times.To think that one is still in theprime of youth is Satans deception(Sah~h Musl~m-Hadlthno 186)If you want to do some good deeds like a Muslim, This means that the people should be prompt in what are you waiting for? Do whatever you want to do doing good deeds. They should value the time at theirpromptly. We should all look into our conduct to see if we disposal. This is because horrible ordeals are about to crop are acting upon the injunctions of the Holy Prophet &. We up - ordeals like sections of a dark night. When the darkare in the habit of deferring work by deceiving ourselves night sets in and a part of it has passed the remaining part that life is long and there is ample time to work for the is also a part of the same night in which the darkness Hereafter. The Holy Prophet &, being wise and well aware deepens until the third part is still darker. In such aof the secrets and trends of our nature and Satans seduction, situation if a man thinks that it is the Maghrib time whichhas exhorted us to do good deeds without losing time and is not so dark and he will do his work when there is moreputting off things till tomorrow, because we do not know light with the advance of the night, that man is a fool, what ordeals the future has in store for us and where it shall because the darkness will increase with the advance of the lead us. May Allah protect us all. Aameen night.That is why the Holy Prophet & has advised that the Seduce and cajole your souls to work. time to come is still darker. Every ordeal shall be followedMy Pir (spiritual guide) Dr. Abdul Hai +AIL-, used by an ordeal more severe than the previous one. It is like to advise us to cajole and seduce our souls to work. 39. 8081 Discourses on Islamic Way of L ~ f (Vol: 1) eDiscourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: I)Relating his own story, he told us that he was regular indejection? His Self replied: No, the weakness will vanishhis Tahaj~ud(mid night) prayers. During his old age andat once and you will hasten to the Head of state to receiveweakness one night when he got up at the Tahaj~ud time,the prize. Thereafter, addressing himself he said: This toohe felt weak and depressed. He thought that the Tahajjud is the time to be present before Almighty Allah and toprayer was neither obligatory nor compulsory, there was I receive a prize from Him. Thus arguing I forgot weaknessno harm in missing it one night. Yet as the Tahajjud time Iand laziness and busied myself with my daily usualiis very auspicious and blessed in which Almighty Allah programmes. Satan and this human self are busy inIbeguiling man. You should also try to beguile them andhas promised to accept calls of those who call Him at thisitake care to act upon your set programme of good deeds.time, Doctor Sahib decided to make his supplications!i(Du 3.When he got up and was going to start his Du b he Ifelt inclined to purify himself and perform the ablution. The genuine claimant to Paradise.After doing all this he returned to his bed and started hisThe third Hadith has been narrated by Hazrat Jabir 4?cDu but at the same time he seduced his soul to go to the+J.He says: It is the battle of Uhud between the Muslimsplace fixed for Du b. Thus he beguiled his soul some howand the unbelievers. The Holy Prophet & is the commanderto go to the prayer carpet and then he formed the Niyat of the Muslims. The unbelievers are larger in number, better(intention) to offer two Rak bts of the Tahajludprayer. equipped and armed than the Muslims. The battle is very Then doctor Sahib explained that our Selfhas somefurious in all respects. At such a critical time, a Bedouin wastimes to be beguiled to action. Just as your soul tries toeating dates. He asked the Holy Prophet &$ about the fate ofdivert you from good deeds, you should also try to seducehim if killed in the battle. He replied that the fate of theit to good deeds by clever tricks and cajoles. It is hoped martyr would be direct entry into Paradise. Hazrat Jabir clcthat in this way Almighty Allah will grant you consistency +.JIrelates that when the man heard the glad tidings hein doing good deeds. threw away the dates and plunged himself into the war and fought until he attained martyrdom. He did not like to wasteIf you receive a message a single minute in earning this honour by completing hisfrom the head of the state ! meal of the dates. He got admission into Paradise, by theDoctor Sahib once said that it was his regular Grace of Allah, by seizing the opportunity when it arrived,programme to spend two hours after the Fajr prayer inwithout giving way to any hesitation or slackness.reciting the ~ u ra n ,remembrance, counting over therosary (Tasbeeh) etc. One day he felt inclined to miss thisReaction of the Holy Prophet &programme on account of weakness and dejection. On thison hearing the Prayer-call (Azan)occasion he asked himself this question: Suppose theOnce a Companion &J put this question to HazratHead of the state invites you to receive a prize; will you~ ~ e s h a h +-J the mother of the believers: 0 mother ofturn down his invitation because of this weakness andthe believers! We see what the Holy Prophet & does and we 40. 83 Discourses on lslarnic Way of Life (Vol: I)Way of Life (Vol: 1)Discourses on Islam~c82charity, it should be fulfilled at once.hear what he says when he is outdoor among us, but kindly There is a religious ruling (Injunction) that if a mantell us what he does indoors among his family. (The draws up a will during his illness regarding thecompanion might have thought that the Prophet & of Allahdistribution of his wealth and dies in that illness, his Will,might be offering prayers and be busy with remembrance of will be valid only to the one-third of the amount willed,Allah, etc.) In reply to this question Hazrat~ ~ e s h a h r ~ ld,the rest two-thirds will be shared by the legal heirs. Itsaid: while in the house with us, he helps us in theshould be noted that the rights of the heirs become due forhousehold affairs and listens to our problems, and intimately execution before death during the illness.mixes with us in a jolly and pleasant mood. However, when, If a man plans that he will invest towards, the end ofhe hears the prayer-call, he atonce leaves us as if he does not his life his money in some charitable work of perennialknow us:i reward and recompense, he should know that such charityIn the fourth Hadith Hazrat Abu Hurairah &, has is charity under compulsion. Charity carrying perennialnarrated: reward is that which is given during the period of good :J~+~&~~&&~J~J-JCL-health when the giver himself needs the money, has love Ulj Jwdl :jG &all + & !A JFJ Qfor it and is trying to save it for his own needs.A Will is valid only up to one-thirdof the property left. It should be noted that some people desire to make aWill to finance some charitable work for permanentThe Best Charityreward, so that the investor may continue to receive itsHazrat Abu Hurairah -a,,says: A man called reward even after his death. If a person makes a Will in hisupon the Holy Prophet & and asked: Which item oflifetime, while he is hale and hearty, that so much amountcharity is the best in reward? He said: That charity$istheshould be given to this or that needy person or invested inbest which you give when you are in good health and atsuch and such charitable work after his death, this Willa time when there is love in your heart for wealth, you shall be valid only up to one-third of his legacy and notare afraid of poverty and are thinking about becoming more than that. That is why the Holy Prophet & hasrich and that wealth is not something to be squanderedkindly advised that a muslim should give money in charityin this way, you are also feeling pain in spending moneyas soon as the urge for charity arises in his heart.and that after giving money in charity you may becomepoor and face uncertain situations later on. The moneySet aside a portion of your income for charity.spent in such a situation will be of great value and I have already mentioned a tried method of doingreward. Thereafter he said that if an urge arises for this. If it is followed, man is enabled to practise charity, or 41. Discourses on lslamic Way of Life (Vol:l)8485Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (VOI:1)else we have become used to postponing charitable work. which accrued to as gifts and grants, etc. He followed thisDecide to set aside a convenient portion of your periodical practice throughout his lifetime meticulously and withincome to be spent on charity in the name of Allah. Whenextreme care and regularity, even though some times thisthe income accrues to you, deduct and keep aside that caused him inconvenience in obtaining small change, etc.portion in a separate envelope from period to period. ThatI never saw the envelope empty during the whole of myenvelope will remind you to spend in charity the amount life. The envelope itself used to remind the owner to spendthus saved. Spend the amount on some right cause. Thisthe savings in the way of Allah. As a result of suchattracts blessings for this work otherwise man is alwaysschemes. Almighty Allah promotes charity.hesitating whether to spend it or not on charity. The-presence of the envelope with the savings in it will be aEveryone should give alms according to his capacityreminder and man will not fall victim to hesitation andOnce a gentleman complained that he had nothing toneglect.spend in charity. I asked him if he had one rupee he couldeasily set aside from it, one paisa. The ratio between thisAlmighty Allah does not mindone paisa and one rupee is the same as the ratio between onethe number (or the quantity)thousand paisa and one lakh rupees. So do not look at theRemember that Allah attaches importance to theamount, but work to fulfil the urge for charity as soon as itemotion and sincerity of a good deed and does not mindarises.the number or the quantity of the thing spent on charity. A This is an infallible prescription for self-reform. Justman with an income of one hundred Rupees spends one save yourself from the tactics of deferring actionrupee and another man with an income of one lakhindefinitely. If you act upon this advice, Almighty shall(1,00,000/=) spends one thousand Rupees on charity in open before you, through its blessings, wide roads forthe way of Allah. Both are equal and maybe the giver of spending money on charitable works.Re 1/= may surpass the giver of Rs 1000/= because of hisMay Allah help us all to follow valuable advice.sincerity. So, do not mind the number or the quantity, butonly mind the intention for earning excellence in the sight What are you waiting for?of Allah and His pleasure. So you must spend someportion of your income in the way of Allah. 4 * . ~ ~ & 3 1 ~ ~ ~ ~ i l ~ ~ i s ; Z I ~ 3 1 1 ~1 j ~ + ~ p 4 Y I i l j ~ ~ bJ + Y & I ~ ~ , & : J U + ~ U1 My respected late fathers routine practicei dl 31I+~ Y Jr IlL la$ j~IL.& by ,I4..k. ~ i .My respected late father, Hazrat Mufti Muhammad ~ h a f i Sahib +AIL-, used to set aside in a separate k(jl ~l 2 3j 1 &LJb & L J I j l &+- & .I 9 J4 envelope for charitable purposes 20 p.c. of the income +j.+2~&jjl which he earned by his work and 10 p.c. of the income This has been narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah 42. 87 (Vol: I )Discourses on Islamic Way of L ~ f eDiscourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: 1)86 , misconception that presently your resources are not up toIt deals with the subject of hastening towards doing4;5ht>, the mark and you should, therefore, wait till they increase,good, He has narrated that the Holy Prophet &$ said: when you can do good deeds to your satisfaction. ButkJ b Y4 j ~ , 4 remember that if you become richer and richer and areMake haste to do good deeds before the arrival of sevensurrounded by wealth on all sides, it is likely that thisthings, as after their arrival the opportunity to do good will not abundance of prosperity may make you rebellious andbe available. Thereafter he mentioned these things one by one. disobedient because a carefree and luxurious life generally makes man oblivious of Allah and His commands. So ifAre you waiting for poverty: you want to do anything good do it just now.%J! y; + "Are you waiting for doing good such poverty as willAre you waiting for illness?make you forget things? Presently you are well-to-do, have++I0.I 1L y,,s & jI-m~mey and are not short in the means of sustenance and Are you waiting for some illness to befall you thatare leading a comfortable and easy life yet in suchmay damage your health. Presently you are enjoying goodfavourable circumstances you are deferring the doing ofhealth with strength and vitality and it is easy for you togood deeds. Are you waiting for a time when the time ofdo good dteds if you so desire. Are you then deferring theyour wealth, prosperity and contentment changes into thatdoing of good deeds till your health is lost - God forbidof adversity as a result of which you will forget otherand various ailments assail you. When you are not able tomatters.? Do you hope to do good in the period of your do good deeds in good health, how can you do this duringhardship? If you are under the wrong impression that helplessness and disability? so do what you feel inclinedpresently you should enjoy life and you will do good to do before ailment falls on you.deeds at some later time, then mind carefully the Prophetsadmonition. He has said that during the period of financialAre you waiting for old age?difficulties the possibility of doing good becomes remote.s,, e,,a * I&by5 jlThat is a time when man forgets doing even very Are you waiting for disabling old age under theimportant acts. You should try to do good during the proud impression that presently you are in the prime ofperiod of your prosperity, before you are face to face with your youth, rather too young and inexperienced to think offinancial difficulty and poverty. He further said: serious work. You feel that you should pass these early days of your life, in comfort and enjoyment, and deferAre you waiting for affluence? &21 1 doing serious work to some later stage of life. The Holy -,Prophet & asks: Are you waiting for old age? In this age Are you waiting for such affluence as makes man sometime man becomes mentally and physically decrepitr e b e l l i o u s ? I n other words, if you are under t h e 43. Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: 1 )8889Discourses on Islamic Wa) of Life (Vol: I )and even if he desires to do some good turn he is unable toage, but they do not know how long they shall live, whatdo that. In this age man has neither teeth, nor intestine in is the interval of respite and whether they are going tohis stomach. If he shuns sins that is no credit when he hasreach the old age at all, and whether the conditions at thatno capacity to commit sins. So one should try to do good time are favourable or not. Please whatever you want tobefore reaching this abject old age. It is a prophetic quality do, do it at once.in a man to shun sin and take to righteousness when he is Iyoung and energetic and has the natural urge to commitIAre you waiting for death?sins. The persian saint poet Shaikh Sadi has said in a couplet: sii1 J . p v9p 31C;"&+-09 d3$+a j 41+ Are you waiting for that death which will overtake you all of a sudden? At the moment you are deferring 3- /ClG YJ 5A- i 9j good deeds in the hope that you can do them in the future.A ferocious and cruel wolf becomes pious and Do you not know that sometilnes death gives ultimatumharmless. The turning away from sin in youthIand warning about its arrival and often it arrives withoutis a Prophetic way.any ultimatum or fore-warning. Specially nowadays fatalThe cruel wolf has not become pious because of accidents have become very common and frequent. Nosome moral urge in him or fear of God, he has become too one knows what is going to happen the next moment.weak and helpless to harm anyone. As pointed out above However. Allah generally gives advance notice.to keep away from sins during youth is the way andcharacter of the Prophets. A dialogue with the Angel of deathTake the example of Hazrat YousufHe is inThere is a story, real or fictitious but full of moral,the prime of youth, in full health and strength andcurrent among the people that once a man met the Angelenjoying all means and resources of life. He is beingof Death, Hazrat 1zrael ? ~ J I Iand addressed him thus:Linvited to sin but he utters these words:You follow a strange way that you call on persons, , ~ , , , o , 0 4 , , ~, ,,jh 619 -1( Y Y a3ijY> & +G!>suddenly and without any prior notice. The procedure I seek refuge with Allah, He is my Lord, He followed in the world is that before punishing a criminal, has treated me honourably. ( 12 23) first a notice is served on him that such and such action This indeed, is the way of the Prophets that manwill be taken against him at such and such time. So heshould turn away from sins and do good deeds during hisshould be prepared for that. The Angel replied: I do issueyouth. Man becomes helpless in his old age and can donotices in as large numbers as none else can issue in thenothing and can commit no sins. That is why the Holy world but none cares about these notices. What can I do?Prophet 4% asks : Do you think that you will do good and Do you not k n o w that attacks ,on men with fever,start praying and remembering Allah during your old age? headaches their affliction with old age white hair and birthWhen the Hajj falls due people defer it till the advanced 44. D~scourses Islamic Way of Life (Vol:l) on90 91 Discourses on Islamic Waq of Life (Vol: I )of grand sons and daughters are all forms of notices fromAlmighty Allah. It is Allahs practice to send these notices,my side. I have thus been issuing notices continuously but yet sometimes death overtakes men all of a suddenthe people do not notice them. All these ailments arewithout prior notice. That is why the Holy Prophet & has4notices and warnings from Almighty Allah calling asked: Are you waiting for death that may overtakeattention that the time of death is coming soon. Allah sayssuddenly without any notice. None knows how manyin the ~ u i a n : moments are left in ones life. Why are they waiting for the >,$ >$ , - ,+y/& ;&> Ji >o063>io+, I last moment? Then He said:This means: I shall ask you in the Hereafter: Did I notAre you waiting for the Dajjal (Antichrist)?grant you a lifetime long enough in which aj1 J & ~ Iman could take advice if he wanted to do so? Are you waiting for the Dajjal and are you thinkingAnd the warner also had come to you.that the time is not yet ripe for doing good deeds? Will theWho was this warner? Some interpreters have saidDajjals time be ripe for good deeds? Will you be able tothat the warner is the Holy Prophet &$ because it is he do good during those tumultuous days? God knows whatwho warned that after death people will have to appearwill happen at that time; what urges and motives forbefore Almighty Allah. Some interpreters have said that a misconduct and straying may crop up at that time. Are youwarner means the white hair of the head or the beard to waiting for such a time (& +uJ$) (Daj~al the worst of isremind men of approaching death. Still some others said all hidden objects to be awaited). Do whatever good youthat it is the grand son who reminds the grand-father ofcan do before his appearance. He said last of all:imminent death. An Arab poet has expressed the sameidea in a couplets:Are you waiting for the Doomsday ?* ,, , ,c p 2 1GLJJ LCJIjia , > ,If you are waiting for t h e ~ o o m s d a then the ~,Doomsday will be so calamitous that man will have noescape from that calamity. Then do good before it arrives.The gist of the entire Hadith is that you should notb 2 b dhL i d tjjjdefer any act for the morrow. Instead. When you feel anWhen the sons of men bear their sons and theirurge for and a n interest in doing a good turn do it bodies become old because of old age and diseases afflictimmediately without any hesitati0n.s them one after another, it should be understood that these May Almighty Allah help us all to follow this advice. are crops the time of whose harvesting has arrived.&Jrll +J &I 31 L i l y 2 fii Tj Anyway, these are notices issued from time to time from 45. Way of Life (Vol: I)Discourses on Isla~nic To day the practice of "Recommendation" has become a curse. No work can be RECOMMENDATION c o m p l e t e d t o d a y w i t h o u t unlawful Recommendation. It is because the people IN ISLAM have forgotten the injunctions and demands of the Shari bh. If Recommendation is made with due regard to these injunctions, it will be lawful and not otherwise. (1 t rc , & A - t+kktllJij.d*all&& I d b +igJl t & 3 , 1 u p1j) f l j ~All praise is to Allah. We praise Him and seekHis help and His forgiveness and we believe inHim and rely on Him. We seek refuge withHim from the mischief of souls and the vices 46. 96Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vo1:l) useful, he should make recommendation for him toof our deeds. There is none to lead him astray someone. For this act of recommendation he shall receivewhom Allah guides and there is none to guide reward from Allah. Legal and lawful recommendation is ahim whom Allah lets go astray. I bear witness righteous act deserving recompense. It has always beenthat there is no God but Allah alone Who has the practice of saintly men to make recommendations forno partner. I also bear witness that our sire, needy persons for the sake of their own reward and not toour authority, and our Prophet and our master, I lay any obligation on the needy person.Muhammad % is H i s s e r v a n t and H i s2Messenger. May Allah bestow upon him, hisI The story of a saint who madehousehold and his noble Companions Hisrecommendation for someone. mercy and blessings and salutations in ab~ndance.(s~~~i~~ 1432)Buhhar! - HadithNO: Hazrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Sahib s- has related l] in his sermons the stoiy of a saint, A man called upon that saint and complained that he had a problem which was not Recommend for a needy Person. being settled and it was the concern of such and such Hazrat Abu Musa ~ s ha r iu 91 d ) has narrated that person. He told the saint that his recommendation might when a needy person called upon the Holy Prophet f and prove helpful. The saint said to the man that the person requested him to meet his need, he would turn to the concerned was a bitter opponent of the saint and instead gathering and ask them to recommend the man to him for of being useful his recommendation might prove harmful. meeting his need, so that they might receive reward for The man insisted upon obtaining the saints their recommendation made by them to the Messenger of recommendation and argued that the saints personality Allah. He further told them that his decision in the matter and influence were such that even his enemy could not would be according to Allahs will, yet those whoreject his recommendation. Being so pressed, the saint recommend the needy person to him for help wouldhanded over to the needy person a recommendatory letter. receive reward from Allah. Thus he asked them to makeOn receipt of the letter, the perscn concerned was agitated recommendations.with anger and hatred against the saint and threw away theletter with abusive remarks. The needy person came backRecommendation is a source ito the saint and related to him the sad story. The saint thenof gain and reward.promised the man to pray to God to solve his problem. The intention of this Hadith is to point out that it isa matter of great gain and reward to recommend a Muslim 1After making a recommendation for someoneto another Muslim to get the need of the needy personfulfilled. It is to urge that a Muslim should always remainoccupied in doing good to another Muslim and he should 1I do not put him under an obligation We come t o know from this story thatrecommendation is a righteous act that carries greatdo his best in meeting his brothers need. If he finds it 47. 98 Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vo1:l)Discourses on lsla~nic Way of Life (Vol: 1 ) it is not against the truth. If you recommend in favour of arecompense, provided the intention is to benefit someone person, although he is unfit and undeserving, then suchfor the sake of reward from Allah and not for the sake of recommendation is unlawful and is calculated to yieldplacing obligations upon anyone. A recommendation made punishment instead of reward. If an unfit man is given a jobwith this pious intention is indeed an act of great reward and on the strength of your recommendation but, being unfit andblessing. unqualified, he causes harm to the public or otherwise icommits some mischief. In such a case a part of theDirections for making Recommendation.,punishment for the mischief and the crime will also fall onThere are, however, some prescribed rules forImaking recommendations. It has to be decided when you, because you are instrumental to the promotion or iappointment of an unfit person. Think again that to makerecommendation is lawful and when it is unlawful, what I irecommendations in a false and unlawhl matters is not at alldoes recommendation mean and what results it shouldlawful.yield and how it should be made. It is necessary tounderstand these rules. Recommendation which is an act To recommend an examinee to the examinerof righteousness deserving reward may turn into a sinful Some times in the past answer-books were given toact and spread mischief and disturbance in the society on me for checking and valuating them in the M.Aaccount of the ignorance of these rules. examination in the subject of Islamic studies and I accepted them for doing the needful. No sooner did the To make recommendation people know they began to call on me with a list of Roll for a job for an unfit fellownumbers recommending them for special concession.The first point to note is that recommendation should What is strange, is that apparently these persons were always he made for a legal and lawful purpose.honest, reliable and of good standing and character.Recommendation is not lawful in any circumstance for anunlawful act. It is unlawful to make recommendation in A strange case of Recommendationfavour of a person about whom you are well aware that he isOnce it so happened that one day a man, appearingnot fit for the job for which he is seeking your to be highly learned and responsible, called on me with a recommendation. list of roll numbers. I told him that it was wrong and unlawful on his part to have come with a recommendationRecommendation is a kind of witness and that marks would be awarded according to the dictatesJust as recommendation is a means of meeting / of justice and the right of every candidate. In reply he atsomeones need, it is also a witness. When you make once recited this verse of the @;an:recommendation in favour of someone, you are really givingwitness that in your opinion the man recommended is fit for -d&--i~* .i-..~li,~)k4 0 *,,a >a#/, &&is>the job he is seeking. In witness it is necessary to ensure that 48. 101 Discourses on Islamic Way of L ~ f e(Vol: 1)100Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vo1:l)become implanted on the judges mind he cannot do fullSatan of a Molvi (religious man) is also a Molvijustice to the case. When the case has once been filed inMy father Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi Sahib the court. all doors to recommendation must be closed.&&I-, used to say that the satan of a Molvi is also a Molvi.The satan of an ordinary man seduces his victim in My reaction to Recommendationvarious ways, but the Satan who seduces a Molvi by I too receive from time to time a few suits forbecoming himself like a Molvi. This learned man justifieddecision, and persons concerned with these suits see me tohis conduct by quoting a verse from the Holy ~ u ra nrequest that I should be sympathetic with them. I pay nomearing that he who makes a good recommendation attention to them and tell them frankly that it is not lawfulreceives a share of the reward. Try to understand well that for me to hear anything from them unless the other party isa recommendation of this type is not at all lawful. also present there. I therefore advise them to say, whateverthey have to say, in the court in the presence of the otherDo not prejudice the mind ofparty, so that the other party may challenge if any lie isthe Judge with recommendation told against him. On this the person tries to impress uponA judge is hearing a case in his court to pass athat he is not saying anything unlawful. I tell him that I dojudgement thereon and evidences are being produced from not know whether what he is saying is lawful or unlawful.both the parties. If any one recommends to the Judge to passThe other party should also be present to explain his standhis judgment in favour of a particular person, such and justify his case. Then alone a fair Judgement could be recommendation is not at all lawful. It is also not la&l to passed. It is not at all lawful to prejudice the Judge inrecommend an examinee to the examiner. This is because privacy in that way. the recommendation may prejudice the mind of the examiner. The Judge is sitting on the seat of justice to pronounce a just judgement in the case to decide as to,-It is also not lawful in anyway, on such occasions. to ,quote the Quranic verse I J A. L &Wj . AS the.L & implementation of the Islamic laws has long since been which party is rightabsent from this country, the people have forgotten these problems. That is why recommendations are sometimes To make recommendationreceived from learned men. to the Judge of a courtSo the whole issue boils to this: Recommendation The Shari bh has taken great care to impress on a should be made only in such cases in which it is lawful. Judge not to hear one party in the absence of the other party. When the hearing is in progress both the parties Recommendation in unlawful cases is a sin must be present in the court. The Judge should not allowRecommendation should be made only in such cases one party to present his case to him,in privacy, the other: as are lawful in the shara To seek recommendation in party remaining totally in dark about this. If the facts of unlawful cases is not lawful in any circumstances. For the case secretly disclosed, to the judge by one party 49. Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: I )Discourses on Islamic Way of Life (Vol: 1)This is exercising Pressureexample, a friend of yours is working as an officer some Once a man came to me to make a recommendationwhere who has power to do something. Taking undueand wanted first of all to be assured that I would not rejectadvantage from him you get an unfit person appointed to ahis recommendation. In this way he wanted to bind mepost. This is not lawful but it is a forbidden act. That isthat I should not turn down his recommendation. I askedw h y w h i l e t h e H o l y ~ u ra nc o m m e n d s l a w f u lhim to tell me the job he wanted me to do for him, to seerecommendation as a source of reward, at the same time, itif it was lawful or unlawful and if it was within my powercondemns unlawful recommendation as a sin:d~, o a * e~ .*~.-, ~ & ~ a to do that. Again, this is not recommendation; this is merei$ )k p~J:**>, $ 0F- 3( $ 0 (*a : L ~ , liPcoercion which is not lawful.He who makes an unlawfil recommendationwill have to share the sin involved therein. ( 4 : s