the simple inside truth - ahlehadees.org 2016.pdfthe government of india to do so it never failed to...

"THE SIMPLE TRUTH" August, 2016 (3)

04 Editorial

06 Guidance from the Glorious Qur'an

07 Pearls from the Holy Prophet

08 Islamic Feature: The StrategicTreaty

11 Islamic Feature: Islam Today-Comprehension and Action

19 Special Islamic Feature: ScientificSigns in the Quran

21 Feature: Sir Syed's Relevance toContemporary Indian Society

25 Islamic Feature: Hajj: A Duty uponMankind

28 News from Headquarter

30 Activities at Headquarter

The

SIMPLE

TRUTHMONTHLY

Chief Editor

Asghar Ali Imam Mahadi Salafi

Editor

Dr. Abul Hayat Ashraf

Publisher

Mohammad Irfan Shakir

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August, 2016

Vol. No.10 Issue No.8

inside


Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is in the news

again, unfortunately, not for right reasons. The

Union Government U-turn attitude has re-

opened the long settled issue that the AMU was

established by the Muslim community and it is a

Muslim minority institution. Of course it was the

then British government which had legally

sanctioned the establishment of the University

through an act of Parliament in 1920,

incorporating the Mohammadan Anglo Oriental

(MAO) College established by the great

educationist, and reformer Sir Syed Ahmad

Khan in 1875.

AMU was established as a means to removing

the educational backwardness of Indian

Muslims, by the efforts and sacrifices of many

individuals and groups of people.

The world cannot forget that Sir Syed Ahmad

Khan, Sir Mahmud, Nawab Mohsinul Mulk,

Nawab Waqarul Mulk, Nawab Ishaq Khan,

Nawab Syed Muhammad Ali, Raja

Mahmudabad, Sahabzada Aftab Ahmad Khan,

Begum Sultan Jahan, Sir Sultan Shah Agha Khan

(III), Nizam of Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan

and many others played a key role in the

establishment as well as in the survival of the

DON’T TAMPER WITH AMU’S

MINORITY STATUS

institution till India became an independent

country and created university Grants

commission which took over the reins of all

universities including A.M.U.

On January 11, 2016 Attorny General Mukul

Rohatgi told a Supreme Court bench that "it is

the stand of the Union of India that AMU is not

a minority university. As the executive

government at the centre, we cannot be seen as

setting up a minority institution in a secular state:"

This was a reversal of the stand taken by the

UPA government.

A.G. Noorani recalled that whenever it suited

the government of India to do so it never failed

to refer to Aligarh as the oldest and flouri-shing

Muslim educational institution in India.”

The word “Muslim” was included in A.M.U. as

an acknowledgement that the government of the

day accepted the university as an institution of

Muslims, established to promote the educational

and cultural advancement of Muslims, making it

a minority institution. According to a report

published in Hindustan Times: “There was a

time when the Bharatiya Jan Sangh was a

strong proponent of Aligarh Muslim

University’s (AMU) minority character. The

Editorial


Bharatiya Jan Sangh from which was born

the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP), contested

the 1977 and 1979 general elections on the

manifesto and symbol of the Janta Party.

During the 1979 mid-term elections, its

manifesto read: “The Janta Party will give

priority to enacting appropriate legislation

to restore the autonomy and original

character of the University as institution for

Oriental and Islamic Studies, and for the

promotion of educational and cultural

advancement, primarily of the Muslims

Community”.

Future BJP leaders such LK Advani and Atal

Bihari Vajpayee were part of the Morarji

Desai cabinet that drafted the bill. “The

Legislation in question was the Aligarh

Muslim University (Amendment) Act, which

was passed two years later in 1981 by then

Congress government. The bill introduced by

the Indira Gandhi-led government was also

supported by senior Janta leaders such as

Ram Jethmalani, the then vice president of

the party, and Subramaniam Swamy.

Jethmalani even introduced a private

member bill to give AMU a minority status.

In fact, Dr Swamy asked the government to

include the addendum: ….. notwithstanding

any judgement or a decree of the court of

law to the contrary, the University is declared

a minority institution under Article 30 (1) of

the constitution” (Hindustan Times, 6 April,

2016). Is the above stated news report not a

blast from the past?

In the Aziz Basha vs Union of India case, the

SC’s constitution bench had ruled that AMU

was not established by Muslims, but by an Act

of Parliament and hence did not merit to be seen

in the ambit of Article 30 of the Constitution.”

Which gives the right to minority communities

to establish and administer educational

institutions of their choice.

As per Wikipedia, the Indian Independence Act

1947 was an Act of the Parliament of the United

Kingdom that partitioned British India into two

(India and Pakistan). Based on the above

definition, is it correct to say that India (or

Pakistan) came into existence by an Act of

Parliament of the United Kingdom. So freedom

struggle and sacrifices of Indians should be

ignored and forgotten? The fact is that the

judiciary fail to understand there is crucial

difference between establishing a university and

incorporating or upgrading an existing functional

institution to the level of a University. Upgrating

of Mohammadon Anglo Oriental College to

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was a legal

requirement.

However the Muslims should adopt a very

peaceful, calculated and constructive attitude to

achieve their aim. They should join hands with

democratic forces and fight for restoration of

the minority character of AMU. Our last ray of

hope is Supreme Court. Let us hope that the

highest palladium of justice will show enough

sensitivity and do the needful to give Muslims

support in securing their rightful place and will

never tamper with AMU’s minority status.


“(O Prophet!) If they give the lie to you, then

before them the people of Noah, Aa'd and

Thamud, also gave the lie (to Prophets), and

so too did the people of Abraham and people

of Lut; and so did the dwellers of Midian;

and Moses too was branded a liar. Initially I

granted respite to the unbelievers for a while

and then seized them. How dreadful was My

punishment! How many towns have We

destroyed for their people were steeped in

iniquity: so they lie fallen down upon their

turrets! How many wells lie deserted and how

many towering places lie in ruins? (Surah Al-

Hajj, 22:42-45)

It is nothing new if the Prophet of Allah is

accused of imposture. This was done in all ages;

e.g. Noah (VII.64); Hud the Prophet of the ‘Ad

people (VII.66), Salih the prophet of the

Thamud VII.76); Abraham (xxi.55); Lut

(VII:82); Shuaib the Prophet of the Madayan

people (VII:85) and also of the companions of

the Wood (XV.78).

No people in the past were visited with God’s

scourge immediately after they rejected the Prophet

sent to them, calling him liar. On the contrary, the

people were granted respite several times in order

that they might understand and mend their ways.

Yet each of them was eventually punished after all

GOD’S DEALINGS WITH NATIONS

the dictates of justice had been fully met.

The unbelievers of Makkah should, therefore,

not misperceive the fact that they have not as

yet been punished and they should not, therefore,

look upon the warnings of the Prophet (S.A.W.)

as hollow and baseless. They should instead

realize that the respite which they are enjoying

has been granted to them in keeping with God’s

way of dealing with nations to whom He sends

Prophets. If they do not make proper use of the

respite granted to them they are bound to meet

the same fate as that of their predecessors and

be dealt an awesome punishment.

The word nakir used in the verse 22:44 is far

too rich to be adequately expressed by a one-

word equivalent such as punishment. The word

rather signifies two things: (1) Strong disapproval

of someone’s evil ways; (2) the infliction of a

severe punishment on him, a punishment that

reduces him to a miserable thing. In view of the

above, the Quranic statement means that by

incurring God’s Wrath for their misdeeds, a

woeful fate has befallen them.

When a town is inhabited by a particular tribe it

is mentioned by reference to its well. Likewise,

if an Arab is told that all the wells are dried up,

he readily understands that this alludes to the

desertion and abandonment of that habitat.

Guidance from the Holy Quran


1. Abu Musa Ashari (R.A.A.) relates that the

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Charity is

necessary for every Muslim. He was asked: If a

person may have nothing? The Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) replied: He should work with his own

hands for his benefit and also give (some thing

out of such earnings in charity) The companions

said that if he may not be able to work. The

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: He should help

poor and needy persons. The companions

further said that if he cannot do even that? The

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said that he should urge

others to do good. The companions submitted

that if he lacks that also? The Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) said that he should check himself from

doing an evil”. (Bukhari & Muslim)

2. Abu Dharr and Muadh bin Jabal relate that

the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: “Fear Allah,

wherever you may be; do a virtuous act after an

evil act as the former will undo the latter, and

behave well with the people” (Tirmidhi)

Each and every Muslim and Muslimah as well,

has been enjoined to instill a fear of God in himself

or herself. On our pulse we realize day and night

that it is the fear of Allah that prevents one from

committing an evil act. If a person tries his level

best to stay away from evil acts, but by chance

happens to commit it, he must immediately turn

BLESSINGS OF GOOD DEEDS

Pearls From the Holy Prophet

to God with utmost repentance with the hope

that the Lord Almighty will forgive him.

In the Hadiths under study the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) has also encouraged the believers to

do a virtuous act following the chance

commission of a vicious act. The reason is that

the virtuous act will make up for the effects of

the evil act committed in the past. In addition,

expiation has been prescribed in case of

commission of several or repeated sins. Unlike

Islam in other religions such as Hinduism, people

make up for the sins committed by abandoning

the worldly life or mundane pleasures or even

by taking extreme step of committing suicide.

But in Islam, man has been encouraged to do

good acts and hope of forgiveness and salvation

in the Hereafter.

Moreover, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) has

enjoined the believers to behave fellow human

beings in a polite manner. It is one of the basics

of Dawah work in Islam. Through good conduct

and manners practised by the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) a great number of people came to the

fold of Islam. Even in our own times, it is the

only powerful weapon to win the hearts and

minds of people and remove misgivings and

misunderstandings about Islam .


Syed Kazim gives the details of Hudaibiyya

and analyses how, in the long run, its terms

proved to be a grand victory for Islam and

the Muslims.

It all began when Holy Prophet Muhammad

(S.A.W.) had a dream that he entered the sacred

sanctuary in Makkah in security with the

followers, and was performing the ceremonies

of Umrah. After this dream, the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) along with his companions headed to

Makkah to perform Umrah. There are a number

of instances from the life of the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) where he implemented unique

strategies during his mission and, and the Treaty

of Hudaibiyyah was the second most strategic

act we find in the life of the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.), after the Hijra to Madinah.

From the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah we can learn

as to how the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) converted

a failure into a success. They were not allowed

into Makkah, but he converted this failure into

a success by entering into a treaty with the

Quraish, which took them closer to achieve his

mission.

The Treaty of Hudaibiyyah is filled with

THE STRATEGIC TREATY

By Syed Kazim

strategies before and after the treaty. There

were altogether ten strategies, four were

before the treaty and six after it. Let us try to

understand them one by one.

(I) While the negotiation was going on

between the Muslims and the Quraish about

their entry into Makkah, some young,

irresponsible and hot tempered Quraish devised

a wicked plan that could hold back the peace

treaty. They decided to sneak into the camp of

the Muslims and start a clash that might trigger

a fuse of war. Seventy or eighty of them left at

night for the Muslim camp. Muhammad bin

Maslamah, chief of the Muslim’s guard’s, was

able to have them all captured. In view of the

far reaching immenent results about to be

achieved, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) set them

free as he did not want any sort of new problem

which could have deviated the attention from

an understanding which they were moving

towards.

(II) The negotiations were going on but

results were elusive. Then the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.), on the advice of Umar, sent Usman,

Bin Affan to go and speak to the Quraish. The

reason why he was selected was that he

Islamic Feature


belonged to one of the most powerful families

in Makkah and his word would have much more

weightage than anyone elses.

(III) While the document was being

written, Suhail bin Amr, who was representing

the Quraish, objected to the use of Ar-Rahman

for Allah and the use of “Messenger of Allah”

for the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.). The Holy

Prophet changed the words as he had a larger

goal to achieve.

(IV) Before the treaty could be signed,

Abu Jandal, who was chief Makkah leader

Suhail’s son, appeared on the scene and

appealed to the Muslims that he should be free

from bondage and torture so that he would join

them, but Suhail Bin Amr did not agree to it as

the terms were agreed upon. Even on this

occasion the Holy Prophet kept his cool and

asked Abu Jandal to go back to Makkah,

because pressing for his release at that moment

could have an adverse impact on the treaty which

they were about to sign.

These four strategies ultimately helped them to

come to a common understanding with the help

of a treaty. Later, the treaty was discussed and

was written down. The Muslims were very much

displeased with the treaty. The companions

were in sorrow and in deep horror and they

could not understand the rationale of the Holy

Prophet (S.A.W.). He had taught them courage

and dignity, and now he was accepting a

seemingly unfair deal. Which made them look

helpless. The companions were displeased to

such an extent that they did not obey the Holy

Prophet (S.A.W.) when they were ordered to

slaughter their camels that had been consecrated

for pilgrimage, but they could bring themselves

to comply, for their wounds and frustration were

too deep. He repeated the order three times,

but nobody responded.

Umar was also very much displeased with the

treaty and asked the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

why they were accepting the one sided

conditions when the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was

the true Messenger of Allah and the Muslims

were on the path of righteousness. He also went

and expressed his discomfort to Abu Bakr. But

the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was full of wisdom

while agreeing to the terms and knew that the

treaty would prove to be in favour of Muslims

in the coming days. After the treaty, the following

benefits were witnessed:

(V) The biggest benefit of entering into

the treaty was the fact through it the Quraish

recognized the Muslim’s legitimate existence on

the scene of the political life in Arabia, which

was not obtained by the Muslims before the

treaty. This treaty opened the doors of dealing

with Muslims on equal terms.

(VI) Due to the treaty, the Quraish had

indirectly given up their claim to religious

leadership, and admitted that they were no

longer interested in people other than the

Quraish, and washed their hands off all sorts of

intervention in the religious future of the Arabian

Peninsula. Due to this Prophet (S.A.W.)

emerged as a religious and spiritual leader and

the Muslims had the opportunity to spread Islam


over areas which were not-yet explored and

because of this, people started learning and

accepting Islam in huge numbers.

(VII) One of the clauses of the treaty

stated that there would not be any war for the

next ten years and peace would prevail. Due to

this men from both sides met and consulted

together, and the Makkans were able to know

the good points and benefits of entering Islam.

Within two years of the treaty, twice as many

people entered into Islam than before. This is

supported by the fact that the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) went out to Al-Hudaibiyyah with only

1,400 men, but when he set out to liberate

Makkah two years later, he had 10,000 men

under his command.

(VIII) At the first glance, the most

distressing clause of the treaty was that if anyone

from Makkah comes to the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) without his guardian’s permission, he

should be returned and if any one from the

followers of the Holy Prophet would return to

the Quraish, he shall not be sent back. However,

in the course of events, it proved to be a great

blessing. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) knew that

the people who had accepted Islam would never

flee from Allah and the Holy Prophet unless they

were hypocrites and ultimately nobody left.

On the other hand, those in Makkah who had

accepted Islam would have come to Madinah if

the above mentioned clause in the treaty would

not have existed. Due to the clause the people

who had accepted Islam had two options. One,

they could stay in Makkah and spread the

message of Islam. Two, they could leave

Makkah and go settle down in some another

place as Allah’s earth was wide and open.

(IX) Some Muslims who were

oppressed decided to go with the second

opinion and opted to leave Makkah. They all

started to joining at a place until a fair-sized

colony was formed and soon sought revenge

on the Quraish and started intercepting their

carvans. The Quraish, unable to control these

exile colonies, went to the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) and requested him to do away with

the clause and take those Muslims under Him.

(X) The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) used

strategies to demoralize the enemies

psychologically. While they visited Makkah to

perform Umrah one year after the treaty, the

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) used to tell Hassan Ibn

Thabit and Abdullah Ibn Rawaha, who were

poets to go around the Kaaba reciting the poems

which would demoralize the enemies. Thus, the

Holy Prophet wisely used the opportunity of

Umarah to spread the message of Islam and to

weaken the enemies psychologically.

The treaty of Hudaibiyyah was full of hidden

strategies, which came into light at a later stage.

The treaty on paper looked favouring the Quraish

but in reality it favoured the Muslims as the days

passed. Surely, a common man can never reach

the wisdom, farsightedness and the intellect of

the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).

µµµ


What a great paradox! Islam should have

been disseminated throughout the globe and

would have been demonstrated in each and

every corner of the world in this age of

information but, in contrast, its image is

tarnished. The opponents of Islam are using

all the facilities and information technology to

propagate their cynical vengeance and hatred

against Islam. Why is it so?

Muslims themselves are neither aware of true

Islam nor interested in practicing and propagating

Islam.

Islam is unknown and has become strange in

the present world. In the words of the Holy

Prophet (S.A.W.):

“Verily Islam started as something strange and

it would again revert (to its old position) of being

strange just as it started. So good tidings for the

strangers”. (Saheeh Muslim)

This Hadith has a great depth and is very relevant

for us now-a-days. Inspite of the teachings of

Islam being in conformity with human nature,

when the preaching of Islam was started by

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) at Makkah, the

ISLAM TODAY

COMPREHENSON AND ACTION

By Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad

Islamic Feature

society did not accept it and treated the message

of the Holy Prophet as a strange one. The

people shunned Islam as strange and unfamiliar.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) has to find a new

abode in Madinah. Though he and Islam were

not very familiar there. Madinah proved to be

very congenial. Madinah eventually became the

first Islamic state and from there Islam spread

throughout Arabia and other countries.

Narrating this fact, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

then discloses about the future. He declared that

a time would come when Islam will become

strange to humanity. True Islam will become

unknown in knowledge and abandoned in

practice just as it was its outset in Makkah.

Let us ponder how exact this prophesy fits into

this time of ours. The Muslims of today are so

engrossed in the rat-race that almost all of them

(with exceptions) seem to have not even a

nodding acquaintance with Islam.

Their ideals, their individuals and social

behaviour, their interests and engagements, their

manners and habits and their political, economic

and social systems are the blind following of un-

Islamic traits. Muslims are so engrossed in the


present secular civilization that they are unaware

of Islamic values and are considered to be

strangers in the present society.

The tidings are given by the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) to such noble persons living today who

resolutely profess and practice Islam even in

such hostile circumstances.

AILMENTS OF COMMUNITY

The Muslim community does not realize that its

main task is to transform itself as the Ummah

Islamiah. Ummatan Wastan as directed in the

Holy Quran.

We are so much empowered in the material

aspects of life that even the persons interested

in the uplift of Muslims are concerned only with

the material advancement of Muslims following

the footsteps of non-Muslim nations through un-

Islamic means.

Muslims are so much influenced by the

propaganda of the opponents of Islam that they

have given up using the facilities of the present

Information Age for their own uplift.

Even some who make efforts in using electronic

media, are not fulfilling the mission of

disseminating Islam due to their disinterestedness

and unawareness of Islam.

Muslims are disunited and have sectarian and

narrow understanding of Islam, and when

different channels of communication are used

with this approach, they damage the cause of

Islam. Being more emotional than rational and

compounded by their ignorance of true Islam.

Muslims are very enthusiastic to concentrate

more on the negative propaganda by opponents

than on the positive well-planned, correct and

presentable messages through different channels.

BASIC UNDERSTANDING

“civilization” is based on the mental make-up

(otherwise known as psyche or world-view) and

the corresponding manifestations of the whole

society. The world view of modern civilization

is secularism. The world view of Islamic

civilization is tawheed (Oneness of Allah).

Thus, if Muslims try to achieve anything

Islamically, they should do so through the Islamic

world-view and Islamic methods, rather than

secular and non-Islamic methods.

“Government” is the administration and day to

day working of a civilization and the method of

selection of the ruler. Under “Muslim rule”,

Muslims are at the top of the system—but these

might be Muslims in name only, and their

behaviours and actions might not be Islamic.

Under “Islamic rule”, at the top of the system

will also be Muslims, but these Muslims are the

true followers of Islam. The workings of the

“Islamic rule” are based on Islamic principles,

and the personal character of the rulers is

scrutinized.

The true Islamic rule began with the Prophet

Muhammad (S.A.W.). Madinah was the first

Islamic city-state.

The Islamic rule period extended to the end of

the time of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, who ruled


for about 37 years. After this, there was never a

true Islamic rule, although there were individual

khalifahs who tried to bring an Islamic rule, and

were to some extent successful (e.g. Umar bin

Abdul Aziz, who was the fourth khalifah of Banu

Umayyah)

The Islamic government and the Islamic

civilization did not end at the same time.

The Islamic civilization continued for many years

after this. It is difficult to demarcate the exact

end of the Islamic civilization. However, it

appears to have ended with the invasion of

Baghdad by the Tatars. The Islamic civilization

had been in slow decline for some years before

this, but the invasion of the Tatars appears to

have effectively brought about its end.

Following the end the Islamic civilization began

the “Muslim civilization”. There are three types

of mentioned in the Holy Quran:

Those who have no interest in the Revealed

Knowledge, atheists, agnostics (who don’t care

whether there is a god or not), and polytheists

(who believe in many gods).

Those who have an interest in the Revealed

Knowledge but do not study and practice. These

are the People of the Book.

The Believers (the Holy Quran calls these the

“People of Iman”) Who truly believe and try to

act upon. According to Fiqh, we can not call

these Muslims by birth the "People of the Book"

because the Holy Quran calls them "People of

Iman". So long as a person says the shahadah,

he or she is a member of this group. It is unwise

and not a matter of fact to call Muslims the

“People of the Book”.

But, for the purpose of dawah, we should

consider Muslims by name only in the second

category, without actually naming them the

“People of the Book”. This will assist us in

formulating our approach to giving dawah to

such Muslims.

“Ummah” is the Arabic term for the following of

a particular ideology or worldview. There is a

secular (ungodly) “Ummah”, and an Islamic

Ummah, which follows the world-view given by

Allah. The Islamic Ummah is called “Ummatan

Wasatan” (People of the middle path) in the Holy

Quran, because Islam is not a religion of

extremes.

“Millat” is the Arabic term for a community, a

group of people bound together by a common

race, culture or language.

“Qawm” is the term for a nation which is a group

of people bound together by territory and

political control.

The Islamic Ummah lasted for many centuries

after the end of Khulafa-Rashedeen. The

Islamic Ummah can be equated with Islamic

civilization.

When adulteration came into the religion, the

Islamic Ummah slowly became a community.

The community lasted while there was a Muslim

civilization there was a unified culture of Muslims

stretching from Spain until India. This community


lasted until the end of the Khalifa System

(around the 18th to 19th century.)

The Khalifa system was effectively ended by

the rise of British colonialism. With the end of

the Khalifa system, Muslims became divided

into nations.

CORRECT APPROACH

Muslims educated in the present Western system

are often impressed with the working of Western

Society, and the easy life and better management

it provides. But they do not realize the principles

that govern the society. This society of ours is

built upon riba and the exploitation of the poor

to benefit the rich. Muslims are often impressed

with the advancements in science and technology

made by the Western world, and seek to emulate

it. This is a dangerous approach.

It is essential for all Muslims to obtain

knowledge. But this knowledge must include the

base provided by the Holy Quran and the

Sunnah.

Western science is based on secularism and the

belief that there is no God in fact. Western

science is at odds with the Christian church and

has been so for many centuries. Much of

Western Science (e.g. the theory of evolution)

is concerned with trying to prove that there is

no god, and that humans can control everything.

In Islam, it is not possible to separate “religion”

and “Science”. The Holy Quran itself contains

many wonders of science. The great scientists

of the Islamic era were experts in religious

knowledge. For example, Ibn Sina excelled in

many fields. He made many advance events in

the medical field, and much of what is known

today about medicine flows from the discoveries

that he made. But Ibn Sina was also known for

his religious knowledge. He was a Hafiz by the

age of seven, and also a scholar of Islamic

Shariah.

Today’s Muslims must follow the same path.

Knowledge and advancement in science and

technology is admirable, even essential, but it

must be based on sound religious knowledge.

Without this if Muslims begin to excel in science

and technology, they will make the same

mistakes that Western Science is making

(e.g.using atomic energy for the atomic bomb,

which is now used for killing innocent people).

PROATIVE STEPS

When we hear somebody say something bad

against Islam, it is our duty to correct it. To apply

this in practice, we should follow these steps in

principle.

We must have the insight to realize what is right

and wrong in the statements or behaviours of

others. For this, it is essential that we increase

our knowledge of Islam. We should not react

immediately, but think for proaction.

Any behaviour, dialogue or action should be

performed politely, but firmly.

If the insult is personal, then we should deal with

it in the following two ways:


It is an attack (e.g. simply someone insulting you

out of spite), we should ignore it: If it is due to a

misunderstanding, then we should endeavour to

remove the underlying misunderstanding.

If the insult or wrong thing is against Islam or

Islamic personalities: If is a minor issue, at the

moment it should be ignored (but if we have an

opportunity later, we can discuss the point); it is

a major issue (e.g. it concerns the basic concepts

of Islam, or the fundamental practices of Islam

such as fasting, the forbidding of alcohol and

dancing), then we must start explaining the

correct version.

APPRAISAL OF THE SITUATION

Following is the brief development of the events

that led to the present situation. America was

the superpower of capitalism, and Russia was

the superpower of communism. They were afraid

of each other, and each tried to dominate over

the other like two bulls in a bullfight.

Afghanistan was attacked by Russia for access

to the Pacific Ocean (Russia is a landlocked).

The USA took the advantage, and the Afghans,

totally supported and helped by the USA,

helped to defeat Russia. Thus Afghanistan

became the graveyard of communism.

Due to the resurgence of Muslims and the revival

of Islam, the Muslim world started a

transformation, as far as the masses were

concerned. This gave a great worry to USA-

led capitalism about their domination of the

whole world.

The USA visualizes having full control over the

whole world, and having its own world order

implemented around the globe. To do this, they

have to crush the Muslim world, to the extent of

making it completely the USA’s stooge and

puppet.

FUTURE APPREHENSION

A believer in Islam has the full faith that the world

events are controlled and monitored by the Will

of Allah. Hence, the present atrocities and

responses are according to the Sunah of Allah.

Let us understand it properly.

The rulers and leaders in the Muslim world

are blindly following America’s ways, rather

than following the footsteps of the Holy

Prophet (S.A.W.).

Those in the Muslim world indulged in the

present atrocities are not fighting for Haqq

(Truth), because they are not following the

ways of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).

Therefore it can only be considered as an

aggression of one powerful group and the

retaliation by the other group.

If the Muslim world becomes the new

superpower, its rule would be far worse than

the rule of the Americans at present. The rulers

of the Muslim world at present are not serious.

The present situation can be compared to what

happened in the Middle Ages with the Tatars:

At the time the Tatars invaded the Muslim world,

the Muslims world was in a very bad state, and

Muslims were not living Islamically.


Similar is the state of the Muslims today. The

Tatars were barbaric and took over the Muslim

world by barbaric means, but then they reverted

to Islam.

The indications are that as a result of the present

conflict, both the USA led world and the Muslim

world will be destroyed, and a new development

a TRUE Islamic System will shape-up. This

would be established anywhere in the world.

ESTABLISHEMNT OF ISLAMIC

UMMAH

Islam, 14 centuries ago, led humanity when it

was neck deep in corruption and decadence.

The advent of Islam based on the revelation of

the Holy Quran gave re-birht to man. The

concepts and laws of the Holy Book introduced

a fresh understanding of life and its values and

of the whole world order.

The followers of Islam diverted towards

materialistic pursuits undermining religious values

and thus Islam was removed from leadership

giving place to various man-made ideologies

based upon materialism. This isolation of Islam

from the active leadership is the worst set back

that humanity has been suffering since then.

The Islamic Ummah is a special creation of

Allah. It was the group of believers under the

leadership of the last Prophet, Muhammad

(S.A.W.) to carry the mission of Amar bil

Maroof wa Nahi anil Munkar. (spreading

goodness and forbidding evil) under the servitude

and worship of One and only One Creator Lord

and Sustainer Allah. This Islamic Ummah

became united and remained united while it clung

to the rope of Allah, i.e. adhered in letter and

spirit to the Divine Guidance under the training

and teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).

The Islamic Ummah disintegrated and became

disunited by discarding the Quranic principles

and teachings of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.),

following their own interpretations and

innovations in Islam.

Hence the basic cause for all the calamities and

sufferings of the Muslim world is the disunity of

Muslims. There is one and only one world that

can bind the Ummah together and that is the

Word of Allah, the Divine Quran.

“And hold fast all of you together to the Rope

of Allah and be not divided among

yourselves” (Al-Quran, 3:103)

Ignoring all our differences, we should gather

together under the shade of the Holy Quran.

Making the Holy Quran our only arbitrator, we

can start living under true brotherhood and lay

aside our difference.

The tragedy is that the Muslims are ignorant

about the value and importance of the Holy

Quran. The Holy Book has not been properly

introduced to most of the Muslims.

Allah himself describes the Holy Quran as the

“Light” which enables people to find their own

way in the darkness of ignorance and prejudice;

“Healing for the ailments of the soul; “criterion”

to distinguish between right and wrong and the


“Guidance” to lead humanity to its destiny along

the “straight Path”.

Hence for being united as the Ummah

Islamiyyah, there is no shortcut except to follow

the principles and directives of the Words of

Allah that is called grabbing the Cord of Allah

and adore and emulate the Holy life of our

beloved Prophet (S.A.W.)

THE LINE OF ACTION

The Holy Quran is not a book of philosophy

just for intellectual development and for

collecting arguments to shut the mouth of the

opponents of Islam. The true nature of Islam

can be explained to contemporary Muslims and

the righteous Non-Muslims only when the

vigorous intellectual and practical campaign

of struggle” is carried out by the advocates

of Islam. The Holy Quran mostly deals with

faith as the basis of Islamic education and

Islamic practical code. According to the Holy

Quran, faith is the nucleus around which all

life revolves- the conscience, the intellect and

the practical sense.

MEANINGFUL DA’WAH WORK

Islam teaches us that we must do dawah it is

our religious obligation. Whether people will

accept our dawah or not is not in our hands;

hidayah (guidance) is given by Allah. Even the

Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was told by Allah that

his duty was simply to deliver the message, and

it was upto Allah to decide who would accept

the message and who would not.

Individuals who want to work towards the

spiritual uplift of Muslim society must closely

examine the whole life of the Holy Prophet

Muhammad (S.A.W.) before dawah and after

dawah.

The early life of our beloved Muhammad

before he became a prophet is an example

for every person who wants to do dawah.

Even in that stage of his life, he was deeply

concerned and troubled about the state of his

own people; excelled in providing service to

others; and was known as an exceedingly

honest and trustworthy person.

We must develop these traits in our services if

we want to be successful in doing dawah to

other Muslims. We must feel genuinely

concerned about our brothers and sisters, and

we must go out of our way in providing service

to them.

INWARD LOOKING

When the companions of the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) were unsuccessful in their endevours,

they would first look to themselves to see what

was lacking in themselves.

Individuals who want to do dawah to other

Muslims must examine their own lives and their

methods of doing dawah to see what is lacking.

It is very difficult to change society as a whole.

Dawah should be started by targeting individuals.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) himself spent the

majority of his time addressing individuals rather

than a large group.


We must start by targeting family members.

Every Muslim is a member of a family unit, and

his or her efforts must first be concentrated on

the other members of that family unit. We see

that one of the problems facing Muslims today

is that there are some outstanding individuals

who gain lots of knowledge and make much

effort in Dawah, but are unable to bring the same

level of inspiration in their own family members.

This indicates the ineffectiveness of the

personality of these individuals.

Those who wish to work for the uplift of Muslim

society, must also look at how they can inspire

children to come to the straight path. Much effort

is concentrated on adults, but not so much effort

is directed towards children. Adults and children

must be targeted equally.

There will be no instant results. We must look

at bringing about change in the long term over

several generations. If we target a few individuals

and a few families today, it may be that in a few

generations time, those individuals and families

will grow to a very large number.

One of the mistakes made by some Muslims

today is the wish to take “short cut”. Therefore,

they try to make other Muslims live an Islamic

life, rather than inspiring them to do so. The Holy

Prophet (S.A.W.) and the early Muslims were

spectacularly successful simply because they

were able to inspire others.

The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) lived among

his people, providing services to them. One of

the problems with some ‘Ulama today is that

they live an insular life-they do not mix with and

live among them. It is very difficult to inspire

people from afar, through books and preaching.

Those who have the most profound effect on

the lives of others are those who are involved in

their lives and interact with them regularly.

All of the above aims cannot be carried out by

one person alone. Those who have concern

about today’s Muslims must work together, in a

coherent, organized way. Working together is

essential because; All qualities cannot be found

in one person they-will only be found in a group

of people.

The method of doing Dawah must change with

times. Methods of communication that were

appropriate 100 years ago may no longer be

appropriate now. As society advances, those

who wish to do dawah to other Muslims must

also advance. In order to keep up with these

advances, it is essential to have good

coordination and management of concerned

Muslims.

One individual can make a mistake, or go off

on an incorrect tangent. If others are working

with him, they can correct him if he does

something wrong.

This network itself will need very good

management-allocating tasks according to

ability, as our beloved Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

did.

vvv


One of the main features of our planet is its frac-

tured nature. These fractures allow enormous

amount of molten rock to flow out and produce

these mid-oceanic ridges. Unless the earth has

these fractures that can communicate with the

areas of high heat flow below the Earth’s crust,

life on earth would have been virtually impos-

sible. One wonders how the Holy Prophet

(S.A.W.) knew these facts since he never rode

the sea. How would he know this unless he was

informed by Allah, the Creator.

THE SEA SET ON FIRE:

In Surah At-Tur (52:6), Allah swears an oath:

Wal Bahril Msjur, (By the sea set on fire.”)

Water and fire are incompatible, water quences

fire and fire causes water to evaporate and it is

virtually impossible to have water and fire in one

place. Therefore, early commentators on Holy

Qura’n thought in the first instance that the verse

probably is referring to Akhirah, the last hour,

because there is another verse which says: Wa

izal Biharu-sujjirat translated as: "When the

seas will be set on fire.” But the context of the

oath in Surah At-Tur is in our present day life.

They immediately said that it could not refer to

Akhirah, and has to refer to our worldly life.

Then they started looking for another meaning

for the word masjur, other than “set to fire.”

They found in the Arabic language that some of

SCIENTIFIC SIGNS IN THE QURA’N

EXAMPLES FROM THE AREA OF EARTH SCIENCE

Prf. Zaghloul El-Naggar

Special Islamic Feature

the meaning of sajjara means mala-a wa kaffa

(it has been filled with water and kept from trans-

gressing on land). This is true because we have

many instances in the history of our planet when

the seas encroached more on land than they do

today. We also know that the maximum amount

of fresh water on land is stored in the form of

ice caps in the two pole as well as at the peaks

of high mountains.

This massive amount of fresh water does not

need more than 4-5 degrees Celsius to melt and

4-5 degrees are nothing in the climatic changes

of our planet. If these ice caps were made to

melt, this can raise the water level of seas and

oceans by 100 metres or so and would be more

than enough to drown most of the present day

civilizations which lie very close to shore lines.

The commentators thus said that the meaning of

al-Bahirl masjur is not “the sea set on fire” but

“the sea that is filled with water and stopped

from transgressing on land.” This is correct, but

when the scientists went down to study the mid-

oceanic ridges, they found that they are all com-

posed of volcanic rocks. They also found that

the network of fault lines that traverse the planet

actually ooze magma at temperatures that ex-

ceed 1000 degree Celsius resulting in seas and

oceans that are actually set on fire. Water boil-

ing to super heated steam at temperatures of


200 degree Celsius or more. This is a fact that

came to our knowledge only in the late 60’s of

the century.

MOUNTAINS IN THE HOLY QURA’N:

Another striking example in the Holy Qura’n

relates the mountains. The Holy Qura’n speaks

about mountains in 49 different verses. In one

of these verses the Holy Qura’n describes

mountains as pege or pickets. “And the moun-

tain as pegs (Awtada) (78:7). If we take any

scientific or linguistic dictionary of today and look

for the meaning of mountain, we will find that

scientists define mountains as high elevations on

the surface of our planet. Elevations that exceed

610 m in hight are called mountains and any-

thing below this regarded as a hill.

Scientists have now come to realise that moun-

tains are not just surface elevations or protru-

sions, but that they extend 10-15 times their

surface elevations into the ground, and these are

called mountain roots. Mountain roots were

never known to scientists before the turn of this

century and they were highly debated until re-

cently. A peak like mount Everest, which is al-

most 9 km above the ground’s surface, has a

root that develops for more than 125 km inside

the Earth’s outer rocky layer. Just as the peg or

picket’s function is mainly to hold the tent sol-

idly to the ground, so too is the exact same role

of mountains. We have come to know that the

outer rocky layer of the Earth is fractured by

faults into plates that float on molten magma.

With the earth’s rotation around its own axis,

these floating plates would have been rapidly

moving had it not been for the stabilising influ-

ence of mountains. No soil could have accumu-

lated, no water could have been stored in the

soil, no plant could have germinated, no road

constructed, no house could have been built,

and life would have been impossible on our

planet. For this reason Allah showered his boun-

ties on man by fixing the earth with mountains.

Mountains act like pegs or pickets that hold the

continental masses down and stops them mov-

ing. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) is quoted to

have said in an authentic hadith that when Allah

created the earth it started to shake and jerk,

then Allah stabilised it with mountains.

IN OUR SOLAR SYSTEM:

The source iron (Fe), we read in the Holy

Qura’n: “Verily, We have sent down iron in

which there is great might and uses for human

beings.” (57:25) When the early commentators

of the Holy Qura’n tried to explain this verse,

they explained that anzalnaa (We have sent

down), was not a physical sending down but

meant that iron was created with the qualities of

strength and might. However, it has recently been

proven that all iron, not only in our planet but in

the entire solar system was obtained from outer

space. This is because the temperature of the

sun cannot generate iron. The sun has a surface

temperature of 6000 degree Celsius. There ex-

ists much hotter stars which are known as no-

vae or super novae where temperatures can

reach 100s of billions of degrees Celsius and it

is in these stars that iron is formed. When the

percentage of iron reaches a certain proportion

of mass of the star it explodes and these ex-

ploded particles travel in space until they are

captured by the gravitational fields of other heav-

enly bodies. This is how our solar system all

obtained its iron and it is an established fact to-

day that all the iron in our solar system was not

generated or created within the system but has

come to it from outer space.


Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, born on October 17,

1817, was one of those dynamic and

revolutionary personalities of history who have

moulded the destinies of nations and changed

the course of history. Endowed with a vision,

penetrating insight and perspicacity, he had

clearly read the portents of the coming age on

the horizon.

The impact of his towering personality on the

socio-political conditions of India in the 19th

century was very profound. He was, in fact, the

veritable morning star of Indian renaissance.

While laying the foundation stone of the MAO

College on January 8, 1877, Lord Lytton

characterised the event as the beginning of “an

epoch in the history of social progress in India”.

Maulana Azad in his convocation address at the

Aligarh Muslim University observed on

February 20, 1949: “The 19th century marked

a period of renaissance for the Indian spirit and

Aligarh was one of the centres of such

renaissance.” According to Sir Hamilton Gibb,

the institution founded by him was the “the first

modernist organization in Islam”. Allama Iqbal

was of the opinion that the impact of his towering

personality transcended the boundaries of the

SIR SYED’S RELEVANCE TO

CONTEMPORARY INDIAN SOCIETY

By Ishrat Ali Qureshi

sub-continent in bringing about transition from

medievalism to modern way of life and that it

accelerated the process of intellectual resurgence

in Asia.

Sir Syed stood for scientific temper of the mind,

rational and enlightened view of life, re-

interpretation of religion according to the thought

currents of the age without compromising on

fundamental tenets, comparative study of

religions, supremacy of reason in all matters-

spiritual or temporal, rigorous reasoning and

academic approach in defending Islam against

any uncharitable criticism, religious tolerance,

keeping pace with growth of knowledge, and

reviewing traditions, customs and the value

system of society with changing times and

enriching them with good things of other

developed civilizations, if compatible with Islamic

teachings. These views of the great Sir Syed

are as important today for keeping the Muslim

society dynamic and progressive as they were

in the 19th century.

As regards the Indian society, the importance

of Sir Syed as a seer, leader and guide can hardly

be overemphasized in the context of serious

problems facing the country today. Sir Syed was

true votary of Islam and true Indian. He said

Feature


what he believed, and practiced what he

preached. Secularism is an ideal with us; it was

a reality of life in human relationship with Sir

Syed. The portals of the MAO Collage,

established by him, had been thrown open to

members of all the communities from the very

beginning. There was no distinction whatsoever

between the Hindu and Muslim students.

Besides the MAO college which radiated with

the secular spirit of the great man, his personal

life too was a glowing example of his

professions. He admonished the Muslims of

Calcutta against raising a mosque on an

unauthorized piece of land which brought them

in conflict with the local Hindus.

He was against cow slaughter and would never

permit it within the premises of the MAO

college. In an article on cow slaughter, he advised

the Muslims: “If the giving up of cow slaughter

will establish amity and friendship between

Hindus and Muslims, then please do not sacrifice

cows, which is a thousand time better,” His

grandson Ross Masood, read the Kalima at

his Bismillah ceremony from the lap of Sir

Syed’s intimate Hindu friend, Raja Jai Kishan

Das. It was a remarkable incident in the annals

of Hindu-Muslim relations. The Raja was a

staunch Hindu and Sir Syed maintained a

separate kitchen for him in his house and would

not permit its sanctity to be violated even by his

toddling grandson. It was through the efforts of

Sir Syed that the Raja succeeded him as

Secretary of the Scientific Society.

When once cholera broke out in North Western

Provinces, he worked day and night looking after

Hindus and Muslims alike with such dedication

that every one admired his humanitarian spirit.

In a letter addressed to Mohsinul Mulk from

England (dated April 29, 1870) he wrote: “My

temperament is such that I want the welfare of

all inhabitants of India, whether Hindu or

Muslim.” As a member of the legislative Council

he served all the people of India alike. Examples

can be multiplied. It was for this reason that the

Punjab Observer wrote on February 6, 1897:

The venerable Syed is like a great solitary plam

in boundless desert and serves as a landmark

both for Hindus and Musalmans.” Again, the

President of the Indian Association, Lahore, in

his welcome address presented to Sir Syed in

1884, observed: “Your highly useful career in

the Legislative Council of India can only be

touched upon here. Your impartial care for all

classes, your manly and faithful representation

of national views and your vigilant regard for

national interests, while acting in that body,

deserve the warmest acknowledgements from

us and our countrymen.” On another occasion

the Association paid glowing tributes to Sir Syed

in these words: “Not the least remarkable feature

of your public career has been the breadth of

your views and your liberal attitude towards

sections of the community other than your own

co-religionists. Your conduct throughout has

been stainless of bias or bigotry. The benefits of

the noble educational institution you have

established at Aligarh are open alike to Hindus

as well as Muslims…. Long may you be spared

to inculcate knowledge among Muslims and

Hindus alike and by eradicating prejudice and


bigotry from their minds, to unite them in the

firm bonds of fraternal union”.

Sir Syed was the earliest of the Indian leaders

to conceive of India as a secular nation. He had

the greatest respect for all religions. In Khutbat-

i-Ahmadiya he wrote: “Our conviction is that

the righteous people, to whatever religion they

might belong, deserve our respect and regards

as the righteous people of our own religion.”

He believed that the progress and development

of the country could be ensured only through

the united efforts of all the people. “It is the first

and foremost duty of all the well-wishers of the

country to strive for the welfare of all the people,

irrespective of their caste or religion. For, just

as human life and its health is not possible without

the soundness of all the organs of the body, the

prosperity of a nation is also not possible without

all-round progress of the country.” He regarded

all the inhabitants of India as one nation.

In his speech at Patna on January 27, 1883 he

said: “Please remember that the Hindu and

Muslim are religious terms. In fact, all the

inhabitants of India whether Hindu, Muslim or

Christian, are by virtue of their residence one

nation….The time is past when merely on the

ground of religion the inhabitants of one country

could be regarded as members of two nations.”

Addressing a meeting at Lahore on February 3,

1884, he remarked: By the word, Qawm I do

mean both Hindus as well as Muslims. It is in

this context that I refer here to the word Qawm.

For me it is immaterial as to what their religious

belief is, because we cannot observe it. But what

we do take into account is the fact that all of us,

no matter whether Hindus or Muslims, are sons

of one and the same soil. Our benefits and

advantages stem from one and the same source.

On this account I always use the same word for

both the communities living in India, that is to

say the word ‘Hindus’ or the inhabitants of India.

When I was a member of the Legislative

Council, the welfare of this very nation was my

main anxiety.” He preached this view relentlessly.

Delivering a speech at Gurdaspur on Jannuary

27, 1884, he advised his countrymen in these

words, “We (Hindus and Muslims) should try

to become one heart and soul and act in unison;

if united, we can support each other. If not, the

effect of one against the other would tend to the

destruction and downfall of both Hindu and

Muslim brethren. Do you people belong to any

country other than Hindustan? Are you not

burned and buried on the same soil? Remember

that the words, Hindu and Muslim, are only

meant for religious distinction otherwise all

persons whether Hindus or Muslims, even the

Christians who reside in this country, are one

and the same nation. Then all these different

sects can be described as one nation. All of them

must unite for the good of the country which is

common to all.” His writings and speeches are

replete with similar statements and one can go

on quoting him adlibitum on the subject. There

was no other leader in the 19th century who

wrote and spoke so incessantly and so forcefully

about communal harmony and the unity of the

country as Sir Syed did. According to Hali,

patriotism was an article of faith with Sir Syed.

In a speech delivered at Agra, on August 25,

1921. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad said that the


Prophet (S.A.W.) on his Hijrat to Madina

entered into an agreement of peace and mutual

cooperation with all the non-Muslim tribes

residing in or around Madina to constitute one

ummah (nation). The actual words used in the

agreement were innahu Ummatun wahidah ‘we

are one nation.’

Sir Syed is views about ‘nation’, communal

harmony, and secularism, are elements of

permanent value that he contributed to the Indian

society. These views are much more relevant

today than in his own time. Today the country is

on the brink of disaster. The nation is strife-torn.

The monster of communalism and terrorism is

at large claiming many a precious life and

destroying property worth crores of rupees day

in and day out. Conflicts and quarrels based on

religion, political ideology, region and caste are

rampant in the Indian society. Fascist,

fissiparous, divisive and subversive forces are

bent upon destroying the unity and integrity of

the country. In these circumstances the teachings

of the great Syed would surely serve as the

beacon light.

Sir Syed has been very much misunderstood

and even maligned by uncharitable critics for

advising the Muslims to avoid any confrontation

with the British Government. Pandit Jawaharlal

Nehru was perhaps the first prominent Indian

leader who fully appreciated the predicament

of Sir Syed and observed in the Discovery of

India. “The Hindus, half a century ahead in

Western education, could indulge in this pastime

of criticizing the Government, but he (Sir Syed)

had counted on full cooperation of that

government in his educational undertaking and

he was not going to risk this by any premature

step. Sir Syed’s decision to concentrate on

Western education for Muslims was

undoubtedly a right one. Without that they could

not have played any effective part in the building

of Indian nationalism of the new type, and the

would have been doomed to play second fiddle

to the Hindus, with their better education and

far stronger economic position. The Muslims

were not historically or ideologically ready then

for the bourgeoisie nationalist movement as they

had developed no bourgeoisie, as the Hindus

had done. Sir Syed’s activities, therefore,

although seemingly very moderate, were in the

right revolutionary direction.”

The importance of Sir Syed has not diminished

with the passage of time. In fact his teachings,

ideals and policies are much more relevant today

than in his own time not only to the Indian

Muslims, not only to the academic community

of Aligarh, but to the Indian society as a whole.

He was surely one of the greatest sons of India

ever born. Today when the monsters of

communalism, terrorism and casteism are

making determined bid to tear apart the

democratic and secular fear fabric of the Indian

polity, the importance of Sir Syed’s views can

hardly be overemphasized to preserve the unity

and territorial integrity of India. The ideals and

values the great man stood for, are indeed of

abiding significance and will go down the

corridors of time as ever fresh and new to guide

us on the right path.


It is out of the mercy of Allah, that we are

able to live long enough to witness the

succession of the days and months, which

bring the various seasons of mercy. Through such

seasons we can gain an abundance of rewards.

The Hajj season is one such blessed occasion.

There are two types of people who witness this

season; those who have not made the intention

to perform the pilgrimage and those who have.

People of the second category will be

proceeding towards the holy city of Makkah

from all corners of the globe. They shall come

in flocks, answering the call of their Creator,

uttering the words of talbiyah, seeking to

perform the rites of Hajj, yearning for His

forgiveness and bounty. However, to the first

category of people, we would like to offer a

few words of advice.

Many amongst us have the health and means to

go on Hajj, so why are we so reluctant? Are we

not aware of Allah’s statement: “A pilgrimage to

the House (Kaaba) is a duty that mankind owes

to Allah, those who can afford the expenses;

but if any deny faith Allah stands not in need of

any of His creatures” (Aale-Imran:97)

Indeed Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam as

confirmed in the following Hadeeth of our holy

HAJJ:

A DUTY UPON MANKIND

Islamic Feature

Prophet (S.A.W.):

“Islam is built on five (pillars); to testify that

there is no deity (worthy of worship) but Allah

and that Muhammad is His Messenger,

performing the salat, paying the Zakat, fasting

in Ramadhan and (performing) Hajj to the

House of Allah by those who find the means

to do so.” Agreed upon)

It is therefore, incumbent upon every Muslim

who is capable of performing Hajj to make the

intention to go. If you were to pass away from

this world without performing this duty while

being able to do so, then you would be sinful

for that. It is therefore wise to fulfill the duty of

performing Hajj at the first available opportunity.

This is why the Prophet (S.A.W.) advised;

“Hasten to (perform) Hajj for one of you does

not know what impediment might come in his

way” (Ahmad).

It is indeed a serious neglect of our duty if we

keep postponing the performance of Hajj. Listen

to the stern statement by Umar Ibn Khattab,

(R.A.) on this matter:” I am contemplating to

send (my) men to the provinces to book for those

who have the financial means but do not perform

Hajj, to impose Jiza on them. They are not

Muslims, they are not Muslims.” (Al-Baihaqi).


As for the second category of people-those

who by the mercy of Allah, will be performing

the Hajj this year insha Allah——We would

like to share the following words of advice.

PURIFYING THE INTENTION

It goes without saying that in any act of worship,

one should purify his intention , making it purely

for Allah’s pleasure alone. Hence, we should

make the intention that whatever is going to be

spent in the course of the Hajj trip and whatever

is being performed of the Hajj rites, are only for

the sake of drawing closer to Allah.

STUDYING THE RITES OF HAJJ

Before embarking on Hajj, we should be

acquainted with the necessary knowledge on

how to perform them correctly. It should be in

accordance with the way of our teacher, Prophet

Muhammad (S.A.W.) who has instructed us;”

Take my example in performing the rites (of

Hajj); (Muslim).

This is necessary in order to make the Hajj

acceptable, avoiding all innovations, as well as

to maximize our rewards. Also, do not forget

that missing out on performing certain rites would

incur certain kinds of atonement, such as having

to slaughter a sheep, for example.

LEAVING SUFFICIENT PROVISIONS

It is incumbent upon the one who is intending to

go on Hajj that those whom he is responsible

for, should be left with enough provisions for

life’s necessities. Also, one should leave them in

a secure state without any major worries.

COMPLETE AND SINCERE

REPENTANCE

Allah instructs us to seek His forgiveness “and

turn unto Allah (in repentance) all together,

O believers, in order that you may succeed,”

(An-noor:31).

Performing the obligation of Hajj is one of the

means of attaining our Creator’s pleasure. We

should therefore strive to make sincere

repentance for our past, present and future sins.

However, a complete repentance should

encompass.

* Leaving any sinful act

* Expressing our guilt and regret for committing

such acts

* making the intention never to return to those

sinful acts

* Returning goods, etc. to the wronged ones as

a result of such sinful acts.

USING HALAL EARNINGS

We should choose to finance our Hajj, from

Halal earnings only, if not, the Hajj may not be

accepted.

CHOOSING GOOD COMPANY

Selecting to travel with a companion who is

knowledgeable and fearful of Allah would be a

wise step to take. Such a companion would help

remind us if we forget, and teach us if we are

less knowledgeable. These kinds of acts are

sought after with enthusiasm and pleasure by

those who are fearful of Allah.

OBSERVING ISLAMIC MANNERS OF

TRAVELS

We should not forget the Islamic manners and

etiquettes when travelling. For instance, uttering


the words of Takbeer, (i.e. saying; Allahu Akbar)

every time we ascend up a hill, or even when

the aeroplane is ascending to the sky and uttering

the words of Tasbeeh,(i.e.saying” subhana

Allah”) every time we down a hill, or when the

aeroplane descends and so on.

BEING PREPARED FOR AND PATIENT

IN HARDSHIP

It should be understood that during Hajj, we

are bound to come across some hardships, be

it difficulties in transportation, harsh weather

conditions, etc. However, we should always

remember that we are not on some relaxing

holiday! If we counter harassment of any kind,

by an ignorant person for example, then we

should be patient and avoid retaliating, We

should have a humble, submissive attitude, and

display courtesy and a good character towards

other pilgrims. Remember, being patient whilst

being mistreated by others, is a means of gaining

more rewards.

LOWERING ONE’S GAZE

We must be aware that some unlawful scenes

could be encountered. It is incumbent to avert

one's gaze immediately in such events.

Finally, we ask Allah to accept the sincere efforts

of all those who are following the footsteps of

their forefather, Ibrahim, (A.S.) in making the

pilgrimage to Allah’s Sacred House, and to grant

them His forgiveness. Also, may He, empower

all His servants with every necessary means, as

well as a heart brimming with His love and the

provision of taqwa, to be able to perform Hajj

soon, A’meen!

THE BEAUTIFUL AND

PATHETIC PRAYER OF

PROPHET IBRAHEEM

(A.S.)

“And remember Abraham (Ibrahim)

said: “My Lord, make this a City of

Peace, and feed its people with fruits,

such of them as believe in Allah and the

Last Day”. He said: “(Yea), and such as

Reject Faith, for a while will I grant them

their pleasure, but will soon drive them

to the torment of Fire, and evil

destination (indeed)! “And remember

Abraham and Ismail raised the

foundations of the House (with this

prayer): Our Lord! Accept (this service)

from us: for You are the All-Hearing, the

All-Knowing Our Lord! Make of us

Muslims, bowing to Your (Will), and of

our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to

Your (Will); and show us our places for

the celebration of (due) rites; and turn

unto us (in Mercy); For You are the Oft-

Relenting Most Merciful. Our Lord! Send

amongst them a Messenger of their own,

who shall rehearse Your Signs to them

and instruct them in Scripture and

Wisdom, and purify them: For You are

the Exalted in Might, the Wise”

(Surah Al-Baqrah, 2:126-129)

***


Date: 11.7.2016

The Editor,

The Times of India

New Delhi

Subject: The baseless report of Times of In-

dia against Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth

Hind.

Dear Sir,

With reference to your news clip compiled by

Indrani Bagchi and text under-box prepared by

Aarti Tikoo Singh “Salafi Islam and its Indian

face” appeared in Times of India dated July 8th,

2016 page 16. It is but natural for us to protest

on this baseless and concocted report against

an organization of the stature of Markazi Jamiat

Ahle Hadeeth Hind (founded in 1906).

Your report on Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth

Hind is mischievous and against journalistic

ethic. We reject it and refute it. The need of the

hour, in the greater interest of the nation, is that

the media should contribute to maintain and pre-

serve the multi-religious and multi-cultural fab-

ric of the nation, and every department and sec-

tion should avoid hate-speech and hate-writing

so that every citizen of the nation may go “with

his head held high”.

It is shocking that Times of India group dubbed

that Wahabism advocates purging world of

Idolatry, practices like worship of saints and has

three major streams within Salafism. One of them

is Jihadists restoring to violence to impose

Wahabism. The Times of India group levelled

charges of “The most radical, puritanical move-

ment within Sunni Islam” against Markazi Jamiat

Ahle Hadeeth Hind. The claim is mischievous

and without any factual proof. However, Dr.

Zakir Naik, has no any kind of association with

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind. Markazi

Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind is an independent or-

ganization. Dr. Zakir Naik is an independent

Islamic scholar and preacher.

It should be noted that Markazi Jamiat Ahle

Hadeeth Hind on 13-15th March 2004 made

its main point to raise a forcefull voice against

terrorism at Pakore, Jharkhand. The Markazi

Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind held a seminar at

Ansari Auditorium, Jamia Millia Islamia,New

Delhi against terrorism on March 18, 2006.

There a collective Fatwa was also issued against

terrorism. Another convention against terrorism

was held by Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind

on July 22, 2006 attended by Mr. V.P Singh

(former Prime Minister of India), Mr. Shivraj

Patel then Union Home Minister and Mr. E.

Ahmad then Deputy Foreign Minister Govt. of

India. At that occasion it was your kind gesture

(A letter of protest responding to TOI's baseless report on July 8, 2016 against

Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind was sent to the Editor Times of India high-

lighting the Jamiat's views on terrorism, extremism and harmony to maintain

multi- religious and multi-cultural fabric of the nation. Acknowledging the

Jamiat's peaceful and positive views TOI published a brief report favouring

the Jamiat views in TOI dated July 14, 2016. The Jamiat's letter and TOI news

report are bing reproduced for the reader's record.)


that you sent your correspondent Mr. Ashwin

Ahmad covering the meet and he took an inter-

view of Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi,

General Secretary, Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth

Hind with variety of questions. Maulana had said

that we believe in a secular India. We have con-

demned all terrorist acts where they are by

Laden or any other group. The organization also

provided up its various literature to the corre-

spondent. The Interview appeared in Times of

India dated 23 July 2006.

The 29th All India Ahle Hadeeth conference on

18-19 October 2008 in Delhi on “Message of

Islam to the Humanity” was also the continua-

tion of this chain of deliberation against terror-

ism. The Jamiat had issued a call to its mem-

bers, preachers, Ulama and students to desist

from all sorts of violence and anti-national acts.

The preachers were requested to deliver ser-

mons on Friday Khutba that violence and ter-

rorism are forbidden in Islam. Bomb blasts, sui-

cide attack, destruction of life and property of

innocent persons, kidnapping are major sins.

One who disturbs the peace and harmony in

the society commits great moral sins.

On April 11, 2010 another conference was held

in Delhi and anti-terror Fatwa in Hindi and Urdu

were issued by Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav (Ex-

Railway Minister) and Shrimati Sheila Dikshit

(Chief Minister of Delhi) respectively.

Another symposium was held on February 15,

2015 against ISIS and its terrorist acts. A Fatwa

was issued by Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth

Hind against them and their atrocities.

We express our anguish at the treatment of the

story against Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind

and demand the Times of India to publish its

apology on the matter highlighting our views that

we preach love, peace, harmony and brother-

hood as well as we condemn terrorism, extrem-

ism, violence and anti-national acts.

With good wishes and sincere regards.

Sincerely Yours,

Maulana Asghar Ali Imam Mahdi Salafi

General Secretary Markazi Jamiat Ahle

Hadeeth Hind

(Times of India, Dated: July 14, 2016)

vv


Markazi Jamiate Ahle Hadeeth is conduct-

ing its 17th All India Contest of Memorization,

Tajweed and Tafseer of Holy Quran on Satur-

day-Sunday (20-21 August, 2016, (16-17,

Dhul Qada, 1437) at Ahle Hadeeth Complex,

Okhla, New Delhi with a lot of attractive prizes.

THE CATEGORIES:

1. Memorization of Holy Quran, Tajweed

wa Qira‘at and it’s related questions (30 para);






wa Qira‘at and it’s related questions (5 para)

5. Nazira Recitation of Holy Quran with

Tajweed and Qira‘at and its related questions

(30 para);

6. Translation and Tafseer of Sura An –

Noor, Al – Furqan, Muhammad, Al – Hujarat

and Al – Tilaq (Written Test).

IMPORTANT EXPOSITION: If there

are less than 5 contestants in any of the catego-

ries, Jamiat has right to cancel the contest of

that category.

17th ALL INDIA COTEST OF

MEMORISATION, TAJWEED,

AND TAFSEER OF HOLY QURA’N

Activities at Head Quarter

LAST DATE OF REGISTRATION: 23

18 August, 2016.

CONDITIONS: (1) Application should be

on prescribed forms available at Ahle Hadeeth

Manzil, Jama Masjid, Delhi-6 (2) The applicant

should not be more than 25 year old. (3) Should

not be among celebraty Qurra of the country;

(4) Have not participated in any international

contest of Tajweed and Qira‘at; (5) Should not

have participated in the same category before.

(6) The application must reach to the office at

least 5 days prior to the contest; (7) The photo-

copy of certificates must be attached with the

application. The original copy must be presented

at the time of contest; (8) The nomination must

come from a Muslim Organisation or Institute;

(9) Unacquainted candidates with Tajweed

would be debared from the contest.

DETAILS AND FORMS MAY BE

OBTAINED FROM: Committee of Tajweed,

Memorization and Tajweed, Markazi Jamiat

Ahle Hadeeth, Ahle Hadeeth Manzil, 4116, Urdu

Bazar, Jama Masjid, Delhi 110006. Phone:011-

23273407, Fax:011-23246613,

Email: [email protected]

vv

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