Text Box:  JALSA SALANA SPEECHES 2012  Opening Speech Hazrat Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir A. Azim (atba) (Friday 05 October 2012 ~ 18 Dhul-Qaddah 1433 AH) After greeting everybody with the Salutation of Peace in Islam, the Khalifatullah (atba) read the Tashahhud, Ta’uz, Surah Al-Fatiha, and then said: A society is made up of a number of individuals. That’s why Islam has provided a lot of directions for the freedom, progress and protection of the individual. The individual has been granted full liberty of conscience by this revelation to the Prophet (saw): “LA IKRAHA FIDDIN” There’s no compulsion in religion. Each member has a mind of his own and is free to make his own choice. Man has been granted a free will and he can make use of his own judgement. He is not an automation directed by a blind force. This freedom of conscience, this liberty to choose and make our own destiny, that has been granted to every individual member as his birthright is considered – and justly so – to be the greatest blessing of God to humanity. “ALL MEN ARE BROTHERS” No discrimination For man’s progress many avenues have been opened. Various are the ways and means at his disposal to make a headway in life. All barriers have been removed from his path. Islam recognise no BAR whatsoever, be it of colour, birth, rank, caste or faith. All men are equal in the eyes of God and all have been given equal opportunities. Differences in pigmentation and language have been explained clearly in the following verse of the Holy Quran: “And among His signs are the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your tongues and colours. In that surely are signs for those who possess knowledge.” (30: 23) In the same way Islam explains the way and wherefore of the various clans, tribes and races: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognise one another. Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (49: 14) The mere fact of belonging to a particular people should not qualify one for an honourable rank in society but only good deeds should do so. As for the protection of the life, property, and honour of man, the Holy Prophet of Islam made a clear and lucid statement in his farewell sermon on the occasion of his last pilgrimage. “Verily your blood, your property and your honour are as sacred to you as are indeed sacred the Day, this month, this city.” During the month of pilgrimage, it is strictly forbidden to kill anything – even the life of a louse has to be respected. There are the principles on which rests the superstructure of the individual. Each member of society feels a sense of security and internal peace. Each one has a burning zeal and ardour to work courageously and boldly, for the progress and development of the nation and the country. Each individual’s heart is kindled with a patriotic love that causes him to be always ready to lay down his life for his motherland. That’s the real spirit behind the rapid advances made by certain nations. God Himself is pleased with the manifestation of such a spirit. THE FAMILY – BASIC UNIT FOR SOCIETY Another infrastructural unit for human society is the family. To constitute a family, the most important part is the relationship between man and woman. Just as Islam has laid down certain rules for the honour and responsibility of man, it has placed woman also on the same footing with respect to man. The Holy Quran says: “They are a garment for you and you are a garment for them.” (2: 188) Besides, the Quran has placed both man and woman on the same status of equality so far as their rights are concerned by declaring: “O you who believe! It is not lawful for you to inherit a woman against their will; nor should you detain them wrongfully that you may take away part of that which you have given them, except they be guilty of a flagrant evil; and consort with them in kindness, and if you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing wherein Allah has placed much good.” (4: 20) Moreover, the following verse of the Holy Quran shows the basis of the relationship between men and women: “And one of His signs is this, that He has created wives for you from among yourselves that you may find peace of mind in them, and He has put love and tenderness between you. In that surely are signs for a people who reflect.” (30: 22) The only means of creating a relationship between man and woman is marriage. In today’s world the choice of a partner is made on the following consideration: beauty, wealth and social standing. That’s the reason why difficulties arise and multiply, in social life. Our Holy Prophet (saw) has said: “The first thing to consider when a partner is sought for is virtue and moral standing.” Beauty, wealth and social rank are transient things. The only thing durable and permanent is virtue which is an asset in a partner and which helps to tide over all the difficulties that crop up in conjugal life. After marriage, the best way to entertain good relationship among families has been summed up by the Holy Prophet in these words: “The best among you is the one who treats his wife best, and I act better than you towards my family.” WHY DIVORCE? In spite of these guidance and exhortations, it may be that human choice proves defective for some reason or other. It may happen that the married couple does not enjoy a blissful life owing to incompatibility of temperament, or as it may be said in this age of science, because husband and wife are not turned to the same wavelength. In these circumstances Islam has made the provision of divorce although our Holy Prophet (saw) has said: “Of all the permissible things divorce is the most hateful before God.” May be this accounts for several Muslim husbands and wives living separately for years and not divorcing for they have been told that divorce is the most heinous thing in the sight of God. On the other hand, we see that in western countries they go to the divorce court for very trifling reasons. Islam ordains that in a case of difficulties between a husband and a wife, both parties should appoint responsible people from their own families to act as mediators who would try to bring about a reconciliation. Consequently the Holy Quran says: “And if you fear a breach between them, then appoint an arbitrator from her folk. If they (the arbitrators) desire reconciliation, Allah will effect it between them. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.” (4: 36) However, if the mediation fails and the reconciliation becomes impossible then they resort to divorce, just as a surgical operation becomes necessary, when other remedies prove inefficacious. In the divorce case, too, Islam asks the husband to deal equitably with his wife as regards her financial situation. The wife has no right to remarry until three menses are over. If she is pregnant, the husband has to provide for her till she has delivered. The husband has to support his wife and so all financial burdens are put on his shoulders, although the wife may be an earning member of the family and earn even more than her husband. NO TO ADULTERY BUT YES TO POLYGAMY BUT… I am convinced that the Islamic teaching regarding marriage and divorce can help to solve many social problems and eradicate the many ills human flesh is heir to. Many unsuccessful marriages are due to the fact that both men and women do not have a proper control over their carnal passion and are inclined towards adultery and fornication. This social evil has taken vast proportions and has become a cancer worm of society. Prostitution has become a sort of trade and has been legalised in many countries and is on the way of being legalised in other countries according to certain newspaper reports. Thus a very big social evil, an evil condemned by all religions, which has gotten a social status and official recognition by the laws of the several countries of the world. According to Islam, adultery is the enemy NUMBER ONE of society and is punishable by law. However, in certain circumstances a husband is compelled to seek the companionship of another woman, for example, if a wife is contaminated with leprosy, suffer from some incurable disease, or is barren and cannot bring forth children to satisfy the paternal craving of her husband. In the same way there may be a surplus of women in a country as it happened after the last world war. In these circumstances is it advisable that men and women should live a free licentious life, commit adultery and give birth to countless unwanted babies that would become a burden to society and to government? Not at all. To meet this emergency Islam has given permission to man to marry more than one wife when the need arises, but he should not exceed four wives. Besides all the wives should receive equal treatment which is not an easy affair. The world that was anti-Islam on the question of divorce has had to resort to it through legislation. The same world is up to now against POLYGAMY with the ills attendant upon such a measure. Let us hope it will come up to the standard of Islam and make special legislation to adopt and legalise Polygamy as it is far better than adultery. UPBRINGING OF CHILDREN Now I should like to say a few words on the Islamic teachings concerning the right upbringing of children. Islam has laid a strong emphasis on this point. Many social evil can be removed by the way we bring up our children, and the future generation may be saved from a lot of difficulties if kids are brought up properly and made to follow certain lines of conduct. Because we belong to diverse religion and diverse races, our children grow up with certain prejudices that could be eliminated through proper education in their very childhood. Let us teach our children to love one another irrespective of caste, colour or cult. Let us tell them that the same blood courses through their veins and the incidence of birth in different homes does not make them different from one another. All children are equal and hence they should love one another. The fact of belonging to such a religion or such a race does not make one superior and another inferior. All are children of God and there should be no ill-feelings, rancour or hatred among them. PARTNER FOR MARRIAGE – FAMILY LIFE The first guidance offered to us by the religion of Islam is that husband and wife should marry on the basis of virtue and good moral standing. All psychologists agree on the point that the moral standing of parents leave an abiding impression on the children born of their union. Another guidance is that at the moment of this sexual relationship the father and mother say this prayer: “O our God, keep us away from Satan and keep Satan away from us.” That is at the moment of planting the seed it is necessary to invoke the blessings of God so that the fruit thereof may be good and wholesome. Then when the child is born, the Azan and Iqamat (calls to prayer) are read in the baby’s ears. Thus on the clear and virgin tape of its mind some good words are recorded. We have the examples of Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Zakariyya who offered repeatedly special prayers on behalf of their children. As if Islam lays down the responsibilities upon parents to start praying for children even before their birth so that the children when born may become good and respectable citizens capable of coping with the difficulties of life and fighting the social evils of their time. The Holy Quran further says: “Do not kill your children through fear of poverty.” That is to say, parents should spare no expenses but rather consent to a lot of sacrifices, to bring up their children properly and give them a sound education. They should also see to it that apart from the right upbringing, the children receive the best of cares, so far as their physical health is concerned. Hazrat Muhammad (saw) has even asked parents to have a strong control upon themselves and not to be in a hurry to bring forth one baby after another. The husband must know approximately the moment when his wife does not ovulate so that he can have sexual relations with her, so that this can act as a precaution till their child is weaned with its mother, and thus afterwards they can plan to have another baby with the permission of Allah. Family life should be planned in such a way that both husband and wife should profit by it and that evil also should not be propagated in the world as it is the case today with PILLS. Islam does not allow Family Planning on the ground of undernourishment or shortage of food. The food production is increasing daily. According to the Holy Quran one seed can yield 700 and even more. One shining principle in the proper bringing up of children has been thus enunciated by the Holy Prophet of Islam (saw): “Honour and trust children and cultivate the spirit of TRUST in them.” DIRECTIVES FOR A BETTER SOCIETY Now, allow me to pinpoint certain directives offered by Islam to get rid of some social evils and build a better and progressive society: 1. There should be a good relationship between the high and the low, the aged and the young. 2. Beggary is looked down on with extreme displeasure. The Holy Prophet (saw) has said: “The hand of the donor is better than the hand of the taker.” There came a period in history when people had charity to give but there were no takers. 3. With regard to our neighbours, the needy and the orphans, the Holy Quran has laid this order: “And worship Allah and associate naught with Him and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful.” (4: 37) 4. Although Islam has rendered the State responsible to cater for the primary needs of mankind as food, clothing and housing, yet it has said that the best earning in what man gets by the sweat of his own brow. 5. Many disputes take place because a head of household throws rubbish in the street or in front of a neighbour’s house. Islam has given clear directions on this matter and has even gone so far as to say that it’s a good action to remove harmful things from the road. In the same way Islam does not permit one to enter a house without the owner’s permission. When a person returns to his own house he should inform the inmates and say Salaam to them. 6. In the same way to promote love and friendship Islam has recommended the exchange of gifts between neighbours and friends. The best gift is the offering of the prayerful wish called “Assalamu Alaikum”, that is, May peace be with you. 7. Many of the social evils of our country can be removed by the leading of a simple life. Our food, our clothing, our way of life should be based on simplicity and moderation. The simpler we are the better we win friendship. 8. To avoid the clash between capital and labour, the Industrial court could follow this golden rule: “The artisan should be given his wages – an adequate one – before the sweat on his body has dried up,” as has said our Holy Prophet (saw). 9. To end this series of directions I quote a verse of the Holy Quran, in Surah Al-Maida: “Help one another in righteousness and piety; but help not one another in sin and transgression.” (5: 3) My message is, we should work in close cooperation with one another towards the betterment of society and nation. We should not injure anybody by our hands or our tongues. If we share one another’s joys and sorrows there is no reason why we should not live a life of peace and harmony in this world. Surely then God will bless us and help us. (Amin)   Speech on Education  Hazrat Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir A. Azim (atba) (Saturday 06 October 2012 ~ 19 Dhul-Qaddah 1433 AH) After greeting everybody with the Salutation of Peace in Islam, the Khalifatullah (atba) read the Tashahhud, Ta’uz, Surah Al-Fatiha, and then said: By the grace of Allah, I am presenting before you today, especially our youths and the parents, a message which I initially received from Allah during a Safar Zikrullah in the Divine Manifestation of this era, so that you may profit from the same blessings and advices which come from both Allah and His humble Muhyi-ud-Din of this era. And that you may keep away from the harm which Allah and His Muhyi-ud-Din are warning you about, and that you may reform yourselves in such a way that you become the true soldiers of Islam. I know that it is not easy to just reform all at once, but when there is a will, there is a way. When there is trust and firmness in Allah, then Allah Himself shall help you. Therefore listen carefully to what Allah and this humble self have to tell you: O you, the youth, Hope of a new day… You are like pure gold. You are endowed with noble qualities. Your life is very precious. But some evil-minded people may try to put you on the wrong path. Even if others try to mislead you, do not deviate from your chosen path. Stand firm. You will then, Insha’Allah, acquire a good name and the whole world will praise you. But if you lose your character, you will ruin your life. O Muhyi-ud-Din! Tell them, this is My advice to all of you regarding your education. O members of the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, nobody (nowadays truly) teaches moral education; Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam will teach people Moral Education, Insha’Allah. Morality is the most important aspect of education. Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows. Therefore, cultivate morality. That will earn you a good name in society. Have full confidence in Allah. Allah is your Sole Refuge wherever you may be, in a forest, in the sky, in a city or a village, on the top of a mountain or in the middle of deep sea. Cultivate noble qualities. I am prepared to give everything to those who cultivate noble qualities and to those who teach them. Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam has been created to put you on the virtuous path. Lead a noble life and earn a good name. This is what your Rab, expect from you. You must be in a position to receive My Grace. I am yours and you are Mine. Try to understand My love for you. Character is your Greatest Protection in life. Do not feel proud that you are pursuing higher education. It is not worth even the alms a beggar gets in the street. Instead of craving for degrees, one should cultivate noble qualities. Education without character is useless. In fact, education finds its fruition in character. Today many students read useless books. Such books should not be sold in the market. The Sahib-al-Faraj, the Muntaqa, the Mujtaba and the young Siraj Makin should read only such books, which develop their character. They should participate in sports and games in the true spirit of sportsmanship. This advice applies equally to the Mujtaba and young Siraj Makin as well. O Muhyi-ud-Din! You know, today there are a large number of educational institutions all over the world, but nobody seems to have understood what education really means. Students fill their heads with mere bookish knowledge, write examinations, secure pass marks and claim that they are educated. This process of teaching and learning does not reveal eternal truths to the learner. True education is that which develops your inner vision, provides spiritual illumination and helps you experience everlasting bliss. In what way are the students benefited by the present system of education? They merely acquire degrees without understanding the real significance of education. Modern system of education is making the students narrow-minded instead of developing their power of discrimination. It neither imparts true wisdom nor does it help them to become broad-minded. Education today has therefore become meaningless. The textbooks that are prescribed for students do not contain the essence of true education. It is surprising how the government sanctions such textbooks! It appears that those responsible for recommending these textbooks are not making the government aware of this reality. The government is not realizing that this can bring a bad name to it. In fact, this trend in education is on the rise in the entire world. Students today are interested only in bookish knowledge, not in the essence of education. Their only concern is to get a degree and secure a job. They do not understand the real meaning of education. The parents also do not bother whether the textbooks contain the desired knowledge or not. They are happy if their children score high marks in their examinations. They are not concerned about the numerous bad remarks their children get. If only they care to look into the remarks, they will truly understand the type of education their children are receiving. The sole aim of education today is to get a degree. With the rise of this trend in education, the study of Holy Quran and Sunnah of Holy Prophet (saws) had declined. No Muslim is making efforts to understand My Divinity and My existence, in other words the Unicity of Allah and the sunnah of My loving Prophet, Hazrat Mohammad (saws). In this situation, how can the present system of education impart real knowledge to the students? O Muhyi-ud-Din, tell them that Parent should Take Responsibility for inculcating virtues in children. Students! You should acquire such education, which will be beneficial to society and the world at large. What is the present state of society? In what way can we make it ideal? How should we work for its advancement? These are the questions we should ask ourselves. But nobody seems to think on these lines. The present system of education does not address itself to the needs of society. In this situation, the elders should take up the responsibility to give proper direction to their children. We should follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (saw) who has given us the true meaning of education. It is a sign of foolishness to become egoistic by merely acquiring a few degrees. We should understand the needs of society and utilize our education for its progress. People say they are serving society. But what is the use of this service without understanding the requirements of society? Such service is not social service but lifeless activity. A proper system of education is essential for the advancement of society and the progress of the people. As the craze for modern education has increased, people have forgotten even the ABC of ancient system of education. Parents should teach their children what is good and what is bad right from their childhood. They are satisfied when their children secure a seat in a college and acquire a degree. They do not care whether their child is imbibing any virtue or not in the process of learning. It is for the parents to see that their son/daughter grows up a responsible person and utilizes his/her talent in the service of society and the nation. This responsibility cannot be left entirely to the educational authorities and the government. In fact, the parents should encourage the children to work for the country and for the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam and earn a good name. But nowadays parents do not have such broad-mindedness. The teachers on the other hand think that their responsibility ends with imparting bookish knowledge to the students. They do not even enquire whether the information contained in the textbooks is beneficial to society or not. Even if some teachers raise this matter, they soon get discouraged by the indifferent response of the authorities. In this way, educational institutions have been turned into factories, which produce degree holders. Students alone are not to be blamed for this state of affairs. The mistake lies with parents, teachers and the government also. It is not enough if a student stands first in his class. He should also work for the Progress of society and the nation and thus bring a good name to his parents. The parents on their part should monitor the progress of their children from time to time, inculcate virtues in them and mould them into responsible citizens. They should not rest satisfied if their children get good marks. They should also observe what type of books their children read at home. Some students read meaningless novels. But the parents do not bother to correct them. On the other hand, they say, “What is wrong in reading novels? It is enough if they are happy.” It is a big mistake. In this way, they spoil their children themselves. They do not care to observe how and where their children play and what they do in their absence. There is no point in merely exposing the children to formal education without correcting their behaviour. Modern parents should emulate the ideals of our ancients who brought up their children in the most ideal way. At present student’s agitation is on the increase. However, it is not their fault. They are in themselves very good. The fault lies with the books they read and the teachers who teach them as also the educational authorities who prescribe such books. There are no two opinions about it that the present system of education cannot bring about any improvement in the life of the students. It is high time that the parents realise the gravity of the situation and take steps to see that their children acquire proper education. What is the use of that education which does not lead one to immortality? What is the type of education, which makes one immortal? That is spiritual education. O Muhyi-ud-Din! Da’wa Academy is a great opportunity for them. The parents should therefore encourage their children to pursue spiritual education. Of course, secular education should be complemented with moral, ethical and spiritual education. Character is your Greatest Protection in life. O youth! Do not misunderstand my words. I am telling you all this for your own welfare and progress. You should acquire such education, which will bring a good name to you and uphold the reputation of your family. Do not become egoistic and take to wrong ways in the name of freedom. I caution the youths not to look here and there while walking on the road. Some of them, while riding their bicycle or in the car, keep looking at girls who are passing by. In the process, their attention is diverted (may cause accident). Keep your senses under control. Always maintain high character. If you safeguard your character, your character will protect you. Hence, have a check on your vision, listening and speech. Why are the eyes given to you? Is it to look here and there? No. The eyes are meant to see the beautiful Form of your RAB. Why are the ears given to you? Is it to listen to vain gossip? No. The ears are meant to hear the glories of your RAB. The ears are given to hear good words and lead a virtuous life by putting them into practice. Hazrat Buddha (as) realised that human life was given to acquire virtues and not to indulge in sensual pleasures. Having thus set a goal for himself in life, Hazrat Buddha (a.s) left his home after renouncing his wife and only child. I am not however, advising you to leave your wife and children and go to the forest like Hazrat Buddha. You should look after them well and fulfill your responsibilities towards them. Teach your children noble qualities and bring them up in life. Lead a life of virtue. This is what Hazrat Buddha (as) taught. Having realised that God had given the sense organs for the purpose of leading a virtuous life, Hazrat Buddha (as) discarded all other spiritual practices and tried to control his senses. He realised that conscience was his true Master. He understood that if the eyes and tongue were brought under control, all the other senses would automatically come under control. If you are able to exercise control over your vision and tongue, the whole world will be under your control. Do not pay heed to the wrong advice of others. Foster noble qualities. If you can control your senses, that itself amounts to realizing the essence of the Holy Quran. The study of the Holy Quran is meant to transform you into a man of virtue. Only when you achieve sense control can you become a learned man in the real sense of the term. Hence, control your senses and become a master of the world. This is what you have to strive for today. Explain to your parents also about your priorities in life. Tell your parent! You expect me to go for a job with a big salary. But high salaries are not as important as a virtuous life. If we give preference to money over virtues, our life itself will be ruined. You will become a man of virtue only when you keep your senses under control. You will also gain the strength of character. Hazrat Massih Ma’oud (as), the illustrious devotee of his Master, Hazrat Mohammad (saws), is an example of such noble qualities. He is extolled as serene, virtuous and valorous. He became the Promised Messiah & Mahdi because of his noble qualities. All of you must emulate his example. True education is that which develops your inner vision, provides spiritual illumination and helps you experience everlasting bliss. In what way are the students benefited by the present system of education? They merely acquire degrees without understanding the real significance of education. Do not be influenced by the modern society. But do not get perturbed by these distracting influences. First and foremost, make proper use of your senses. Respect your elders like your father and mother. Earn a good name by your good words and good deeds. Through My Muhyi-ud-Din, I have introduced Study circle every week in Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, this is a great opportunity for you all. Join good company, speak and listen good words, cultivate good vision and pursue good education. In fact, this is what your parents also want. No father or mother will like his or her children to go on the wrong path. But they are unable to tell their children emphatically out of some sort of inhibition. O Muhyi-ud-Din, advise them, with all the emphasis at my Command. Sacrifice is the noblest of all qualities. Keep away from sensual pleasures. In fact, sensual pleasures will lead you to disease. O Muhyi-ud-Din! Let me reveal these verses in Sanskrit to you: Na karmana Na prajaya Dhanena Thya genaike Amruttattwa Manasu. Immortality is not attained through action, progeny or wealth; it is attained only by sacrifice. O members of Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, cultivate noble qualities. Prepare yourself to sacrifice anything for Me. But you must also be in a position to receive My grace. I am yours and you are Mine. Try to understand Allah’s Love. All that I am saying is meant to put you on the right path. Some children in Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam, do not realise the hardships their parents undergo for the education. Your parents even forgo proper food to educate their children. Parents are your first teachers. Never disobey your parents. Speak sweetly and softly to them. The time is coming, where many students will join our Da’wa Academy Insha’Allah. In the Da’wa Academy, there will be no business education, but only peace. But where is peace? Can you buy peace in the market? There is no peace anywhere but only pieces. You can find peace only when you inculcate virtues in your heart. People want to be good but they follow the wrong path. They want to eat sugar but they get all that is bitter because there is no coordination between their thoughts and deeds. Those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect harmony are noble ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked. I like such people whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect harmony. O members of Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam! Knowingly or unknowingly you might have committed some mistakes in the past. But at least now, cultivate good qualities and try to make your parents as well as My servant (My Muhyi-ud-Din of this era) happy. When they will be happy with you, I also will be happy with you all. Insha Allah. You shall notice that Allah has put much emphasis on a Dawa Academy. Insha-Allah, I shall address you on that precise subject: The history, importance and actualisation of Dawa, and the institution of a Dawa Academy. May Allah bless you all – especially you the youths and hope of tomorrow’s generations – and Allah enable you to put into practice those precious advices so that your life may become a refreshing piece of heaven on earth. Insha-Allah, Ameen.   Speech on Dawa & The Institution of a Dawa Academy  Hazrat Khalifatullah Hazrat Munir A. Azim (atba) (Sunday 07 October 2012 ~ 20 Dhul-Qaddah 1433 AH) After greeting everybody with the Salutation of Peace in Islam, the Khalifatullah (atba) read the Tashahhud, Ta’uz, Surah Al-Fatiha, and then said: Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah, I shall today expound on the importance of Da’wah in our lives. May Allah give you all the Tawfiq to listen attentively to this speech and note down the points which are not so clear to you, and Insha-Allah, after my discourse, you can ask me questions about the parts which you have not understood. Da’wah in Historical Perspective … So, Da’wah in the light of the Quran appears essentially as an educational process, a process of on-going enrichment through knowledge, piety and responsible living. Da’wah per se is mentioned as the purpose and mission all the messengers of Allah (May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon all of them): “We send the messengers only to give good news and to warn: So those who believe and mend (their lives), upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (6: 49) As Du’at (Plural of Da’iyyah), those commissioned to call people to the Right Path and the Truth, all messengers of Allah, invited the people toward acceptance of one and only Allah as the Ultimate. This is preceded by a rejection of obedience and enslavement to all other objects of devotion including one’s own desires and imagination. The Quran says: “For We assuredly sent amongst every people a messenger (with the command), “Serve Allah and shun evil”…” (16: 37) Referring specifically to the earlier messengers of Allah the Quran tell us that the Da’wah, for instance, of Hazrat Nuh (as) was none but to accept Allah as final authority. Hazrat Nuh (as) said: “And I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah’s will (in Islam).” (10: 73) Similarly, the Quran tells us about the message of Hazrat Ibrahim and Ismail (peace be upon them) as none other than Tawheed and Islam. “Ibrahim (Abraham) was not a Jew nor yet a Christian but was true in faith; and bowed his will to Allah’s (i.e. Islam) and he joined no gods with Allah.” (3: 68) It also reports their du’a underscoring their belief in Tawheed; (Ibrahim and Ismail said) “Our Lord make us Muslims, bowing to Thy (will) and our progeny a Muslim people.” (2: 129) Similarly Hazrat Musa (as) told his people to submit to Allah alone (become Muslims). Moses said: “O my people, if you (really) believe in Allah, then in Him put your trust, if you submit (as Muslims).” (10: 85) In other words, the task of the prophet (peace be upon him) as a Da’iyyah is clearly defined in this Quranic assertion as communication of the message (Da’wah). Second, to educate and instruct in the Quran and wisdom and third to purify and let Iman, Akhlaq, and Mu’amalat (the conviction, the manner of doing things, and dealings) develop and grow on a sound ethical and moral basis. Da’wah, in the light of the Quran appears essentially an educational process, a process of on-going enrichment through knowledge, piety, and responsible living. Spiritual Training of Da’wah Worker The best models in human form of Allah’s teachings, and prophet’s example were the Sahaba and the righteous generations which followed them. These people are an example for us as they spent their entire lives in spreading the message of the Deen. A Da’wah worker who calls humanity towards the Truth in reality calls towards obedience to Allah Almighty because the greatest Reality and Truth of this universe is that it has a Creator, the Master and Ruler who is also its Nourish, and who alone deserves worship and obedience. The relation between the creatures and the Creator, if it is based on the Truth, is that the former should worship the Latter and obey Him. This fact has been stated by the Creator of the universe Himself. “We have created the jinns and mankind so that they might worship and obey Me.” Hence in all the activities of human life. Most important purpose is that the Creator should be obeyed and worshipped. The great achievement for a human being is to invite other human beings all over the world to bow down and worship Him alone who is their real Master. The most distinct, respected, honourable and holy group of people who came to this world to invite mankind towards worship of their Lord and Creator is the group of prophets. The members of this group each in his own time and among his own nation gave the same message to all human beings; in the words, of the Quran: “O people! Worship Allah. You have no god other than Him.” Thus, the most reliable, trustworthy and holy group of human beings, that is the prophets, concentrated on inviting mankind towards the worship of God because this reality is the greatest truth of the universe. The truth they taught is that man has been created by Allah and is His slave. The admission of this great truth by human beings is the best acceptance of reality. The message of the prophets was also conveyed by their companions and all other righteous people who followed them in their own age and time. That is why we can say that in the presence of Allah the invitation to mankind, towards guidance and well-being and the right path, to be achieved through obedience to Allah is the greatest work that can be done. Scientific inventions, technological advances, improvements in human comforts, helping the poor and those in need, educational and welfare organizations, charity, safeguarding the peace and all other welfare work are insignificant compared to this great work and can only be given a second place after it. In the sight of Allah the most exalted and the highest work for this world and the Hereafter and for the benefit and progress of mankind, is to call other creatures of Allah towards obedience and worship of their Creator. That is why it is necessary that people of the best capabilities should enter this work and, however busy they might be in their worldly pursuits, should put their trusts for Allah. However, there is certain ability and capacity that is required for every work, and for the work of taking the message of Allah to His creatures also special capabilities and training is necessary. Allah Almighty Himself trained His messengers through particular methods. Sometimes He showed them His signs in themselves and in the universe. Sometimes this training was carried out by being brought up in the house of Pharaoh and then being made a Sheppard; sometimes by way of the well and the prison and rising to the kingly throne, sometimes by stages in the cave and the flight or the Hijra, to the final dominance of the Islamic system. After the messengers of Allah, whoever has to do the work of spreading the work of Truth will have to obtain special abilities through special training. This training will be both in knowledge and in practical work without which the work of Islam cannot be done in the best way and cannot reach the best conclusion. Model Programmes of Islamic Da’wah All efforts should be directed to keep Da’wah programmes above unhealthy criticism, controversy and engagement in active politics. First of all we must have the potential, knowledge, strength and devotion to render service to Dawah. Our dedication to Islam, our love for Allah (swt), our punctuality, honesty, trustworthiness are their own characteristics. We should approach the masses to mobilize and spread the word of Allah. We should organize public meetings, lectures and seminars. We should offer Islamic studies and Arabic language classes and organize training programs. These programs would spread the message of Islam, would prepare a Muslim to be a Muslim, and would reconcile the non-Muslim as a first step of winning his/her heart to the fold of Islam. Through Da’wah programs, people would be invited to join and participate. Of course, not all people who participate can be potential future leaders. Energetic, serious, intelligent, and gifted people with qualities of leadership are always few. Da’wah programs should be develop and should be adjusted to the facilities available. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual programs should be planned for all areas and for people of all professions. These programs should be advertised, circulated and of course well planned to attract people. The new Da’wah programs should give the impression of having been designed to educate people. The more knowledge the more light. The more light the more unity. The more unity the more strength and the more strength the more power, leading to the pristine glory of Islam. These programs could be dedicated to teaching and training and would be open to all people. These programs would supplement the efforts made by different Islamic organizations. Such efforts are not intented to topple governments, but rather to educate everybody including the government and make people conscious of their Islamic commitment. Da’wah is the goal and objective of these programs. It is not in opposition to the programs of Da’wah conducted by certain Muslim organisation. Focusing on political and economic problems of the Muslim world and creating intellectual awareness are different from taking part in elections. To participate in elections means inviting oppositions. This eventually leads to putting obstacles in the way of Da’wah work. This does not mean that political action and participation in active politics are not on the agenda of Da’wah workers. The policy should be to educate people and to wait till success can be assured. The Muslims’ problem is that there is a lot of talk about Islam, but when it comes to some practical work, there are a lot of excuses. They speak of an Islamic state as a welfare state, but few efforts are made to organize welfare projects. Many Muslims are too emotional in their approach to Islam. They do more shouting than thinking and planning. It is this emotional talking which has created the misunderstanding that Islam encourages sabotage activities, terrorism and fanaticism. Things cannot be changed by force alone. A proper methodology of education and training is necessary to promote change. Many Muslims think that if the present Muslim rulers are replaced by “Islamic” ones, the situation in the Muslim world would change. This solution is logical and offers hope but it is not easy to accomplish. Even if a great Islamic figure comes into power in a Muslim country, he might achieve very little or even end on a negative note. The present system in many of the Muslim countries derives its authority from a philosophy and education of the last two hundred years. New schools and colleges were opened in occupied areas and Muslims were educated there. Talented Muslim students were trained in western colleges and universities. They were encouraged; they were even offered scholarship. After preparing a generation of Muslims in the new philosophy, government was handed over to them and institutions were built accordingly. A well-planned Da’wah work is needed in all sectors but its major focus should be on the Islamization of education. Da’wah organizations should open good and high quality Islamic institutions. Muslim political leaders, government servants and many intellectuals oppose the old traditional way of education. They see it as a sign of Muslim backwardness. The new concept of Islamic education through the Islamization of modern education or the opening of new Islamic educational institutions would be welcomed provided its graduates are Islamic in thinking and creative in science and technology. Today, Muslims all over the world are impressed by the west’s development, and their books are taught in all Muslim colleges and universities. The western social sciences are the one most affecting our society. Da’wah organizations should: 1. Do their best to be involved in the curriculum development process. 2. Have updated information about decisions taken by the government on education. 3. Have a research cell of competent teachers to develop an Islamic curriculum. 4. Be in contact with private schools to implement their proposed curricula. 5. Develop an Islamic curriculum with Islamic text books to replace the western oriented curriculum and its text books. 6. Open model Islamic schools and institutions to replace the western school system and the old Madrassah system. It is highly important to make more organized efforts and speed up this most sacred work. To establish Da’wah Academy is to promote research on Islamic Da’wah, the training of Islamic workers, and the organization of programs of Da’wah in and out of the country; to organize seminars and workshops; to publish materials on Islamic Da’wah in different languages. The objectives are to train the future leaders of Muslim to have a clear and broader vision of Islam and the work of Da’wah; to know one another; to be aware of Da’wah work around the world; to benefit from the experience of one another, and finally to have better co-ordination in the future. To understand other religions and to adapt a better approach towards them, Da’wah Academy must undertake various projects on the study of other religions. Books and articles must be published on Islam and other religions. All the training programs must have special sessions on Islam and other religions. Da’wah work cannot be successful unless Da’wah workers know about other religions and are aware of their belief systems and religious practices. Muslim Children Section Muslim children are the future of Islam. Da’wah Academy must organize programs for children and publishes children’s Islamic books and stories in various languages. Children are encouraged to write, and prizes are given to the best writers. Publication Section Da’wah Academy must be engaged as from now in the translation of all text received (by revelation). It must be translated and published in Arabic, English, Urdu, Spanish, German, Japanese, Chinese, French, Sindhi, Pashto, Punjabi, Baluchi, Creole, Swahili, Moiraise, Malagasy and many other languages and must be produced in many popular books and be distributed around the world, Insha-Allah. Da’wah Study Center, must be opened to all students in Muslims countries and the other countries. For Muslim students who come from Muslim minority countries and wish to learn Islam, Da’wah Academy should have a special one-year certificate course and also a two-year diploma course at the Da’wah Study Center. Da’wah Documentation Unit Its goal is to collect information regarding Da’wah activities in Muslim communities and elsewhere where Muslims have established themselves. Islamic literature in different languages, audio-visual materials on Islamic Topics, and Da’wah magazines. The objective is not only to have a model library, but to establish a coordinated network between Da’wah Academy and other Da’wah-oriented Muslim organizations. Before ending, I mention two points: (1) Muslim students should make a rational approach to social sciences and accommodate opposing ideas, but on religious issues, many of them become emotional and intolerant. Debates on Islamic issues would restore rationality. (2) Christian missionaries were successful in their missions because they did not directly confront their host government. Rather they established good working relations with Christian and even non-Christians governments to achieve their objectives. When a person himself does not know what is the criterion of truth, and how the truth can be recognized and identified, and what are its features and boundaries, and from what does it stop us and what does it command us to do, how can he present the truth to others and how can he know that he is in fact presenting the Truth? It is quite possible that he might present falsehood under the impression that he is presenting the Truth. Hence, for the message of Islam its Da’ee (the preacher or caller to Islam) should have a quest for the truth and should be able to recognize it, should be aware of it and should follow it persistently. A person who wants to work for Islam will definitely have to undertake the following steps: (1) Development of conscientiousness and sensitivity. (2) Correct Motivation (3) Acquisition of knowledge and righteousness. (4) Study of the lives of companions. (5) Active relationship with Allah. (6) The love of the prophet. (7) Thought for the Hereafter. (8) An outline of the Islamic worker’s character drawn from the Quran. Bear in mind: 1. God does not look at your appearance and your riches but your hearts and your deeds. 2. Whoever appoints someone or himself stands to tell people of his virtues, God will Himself stand to show people his weaknesses on the Day of Judgement. 3. Whoso says his prayer to show off, has blasphemed; whoso gives charity to show, has blasphemed too. 4. Wise is the man who controls his self and works for the Hereafter, but helpless is the man, who follows his desires, then say, “God is Gracious, He is Merciful.” 5. God does not accept the words of a wise person, but his intentions and motives. 6. Some people will appear before God with their good actions equal to the mountain of Tahama but God will blow them away like dust; such people will be those among you, who will pray vigorously at night, but in privacy they will perform such sinful acts which they will be ashamed to perform before people. May Allah bless you all with the Ilm (knowledge) to understand His messages and that you put them into practice so that as a united reformed body, we may march towards the construction of a new society wherein the unity of God has a firm place in each and every heart. For that, it is the task of every Sahih al Islam member, especially those who want to devote their time in the path of Allah to make Da’wah. For this, Insha-Allah, we must build not only our physical Dawa Academy, but even though we may not have a grand Academy of Dawa, much like university right now, but we must do like our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) did when he made scholars our of his companions and wives (especially Hazrat Aisha (ra)) and thus established the university of Islam both in the Mosque and his Homes; more than that, he made himself and his life become a lecturer and his life as a university for one and all to copy from. May Allah guide us to follow His instructions in the way that He wants and that we profit from the divine waters which He is pouring down on us in this era for the institution of a perfect (Islamic) society. Insha-Allah, Ameen. 

Friday Sermon: 05 October 2012

Audio of the Friday Sermon in Creole

 

Opening Speech of Jalsa Salana 2012 in Original Creole (Text & Audio)

 

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