Virtues of Tabligh: In the light of Quran and Hadith

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL.
We praise Him, and we seek His blessings on His noble Prophet.

First, I give thanks to Allah, Who has enabled me to write this booklet on Tabligh. One of the renowned Muslim scholars of this age advised me to select a few verses of the Holy Qur'an and some sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) on Tabligh, and explain them. Since my humble services to such sincere believers can be a means of my salvation, I present this useful pamphlet to every Islamic School, Islamic Association, Islamic Government, rather to every Muslim, and request them to serve the sacred cause of Tabligh. In fact, during this age there is a day-to-day decline in our devotion to religion, and objections against our true Faith are raised not only by disbelievers, but also by the so-called 'Muslims'. The 'Fard' and wajib' observances (practices) are being neglected not only by the common Muslims, but by those also who hold important positions.

Millions of Muslims have indulged in manifest false worship, not to speak of neglecting Prayers and Fasting; yet they are never conscious of their practices being against pure allegiance to Allah. Trespassing the religious limits is very common, and mocking at the religious beliefs has become a fashion of the day. That is why the Muslim scholars have even begun to shun the common folk, and the result of this state of affairs is that ignorance about the teachings of Islam is increasing day by day. People offer the excuse that no one teaches them the religion of Islam with a keen interest, and the Muslim scholars have an excuse that no one listens to them attentively. But none of these excuses is valid before Allah. As a matter of fact, He will never accept the excuse of the common folk that they were ignorant about religious matters; for to learn religion, and to make a serious effort to acquire knowledge of its practices is the personal responsibility of every Muslim. Since "ignorance of law" is no excuse under any Government, then why should it be accepted by the Lord of all rulers? They say, making excuses for crime is worse than crime itself. Similarly, the excuse of the scholars that no one listens to them does not hold water. They boast of representing the great spiritual leaders and divines of the past, but never consider how many troubles and hardships they bore to preach the true religion! Were they not pelted with stones? Were they not abused and oppressed to the extreme degree? But in spite of all these obstacles and hardships, they fulfilled their responsibilities about preaching, and they propagated the message of Islam regardless of any opposition.

Generally, the Muslims have limited Tabligh to the scholars only, whereas every Muslim has been commanded by Allah to prevent people from doing forbidden things. If we admit for a moment that Tabligh is the duty of Muslim Scholars only, who do not perform it properly, then it is the particular duty of every Muslim to preach Islam. The emphasis that has been laid on Tabligh by the Qur'an and Hadith, will be proved by the Quranic verses and sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) - that are being quoted in the following pages. Therefore, you cannot confine Tabligh to scholars only, nor can it be an excuse for you to neglect the same. I would request every Muslim to devote his time and energy to Tabligh as much as he can:

"Consider it a blessing, the time at your disposal; for none knows what his end will be."

You need not necessarily be a perfect scholar to preach Islam and good morals to humanity. Whatever little knowledge of Islam you possess, you must impart it to others. Whenever a morally wrong or a forbidden thing is done in your presence, then as a Muslim it is your duty to stop the transgressor, as far as it lies in your power. I have described all the important things about Tabligh in seven brief Chapters ,and I hope that every Muslim will benefit from them.

First of all, I want to mention a few Verses of the Holy Qur'an emphasising Tabligh. From these Verses, the readers can easily see how important Allah considers the preaching of Islam. I have come across as many as sixty Verses on this particular subject, and Allah knows how many more Verses could be found by another keen observer. I quote here a few of them for the benefit of every true believer.

"And whose words can be better than his, who calls (people) towards Allah, and performs good deeds, and says: " I am one of those who submit to Allah!"

Note:—Certain commentators have written that whoever invites people to Allah through any means descries the honour mentioned in the above Verse. For instance, the Prophets call people to Allah by means of miracles and supernatural actions, the Scholars invite them by preaching and arguments, the Muslim Warriors (Mujahids) call them by means of the sword; and the Criers (Muazzins) call them by means of Azaan. In short, whoever invites people to good deeds deserves this reward, whether he calls them to the formal observances of Islam or to the (internal) improvements of the spirit, like the mystics who stress the purification of the heart and the realisation of Allah's attributes.

Regarding the conclusion of the verse quoted above, some. commentators say. Such a person should also be proud of the honour bestowed on him by Allah, of being categorised as a Muslim, and he should proclaim this honour in words"

Some other Commentators interpret that he should not be proud of being a 'Preacher', but should consider himself an ordinary Muslim.

"(O Prophet! Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) preach to them (the Truth), for preaching proves very beneficial for the Believers "

Note :The Commentators have written that by preaching is meant instructing the Believers through the Verses of the Holy Qur'an, for these would guide them to the right Path. But such a preaching can be useful for the disbelievers also, for thereby they may become Believers. Alas! in this age, preaching is not performed regularly and properly. Generally the object of the preachers is to show off their ability and eloquence to the listeners, whereas the Holy Prophet has said:'Whoever learns the art of declamation in order to attract the people towards himself, then his prayers and observances, whether obligatory or optional, will not be accepted on the Day of Judgement."

"And command your family to observe the Prayers, and also perform these yourself regularly. We do not ask you for sustenance; We will give you sustenance; and the ultimate success is for the God-fearing."

Note:Numerous Traditions say that whenever anyone complained of poverty to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), he recited this Verse, and advised him to perform his prayers regularly, as though pointing to the fact that regularity in prayers will lead to ample provision.

This Verse stresses that it is beneficial to do a thing yourself before giving instructions to others, because this is a more effective and successful method of preaching. That is why all the Prophets themselves did what they preached to others. Thus they became examples for their followers, who would not then think that the teachings of their religion are difficult to carry out.

Moreover, Allah has promised ample provision for those who perform the prayers regularly, so that they should never feel that prayers can interfere with the earning of their livelihood, whether through trade, service, etc. Thereafter, it is stated as a rule, that ultimate success and salvation will be attained by the God-fearing only.

"O son! Perform thy prayers regularly; and command people to do good deeds, and prevent them from forbidden things, and bear patiently whatever befalls you (in the preaching of Truth) : undoubtedly this demands courage! (Surah Luqman: 17)

Note :In this Verse, several important things for a Muslim have been mentioned, which can be a means for our salvation; but we have neglected these very badly. Not to speak of the lack of enjoining good' we have neglected even the Salaat, which is a basic principle of Islam, in fact the most important after Faith. There are so many people who do not perform their prayers at all; but even those who do, hardly perform it with all its requisites, such as congregational prayers. It is the poor only who perform the prayers with congregation in the mosque, while the rich feel it below their dignity to be present in the mosque. Ah! my complaint is only to Allah!

"O careless person! What is a disgrace for you, is a matter of pride for me."

"O Muslims! there must be a group among you who would invite people to Good; and would command them to do good deeds, and would prevent them from forbidden things; and these are the people who will attain salvation. " (Surah Aal-i - Imran: 104)

Note: In this Verse, Allah has clearly commanded the Muslims to prepare a group or party which would preach Islam throughout the world; but we see that the (so-called) Muslims have totally neglected this Commandment. On the other hand' the non-Muslims are preaching their religion day and night. For instance, parties of Christian missionaries have been specially assigned to propagate their religion in the whole world; similarly other communities are trying their best to preach their own religions. But the question is, "Is there such an organisation among the Muslims? The answer, if not in the negative, cannot be in the affirmative either. If any individual or any party among the (so-called)`Muslims' takes up the preaching of Islam, unreasonable objections are raised against them, instead of giving them help and co-operation, whereas it is the duty of every true Muslim to help those who preach Islam, and to remove shortcomings where necessary. These people neither do anything themselves to preach Islam, nor help those who have devoted their lives to this sacred cause. Thus the result is that even the sincere and unselfish preachers are disappointed, and give up their efforts in this regard.

"O Muslims! you are the best of peoples, who have been selected for the guidance of mankind; you enjoin them to do good deeds, and prevent them from forbidden things; and you have firm faith in Allah." (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 110)

Note :That the Muslims are the best of all nations, has been asserted in certain sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) also, and there are some Verses of the Holy Qur'an that corroborate this. Even the above mentioned Verse bestows the honour of 'Best Nation' on us, provided we preach Islam, command people to do good, and prevent them from evil.

The Commentators have written that in this Verse, the enjoining good and prevention of evil have been mentioned before 'Faith' even, whereas Faith. (Imaan) is the root of all Islamic beliefs and actions. The reason is that 'Faith' has been a common factor among the earlier nations of the world, but the special thing that has particularly distinguished the Muslims is the mandate enjoining people to do good, and to prevent them from evil. So, this is the real basis for the superiority of the Muslims, whenever they fulfilled it; and since in Islam good actions are of little value without Faith, it is therefore specifically mentioned at the end of the Verse. In fact, the real object in this Verse is to emphasise the importance of enjoining people to do good deeds, and this is the distinguishing feature of the Muslim Ummah. It is not sufficient to enjoin good and to forbid evil only now and then, but this practice should continue at all times and on all occasions regularly. References to the task of preaching the Truth are found in earlier religions, but the distinguishing merit of the Muslim Ummah lies in taking it up as a regular assignment. This is not a temporary work but a permanent one.

"In the talk of an assembly of common folk, there is no good at all, except those who command people to give charity (to the poor) or instruct them to do good things, or make peace between people (they will be rewarded by Allah). And whoever does this only to please Allah, soon he will receive a great reward from Allah."

 Note:In this Verse, Allah has promised a great reward for those who preach Truth; and how great and honourable can be the reward that has been called 'Great' by Allah.

In this context, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, "A man's words may be a burden (sin) for him, except those that he has spoken for giving instructions for good deeds, and preventing others from forbidden things, or for remembering Allah."

In another Hadith, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, "Shall I tell you a virtue better than optional Prayers Fasting and Charity?" His Companions said, "You must tell us that virtue, O Messenger of Allah! " (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). He said: "To make peace between people, for hate and mutual conflict uproot good deeds, just as a razor removes the hair."

There are many more Verses of the Holy Qur'an and sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) that instruct us to make peace between people. What we mean to emphasise here is that to make peace between people is also another form of instructing them to do good and preventing them from evil. To introduce peace and co-operation in society should therefore be given due importance.

SAYINGS OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SALLALLAHO ALIHI WASALLAM) CONCERNING TABLIGH

In this chapter, I will quote certain sayings of the HOLY Prophet (Sallahaho alaihe wasallam) that explain the meaning of the above-mentioned Verses of the Holy Qur'an. It is not the intention to encompass all the relevant Ahadith. If I quote all the Verses and the Ahadith on this subject, I fear no one will read them, for nowadays people hardly find time for such things. So, to place before you how Important Tabligh is in the eyes of the Holy Prophet (SalIahaho alaihe wasallam), and what serious consequences follow its neglect, I, give. below a few sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam);

It Is reported by Abu Said Khudri (Radhialiaho anho) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: "Whoever sees a forbidden thing being done, he should prevent it by the use of his hand; and if he has To capability for this action, then he should prevent it with his tongue; and if he cannot do this even, then he should at least consider it a vice In his heart, and this Is a very low level of one's Faith.

" In another Hadith, it has been said that if a person can prevent evil with his tongue, then he should so prevent it; otherwise, he should at least think it an eve in his heart and thus stand exonerated.

Another Hadith says that if anyone hates every sin within his heart, he is a tree believer, but this is the weakest form of Faith.

This topic has occurred in many other sayings of the Prophet. Now think well how many Muslims there are who act upon this Hadith in a practical way. How many of us prevent evil forcibly, how irony with the tongue, and how many seriously hate it within their hearts? We have to take stock of ourselves on these issues.

It has been reported by Numan bin Washy that the Holy Prophet (Sallallho alaihe wasallam) said: "There are people who do not transgress the limits (laws) of Allah, and there are others who do so. They are like two groups who boarded a ship; one of them settled on the upper deck, and; the other on the lower deck of the ship. So, when the people of the lower deck needed water, they said: ' Why should we cause trouble to the people of upper deck when we can easily have plenty of water by making a hole In our deck.' Now if the people of upper deck do not prevent this group from such foolishness. all of them will perish but if they stop them then they will be saved." (Bukhari & Tirmazi)

Note:—Once the Companions of the Holy Prophet (SallalIaho alaihe wasallam) asked Him: '`O Messenger of Allah! (SalIaIlaho alaihe wasallam) can we-people be destroyed even when there are certain pious God-fearing persons among us?" He answered: "Yes, when evil deeds predominate in a society.

Now-adays the Muslims are generally worried about the decline and fall of this Ummah, and they suggest certain plans to stop this decline; but they never consider as to what is the main cause of our decline. They fad] to identify the true reason of our spirited and moral decIine, particularly when the proper remedy has been fore-told by Allah and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). It is a pity that because of wrong diagnosis the incorrect remedies, including continued neglect of Tabligh, are leading to the further decline of the Ummah. In fact, the main cause of our decline is that we do not pay attention to Tabligh nor do we help those who devote themselves to this sacred mission.

It has been reported by Ibn-i-Mas'ud (RadihialIaho anho) that the Holy Prophet (SallalIaho alaihe wasallam) said: '`The decline and fall of Bani Israel started thus when the pious among them saw certain sins being committed by the transgressors, they forbade them from doing the same; but when the sinners did not repent, the pious because of their relationship and friendship continued to mix with them. So, when this state of affairs began to prevail, Allah caused their hearts to be accursed in the same manner" (i.e. the hearts were also affected with the disobedience of the transgressors).

Then in support of this, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) recited a Verse of the Holy Qur'an, which says:

'The disobedient and the transgressors among the Bani Israel were cursed by Allah.'

On this, the he Prophet (SalIaliaho alaihe wasallam) emphatically instructed his Companions: "(To avoid such decline) you people must enjoin upon others to do good deeds and prevent them from doing forbidden things; you should restrain every tyrant from tyranny and invite him towards truth and justice."

Note:—Another Hadith says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was reclining comfortably when, suddenly overcome with emotion, he sat up and said: "I swear by Allah that you people cannot attain salvation, unless you prevent the tyrants from tyranny."

Another Hadith says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: "You people must preach the Truth, and prevent the sinners from doing forbidden things, and check the tyrants, to bring them towards the right path, otherwise you will be accursed and your hearts will be corrupted, just as Allah did with Bani Israel."

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) read certain relevant Verses of the Holy Qur'an to emphasis this subject. Bani Israel were condemned because among other things, they did not prevent others from doing forbidden things.

Now-a-days it is considered a virtue to be at peace with all, and to please everyone on every occasion. They say it is a requirement of good manners towards the evil-doers.

Obviously, this is a wrong policy, because at most there may be some religious sanction for keeping quiet In extreme cases, but never for falling in line with the tyrants and transgressors. At the very least, everyone must instruct those people to do good whom he easily can influence for instance: his subordinates, his servants, his wife, his children, and his relations. In such circumstances, to be absolutely silent about Tabligh is unpardonable before Allah.

Hazrat Sufyan Thauri says: "Whoever is very popular with his relations and neighbours, we suspect him to be compromising in preaching the true teachings of religion."

Numerous Traditions say that when a sin is committed secretly, its harm is generally limited to the sinner only; but when a sin is committed openly, and those possessing the capability do not prevent it, then it ultimately affects all the people around.

Now everyone can see for himself, how many sins are committed before him every day, and he, in spite of having the power to prevent them neglects to do so. And it is a pity that, if anyone gets up to put the wrong down, the ignorant and shameless people oppose him instead of co-operating with him.

Those who do wrong will come to know by what a great reverse they will be overturned.

Hazrat Jareer bin Abdullah (Radhiallaho anho) says, "l heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: `' When a sin is committed before an individual or a group and they do not prevent it, in spite of having the capability, then Allah inflicts a severe punishment on them before their death."(Targhib)

Note :O my Friends who desire the betterment of Islam and the Muslims.' now you have clearly seen the causes of our decline. Not to speak of strangers, we generally do not prevent even our own family and our subordinates from wrong-doing. We do not even make up our minds to prevent evil, much less doing something practical about it. Whatever our own son does against the Commandments of Allah, we do not check him even; but if he takes some interest in politics, or mixes up in a certain political party, we are seriously anxious not only about him, but about our own safety and honour. Then we warn him and also think about some plans to be safe and secure from any harm; but on the other hand, when he transgresses against Allah's Commandments, we are never anxious about the life In the Hereafter, and about the Reckoning of- the Day of Judgement. Sometimes you know full well that your son Is addicted to some idle pursuits and is very lax in his prayers, but you have no courage to prevent him from such habits, or to chastise him, although Allah has clearly commanded you to be severe in uprooting such evils and even sever relations with the transgressor. There is many a father who would be angry with his son because he is lazy and does not attend to his studies or services or business properly; but is there anyone who Is angry with his son because he does not perform the fundamental observances of Islam? As a matter of fact, the adverse effect of this negligence is not limited to the great loss In the Hereafter but, it is a pity, this evidently extends to our worldly affairs and interests also, which are so dear to us. This blindness of ours is horrible, for Allah says:

"Whoever is blind in this world, he will be surely blind In the Hereafter. And such transgressors have taken leave of their senses because "Allah has sealed up their hearts, and on them ears and eyes there are veils (so they neither hear nor see the Truth)."

it has been reported by Hazrat Anas (Radhialiaho anho) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said: " So long as a person says "La iiaha illallah" (no one is worthy of worship but Allah), he receives spiritual benefits, and is saved from miseries and calamities, unless he neglects its rights'' His Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)! how are its rights neglected?" He answered: "When sins are committed openly, and the person who recites the 'Kalima' does not prevent the sinners from wrongdoing." (Targhib)

Note;- Now you can yourself consider how very often sins are committed during these times, yet there Is serious attempt to check or prevent them. In such a dangerous and ungodly atmosphere, the very existence of the Muslims in the world is a great blessing of Allah, otherwise we are Inviting ruination through all possible means. Aishah(Radhi allah anha) asked the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)? "When the punishment of Allah befalls the inhabitants of any locality,- does it affect the pious, just as it affects the guilty?" The Holy Prophet (SallalIaho alaihe wasallam) answered "Yes, it does affect all of them in this world, but at the Resurrection the pious will be separated from the guilty. Therefore, those people who we simply "defied with their own piety, and do not participate in Proving others should not rest assured that they are safe from the punishment of the Almighty. If any chastisement Is inflicted by Allah, they too will be involved In it.

Aishah (Radhialiaho anha) says: "Once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) entered the house and I guessed from his face that something of great importance had occurred. He did not talk to anyone, and after making Wudhu (ablution) he entered the mosque. I stood behind the wall to hear what he said. He sat at the pulpit and, after praising Allah, he said '

"O Muslims! Allah has commanded you to call people to good deeds, and prevent them from committing sins; otherwise a time will come when you will pray to Him; but He will not listen to you; you will ask your needs of Him, but He will not grant them; you will demand His help against your enemies, but He will not help you." After saying this, he came down from the pulpit."

Note: Particularly those persons should consider this Hadith carefully who want to fight the enemies of Islam, but neglect the performance of the requisites of Islam, they forget that the strength and stability of the Muslim Nation depends upon the propagation of Islam.

Hazrat Abu Dardaa(Radhiallaho anho), who is a distinguished Companion of the Holy Prophet, (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) says: "You must command people to do good, and restrain them from evil otherwise Allah will cause such a tyrant to rule over you, who will not respect your elders, and will not have mercy on your youngsters. Then you people will pray to Him but He will not accept your prayer; you will ask Him for help, but He will not help you; you will seek His pardon, but He will not pardon you; for --- Allah Himself says:

"O Believers! if you help Allah, then He will help you, and- will make your feet firm (against your enemies) '

Says Allah In another Verse :"O Believers! If Allah helps you, then no one can overpower you; and if He does not help you, then who can come to your help? And only Allah should the Believers trust."

It has been reported by Hazrat Huzaifah (Radhialiaho anho) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said on oath : "You must Command- people to do good- deeds, and prevent them from doing forbidden things other-wise :Allah will inflict-: a severe punishment upon you and then your prayers even will not :be -Accepted- by Him ....

Here my respected readers should consider- well howmany times they violate the Commandments of Allah, then they will know why their attempts to reform the nation fail, and why their prayers are of no avail, and they, instead of sowing the seeds of progress, cause its decline.

It has been reported by Abu Hurairah (Radhi aliaho anho) that the Holy Prophet (SallalIaho alaihe wasaliam) said, `'When my Followers will begin to adore the worldly benefits, their hearts will be deprived of the dignity and importance of Islam; and when they-stop the enjoining good and forbidding evil, they will be deprived of the blessings of the Revelation, and when they will abuse each other, they will fall from the esteem of Aliases, (Tirmzi)

Note: - The well wishers of the nation should ponder why their efforts result In failure instead of success. If you people believe your Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his teachings to be true and educative, then why do you take those things as useful that are declared harmful by him. He says such and such thing will aggravate your disease, but you think they will bring health to you. The Holy Prophet (SalIallaho alaihe wasallam) said:"None of you can be a true Muslim, unless his desires are subject to the religion that I have brought." But contrary to this, you think that religion is an obstacle in the way of your individual and national progress on the lines of other nations. Says Allah in the Holy Qur'an:"Whoever desires the harvest of the world Hereafter, We grant increase in his harvest; and whoever desires the harvest of this world we give him the fruit thereof but there Is no portion for him the Hereafter.,

' A Hadith of this meaning says:"The heart of a Muslim whose objective is the Hereafter does not care for the worldly pleasures, yet the world is brought to his feet; on the other hand, whoever goes after the world, he Is overpowered by miseries and calamities, yet he cannot receive more than his allotted portion."

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) read the above-mentioned Verse, and said: Allah says "O son of man! devote yourself to My worship, and I will free your bosom from the worldly anxieties and will remove your poverty, otherwise will fill your heart with a thousand worries and will not remove your poverty." These are the words of Allah and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaiahe wasallam), but you foolishly think that Religion and the teachings of Mullahs (religious divines) are a hindrance in the path of your (worldly) progress. Don't you think that your worldly progress can be very helpful to the Mullahs' for then you would be in a better position to serve them. Then why should they oppose you, to their own loss? As a matter of fact, they are sacrificing their own worldly interests by speaking the truth, by preaching Islam, in order to bring you to the right path. When whatever your religious scholars tell you is in fact based on the teachings of the Holy Qur'an, then is it sensible for you to turn away fro no them? And if you reject them, then can you be a true Believer? Your religious preachers might have some personal faults but, so long as they are conveying to you the Commandments of Allah from the Holy Qur'an and the Sayings of the Holy Prophet, (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), you are bound to listen to them and to obey their instructions; and if you don't obey them, you have yourself to answer for your disobedience to Allah. Not even a fool would say that the official orders should not be obeyed, simply because they were communicated by a lowly servant.

Do not make such a sweeping statement that those who have devoted themselves to the sacred cause of Islam hanker after worldly gains-and interests. True preachers of Islam are never selfish, and never ask anything for themselves; the more they worship Allah, (and devote themselves to the work of religions, the less attention they pay to worldly offerings. Nevertheless, if they ask help of you, it will be entirely for the sake of religion (to preach Islam and the Holy Qur'an); and therein they find more satisfaction than In any personal cause. Taken why should you hesitate to help them?

A question is generally raised that Islam does not prescribe giving up of worldly interests and, in this connection' the Verses of the Holy Qur'an are often misunderstoodfor instance' there is a Verse that says;"Our Lord! grant us good in this world, and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the Fire (of Hell)."(Al-Baqarah :201)

Some ignorant people stress that in this Verse the worldly benefit is favoured and appreciated by Islam, as much as the good in the Hereafter. In other words, there is no "Renunciation" of the world in Islam. Such people claim to be perfect scholars after having seen only some translations of the Holy Qur'an. The true meanings of the Holy Qur'an can be properly understood by those only who have looked deep into its Verses and are well informed on this subject. Various interpretations of the above-mentioned Verse that have been explained by the Companions of the Holy Prophet (SalIallaho-alalhe wasallam) and the scholars of Islam are as follows:Qatadah (Radhialiaho anho) says: By 'good in this world' is meant peaceful existence and necessary livelihood."

Ali ( Karram Allah Wajho) says that by 'good in this world' is meant a virtuous wife.

Hasan Basri (Rahmatullah alaih) says that by 'good in this world' is meant knowledge of Islam and prayers .

Suddi(Rahmatullah alaih) says that by 'good In this world' means lawful earnings.

Ibn-i-Umar (Radhialiaho anho) says that by 'good In this world' is meant righteous children and good-will of other human beings

Ja'far (Radhialiaho anho) says that by "good n this world" is meant good health, adequate livelihood. knowledge of the Holy Qur'an, victory over the enemies of Islam and the company of the pious."

I would add that if "good in this world" meant our material progress, even then the emphasis in the Verse is on praying to Allah for such a "good" but not on completely busying ourselves in its pursuit Asking from Allah, even if it be the mending of a shoe, is in itself a part of reckon. Besides, if it means honest living, or to be prosperous and self sufficient, that too is not forbidden in Islam; by all means earn your livelihood in this world consistent win religion. The point is that our endeavours in the cause of religion should at least be as much as those for worldly gains, if not more, because Islam teaches us to value both this life and the Hereafter.

Please consider also the following Verses of the Holy Qur'an, which lay more stress and importance on the life Hereafter:"Whoever desires the harvest of the life Hereafter, We will certainly increase his harvests.Whoever desires this present world (and its benefits), We shall soon grant him whatever he desires; then We will make Hell his destination, wherein he will be thrown headlong' with disgrace. And whoever desires the [here- after, and makes en effort to attain it, and he is a true Believer those people whose efforts will be rewarded (Bani Israel 18:19)

"These are the benefits of the life of this world but with Allah is a very good abode." (Aal-e Imran 14)

"And amongst you are those who desire this world only, and amongst you are those who desire the life

(O Prophet! Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) say: `'The benefit of this world is very little; but the life Hereafter is mucks better for Rinse who fear Allah." (Parah; 5)

The life of this world is nothing but a game and sport, and the House of the Hereafter is much better for the pious.,' (Al-An'am: 32)

`'And leave aside those who have made a jest of their religion, and they have become puffed up with this worldly life.'' (Al-An'am: 70)

"You people- desire the benefits of this present world only, but Allah desires the Hereafter (for you)." (Parah: 10)

"Are you pleased with the worldly life instead of the Hereafter? But the benefits of the life of this world are as nothing, when compared to the Hereafter."(Parah: 10)

'Whoever desires the life of this world, and all its adornments, we make their attempts therein fruitful, and nothing is decreased from their due. For them there is nothing but Fire In the Hereafter; whatever they performed (of some good deeds) in the world has been destroyed, for whatever they did was absolutely false."(Parah: 12)

"And they have become pleased with the worldly life only; but the worldly life, when compared to the Hereafter, is but a small benefit." (Parah: 13)

'`On them fell the wrath of Allah, and for them is a great chastisement. It is- because they preferred the life of this world to tile Hereafter. (Nahl 107).

There are many other -Verses in which the life of this world and the Hereafter have been compared. I cannot mention all of them, but I have quoted a few of them as examples. Basically, the moral of all the Verses is that those who prefer this world to the Hereafter win be losers In the long run. if you cannot properly deal with both the worlds, then the life Hereafter is preferable, and you Could fulfil its requirements. T admit that this world and the requisites of the life here are unavoidable news, yet note that no sensible person would keep sitting in the toilet, even though one is compelled to visit the toilet.

If we carefully study the Shariat, we will have to admit that it has prescribed a proper place for our worldly activities and religious duties. We have been commanded to devote one half of our time to salaat,, and we may spend the rest of our time In our worldly pursuits? whether we devote it to rest or to cam our living. According to this plan, we can mamta~n ~ balance between the two, and can carry out our duties laid down by our Religion as well as about our worldly life. So, if we devote ourselves wholly or mainly to the worldly requirements, then we are unjust and negligent. The sense of justice requires that we should be faithful to bow, that is, to the requisites of life as well as to the Hereafter, so that both are catered for, because Islam does not advocate withdrawal from this world. This is what is meant by the Verse:

"O Lord!-give us good In this world and In the Hereafter, and save us from the Fire (of Help." (Al-Baqarah: 201)

In this Chapter, my real object was to quote Me sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) about the Tabligh work. And the seven that have quoted above are sufficient for true Believers; as for the disbelievers, Allah says:

Those who do wrong- will come to know by what a (great) reverse-they will be overturned.

Some Sayings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) indicate mat a time will come when everyone win follow his own wishes and temptations, and no one win pay heed to the teaches of reckon and to the Commandments of Allah. In those times, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has advised us to mind our own business and to worship Allah, rather than deliver sermons to people. But the divines of the Ummah say that such a period has not yet come; therefore, try your best to reform yourself and to instruct others, before such a time comes. We must avoid those shortcomings pointed out by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) above as these are the doors through which will enter corruption In our personal life as well as in the society. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has counted these shortcomings among the causes of our destruction

O Allah! save us from the trials of evil, whether it be external or internal
COURTESY: Hafiz Muhammad Zakariyya, Shaikhul Hadith- Madrassah Mazahirul-Ulum, Saharanpur

Compiled, edited and adapted by Khalid Latif, www.thekhalids.org

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