The PROPHET (PEACE BE UPON HIM) is Haazir o Naazir - Present and Witnessing

Haazir O Naazir - Present and Witnessing
According to the Holy Quran every thing has todie as Allah almighty says:
"Every soul is to taste thedeath" (Sura Al-Imran)Like this prophets of
Allah almighty were also passed through the process of death. They
were given death but it was for a very short time. And at the same
time they were brought to life as same as before.
Now all of the prophets (Alaihis salam) of Allah almighty are alive.
Allama Baihaqi (Rahmatullah Alaih) has collected a number of
narrations in the proof of the life of the prophets (Alaihis salam)
after death.
Such as Allama Jalaluddieen Sayuti (Rahmatullah Alaih) also written a
book on this topic and there are so many scholars of ummahwho have
written very much about this topic. Now I prove it from the Quran and
Hadith. Allah Almighty says:
"And say not those who are killed in the path of Allah as dead, but
they are alive yes, you are unaware." (Sura Al Baqara, Verse 154)
According to the Holy Quran pious people are of four categories. The
Prophets (Alaihis Salam) are of the highest grade and then comes the
number of truthful and then martyrs and righteous people stands fourth
in grade. And all four kinds are blessed according to their grades. As
the Holy Quran says: "Those who have been blessed by Allah viz., the
Prophets, and the truthful, and martyrs and righteous." (Sura Al Nisa,
Verse 69)
According to the generalpractice of the people we see that an officer
of grade "B" is provided all facilities which is provided to the
officer of grade "C". But the officer of B grade is given more than
the officer of C grade. Like this is the case of the officer of grade
"A". He is not only provided all the facilities of the officer of
grade B but also more than that of"B" grade. Now we believe that a
martyr gets the life after death by practicing the teachings of his
Prophet (Alaihis Salam) although he comes in third grade of the pious
peoples, so what is about the position of the Prophet (Alaihis Salam)
who is highest of all in his grade. Surely He is the most deserve able
of all others to be alive after death. It is a logical proof.
Secondly the Prophet of Allah almighty is a martyr because he died due
to the eating of piousness food. As Imam Bukhari and Baihaqi
(Rahmatullah Alaih) narrated by Aiysha (Allahalmighty is well pleased
with her) that the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace & Peace be upon Him)
said in his mortal disease, " I always felt the pain of food which I
ate in Khaibar, now that poison is killing me." (Al Havi Lilfatawa.
Printed from Bairut. Vol. 2, P 149)
So the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace & Peace beupon Him) is also alive
according to the Quranicverse.
Proof of the life of Prophets (Alaihis Salam) after death by
narrations of the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace and Peace be upon Him)
1) Qazi Shaukani writes that the Holy Prophet (Allah's Grace & Peace
beUpon Him) in saheeh hadith that the Prophets (Alaihis Salam) of
Allah almighty are alive in their shrines. And Baihaqi (Rahmatullah
Alaih) has rectified it andwrote a book on this topic.
(Nail-ul-Qwatar. Vol.5, Page 108)
Abu Darda (Radi Allaho Unho) narrates that the prophet of Allah
said,"Send salutation (Durood) upon me againan again on Friday.
Because these salutation(Durood) are observed by angles. No one sends
salutation but it is presented to me before his getting free from
salutations". I asked him,"What is about after death?" He (Allah's
Grace& Peace be Upon Him) said "Allah almighty has made unlawful upon
earth to spoil prophet's bodies and the Prophet of Allah is alived and
he is given food." (Sunnan-e- Ibne Maja, Printed Noor Muhammad, P 118)
There are so many narrations which are found in proof of the lifeof
Prophets (alaihis salam) after death, thosecan't be written this is
why I stop my pen at thisbecause it is enough for a reasonable man.
What does the Holy Quran say ?
Before we quote the Holy Quran let us define and understand the
terminology of this subject matter. The terms used for the
omnipresence are"Haazir" and"Naazir"and these terms need to be
clarified and understood from the outset.
The meaning of Haazir and Naazir is explained below:
HAAZIR-To be present (physically or spiritually, i.e. in being)
NAAZIR-To see or behold with ones own eyes (from near or afar)
Note very carefully, that to be truly present and seeing one must be
'Aware' and 'Understand'what one sees.
To illustrate, a person named Zaid is in his home watching the live
Jum'a broadcast from Mecca. Then it follows that Zaid is Haazir
(physically), at his home, and Zaid is Naazir (seeing events) in his
home and in Mecca. NowZaid saw with his own eyes the Imaam lead the
Jum'a prayer in Mecca, although Zaid was sitting in
London.
Added to the fact that, while sitting in London Zaid observed the
eventsin Mecca, Zaid needs twomore abilities to becomea WITNESS to
this event, i.e. Zaid must be AWARE of what he sees & hears, as well
as UNDERSTAND the event fully. Therefore, when Zaid satisfies the
conditions of being present and seeing,together with theability to
comprehend the event in front of him, Zaid may be called upon as a
WITNESS to that event.
Now, it would follow that, if Zaid were blind or deaf, Zaid could not
be called upon as a reliable witness, since Zaid does not fulfill all
the requirements of being are liable witness. Therefore, a WITNESS is
someone who is HAAZIR& NAAZIR at an event andfully understands the
event. Be it that the witness was at the eventphysically or was able
to observe the event LIVE from afar spiritually or in the case of Zaid
electronically!
It must also be apparent that one cannot be NAAZIR without being
HAAZIR, the two abilities go hand in hand.
This is a very important point to understand. Now, bearing in mind the
definition of HAAZIR& NAAZIR together with the definition of being
aWITNESS to an event, payfull attention to what the Holy Quran says
about the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).
1) " 'O' Nabi (communicator of the unseen) we have sent you as a
witness." (S33 V45)
2) "Then how shall it be, when We bring up a witness from each nation
(of each Prophet)and 'O' beloved
Messenger We will bring you as a witness and guardian against all
those." (S4 V41)
Observe that the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) is
beingcalled a WITNESS to all the nations that Allah has put upon this
Earth. Therefore, the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) must
have been present before his Earthly appearance and is still present
after this Earthly demise, otherwise he cannot be called upon asa
witness in the true sense of the word. Thereare many other verses
ofthe Holy Quran that call upon the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam)to be a witness. And a witness can only be someone who is
Haazir & Naazir.
A Technical Point
The following Quranic verses are often quoted to show that the Holy
Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) was notpresent and seeing
before his Earthly appearance :
"And you ('O' Prophet) were not with them (present) when they
casttheir pens(to decide) which of them should be
Mary's guardian." (S3 v44)
"The Prophet was not present when Musa was called upon Tur" (S28 V46)
Yes, the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) was notpresent
(physically speaking) at these events, but this is not to say that he
was not seeing (Naazir) these events. On the contrary, he must have
been seeing these events, otherwise how can he be a witness to all the
events as mentioned in the previous Quranic Verses. And since he was
seeing (NAAZIR) he must have been present(HAAZIR), be it spiritually
and from afar.
Read the following verses of the Holy Quran:
3)" ('O' Prophet) Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the
owners of the Elephant." (S105 V1)
This event took place many days before the birth of the Holy
Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam).
4)" ('O' Prophet) Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with (the
people) of Aad. " (S89 V9)
Now the people of Aad lived many centuries before the advent of the
Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) on this Earth.
So, how could the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) 'SEE'
these events? Allah only knows how, but, since it is clear from the
verses of the Holy Quran,that the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) did SEE these events, then you must admit that the Holy
Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) was present and seeing (HAAZIR
& NAAZIR) at these events. Furthermore, the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu
Alaihi Wasallam) witnessed these events before his Earthly advent.
Note that Allah did not say, "have you not HEARD..." or "have you not
been TOLD..". No, Allah says to the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) "did you not SEE"!
Please apply a little common sense. Is there not a difference between
seeing an event and being told about an event.
Mu'adh(RA)reports that the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)
said, "I saw Allah. He put His hand between my shoulders. I felt the
coolness of His hand in my breast which enlightened me about
everything. And I recognized Him." (Tirmidhi Sharif)
Even a lifetime would not be enough to contemplate on this Hadith, if
only Allah would open our minds to contemplation and understanding.
Sayyidina Umar (RA), states "In one Friday sermon, the Holy Prophet
(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) informed us about everything which has
happened or will happen from the very beginning of time until the
Hereafter when some will inhabit Paradise while the others Hell."
(Bukhari Sharif)
Is it not clear, that the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)
isa witness to all that has happened and will happen!
Ibn Abbas (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) said, "I know everything which is in the Heavens and
theEarth, from the East to the West."(Tirmidhi Sharif)
How can the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) know everything
in the Heavens and the Earth and their constant changing conditions,
without beholding the conditions of the Heavens and the Earth
continuously !
The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) had elevated some of
hiscompanions to such a state of being, that even those selected
companions were ever seeing the Heavens and the Earth.
Imaam Al Azam, Imaam Abu Hanifa writes that Haaris Ibn La'man and
Haarisa bin Na'man havestated, "Once I went to the Holy Prophet
(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) asked me a question, 'O Haaris in what state did you pass
the day?' I replied 'as a true Muslim'. Then the Holy Prophet(Sallal
Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) asked me the state of my faith.
I replied 'I see the Throne of Allah and the people of Paradise
helping each other and the people of Hell lamenting in Hell. I see
infront of me Eight Heavens and Seven Hells as clear as idol
worshippers see their Idols. I can recognize each individual just like
a miller can recognize Wheat from Barley, evenwho is to go to Paradise
and who is to be found in Hell. In front of me people are like fish
and ants. Shall I stay silent or continue to speak?'
The Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) told him to stop and
say no more. (Fiqah-Al-Akbar)
All it takes is a little common sense, if a companion of the Holy
Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) can behold Allah's creation in
such detail, then whatremains to be said aboutwhat the Holy Prophet
(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) beholds of Allah's creation.
Allama Ahmed Qustulani (RA) commentator of Bukhari Shareef, writes in
his book Mawahib-ladunya and Imam Muhammad Ibni Hajar Makki (RA)
writes in his book Madkhal: "There is no difference between the states
of life and death of the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam),
in his seeing his entire ummahand his recognizing of their states,
their intentions and their minds, and all this is clear to him; there
is no secret thereof to him." (Mawahib p.32, Madkhal p.21).
Qadi Ayyaz(RA) the well-known author of Shifa, writes "Whenever there
is nobody present in the home and you enter the home recite"Assalamo
Alaika Ayyohannabi Warahmatullah Wa Barakatahoo" Meaning"Peace be upon
you 'O' Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) of Allah and
Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you." (Shifa Sharif)
The point to note is that we are saluting the Holy Prophet(Sallal
Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the present tense i.e. accepting him as
Haazir& Naazir.
Mulla Ali Qari (RA): Substantiating on the above, the great Islamic
scholar, Mulla Ali Qari(RA)in his Shareh Shifa writes, "The reason(
for saluting the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the
present tense) is that theHoly Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam's)
soul is HAAZIR (present) in every Muslim home". (Shareh Shifa)
There are a billion Muslim homes throughout the world, and according
to the Islamic scholars, the HolyProphet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)
is present in everyMuslim home, does this not prove that the Holy
Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) is Haazir in many places at the
same time and Naazir as well.
Imaam Ghazali (RA) the seal of Islam, a great scholar and a Sufi
Masterwrites, "When you go into a mosque then say salaam to the Holy
Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) becausethe Holy Prophet (Sallal
Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) ispresent (Haazir) in mosques." (Mirqat -
Shareh Miskat)
There must be millions of Mosques situated around the world and inall
mosques the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) is present
spiritually. Whenthe Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)
isHaazir then he must be seeing and therefore he must be Naazir as
well.
It has been reported in the famous book 'Tafseer-e-Roohul Bayan'that
Imaam Ghazali (RA) stated, "the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) and his companions' souls have been given the right to
travel the world and many Awliya Allah have seen the Holy Prophet
(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)."(Tafseer-e-Roohul Bayaan - SurahMalak
)
Again Imaam Ghazali (RA), referring to the position of sitting
(Tashahudd) during Salat and reciting 'At-Tahiyyatu..', says that on
reciting the words 'Ayyohannabi'('O' Prophet) the reciter must behold
the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) as Haazir. Imaam
Ghazali (RA) says, ''And believe inyour hearts that the HolyProphet
(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) is present (Haazir) and then say
Assalamo AlaikaAyyohannabi'' (Ihya ' ul -Uloom Vol. 1 Section 3)
How strange, when we put the above argument forward to a
Deobandi(Wahhabi) mullah in South London, the Deobandi mullah said,
"we only recite 'Ayyohannabi' because itis stated in the Hadith,
otherwise reciting 'Ayyohannabi' has no special significance". Who
should we believe, the seal of Islam Imaam Ghazali(RA) or a 'square
head' Deobandi mullah. Perhaps our Deobandi mullah needs more proof.
Let us give him and other 'square heads'more proof.
Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehlvi (RA), the 30th in line of
the Golden Naqshbandi Sufi Order, and someonewhom Deobandis' are very
fond of quoting, says, ''In Attahiyat, the reason for reciting
'Ayyohannabi' is that Haqqiqat-e-Muhammadi (Reality (light) of the
Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)) is present in every
little thing. Therefore, it is present in the people praying Salat,
and those performing the Salat should be fully aware of this fact and
should not pay attention to anything except for the Holy
Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam's) presence (Haazri)''.
(Madarijun Nabuwat Vol.1 part 4 - Zikreh Fazaalileh Nabi )
Imaam Jalaluddin Suyuti (RA) says, "To keep watch of his own
followers' work and to pray for their forgiveness; to pray for their
abstention from bad deeds; to come and go in all parts of the world to
give auspiciousness; if one pious person dies from his followers then
to come and attend his janazah (funeral), all thisis done by the Holy
Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam)" (Intibahul Azkiyya)
Imaam Suyuti (RA) further states, ''If someone believes, that, while
performing Milad Sharif, or at the end of Ramadan or while reciting
Qasida(Naat) Sharif, that the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam's) soul is present on these occasions, then to believe this
is perfectly acceptable" (Shareh Sudoor)
By now any reasonable minded Muslim must, at least, accept that the
Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) has been granted the
ability of being in several places at the same time, be it
spiritually. However, some Muslim believe that the Holy Prophet(Sallal
Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) can even present himself physically.
Sheikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddis Dehlvi(RA) states, ''Allah Ta'ala has given
the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) the strength and power
to go anywhere he likes, he can go with his own body or only in soul.
On the earth, in the sky, in the grave and the Holy Prophet(Sallal
Laahu Alaihi Wasallam's) connection stays with his own shrine.''
(Madarigun Naboowat Vol.2 Part4 Wasleh Hayaateh Ambiya)
Abdul Karim Ibn Ibrahim Al Jili (RA) is a descendant of the great
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani(RA). Sheikh Jili (RA) gives us a
mind-blowing insight into the reality ofthe Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu
Alaihi Wasallam) in his book "The Perfect Man". However, we shall stay
with the subject matter and quote SheikhJili (RA) on this subject
alone. He writes "His original name is Muhammad (Sallal LaahuAlaihi
Wasallam), his name of honor is Abu'l Qasim, his description Abdullah,
and his title Shamsuddin. In every age he bears a name suitable to his
guise in that age. I once met him in the form of my Sheikh". He
further writes, "The truth of the matter is that the Holy Prophet
(Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) has the power of assuming every form
(In every age)." (Al Insanul Kamil)
Sheikh Jili(RA) relates how the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) took the bodily form of Sheikh Shibli (RA). He writes,
"Thus, when he appeared in the form of Shibli, Shibli said to his
murid, 'Bear witness thatI am the Messenger of Allah'; and the murid,
being of insight, recognized the Holy Prophet(Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam)and said, 'I bear witness that thou art the Messenger Allah.'
" (Al Insanul Kamil)
Finally, take heed of what the saint of saints has said on this subject.
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani(RA) writing about the Holy Prophet (Sallal
Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) says, "He is called the Total Intellect,
because he saw and understood everything." (Sirr al-asrar)
Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani(RA) further writes, "The soul of the Holy
Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallam), is watching you. He is pained,
at seeing your state." (Sirral-asrar)
What more proof does anyone require. If our feeble minds are unable to
understand the omnipresence the Holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi
Wasallam) then that is our own weakness. However, to deny something
when irrefutable proofs are presented is pure foolishness.

A Sermon from the Dying to the Living

Basrah a prolific and profoundly spiritual worshipper whose fear of
the Hereafter caused him to become physicallyweak, and whose constant
crying made him skinny and sick. When he was on his deathbed, his
family gathered around hiim, and they all began to cry.
"Help me sit up." He said He addressed his father first: "O my father,
what is making you cry?"
"My son," began his father, "I remembered that I will lose you, and
that I will be alone after you die."
The worshipper then turned his gaze towards his mother and said, "O my
Mother, what is making you cry?"
"I am crying because I will soon have to taste the bitterness of
losing you," she said.
He then turned to his sister and asked, "what ismaking you cry?"
"Because I will soon lose out on your kindness andwill consequently
have todepend on others for help," she said.
Finally, he looked at his children and asked, "what is making you cry?"
"The prospect of hard and humiliating life of being orphans after you
die," they said. Now it was his trun to cry. "And what is making you
cry?"everyone asked.
"I am crying because I saw that each one of youcried for his or her
own self, and not for me, he said. Is there none among you who cries
for the long, hard journey I am about to embark upon, and the few
supplies (i.e. good deeds)that I have for it? Is therenone among you
who cries because I will be lying down in dirt? Is there none among
you who cries becuase I will be held accountable (andmight have to
endure punishment)? Is there none among you who cries because of when
I will stand before the Lord of all that exists (for judgement)?" He
then rolled over onto his face, when they tried to move him, they
realised that hehad just died.
Source: Al-Mawa'iz Wal Majalis

Islamic Article,-

learn from it.
This is something that is very personal and important to me. I hope
that you will learn and benefit from it. Let me begin by saying
"Bismillah." When I first started University, I had met another Muslim
brother. We had become good friends , but this friendship was not like
any other ordinary friendship, I would have done anything for him, he
was like my real brother.
During our last year of University, this brother ofmine announced that
he was engaged and that hewas to be married after he graduates this
year and finds himself a job. I was glad for him and so was he. He
talked non stop about getting married, I was sort of getting jealous
of him, because the brother had it made for him, finishingschool,
getting married and especially coming from a wealthy family.
One day this brother was to meet me at the coffee shop. He showed up,
but astonishingly he wasn't smiling and wasn't talking about his
fiancée.I asked him what was wrong, he asked if we could talk
somewhere privately and we did. Finally I knew why he was upset. He
had told me that he found out that he had a brain tumor which was
malignant, which meant it had become cancerous.When he told me the
news, his voice was quivering and tears werestreaming down his cheeks.
I had never seen him like this before. I tried keeping in my tears and
Itried not to show that I was hurt also. I was burning up inside and
things were racing through my mind. I kept thinking, how could this
have happened? A man who had everything made and had everything
perfect. I keptit inside because I did not want him to see me upset.
I saw this brother slowly go down. He had to drop out of school at his
last year because he began to lose his memory and he started to repeat
himself over again. He did not have a chance at school without his
memory. This brother was intelligent, but after,he became lost.
He was told that his fianceés family and her parents did not want
their daughter to marry him, because he had no job and basically no
future. This was hard for him, I remember he would cry to me about her
and how he cared forher and how hopeless hefelt.
Later, the brother had problems writing and hisright eyesight was
fading. The tumor was on the left side of his brain so it affected
everything on his right. Because of his memory loss, the brother soon
forgot suras and he even forgot how to pray. A year later, his right
arm was paralyzed and his eyesight was taken awayfrom him. It was the
hardest thing for me to see. The brother I loved so much as going
through so much. I began coming over everyday helping him recite
suras.
When I was recited sura Fatiha to him and he wasslowly repeating after
me, I looked at him and I thought, this was the same brother who was
so intelligent and was to finish school. This was the same brother who
came from such a wealthy family. This was the same brother who talked
for days about getting married and raising a family. This was the same
brother who had everything. But now he can barely remember what I said
to him ten minutes ago, he can't getmarried, and now he is struggling
to read Qur'an, he was not much of a practicing Muslim so it was
harder for him to recite the Qur'an. This man was now turning towards
Allah, he dropped EVERYTHING and turned towards Allah. Allah gave him
everything, and he could take everything away just as easily.
A month ago, I had received a call saying that the brother passed away
and that his janaza is today. I washed his body with a couple of other
brothers and I saw his lifeless body. He was buried and after that I
returned home. The next day, I sat down wondering to myself about the
power of Allah.My brother's death made me realize that we forgetwhat
our purpose of being here is for: To serve Allah. You could have
everything, but do you have anything that isimportant? I spent six
years knowing this brother, and caring for him. I never once shed a
tear when he was alive and not even when he passed away. But the
dayafter his death, I did cry because I thought about the power of
Allah. I thought about my brother. We always say that we will return
to Allah, but we never reallybelieve it. If we did, then we would
struggle to read the Qur'an and pray to Allah like my brother did.
My brother had his eyesight taken away from him, his arm was paralyzed
and his memory was lost, but he still got up every morning and he
insisted and I repeat, insisted on reciting the Qur'an. But we are
able, but we still do not struggle to read the Qur'an. We do not
really believe that we will return to Allah, or else we would struggle
for Allah.
My brother had love for materialistic objects, but when death
approached him, those things were no use to him because heknew those
things were not going to lead him to Jannah without his Iman.Allah can
give and take things easily whenever and wherever. I love my brother
and I pray that Allah will accept him, andI humbly request that prayer
be made for him. Ido pray that you have a true belief of Allah and our
return to Him because if you do have this fear, you will struggle for
your Islam to the best of your ability before you can say it is too
late. May we all be rightly guided. Ameen.

23 YEARS LATER, THIS PROFOUND MESSAGE IS EVER MORE RELEVANT AND IMPORTANT!

SHAIKH ABUL HASAN ALI AN-NADWI (R) – SPEECH DELIVERED IN DEWSBURY, UK
IN 1982 AT THE OPENING OF THE DEWSBURY MARKAZ
I am filled with happinessby your reception. I would be most
ungrateful if I do not respect your wishes and share my inner
feelings. If I desire I could shower you with praises, for Almighty
Allah has bestowed me with an abundance of vocabulary, but I would not
be fulfilling the right of friendship.
DA'WAH IN THE SEERAH
As you are aware, the Prophet (sallallahu-alayhi-wasallam), had a
burning desire to invite humanity towards Islam. Despite 13 years of
untiring effort in Makkatul-Mukarramah and 7 years in
Madinatul-Munawwarah, there was no large scale movement of non-Muslims
into Islam. Between 7 AH and 10 AH, which is the period after
Fath-Makkahuntil the Prophet's demise, there was such an influx of
people entering the ranks of Islam that was not witnessed in the
preceding 20 years.
Imam Zuhri (rahmatullahi-alayh), an eminent Muhaddith and Tabii,
expressed surprise on this sea change, with so many people embracing
Islam in a matter of just 3 years. Along with other distinguished
Muhaddith he has commented that this was due to non-Muslims having had
an opportunity for the first time, to observe and intermingle with
Muslims, witness their honesty, fair dealing, compassion and sole
reliance on Almighty Allah. This left such a deep and profound
impression on non-Muslims that thousands entered into the fold of
Islam within a relatively short period of time.
APPLYING THE LESSONS OF SEERAH HERE AND NOW
This incident also contains abundant lessons on how Muslims should
live in this country. Their conduct should be sublime and captivating.
Whosoever should see us should accept Islam. Whosoever sits with us
should be inclined towards Islam. There should be no need to convince
anyone to accept the Truth.
Therefore, in this countryif you wish to live peacefully and have an
opportunity to present Islam to the host community, you will need to
inculcate and manifest sterling qualities, not just inside the Mosques
but also outside in the streets, in the markets, in your
dailyactivities, and at home. A life of Taqwa will immediately attract
non-Muslims towards Islam.
DANGERS OF LIVING ISOLATED AND INSULATED
As an ordinary student of Islam it is my religious responsibility to
warn you. If you do not lead anupright life, if you continue to live
an insular lifestyle, and if you fail to manifest the beauty of Islam
to non-Muslims, then you face some real dangers. In such a case, there
is noreason for you to feel content and secure in this country.
If ever the fire of race, religion or nationalism rages here you will
not be saved. In Spain there were Mosques a hundredtimes more
beautiful than yours. So do not feelcontent and self-satisfied.As an
ordinary student of religion I would wish to express my joy and
happiness at this wonderful new Mosque. But what words shall I use to
congratulate you?
LESSONS FROM SPAIN
Others may not speak to you as plainly, but remember the glorious
Masjid-e-Cordova. It still stands in Spain. Iqbal, Poet of the East,
so eloquently reminisces thegreat legacy of Islamic Spain in his
famous poemMasjid-e-Qurtaba. In Islamic Spain, there were such
brilliant Mosques, celebrated Madrasahs, famous scholars like
Shaykh-ul-Akbar, Ibnu-Hazm, Qurtubi, Shatbi - and how many others
shall I mention? However, when the flames of religious sectarianism
raged then the Mosques and Madrasahs became deserted. Once, Islamic
Spain boasted such magnificent structures, distinguished educational
centres, refined culture and society. Regrettably, the Muslims,
despite such a high standard of living, did not draw the non-Muslims
of that country to see the Truth of Islam, to warn them of the dangers
of disbelief, with the result that ensuing religious violence
subsequently consumed them like a morsel. The Arabs with their glowing
history, architectural splendour and vast oceans of knowledge, were
displaced from the country. Today, unfortunately, the ears eagerly
wait to hear the Azaan and the empty Mosques thirst for the Salah.
EARN YOUR PLACE IN YOUR COUNTRY
My dear brothers, you must earn your recognition in this country. You
should earn your place and leave an imprint on the host community of
your value and significance. You must show your exemplary conduct is
far nobler than that of other people. You must impart on them the
lessons of humanity. You should demonstrate such commitment and noble
virtues that impress on people that there cannot be found more upright
humans elsewhere besides you. You need to establish your worth,
showing what blessing and mercy you are for the country.
If however you decide to live in an enclosed environment simply
content with your Prayers and Fasting, apathetic to the people and
society you live in, never introducing them to the high Islamic
valuesand your own personal qualities, then beware lest any religious
or sectarian violence flares up. In such a situation, you will not
find safety orprotection.
I pray to Almighty Allah my prediction is totally unfounded. But
remember, you are guests here. Your Tabligh, Mosques, Madrasahs,
Ibadah and religious sacrifices are all worthy of commendation. May
Almighty Allah grant you Barakah. But do not forget to earn your place
in this country. Gain proficiency of the national language and use it
to effectively propagate Islam. Preparewriters and orators to convey
the message of Islam. Although you will distance yourself from their
religion, do not distance yourself from them. Establish your
credibility to the extent that if you are entrusted with onerous
responsibilities, as was Prophet Yusuf (alayhis-salam), you do not
shirk but embrace all challenges wholeheartedly.
YOUR PRIORITY SHOULD NOT BE WEALTH AND LUXURY
You will have to present a new pattern of life to this country. You
will not earn recognition by exerting yourselves in the workplace. If
you overwork you will lookedupon disparagingly and be likened to
horses and bulls. In fact, you will be labelled as money-making
machines. However, if you can showto the people here that you are
worshippers of Almighty Allah and not wealth, you do not bow before
power but only before virtue, you are humans and think like humans,
you are concerned not only about yourselves but alsoabout others; and
you are compassionate aboutyour own children as well as theirs, that
you are earnestly concerned about the path of destruction they have
chosen for themselves, you will then earn their respect. They will
begin to respect Islam and become desirous of studying it. They will
ask you for literature concerning Islamic beliefs and practices and an
opportunity will arise here for you to promote Islam.
On the other hand, if you remain preoccupied in eating and working,
engaged in Prayers, remaining indifferent to what is happening in the
country, insulated within the Muslim community, totally apathetic to
what is happening outside, which direction the country is taking - in
sucha situation if there is trouble you will not be able to save
yourselves.
STRENGTHEN YOUR POSITION
I have been meaning to convey and accentuate this message to you as I
do not know whether I will be able visit you again in the future. You
gathered here with love and affection and therefore it was easy for me
to convey. As a student of religion it would have been convenient for
me to recommend the virtues of reciting various Zikr orprescribe
certain Wazifahs but you may not have had an opportunity of listening
to the message I have just conveyed from anyone else.
Please strengthen your position in this country. Earn your
recognition. Donot be like a straw or crop that is uprooted by a mere
breeze. You should be so firm that not even a hurricane is able to
displace you. Display such noble character that you attractthe hearts
of the people. See then how these people will stand up to defend you.
If there is the slightest hostility towards you, they will bethe first
ones to argue onyour behalf and argue what a blessing you are for
them.
May Almighty Allah grant us the ability to understand what is
right;may He bless and protect you. Aameen.