rather we will not be able to establish a reformative relationship with this work (Tabligh). Maulwi Ilyas(ra) sahab used to say, "This work is Wali producing....it(by itself) can turn people into Walis". If one does not have (absolute) certitude of success, spiritual reformation, guidance and forward progress with the work......then the work will be taken lightly and discarded........which is why my respected brothers, friends and elders......what we need most is belief in the work and full understanding so that we develop firmness and fortitude (istiqama) in this work.....if one does not believe in it...then he will take it lightly and leave it....and moreover the work will be considered as ineffective and abandoned.... because the effectiveness (ta'seer) ....the effectiveness of this work is dependent upon the sacrifices that are made for it......if the sacrifices and demands of this work remain unfulfilled...then the effects of the work will not stand forth....that's why my respected friends, elders and brothers....first of all we must ask Allah for clear knowledge & full understanding (Baseerat)....so that Allah gives us belief (yaqin) and knowledge.......for one's firmness in this work will depend upon his Baseerat (understanding)...and depending upon his fortitude and firmness will Allah accept him.....4 points are important for us.........I would like to say 4 things.....1)Belief and knowledge in the work(yaqin and baseera).....2)unity(ijtimaaiyat) regarding the work.....3) Perfection and comprehensiveness (Jaami’iyyat) in carrying out the work…4) Sifat-e-qubuliyyat….qualities which make one acceptable to Allah….making oneself acceptable to Allah(for the work of Da’wa) with one’s good qualities. So the first thing is this …remember that the Anbiya (asws) used to call with full understanding & knowledge (Baseerat) …..whatever trials, whatever obstacles were placed by their people…(such as) refusal to accept their da’wa….whatever came in their way was unable to stop them….they used to complete their work…because they were absolutely convinced that their success lay in what they were doing. So my respected friends, elders and brothers, the secret of remaining firm in this work (Da’wa) is that we do this for our own selves, that we understand what Da’wa is, what are the effects of Da’wa, why it is given and for whom it is given. Look! Da’wa is actually for the Daa’ii himself. In the quest for correcting (islah) others, let us never forget ourselves. Let it not happen that we seek to correct others and become careless of our own (spiritual needs)…for remember that Da’wa is for the Daa’ii himself. Hadrat (rah) used to say, “Do this work for (the correction of) your own self. He who does it for himself (considering himself muhtaj) will become Saleh (pious). And Allah Rabb al ‘Izzat, will use him for the correction of the Ummah”. That is why inviting to good and stopping from evil is actually for our selves. We used to do this work in the beginning for our own selves, later on we were moved as per the needs of the people. This way of thinking (that we were doing something for others) made us forget ourselves (i.e. the older members), it made us forget that our talking and our working and all our efforts were all for our own selves (in actuality). The second thing…is that we believe with our hearts that this work is enough for our self reformation and self correction….Allah forbid if we do not hold this belief in our hearts then our relationship to this work will no longer remain corrective…The second thing is this; Something that was seen in the times of all Prophets (asws) was that when that (particular) Nabi passed on, then the work of da’wa went and then the Din went. When the Messenger came, Da’wa came and Din came. So in every era and time, the Din remained dependent upon Da’wa. This is the end result of every era. When the Nabi went, Da’wa went and finally the Din went. And today also, all the evil in the world, all the innovations in Din and all the evils and carelessness..(that we see around us)…..there is no way that the Muslim Nation can come out of it or escape it except through Da’wa. My friends, elders and brothers, I am saying this because the method and way of working is becoming (seemingly) more important while Da’wa (itself), its truth(and depth), its need and belief in it…all this is becoming weaker….our workers need to have belief in it so that firmness in the work is per faith and belief and as per one’s firmness (in the work) will the demands of this work be fulfilled. So the first thing is that we have belief in this work……the other thing my friends and elders is that there be unity and single-mindedness in us…what does Ijtimaayiyat mean? It refers to the union of (our) hearts……The Jama’h is not a collection of bodies/people…a mass of people is a crowd(repeated) …and unity of hearts is known as ijtimaayiyat. If two men are offering Salah (namaz) in Jam’ah..then it will be said that this is a Jam’ah….prayer in Jama’h is taking place…If there is an ameer and a Jama’h is with him, then it will be called a Jama’h…..because they are on faithful obedience(ita’at)…the follower(muqtadi) follows the Imam(repeated) and the Jama’h follows the amir..so it will be said that it is a jam’ah….(however) if there is no union of hearts then it will be a crowd. My respected friends, this unity of hearts has conditions (behind it).
The Qur’an has given four reasons for unity….the first reason and condition is that there be gentleness(and softness) in the workers(of Din)…this is the first reason….because the principles of this work are not Laws. Excessiveness(and intolerance) raises its head when people consider the principles of the work to be Laws….so that (they think) that this Law was passed or this Law was decided….which is why I have said that no principle with us is a Law….its a principle,,,and principles are for whom? Principles are for those who obey faithfully…and laws are for those who disobey …(repeated)….so Laws are for those who do not listen and Principles are for those who faithfully obey.
Which is why Governments pass Laws and Prophethood(Nubuwwat) has Principles(repeated)……Principles(Guidelines) for Da’wa and Laws for Government…he who goes against the Law is punished….(but) there is no punishment for one who contravenes our guidelines(principles)…(you can’t say) ask him why he went against the Principles…there is (simply) no such concept with us…because all our principles and guidelines are just principles which are for faithful obedience(ita'at=to listen and obey) and (this) obedience is (achieved) by encouragement(targheeb)…that they be encouraged towards working rightly….that’s all….no one has a greater right than this…. Because the Da’ii is responsible for reminding…And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers” Sura Ad Dhariyaat v.55….that remind them of the right thing…so the Da’ii is responsible for reminding what the principles and guidelines are…..that’s it..which is why my dear friends and elders…the principles(all) of this work are not Laws because (breaking) Laws entails punishment…which is why we have a discussion and reminding of principles here not a listing of mistakes…there is no punishment….because those who do this work are humans…..not angels….and our workers will make mistakes and break principles..they are human and the human is intrinsically prone to error…. In the hadith it is mentioned that all of you are sinners…no one is free of error…….small or large…different….but all are sinners…. So the fact is that one sees the mistakes of others when his eyes are upon his own achievements and qualities (repeated)….then his eyes will definitely chance upon the faults of others….and he who keeps looking at his own weaknesses…he will never look at the faults of others…he will never bother with thinking evil about others….or their faults…...because what he sees in others…he has already glimpsed in himself….and this has lead to a sense of worry and sorrow regarding his own self in his heart… Hadrat ‘Umar saw an old man drinking alcohol….so he came out of that place weeping…the incident is detailed….the reason that he was crying was his own mistake of entering and searching for the old man’s fault in his house…he was not crying because his people were drinking..rather his crying was (what) if Allah did not forgive ‘Umar…so he was crying for his sin That is why my respected friends and elders, this is the first condition and reason for unity(of hearts).....that the first reason for unity is that there is no punishment for those who break the principles(of this work)....there is no COURT here where you file a complaint against people......ABSOLUTELY NOT....and we have no COMPLAINTS SECTION...........rather what we have is a SECTION OF PATIENCE........ patience......not complaints.....that (people) complain against those who go against principles..we have no such section....rather what should we do when our workers make mistakes and break principles?
The Prophet(saws) was shown what to do(in such a case)...that O Nabi(saws) ...those who make mistakes.....seek forgiveness for them........because seeking forgiveness(istaghfar) in itself is a way of training and reformation(tarbiyya).....that the Best of trainers and the Highest of those who reform is Allah...so that our mistakes...and our mistaken workers....hand them over to Allah...(saying) that Allah you are the one who trained the Messengers(asws) and the Companions(raa).........reform(improve) this worker and reform us too..........this is the (right) way....that is why the Prophet(saws) was ordered to do this...that O Messenger, seek forgiveness for them...so we have no section for complaints.
A certain gentleman spoke to Hadrat Mawlana Yusuf(rah) about another worker from Zuhr till Asr. He took the entire time(between the two prayers) ...everything (all his complaints) he said was true....Hadrat he(so-and-so) did this, he did that, he did this......Hadrat listened to everything from Dhuhr till 'Asr...when he (finally) got up for 'Asr, Hadrat(rah) said to the complainant........Brother, I (myself) am worthless(bad)...if I had been good, then my co-workers would also have been good...my co-workers are just like me..all that the complainant had said was true...everything was true....(but) it was said (to him) that I(Ml Yusuf) am bad ..if I had been good then my colleagues(in this work) would have been good...this was said.
..so the plaintiff swore off from (ever) complaining(about an individual) again...(seeing) that there is no room here for complaints....because my friends it has come in a Hadeeth...Hudhur Akram(saws) said, "Let none of you come to me with a complaint regarding one of my Companions. I wish that when I come out to you my heart be clean for all of you." Because to take work from our workers, we need to have trust and full faith in them...complaints destroy this trust(repeated)...and when this trust is lost, then the worker (himself) will also be lost(soon)...because the work can only be taken on the basis of trust...work is dependent upon faith...that the work will be entrusted to those who are seen as trustworthy...and when there is no faith.....then you can't even take work from a shop employee....(what to say of) such an important task which Allah has mentioned as a trust, ..that this Din is a trust(amana), the work of this Din(tabligh) is (also) a trust...how will this work be perfected without faith(in the worker)?...
That is why my respected friends and elders we have no complaints section...rather there is this command..."O Prophet(saws)..Be patient and forgive all the pain and trouble that they cause you ...and whatever mistakes they make, seek forgiveness for them. These two are reasons for unity(ijtimaaiyyat)...that there be gentleness(and softness) in our natures(and behaviour) and the second thing is that there be forgiveness in our natures...that (we) forgive them....Narrate incidents from the life of the Prophet(saws) where despite the extreme pain and hurt caused to him(saws) he returned it with (that which was much) better and (also) forgave them...which is why it is said again and again to read "HAYAT AL SAHABA" so that our mindset with this work becomes da'ii-like(da'iiyyana)...we need a Da'ii's temperament...this was the temperament and mindset of the Sahaba(raa) and the Anbiya(as).
..otherwise we (will try) to do this work with a trader's mindset or the mindset of a ruler...a ruler has a certain temperament...a trader has a certain temperament...but this work needs a Da'iis mindset. This work will not be done(successfully) with any other mindset...neither with that of a ruler nor a trader...nor with politics......because this work demands sincerity and the sincere clean hearted person(mukhlis) has a very straightforward and simple way of thinking.....his mind is very simple. he does not know cunning and he does not know about conspiring.......(but) he is not a fool...that's why my respected friends and elders because the foundation of this work is sincerity that is why he will think simply and in a straight forward fashion...and he will follow the disposition of the Prophet(saws)...and the disposition and nature of Nabi(saws) in this work is to forgive those who hurt him and cause trouble(to him) and to supplicate and seek forgiveness for those who make mistakes in this work.
So these are two of the reasons(and preconditions) for unity ...one is gentleness and the other is forgiveness.....the third is to supplicate and to seek forgiveness from Allah.......and the fourth.....the fourth condition for unity is mutual consultation(mashwara) .....what is it? (it is) mashwara...Allah has mentioned mutual consultation along with prayer in the Qur`an..(so) consultation is mentioned in the Qur'an alongwith namaz....."Wa’ l ladheenas tajaabu li rabbihim wa aqaamus salaata wa ‘amru hum shura’a bayna hum…(Al Shura’ v.38) TR: Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation…." So (as you can see) consultation is mentioned with Salah....so in the same sense that collecting for prayer is important.....collecting for consultation is also important....the same importance.....this Umma will collect for Salah in `ibadah and for Mashwara in Da'wa....this is sufficient for its importance(to be understood).......in this ayah there is no mention of the other obligations...no mention of Zakah, Hajj or Fasting.....(there is mention of) Salah and alongwith it Mashwara.
...this shows that the same importance that lies in collecting for Salah lies in collecting for Mashwara....that Mashwara is a collective deed like Salah....that you make this a collective deed.....and how do we do this? we make the Mashwara collective by (doing) two things....One is that our needs and requirements be collected(and presented) solidly and firmly in the Mashwara...because the one who brings his needs and requirements to the Mashwara....he has striven for the consultation...(and) Allah Rabb al 'Izzat will open the points of the Mashwara on his heart because of his sacrifices (for the same). Maulwi Ilyas Sahab(rah) used to say that Allah has promised to open many ways(and all ways) for those who strive in His path....not just one way....Those who strive for Our sake, We shall certainly guide them unto Our paths. Surah al-'Ankabut v.68 that "subul" is the plural(of sabil which means way/path)...that We will open ALL ways upon them...that subul is the plural..not just a single way....rather (we will open) all ways...that is why my respected friends, elders and brothers...he who sacrifices something to get to the mashwara...the points of the consultation will be opened upon him by Allah through divine inspiration(Ilham)...that Allah will show what needs to be done....otherwise the reason that workers fight during mashwara is also this...that there is no struggle and sacrifice behind their advice
...and now there is another difficulty...that (people) consult with workers on their mobiles...in their own environment...they are in their shops, their homes or in their offices...these are workers of Din but are in their offices...and their advice (comes) from there....that work for which you did not sacrifice anything how will Allah open its truth upon you...how will Allah open the depth of this work for you...for which you struggled nought?....
so my respected friends, elders and brothers, bring your needs and requirements to the mashwara...and make it a collective deed...because you will find this in the work of the Sahaba-e-Kiram(raa)..that whenever a problem or situataion developed in front of them, then they became so affected by it that Allah showed them the right way to deal with that particular demand/situation.
There was no way to collect people for prayer before the Adhaan..people used to be invited for Salah personally...come for prayer..come for prayer...so the one who came early used to wait for the one who came later....and Salah used to begin after everyone had collected...people used to be called from their homes one by one...Bilal(ra) used to roam the streets,,,for prayer....prayer, prayer, prayer.....so everyone would come together for salah
...the Companions said, O Messenger of Allah! there is difficulty in collecting the people for prayer..what should be done? Then the Companions mentioned the various ways of calling to prayer that were used at that time...should we beat drums? or ring bells? so that people come to know that the time for prayer has arrived? So the Prophet(saws) said that beating drums is the way of the Jews and ringing bells is the way of the Christians and lighting a fire is the way of the Fire-worshippers(Zoroastrians)....we will not use these....he stopped them from all these....
[Emphasis and material in brackets is mine to make certain points clear].
The Qur’an has given four reasons for unity….the first reason and condition is that there be gentleness(and softness) in the workers(of Din)…this is the first reason….because the principles of this work are not Laws. Excessiveness(and intolerance) raises its head when people consider the principles of the work to be Laws….so that (they think) that this Law was passed or this Law was decided….which is why I have said that no principle with us is a Law….its a principle,,,and principles are for whom? Principles are for those who obey faithfully…and laws are for those who disobey …(repeated)….so Laws are for those who do not listen and Principles are for those who faithfully obey.
Which is why Governments pass Laws and Prophethood(Nubuwwat) has Principles(repeated)……Principles(Guidelines) for Da’wa and Laws for Government…he who goes against the Law is punished….(but) there is no punishment for one who contravenes our guidelines(principles)…(you can’t say) ask him why he went against the Principles…there is (simply) no such concept with us…because all our principles and guidelines are just principles which are for faithful obedience(ita'at=to listen and obey) and (this) obedience is (achieved) by encouragement(targheeb)…that they be encouraged towards working rightly….that’s all….no one has a greater right than this…. Because the Da’ii is responsible for reminding…And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers” Sura Ad Dhariyaat v.55….that remind them of the right thing…so the Da’ii is responsible for reminding what the principles and guidelines are…..that’s it..which is why my dear friends and elders…the principles(all) of this work are not Laws because (breaking) Laws entails punishment…which is why we have a discussion and reminding of principles here not a listing of mistakes…there is no punishment….because those who do this work are humans…..not angels….and our workers will make mistakes and break principles..they are human and the human is intrinsically prone to error…. In the hadith it is mentioned that all of you are sinners…no one is free of error…….small or large…different….but all are sinners…. So the fact is that one sees the mistakes of others when his eyes are upon his own achievements and qualities (repeated)….then his eyes will definitely chance upon the faults of others….and he who keeps looking at his own weaknesses…he will never look at the faults of others…he will never bother with thinking evil about others….or their faults…...because what he sees in others…he has already glimpsed in himself….and this has lead to a sense of worry and sorrow regarding his own self in his heart… Hadrat ‘Umar saw an old man drinking alcohol….so he came out of that place weeping…the incident is detailed….the reason that he was crying was his own mistake of entering and searching for the old man’s fault in his house…he was not crying because his people were drinking..rather his crying was (what) if Allah did not forgive ‘Umar…so he was crying for his sin That is why my respected friends and elders, this is the first condition and reason for unity(of hearts).....that the first reason for unity is that there is no punishment for those who break the principles(of this work)....there is no COURT here where you file a complaint against people......ABSOLUTELY NOT....and we have no COMPLAINTS SECTION...........rather what we have is a SECTION OF PATIENCE........ patience......not complaints.....that (people) complain against those who go against principles..we have no such section....rather what should we do when our workers make mistakes and break principles?
The Prophet(saws) was shown what to do(in such a case)...that O Nabi(saws) ...those who make mistakes.....seek forgiveness for them........because seeking forgiveness(istaghfar) in itself is a way of training and reformation(tarbiyya).....that the Best of trainers and the Highest of those who reform is Allah...so that our mistakes...and our mistaken workers....hand them over to Allah...(saying) that Allah you are the one who trained the Messengers(asws) and the Companions(raa).........reform(improve) this worker and reform us too..........this is the (right) way....that is why the Prophet(saws) was ordered to do this...that O Messenger, seek forgiveness for them...so we have no section for complaints.
A certain gentleman spoke to Hadrat Mawlana Yusuf(rah) about another worker from Zuhr till Asr. He took the entire time(between the two prayers) ...everything (all his complaints) he said was true....Hadrat he(so-and-so) did this, he did that, he did this......Hadrat listened to everything from Dhuhr till 'Asr...when he (finally) got up for 'Asr, Hadrat(rah) said to the complainant........Brother, I (myself) am worthless(bad)...if I had been good, then my co-workers would also have been good...my co-workers are just like me..all that the complainant had said was true...everything was true....(but) it was said (to him) that I(Ml Yusuf) am bad ..if I had been good then my colleagues(in this work) would have been good...this was said.
..so the plaintiff swore off from (ever) complaining(about an individual) again...(seeing) that there is no room here for complaints....because my friends it has come in a Hadeeth...Hudhur Akram(saws) said, "Let none of you come to me with a complaint regarding one of my Companions. I wish that when I come out to you my heart be clean for all of you." Because to take work from our workers, we need to have trust and full faith in them...complaints destroy this trust(repeated)...and when this trust is lost, then the worker (himself) will also be lost(soon)...because the work can only be taken on the basis of trust...work is dependent upon faith...that the work will be entrusted to those who are seen as trustworthy...and when there is no faith.....then you can't even take work from a shop employee....(what to say of) such an important task which Allah has mentioned as a trust, ..that this Din is a trust(amana), the work of this Din(tabligh) is (also) a trust...how will this work be perfected without faith(in the worker)?...
That is why my respected friends and elders we have no complaints section...rather there is this command..."O Prophet(saws)..Be patient and forgive all the pain and trouble that they cause you ...and whatever mistakes they make, seek forgiveness for them. These two are reasons for unity(ijtimaaiyyat)...that there be gentleness(and softness) in our natures(and behaviour) and the second thing is that there be forgiveness in our natures...that (we) forgive them....Narrate incidents from the life of the Prophet(saws) where despite the extreme pain and hurt caused to him(saws) he returned it with (that which was much) better and (also) forgave them...which is why it is said again and again to read "HAYAT AL SAHABA" so that our mindset with this work becomes da'ii-like(da'iiyyana)...we need a Da'ii's temperament...this was the temperament and mindset of the Sahaba(raa) and the Anbiya(as).
..otherwise we (will try) to do this work with a trader's mindset or the mindset of a ruler...a ruler has a certain temperament...a trader has a certain temperament...but this work needs a Da'iis mindset. This work will not be done(successfully) with any other mindset...neither with that of a ruler nor a trader...nor with politics......because this work demands sincerity and the sincere clean hearted person(mukhlis) has a very straightforward and simple way of thinking.....his mind is very simple. he does not know cunning and he does not know about conspiring.......(but) he is not a fool...that's why my respected friends and elders because the foundation of this work is sincerity that is why he will think simply and in a straight forward fashion...and he will follow the disposition of the Prophet(saws)...and the disposition and nature of Nabi(saws) in this work is to forgive those who hurt him and cause trouble(to him) and to supplicate and seek forgiveness for those who make mistakes in this work.
So these are two of the reasons(and preconditions) for unity ...one is gentleness and the other is forgiveness.....the third is to supplicate and to seek forgiveness from Allah.......and the fourth.....the fourth condition for unity is mutual consultation(mashwara) .....what is it? (it is) mashwara...Allah has mentioned mutual consultation along with prayer in the Qur`an..(so) consultation is mentioned in the Qur'an alongwith namaz....."Wa’ l ladheenas tajaabu li rabbihim wa aqaamus salaata wa ‘amru hum shura’a bayna hum…(Al Shura’ v.38) TR: Those who hearken to their Lord, and establish regular Prayer; who (conduct) their affairs by mutual Consultation…." So (as you can see) consultation is mentioned with Salah....so in the same sense that collecting for prayer is important.....collecting for consultation is also important....the same importance.....this Umma will collect for Salah in `ibadah and for Mashwara in Da'wa....this is sufficient for its importance(to be understood).......in this ayah there is no mention of the other obligations...no mention of Zakah, Hajj or Fasting.....(there is mention of) Salah and alongwith it Mashwara.
...this shows that the same importance that lies in collecting for Salah lies in collecting for Mashwara....that Mashwara is a collective deed like Salah....that you make this a collective deed.....and how do we do this? we make the Mashwara collective by (doing) two things....One is that our needs and requirements be collected(and presented) solidly and firmly in the Mashwara...because the one who brings his needs and requirements to the Mashwara....he has striven for the consultation...(and) Allah Rabb al 'Izzat will open the points of the Mashwara on his heart because of his sacrifices (for the same). Maulwi Ilyas Sahab(rah) used to say that Allah has promised to open many ways(and all ways) for those who strive in His path....not just one way....Those who strive for Our sake, We shall certainly guide them unto Our paths. Surah al-'Ankabut v.68 that "subul" is the plural(of sabil which means way/path)...that We will open ALL ways upon them...that subul is the plural..not just a single way....rather (we will open) all ways...that is why my respected friends, elders and brothers...he who sacrifices something to get to the mashwara...the points of the consultation will be opened upon him by Allah through divine inspiration(Ilham)...that Allah will show what needs to be done....otherwise the reason that workers fight during mashwara is also this...that there is no struggle and sacrifice behind their advice
...and now there is another difficulty...that (people) consult with workers on their mobiles...in their own environment...they are in their shops, their homes or in their offices...these are workers of Din but are in their offices...and their advice (comes) from there....that work for which you did not sacrifice anything how will Allah open its truth upon you...how will Allah open the depth of this work for you...for which you struggled nought?....
so my respected friends, elders and brothers, bring your needs and requirements to the mashwara...and make it a collective deed...because you will find this in the work of the Sahaba-e-Kiram(raa)..that whenever a problem or situataion developed in front of them, then they became so affected by it that Allah showed them the right way to deal with that particular demand/situation.
There was no way to collect people for prayer before the Adhaan..people used to be invited for Salah personally...come for prayer..come for prayer...so the one who came early used to wait for the one who came later....and Salah used to begin after everyone had collected...people used to be called from their homes one by one...Bilal(ra) used to roam the streets,,,for prayer....prayer, prayer, prayer.....so everyone would come together for salah
...the Companions said, O Messenger of Allah! there is difficulty in collecting the people for prayer..what should be done? Then the Companions mentioned the various ways of calling to prayer that were used at that time...should we beat drums? or ring bells? so that people come to know that the time for prayer has arrived? So the Prophet(saws) said that beating drums is the way of the Jews and ringing bells is the way of the Christians and lighting a fire is the way of the Fire-worshippers(Zoroastrians)....we will not use these....he stopped them from all these....
[Emphasis and material in brackets is mine to make certain points clear].
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