An Exemplary Teacher of Hadeeth: Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri (Rahimahulllah)

An Exemplary Teacher of Hadeeth: Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri (Rahimahulllah)

By: KhursheedAlamDawoodQasmi

Email: qasmikhursheed@yahoo.co.in

In the blessed month of Ramadhan, a renowned exemplary teacher of Hadeeth and towering scholar of Islamic jurisprudence, Mufti Saeed Ahmad Palanpuri (May Allah have mercy on him and grant him Jannah!) passed away. From the time we started learning from him, we realised and understood his great personality and the value and significance of his teaching. As the scholars from the world expressed their pain and grief over his sad demise, it added more importance and worth to our hearts than ever before. He spent his noble and beautiful life in studying, teaching, lecturing, addressing the gathering of masses and authoring and compiling precious books on several topics of Islamic sciences. He rendered his services within the country and abroad like European and African countries, the USA and Canada etc. Keeping his works in mind, it can be admitted that such personalities are born after a long time.

The Teaching Services:

            There are numerous prominent aspects of Mufti Sahib’s services to be covered. He was an able teacher, favourite lecturer, orator, acclaimed author, famous publisher and a businessman too. I am blessed and honoured to say that the Almighty, Allah gave me a golden chance to learn two books of Hadeeth: SunanTirmidhi and SharhuMaa’ni Al-Aathar from him. So, for me, he was a great, respected and exemplary teacher and mentor. In this piece of writing, therefore, I would like to highlight his teaching services and characteristics of teaching briefly, In Shaa Allah. He was an ideal teacher with his unique style and typical teaching methodology. One and all appreciated and acknowledged his this quality. The student always desired to emulate him in his teaching methodology, if they were to get a chance for teaching in order to get their students satisfied with their lessons.

Mufti Sahib (Rahimahullah) began his teaching while he was a learner. When he was a student of Iftaa Course at DarulUloom Deoband, in 1382 AH, he started teaching “Hifz Al-Quran Al-Kareem” to his younger brother, Mufti Muhammad Ameen Palanpuri (Hafizahullah). Mufti Ameen Sahib writes: “He (Mufti Saeed Ahmad) took me to Deoband in 1382 AH along with him. He got this humble person (Mufti Ameen) enrolled in the Hifz class of Qari Kamil Sahib Doebandi.  I could not benefit from Qari Sahib. Then he took the full responsibility of teaching me Hifz of the Quran. He made me Haafiz within one and a half year.” (Al-Khair Al-Kathir, P: 48)

Teaching Service in Darul Uloom Ashrafiyah, Rander, Surat, Gujarat:

Following the completion of Iftaa Course, Mufti Sahib remained as an Assistant Mufti for some period of time at Darul Uloom Deoband. Later, at the recommendation of Allamah Muhammad Ibrahim Baliavi (RA), he was appointed as a teacher in Darul Uloom Ashrafiyah, Rander, Surat, Gujarat in 1384 AH. Over the time of almost nine years, he served in Ashrafiyah as a teacher from Dul-Qa’adah 1384 AH till Shaban 1393 AH. During this period, he taught several books of higher level like: Sunan Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi-Dawood, Tahawi, Muwattein, Sunan Nasa’aee, Sunan Ibn-Majah, Mishkat, Jalalein, Al-Fauz Al-Kabeer, Translation of the Qura’an, Hidayah, Sharh Aqaaid, Husaami etc. (Al-Khair Al-Kathir, P.: 50)

Appointment at DarulUloom Deoband:

Very few people are blessed with such instructive and teaching capability as that of Mufti Sahib. Not only his students, but also his teachers bear witness to   this fact. In 1393 AH, when there was a vacancy for teacher in Darul Uloom Deoband, his teacher Sheikh Hashim Bukhari (Rahimahullah), then the teacher of Darul Uloom Deoband, asked him to apply for the said post and he did so. In the month of Shaban of the same year, his application was accepted in the meeting of the governing body of Darul Uloom Deoband and he was informed about his appointment at Darul Uloom Deoband. Then in Shawwal in 1393 AH, he joined Darul Uloom Deoband as a respected teacher. Since then the journey started in 1393 AH in Darul Uloom Deoband, continued till he breathed his last on 19 May 2020.

He served in Darul Uloom Deoband nearly 48 years. The management also appreciated and acknowledged his teaching ability and expertise of the books assigned to him and the academic council continued promoting him. The books that he taught are Sullamul Uloom, Mullah Hasan, Hadyah Saeediyyah, Mebzi, Hidayah, Husami, Musallam Al-Thubut, Al-Fauz Al-Kabeer, Talkhis Al-Itqaan, Sharh Aqaaid, Siraji, Rashidiyah, Musaamrah, Hujjatullahi Al-Balighah, Diwan Al-Mutanabbi, Diwaan Al-Hamasah, Saba’ah Muallaqah, Jalalein, Tafseer Baidhavi, Tafseer Mazhari, Tafseer Madaarik, Nukhbah Al-Fikr, Muqaddamah Ibn Salaah, Mishkaat, Tahawi, Muwatta Imam Malik, Muwatta Imam Muhammad, Sunan Ibn Majah, Sunan Nasa’aee, Sunan Tirmidhi, Sunan Abi-Dawood, Sahih Muslim and Sahih Bukhari. Presently he held the posts of Sheikhul Hadeeth and Head-Teacher.

Some Characteristics of Mufti Sahib in Teaching:

Mufti Sahib was a distinguished figure due to his matchless teaching methodology. There were many characteristics and distinctive features in his teaching which are not altogether found generally in a teacher. Here, I am going to mention few of them as I came across while learning from him:

He was very much punctual of attendance. He used to come to the class on time. His lesson planning was so well that he would teach it within the period and leave the class as the bell rang.

He used to avoid going on a long journey during academic year so that it would not disturb the syllabus to complete during the assigned time.

His lecture carried on at the same pace, be it in the beginning of the year or at its end until he completed the syllabus.

The students were bound to follow his rules and regulations set in the class. The students were not allowed to enter the class, after he has had arrived in the classroom.

In the later years, apart from the lesson, he used to spend few minutes every day to make the students memorise some Ahaadith and Asmaaul Husna. He used to advise the students to do the same so that it will become a continuous charity.

In the beginning of the year, he used to deliver some introductory lectures on the science of Hadeeth. During these lectures, he used to cover the topics like: Hadeeth, Tadween Hadeeth, Wahi, Kinds of Wahi, Hujjiatul Hadeeth, Ijmaa, Qayaas, Taqleed etc. These lectures were keys to the treasure of knowledge. Now, it is preserved and recorded in the first volume of “Tohfatul Al-Maee”, Al-Hamdulliah.

He worked hard in studying the books and did not think to waste his precious time at all. He was a favourite and perfect teacher. He knew the psychology of the students and taught them according to their level of understanding. It was, therefore, easy for the students to grasp the lessons easily to their best satisfaction.

He was blessed with such teaching talent that whenever a difficult and complicated topic was raised, he used to cite some examples that even the slow learners used to understand and comprehend his lesson effortlessly.

Due to his teaching methodology, he was a beloved celebrated teacher among the students. They loved him from the bottom of their hearts. They attended his lessons happily with punctuality.

He delivered his lecture with such velocity that the students were easily able to note down his lectures on papers. That is the reason thousands of his students noted down his lectures on Tirmidhi and well preserved it.

Whenever he explains the difference of opinions among the different schools of thought in Fiqh, he avoided giving preference to the opinion of a certain Imam; instead his focus remained on highlighting the basis and reason of the difference, so that the students can understand the reason behind the view of each Imam about the contentious issue.

Every student was not permitted to read the text of Hadeeth in Sunan Tirmidhi class. Whoever wished to do so, he had to pass the test. The criteria of passing the test were reading Ibaarah with proper pause understanding the punctuation, with clear voice, with average speed and without making a grammatical mistake in the Arabic text.

At the end of the year, he divided the graduating students into several categories like: those who would go for further studies, those who will start teaching, those who will do business and those who will go in Tablighi Jama’ah. He used to advise them accordingly.

Mufti Sahib was expert in several sciences of Islamic studies. He was an exemplary teacher as well as a renowned Mufti in the world. He issued hundreds of Fataawa which are documented in the register. He was a good manager too. As a director, he ran “Majlise Tahaffuze Khatme Nabuwwat” at Darul Uloom Deoband. He was a well-known orator and preacher. For this purpose, he was invited from across the world and he would travel within the country and abroad. Specially, in the long holiday of Ramadahn, he used to visit England, USA, Canada and several African countries. The people eagerly gathered in crowd to listen to his speeches. Little bit, I have tried to highlight his prominent service as a teacher in this piece of writing only.

Mufti Sahib was about 80 years old. He used to fall sick frequently for last several years and got recovery. This year too, he fell sick in the month of Rajab. In the last lesson of Bukhari, he became seriously ill. He reached Mumbai. The treatment started. He recovered as well and was able to deliver speeches after Tarawih Salaah regularly. Later on, he fell sick again and was admitted in Sanjeevani Hospital in Malad (East) where he breathed his last in the morning on 25^th Ramadhan 1441 AH =19^th May 2020. The news of his death was announced by his son. His relatives and the students scattered all over the world were saddened following the news of the demise spread. The social media was abuzz with news of making Duaa, reading the Qura’an and passing the condolences via letters and video and audio clips. On the same day, he was buried in Oshiwara Muslim Qabristan of Jogeshwari (West) in Mumbai. The Janazah Salah was led by his son, Maulana Ahmad Saeed Sahib. May the Almighty accept his services! May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdause! Aameen!

مسلم قوم کو ایک سبق

اس موقع پر ایک بات عرض کروں وہ یہ کہ ۹ /نومبر کو بابری مسجد پر فیصلہ آنے کے بعد میڈیا والوں نے آر ایس ایس کے سربراہ موہن بھاگوت سے سوال کیا کہ کیا آپ اب بنارس کی گیان واپی اور متھرا کی شاہی مسجد کے خلاف تحریک چلائیں گے، تو بھاگوت نے اس وقت بہت شاندار جواب دیا جس سے نہ صرف آر ایس ایس کی پالیسی کا پتہ چلتا ہے بل کہ اس کی کامیابی کا راز بھی عیاں ہوجاتا ہے، موہن بھاگوت نے کہا کہ "ہم تحریکیں نہیں چلاتے بل کہ افراد پیدا کرتے ہیں"
اس جواب نے یقینا ہم جیسے لوگوں کو ایک بڑا سبق دے دیا اور راہ بھی دکھلا دی، ہمیں بھی ضرورت ہے کہ ہم اپنی تنظیموں اور اداروں کو اسی نقطۂ نظر سے دیکھیں اور انھیں ہر طرح کے شرور و فتن سے محفوظ رکھنے کی ہر ممکن کوشش کریں
اداروں سے افراد تیار ہوں جو ضرورت کے مطابق الگ الگ تنظیموں کو جنم دیں اور میدان میں تحریکیں چلائیں،  ہر مسئلے میں ہم اپنی سر پرست تنظیموں کی طرف پر امید نگاہوں سے نہ دیکھیں، ہاں ان کی رہنمائی اور مشورہ ضرور طلب کرتے رہیں، ایسی صورت میں کاموں کی تقسیم بھی ہوجائے گی اور ہماری تنظیمیں اور ادارے بھی ہر طرح کی بری نگاہوں سے محفوظ رہیں گے اور افراد سازی کا کام جاری رکھیں گے،  لہذا ضرورت اس بات کی ہے کہ ہم نظریاتی اعتبار سے اپنے سرپرست اداروں اور تنظیموں کے ساتھ جڑ کر تمام ملی، سماجی و سیاسی امور انجام دیں، اسی میں قوم کی بھلائی اور کامیابی ہے

Respond But with Love

Respond but with love

Shamsul Huda Qasmi

hudaqasmi@gmail.com

Nowadays, hatred and intolerance are being spread systematically across the country. Some of our top leaders, intellectuals, writers, authors, journalists and activists have expressed their serious concerns for it at various occasions. While speaking on the topic ‘Politics of debasing Gandhi’, writer K.P. Ramanunni said, "As a writer, I am frightened by the prospect of intolerance and hatred being spread across the country.” Sadly, we have no choice but to confess the fact that various platforms are brashly used to sow the seed of hatred and intolerance in the minds of the people against minorities and some selective secular people. Social media significantly is becoming a hub of spreading such malicious mean contents, misinformation and evil thoughts. Recently, micro-blogging website, Twitter, was abuzz and used to spoil the communal harmony and social fabric of the nation. Some anti-social elements led a hateful campaign on Twitter and made various intolerable blasphemous Hash-tags trending against the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to provoke the Muslims in India and interestingly the Muslims did respond the hateful trend on Twitter but positively elaborating the morals and teachings of the prophet (saw) which was widely acclaimed by the non-Muslims as well.

In a situation, where some anti-social elements, for their vested interests, are repeatedly trying to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the country, our responsibility doubles to impart the true teachings of Islam to the common people and eradicate the misconceptions taken place in the minds of our some fellow citizens.

We have a duty to lead a campaign that Islam has always been acknowledged for its peaceful teachings and cohesive wisdom and advocates having high morals, good conduct and well behaviours towards one and all.  It is high time Muslims should show the true picture of the prophet (saw) through their sublime morals to their compatriots because "tit for tat" always worsens the situation. Muslims must take in the teachings of the prophet (saw) in their day to day practical life.

Often we find non-Muslim brothers living as our neighbours, working with us in offices; we must show our prophetic good conduct to them. The Prophet (saw) said: "Jibra'il (angel) kept enjoining good treatment of neighbours until I thought he would make neighbours heirs." The commentators of the sayings write that Muslims, non-Muslims, pious, impious, strangers, fellow citizens, relatives, and non-relatives; all kinds of neighbours are covered in this saying of the prophet. Good conduct to neighbour means they must feel highly secured and satisfied and need not be afraid of you.  It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah observed: "He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct." Moreover, sharing foods and presenting gifts to our neighbours are also regarded good conducts to them. While travelling in public transports like aeroplane, train, bus and whatsoever, we must prove ourselves to be a good Muslim passenger by dealing, helping, and talking to our co-passengers gently. Irrespective of caste and creed, we should show respect to elders, shower love upon youngers, invite our fellow citizens to our auspicious occasions, visit ailing persons at home and in hospitals, help them out while they get stuck in trouble because the prophet was sent to this world for the purpose of perfecting good morals. Our beloved Prophet (saw) set examples of good morals and good character for all mankind by treating others with generosity, being helpful and benevolent to others. Patience, sincerity, honesty, humility, justice, straightforwardness, keeping promises, were some of his good morals. He always spoke the truth, avoided jealousy, backbiting, and falsehood and always helped the needy people. 

We must take pledge to  implement the good conduct in our daily life since good behaviours and high morals given in our religion will alone ensure the positive changes in our Indian society and eradicate the hatred and intolerance. The prophet (saw) said, “The best of you is the best among you in conduct.” May Allah enable us to be good Muslims to follow the true path of the Prophet Muhammad (saw)! Ameen

Moderate Conspiracy

Moderate Conspiracy"

By Shamsul huda Qasmi

"And never will the Jews or the Christians approve of you until you follow their religion. Say, “Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the (only) guidance.” If you were to follow their desires after what has come to you of knowledge, you would have against Allah no protector or helper." (The Quran-2/120)

The glorious Quran clearly states that the Jews and the Christian would never be pleased with the prophet ﷺ until he followed their way of life and it was never possible for the prophet ﷺ to recognize it as the truth had been revealed to him by Allah. This verse also proves that the battle between truth and falsehood in its all forms and sections had begun from the very beginning of Islam and its believers defended it well to all fronts. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ and later the scholars of Islam undertook all challenges to remove the threats posed by the falsehood on the way to Islam. The falsehood in its all pomp and show is still posing many great challenges and threats to the Muslims across the world to weaken their faith in the true religion, given by Allah. The entire world appears to be totally obsessed with the high glamour and material progress made by the west and people everywhere seem to be ready to gladly accept all what come from the western world, be it positive or negative, useful or harmful in their way of life.          

Today, Muslims across the globe are being badly targeted and defamed with full determination. The anti-Islamic elements leaves no stone unturned to malign the Muslims as a whole. The Islamic teachings, which guarantee to deliver peace to each and every human being, are made believe to be a great threat to the peaceful world and Islam is brazenly linked to terrorism by the western rulers and international media every day. Wherever a mishap takes place, anti-Islamic elements readily find link with Muslims and without delay declare them to be terrorists. Undoubtedly, it’s a western conspiracy to forcefully distort the true image of Islam and destabilize the faith in the hearts of Muslims. It’s an intellectual and psychological fight between the truth and the falsehood. Taking up the fight further ahead, the west has coined terms of "moderate" and "radical" Islam" to divide the community and undermine its faith and belief. Now many so-called modern Muslims feel secured using moderate and radical terms with no knowledge of the ulterior motives of creating such words to harm the religion and its followers. Recently, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Salman, speaking at major investment conference, promised the country (Saudi Arabia) would return to moderate open Islam and would not waste years of lives dealing with extremists ideas. Here, we should clearly keep in our mind that there is no moderate or radical Islam, it’s a western term and such self professed moderate religion only belongs to the west. Over the prince's remark, Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rightly lashed out at the term “moderate Islam”, saying the term only aims at weakening the religion itself rather than distancing it from extremists. The western rulers know well that manipulating the entire world forever and plundering its wealth is not always easily possible without weakening the Muslims world. In order to achieve their goal, they have fully launched a scathing attack on Islam, attributing extremism, terrorism, chauvinism and intransigence to it and hurling every fabrication at it with the aim of reducing its influence and diminishing its stature. 

In fact, Muslims have nothing to do with extremism or terrorism but are peace loving people as the holy Quran again guides us saying, "And thus we have made you a just community…" (2/143). We should not be deviated and carried away with the western conspiracies and fake slogans. Islam is a perfect religion given to mankind in the shape of the final book, the Quran and the hadith as its complete explanation. Nothing can be incorporated or excluded from the holy Quran and ahadith to please the hypocrite world. Allah Almighty says in the Quran, "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (The Quran: 5/3)

We, as Muslim, have a complete deen (religion) to lead our lives accordingly and don’t need any suggestions to make our deen more flexible and acceptable in the sight of the double dealing and hypocrite world. Moreover, the falsehood, to any extent, would never be pleased with Islam as the Quran has straightforwardly stated. We should know it’s a fight of supremacy of civilizations and materialism that the western rulers want to conquer and defeat the Muslims world. However, the true believers will never give up the straight path as the real success of this world and the hereafter lies in abiding by Islamic teachings. May Allah enable us to be the true believers and followers of the final religion given to the Prophet !ﷺ  Ameen.   

مسلمانوں کے فکری امتحان کا وقت

مسلمانوں کے فکری امتحان کا وقت

امن دشمن لوگ

Time to Introspect

Viewpoint:

TIME TO INTROSPECT

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

In Islam, marriage, a great bounty of Allah (swt), is a legal contract
between both bride and groom with their full consent. In marriage,
there is a lot of wisdom and benefits for human-beings. It saves a person form sinning and makes the society pure and healthy. When
husband and wife sit together, have conversations and express their
mutual love towards each other, it becomes a great virtue in the sight
of Allah and such acts are regarded to be better than Nafl prayers as
scholars profess. Islam with its full guidance always advocates a
peaceful and successful married life for spouses. If, unfortunately,
the spouses find it difficult to lead the life together, they are
given rights to terminate this legal contract as politely as they can.
Husband has right to execute divorce (talaq) and wife has a right to end the relationship with Khula'a (conditioned divorce). Islam has
elaborated the rights of spouses in details and fully protected them.
The prescribed laws in Shariah related to the family affairs like
marriage, divorce, dower, maintenance, period of waiting, right to upbringing, guardianship, inheritance, nursing and suckling, will and testament, right to parents and children and endowment affairs, etc. are called personal laws.

Recently (on 7 October, 2016) the government of India filed an
affidavit in response to a petition filed in the apex court. The
government, in its official declaration, expresses its needless
concern over triple talaq in Muslim community and regards it unfair
and injustice to Muslim women. The government falsely talks of the
upliftment of Muslim women and pledges to abolish triple talaq for a
better life of Muslim women. Indeed, this is a clear secret saffron
agenda of the government to enforce Common Civil Code in the country and interfere in personal laws of the Muslim community in disguise of beautiful and polished slogans. The government should relatively take a note of the official data of divorce ratio in Muslim community in India, which is far less than the Hindu community's divorce ratio. It should also make an unbiased study on Muslim women in Islam to learn how Islam has elevated and given the best status to women in the society. Muslim women feel more secured in Islamic laws than in any
other human-made rules. Islamic principles are far better to resolve
the family issues. The government should facilitate possible ways to
implement it, rather than abolishing it. The saffron brigade's long
cherished dream to enforce Common Civil Code is not at all possible to be enforced in a country, full of diversity in culture and religion. Neither Shariah has scope to implement it, nor our constitution itself as it contradicts the fundamental rights of the community. The article 25 fully sanctions each community to freely practice its religion and the prescribed personal laws in it.

The government, therefore, should sincerely focus on the article 45 of
the constitution that recommends delivering basic and higher education to one and all, even living in remote areas, elevating the living
standard of the citizens and providing food to the poor, as
unfortunately our country ranks 97th in the list of poverty stricken
countries, even our beloved nation goes below the level of Nepal,
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in terms of providing food to its people.
Education alone makes human being highly cultured and civilized, not the Common Civil Code that may lead the nation to disharmony if the basic rights of religious and cultural freedom is curtailed. If the
government is really concerned about the upliftment of community, it should pass the reservation policy to the wretched community as our many able judges have already recommended it.

Lastly, it's high time for Muslims to introspect themselves and judge
their actions as things are not falling in line with their
expectations. We should finally be united and vigorously support
Muslims Personal Law Board's each and every campaign with our body and spirit to protect our Shariah Laws. We should assimilate the Islamic
orders into our everyday life as the pleasure of Allah lies in acting
upon the commandments of the Almighty, Allah, and the violation of His orders earns His wrath. We should hold the rope of Allah strongly and repose full faith in His planning. May Allah protect us from all evil eyes. Ameen
--
S Huda Qasmi
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TRIAL CONTINUES

TRIAL CONTINUES…
Shamsul Huda Qasmi
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

Islam, a monotheistic religion, finds the source of its whole teachings to the Maker of this entire universe. It has a set of divine beliefs to be strictly followed in the life to mark one a true follower of Islam. Oneness of Allah ﷻ occupies the greatest importance and constitutes the basic fundamental of Islamic belief. Without accepting the belief in Oneness of Allah, none can enter the fold of Islam and be called a Muslim. This basic tenet was largely preached by all the messengers of Allah sent down through the ages. The final Prophet ﷺ strived the whole life to inculcate this basic principle into the mind of one and all. The entrance to paradise in the life hereafter is subject to testifying this basic faith and principle of
Islam. Hadrat Uthman (RA) reports that the Prophet ﷺ said: "He who died knowing that there is no God but Allah entered Paradise."(Muslim)

Oneness of Allah means to testify that Allah is All Powerful and is the motive force behind every single action executed in these worlds. At the same time, a Muslim necessarily and categorically bears witness that Allah ﷻ has no associate partner in the slightest. However powerful and mighty anything of this world may be, it cannot be associated as a partner with Allah even in His attributes. The smallest association with Him shall amount to infidelity and cause one to be thrashed into hellfire after this world. Allah ﷻ may forgive any sinful act of a man and grant a luxurious abode in the hereafter but associating a partner with Him is an unforgivable deed. Moreover, Islam curbs and blocks all roads leading to polytheism. A Muslim, therefore, makes all efforts to safeguard this belief by his words and deeds, and renounce the ideas that may show the path to polytheism. It is for this reason Islam firmly prohibits to carve idols and images, take oaths other than Allah and take ill omen that may spoil the mind of people.

However, it has always been a plot and practice of anti-Islamic forces
across the globe to distort the faith of Muslims and derail them from the right path with their premeditated policies. Muslims in India, now and then, undergo various trials and suffer huge loss of wealth and lives for this faith and belief. Now, the slogan, "Bharat Mata ki Jai" has become a new criterion to judge the
patriotism of the citizen in India by those who never remained loyal to this land with their words and deeds. This is not mere a slogan but to them a full concept of a deity to be worshipped and therefore,
temples in the name of 'Bharat Mata' have been erected in some sacred places of Hindus in India. Analyzing the slogan and going deep into the meaning of 'Mata' and 'Jai' makes it quite clear that such kind of slogan with the concept they have is totally against the Islamic principles. Muslims, therefore, are unable to chant such slogans coined by the saffron brigade to defame the Muslim community under the cover of this beautiful slogan. To a Muslim, nothing can be conceived greater and superior to Allah and nothing can be associated as partner with Him even in His attributes as explained above. It is utterly absurd and illogical to force your brother to prove his love and loyalty to his house, to his mother and father.

Allah ﷻ is the Creator of everything including the entire universe. Those who do not remain loyal to their Creator, it is indeed ridiculous to believe they would remain loyal to anything of this world. They may seem temporarily to be faithful and passionate for something but their criteria for dedication and love may change if they require. However, Muslims shall continue to love their homeland as they have been taught by their prophet ﷺ and repose full faith in Allah ﷻ to be
worshipped alone as the Supreme Being Who created humankind, their homelands and whatever exists. We keep full faith in our constitutions and pledge to abide by it with full spirit but do not require to be certified as true citizens by those who have always been in doubt by their words and deeds. May Allah enable them to comprehend the truth and save us from the evil eyes! Ameen

The Light Magazine
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The Ideal Teacher

The Ideal Teacher

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
hudaqasmi@gmail.com
Editor: The Light (Magazine)

The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) came to this world as an ideal teacher and a benefactor of the whole humanity. Within a short span of time, not only the Arabian Peninsula but the entire world witnessed sea-change thanks to the comprehensive teaching and training of the last prophet. He lit the light of guidance and consciousness across the globe with the help of his true message of peace, justice, and satisfaction in the life of the desperate people. It was the miracle of his teachings that wholly transformed the Arabian dessert into a civilized and cultured society. The uncultured became a beacon of guidance that led the world to a new glory. Those, who always got ready to take life of other, became brothers of each other. The society, fighting for no reason, became peaceful and nonviolent. The deep-rooted oppression and cruelty in the society came to an end. Justice and peace prevailed in general public. The prophetic teachings groomed them well to take over the great kingdoms of Persia and Rome and the entire world experienced their peace-loving and fair-dealing nature. The human history never witnessed such an unprecedented ideal teacher and reformer in the world.

An in-depth study reveals some distinguished qualities of the prophet that attracted the people towards him and caused a great change in them are worth-mentioning. The most significant attributes among them were kindness, compassion, gentleness and sympathy to all. He never thought ill of anyone but, putting his life at stake, always thought and strived for the betterment of the humanity. The Quran proclaims saying: "So, (O Prophet) it is through mercy from Allah that you are gentle to them. Had you been rough and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from around you." (3:159)

The examples of compassion and kindness are spread over the entire life of the prophet. He underwent sever hardships but never thought of taking revenge on anyone, instead, he ever thought of the betterment of one and all. The prophet was stoned to bleed in Taef but did not utter a word against the offenders, instead he prayed for them to Allah. On one occasion, a young man entered the court of the prophethood and openly asked the consent to committing rape, a heinous crime, condemned in all societies and religions. The prophet did not get annoyed and displeased with him but seated him close by and gently asked him if he could tolerate such heinous crime with his mother and sister. His answer was in negative. The prophet said: no one wishes his mother and sister be humiliated and deflowered by others but likes what you like with your own loved ones. In the end, the prophet prayed to Allah for him instead of rebuking and using harsh words for the young comer. The prophet possessed such a sublime moral that changed the life of Arabian Peninsula.

The second most significant approach that the prophet adopted to educate and train the companions was the policy of "Practice What You Preach," and it proved to be the most effective and persuasive one. He was the first to act upon the commandments if he passed any to the companions to execute it. At the time of Ahzab battle, the prophet himself, taking spade, along with companions led the campaign to dig the trench to defend the City, Madinah, and when the companions tied stone to their stomach due the severe hunger, upon checking the prophet, they found two stones tied to the true leader's belly. He believed in practice rather than passing mere commands and directions. We, therefore, find the practical sayings more in number than the verbal ones.

Today, our teachings, speeches, sermons and all efforts to reform the society seem to be bearing no fruits despite all powerful and latest resources used, only because our practices do not match our words. Our theories are beautifully polished with appealing words and charming expressions but are void of true spirit of practice in our life. Such theories and vocalizations do not conquer the hearts but prove to be temporal entertainment to the audiences. It's an utter nonsense to expect revolution in the life of common people without putting the things into our own life. May Allah enable us to follow the life of the prophet and perceive the secret of this fact!  Ameen

The Ultimate Peace

THE ULTIMATE PEACE

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
Editor: The Light (Magazine)
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

The world we live in is full of diversity. We meet people of different colours and minds. They speak different languages and have their own choices. Various cultures and civilisations spread around clearly indicate the signs of different minds at work and preferences of liking and disliking of the people living on this planet called earth.

They make use of their intellect to choose between right and wrong for the betterment of their life. The difference of languages and colours are the signs of the Creator of the heavens and the earth. The glorious Qur'an speaks about this fact in immaculate style i.e, "And among His signs are the creation of the heavens and the earth and the difference of your tongues and colours. Surely in this there are signs for the persons having knowledge." (Ch. 21 V. 22)

Different choices and preferences add beauty to the rich diversity in the world. Islam, the final way of life, always encourages peace and harmony in society. It never imposes its views on the people of different faiths and thoughts. Islam, without an iota of doubt, rejects using compulsion and force in spreading religion and leaves it up to the sole discretion of a person till the correct way becomes distinct from the erroneous one.

Islam strictly prohibits its adherents to use foul language against deities of other religions whom they revere and worship. Since people have deep sentimental attachments with their deities and places of worship, they get readily hurt and become ready to even give their precious life. It is precisely for this reason that any sort of desecration or demolition of a community's place of worship is prohibited in Islam. Such unwarranted behaviour against a place of worship subsequently disturbs the peace and tranquility in the society.

Yet at another place, the glorious Qur'an in its immaculate language guides us. It says: "Good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with what is good, and you will see that the one you had mutual enmity with has turned to you as if he were a close friend. (Surah Fussilat: 34)

The Prophet of Islam, all the time, taught his companions to practice kindness, forbearance, sympathy, and high etiquettes. He underwent many hardships during his stay in Makkah but never took revenge even on his arch enemies after the full power over them. Many a time, the non-believers made serious attempts to assassinate him and the prophet was forced to migrate from his beloved city Makkah to Medina. After the victory of Makkah, the Prophet vowed not to take revenged on his enemies and declared peace even for those who sought protection in the house of Abu-Sufyan, the then arch-enemy of the Prophet (SAW). The people who had cornered and boycotted the Prophet and his family in the valley of Abu-Talib were forgiven and granted peace and security in the City of Makkah.

The life of the Prophet is full of such exemplary behaviours that require to be put in practice. The true spirit of Islam alone assures the establishment of peace and harmony in the world.

Later, the blessed companions followed in the footsteps of the Prophet and carried the mission of global peace forward. The first caliph of Islam, Abu-Bakar Siddique (RA), signed pact with non-Muslims on the issues of their religious protection. The agreement said their religious places and churches must be fully protected and not be demolished. They were allowed to freely perform their religious rituals and duties. Their life and wealth were safe with Islamic regimes. Hazrat Umar (RA), the 2nd Caliph of Islam, wrote similar peace accord with the people of other religions and instructed Muslims to strictly abide by it. Hazrat Uthman (RA) remained bound by the previous deals.

Earnestly speaking, the world leaders today don’t seem to be sincere in combating terrorism; rather they are serving their own ends. The history never witnessed such human crisis. Women and children, old and young alike are ruthlessly killed in Syria, Palestine, Yemen and many parts of the Middle East. Millions of lives are at stake but the world continues to play blame game and not willing to seriously resolve the issues.

Islam alone is the religion, guarantees the rights of each and every individual irrespective of cast, creed and colour. It says, "Be merciful to those on earth, the Heaven will shower mercy upon you." It has a beautiful concept of humanity, if followed, the violence, oppression and subjugation would come to an end and the world, crying for peace, would turn out to be a piece of paradise. May Allah enable us to follow the ultimate guidance of Islam! Ameen.

The Light ( Magazine)

WE TOO ARE RESPONSIBLE

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
Editor: The Light (Magazine)
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

As 15th August drew near, a great patriotic fervour gripped India to celebrate the 69th Independence Anniversary.  India got freedom from the British rule on this day in the year 1947, after going through various sorts of struggle and mass movement - some non-violent and some revolutionary and confrontational in nature. Muslims and Hindus alike fought against the foreign oppression and their inhuman policies, enforced arbitrarily on peace loving people. Our leaders, scholars, poets and writers used their speeches, poetic themes and literary write-ups for political awareness and to infuse revolutionary zeal.  Muslim scholars and poets were prime movers and in the forefront amongst those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of independence of our beloved country, India. The student of Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Mahmood Hasan Deobandi, was the first amongst those who stirred a disobedience movement against the oppressive British rule through leaflets.  This movement is popularly known in history as "Silken Letters Movement". Later on the movement was exposed and Maulana Mahmood Hasan along with his associates i.e. Maulana Husain Ahmad Madani, Maulana Ozair Gul and others got arrested.  They were exiled and kept under detention in the island of Malta for many years. His disciples, Maulana Ubaydullah Sindhi and Maulana Mansoor Ansari had to bear the pain and pang of exile for a very long period.

In the year 1919, Jami'atul-Ulama-e-Hind, an assembly of religious scholars, was formed by our great forefathers to give an impetus to the independence movements.  This organization since its inception spent its energy in awakening the people of the country socially as well as politically. Maulana  Hussain Ahmad Madani, Maulana Mufti Kifayatullah Dehlavi, Maulana Sayyid Fakhruddeen Ahmad, and later on Maulana Hifzur-Rahman, Mufti Ateequr-Rahman Usmani, Maulana Minnatullah Rahmani, Maulana Habibur-Rahman Ludhyanvi, Maulana Sayyed Muhammad Miyan Deobandi and many other scholars not only remained in the forefront in freedom struggle but also gave birth to several socio-politico-religious movements. As a consequence of opposing a foreign rule in India, they had to
suffer great hardships of imprisonment and exile for several years. The list of our elders who fought against the yoke of imperialism is endless and indeed hard to recount in an article. The
country owes a huge debt of gratitude to scholars like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Mulana Hasrat Mohani and Muhammad Ali Jauhar, who were shining stars in liberating the nation from hands of foreign rule and oppression.

Through the passage of time, however, Muslims intellectuals have begun to feel and question on the utter ignorance of our new generation about the role played by our great freedom fighters. For apparent reason, recently, the syllabus and non-syllabus books alike have been saffronized and the history of the great deeds of our forefathers are not being given due place in books taught is state run schools. There has been a constant conspiracy against Muslims in India in order to obliterate the vital roles played by Muslim leaders and intellectuals. Some elements in the country are actively striving to take the credit of everything into their accounts. It’s a grave issue and a matter of great concern too for Muslims leadership to deal with. In the new list of freedom fighters, being patronized to be re-written by saffron brigades,  true freedom fighters and  brave hearts of Mother India have no place. And those accountable for dismal performance are to be patronized and given prominent place in revised history books. 

Raising issues alone and coming up with no sensible solution has become a fashion of present day Muslim leadership. Mere forming organizations and giving them new names are not going to solve the problems. A solemn duty lies upon our shoulders to educate our young generations with the true human values that Islam teaches us. It is incumbent upon enlightened youth of new generation to come to the fore and take the leadership of the community in order to awake them from long slumber.  If we don’t awake today and strive to take our share in nation building, not only that we will be relegated to the second class citizens but our distinct Islamic culture and heritage will come under attack. May Allah (swt) give us foresightedness to understand the purpose of being sent on this planet as Ashraful Makhluqa't. May Allah show us the true path, the path on whose those tread get salvation in this world and the hereafter!
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Call a Spade, A Spade

CALL A SPADE, A SPADE

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
Editor: The Light (Magazine)
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

Islam is the religion of peace given to mankind as an all-inclusive
system to lead a contented life till he/she lives on the planet, called Earth. It's not mere a man given theory that often fails at the crucial time of its practical implementation. Islam is rather a
comprehensive set of directives given to mankind to lead an orderly and contentful life till his worldly abode comes to a natural conclusion in the form of death.
The Holy Qur’an is the sacred book of Islam revealed to the last Prophet, Muhammad (May Peace and Mercy of Allah be upon him), by the Creator of this Universe. The Qur'an is an eternal guidance and a complete constitution of life that also appeals to rational human
minds and is not in conflict with the modern days scientific findings.
Islam, throughout in human history, has attracted millions of intelligent minds having deep sense of divine knowledge. And its impression on the hearts and minds never fades with the passage of
time. And if compared with adherents of man-made and Pontiff given religions, Islam's sublime teachings have left more soothing effects on human minds and hearts.
There are, however, people who claim to have divine religion and sacred books. But they are not aware and haven't been told by their spiritual guide that the books through which he is imparting religious
sermon is interpolated, corrupted and not in its original form as it was given to the Avatar. And it is nothing but a natural effect that the man-made religion and
is proving incompatible and ineffective in coping with the modern times. People who claim to adhere to a particular religion do not refer to the teachings of their religious book in terms of regulating
their daily affairs of life; in course of their business transaction; at times of governing the system of judicial mechanism and socio-political affairs.
They remain restricted to mere carrying out certain customary rituals in consultation with their priest in order to seek blessings and ward off superstitions. Barring exception, they don’t seem to be interested
in reading their religious books and comprehending its true meanings.
There are people even fearful of touching their sacred books. Some of
them have a notion that religious Granths are to be touched by priests
only. Only they enjoy the right to read it, comprehend and contemplate
on its in-depth meaning.
Hence, the common masses do not have a clear concept of religion and
its meaning in life. They only follow their whims and fancies; have no
knowledge of what is lawful and what is unlawful. They even fail to
distinguish between desirable and undesirables. Muslims as a religious
community and as an Islamic Ummah, though having their own
shortcomings, should be thankful to Allah for blessing them with the
Holy Qur’an.  They should take pride in following the diktat of the
Holy Qur'an and in practicing the teachings of Shariah. Hundreds of
queries are being received every day by Islamic scholars across the
world daily and the questioner feels delighted to pursue his affairs
in the light of the directives he/she receive. Having said, we must not forget that the intolerant people with
narrow-minded approach to the life cry foul over some verses of the
noble Qur'an. However, there are also precedence that many rationalist
Hindu intellectuals have paid due respect to the teachings of the holy
Qur'an.
Mohandas Karamchan Gandhi, the father of our nation and a die-hard
preacher of non-violence, was not only impressed with the teachings of
the Qur'an but often recited and contemplated on its teachings in his
seclusion.
Yet another preacher of non-violence, Vinoba Bhave, even compiled some
verses and its commentary with a title "Roohul Quran" (Spirit of the
Qur'an).
Mrs Sarojni Naidu, another renowned and shining star of Indian
political horizon, acknowledged that the Qur'an in truth taught
tolerance and teaches non-fanatical approach with the non-Muslims. In her opinion, by following Islamic teachings, the world may tread towards the peace and tranquillity it is in search of.
Many other celebrated Hindu scholars proudly translated the Qur'an in
Hindi language in order to spread its sublime message. Those who have
gone through the Qur'anic verses and were able to comprehend its true
meaning, they have always paid their sincere obeisance to it and revere it.
Islam is a religion of peace and security.  It teaches brotherhood and
equality of men. It views humankind as the offspring of Adam (pbuh)
and traces human lineage to one father. It attaches great importance
to humanity and killing an innocent person in Islam amounts to killing
the whole humanity.
The Holy Qur’an says: “…take not life, which God has made sacred,
except by way of justice and law: thus does He command you, that you
may learn wisdom.” (6:151). It sternly commands the believers not to
harm women and children during conflict and war, not to ravage the
crops and trees. It has taught to pay due respect to other religions
(even though they find the basis of belief on wrong footings), their
priests and places of worship.
Islam, as a comprehensive system of life, has covered every aspects of
human living and left no portion un-addressed. The verses in question
in fact have particular background. It's basic theme is: What Muslims
should do in the face of oppression and injustice? Should they be mere
spectator while injustice and tyranny is being perpetuated against
hapless people?
Islamic injunction to its adherents, in clear cut term, is to stand
against the tyranny and oppression. This teaching of Islam, call a
spade, a spade, can't go well with the oppressive forces who wish they
be given a free hand, unhindered, to perpetuate crimes in the society
in order to satiate their lust. Islam not only that it doesn’t permit
but calls upon the believers to fight against such tyrannical and
oppressive forces till peace and tranquillity prevails in the society.
It is but obvious that the tyrannical and oppressive forces will not
take the call for their defeat and subjugation lightly. They will pick
a passage from Islamic scriptures and quote it out of context to
inflame the passion and hatred against Muslims in illiterate masses.
They will spit venom in speeches and in congregations of their
adherents. They will sow seeds of hatred to divide the society.
What Muslims, especially youths, should do?  Is it worth sitting idle
and gossiping? Well, why not trot on the path shown to us by
Rahmat-ulil-A'lameen (our beloved Prophet SAW) who changed the hearts
of pagans of Arabia within short span of time? Why not strive and
shower love in order to change the hearts of those who hate us? Why
not aid and assist those who have embarked on the course of spreading
the message of peace and tranquillity among the children of Adam?

The Light (Magazine) Apr May Jun - 2015

They Wish to Blow out the Light

“THEY WISH TO BLOW OUT THE LIGHT”

Shamsul Huda Qasmi
Editor: The Light (Magazine)
hudaqasmi@gmail.com

TODAY the entire world may cry out to have reached the peak of human civilization and claim to have attained the glory of grand success in its life style, but the practices of people world over seem to be contrary to their proclamations. The more the world is advancing to science and technology, the more fanatical the modern world is becoming. People are feeling less secure today because of incessant increase in fanaticism and discrimination across the globe for various reasons and the irony is that the governments are allocating huge
funds for buying high-tech weaponry to make them safe and secure. People have not forgotten yet the merciless bloodbath of innocent children, men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan in the name of
so-called peace and stability in the region. Our eyes are still filled with tears over the deadliest attack of its kind on the army school in Pakistan taking many precious lives of innocent students. The
blasphemous attitude of the French magazine, Charlie Hebdo, towards Islam under the guise of press freedom and the consequent attack on the magazine's office killing the staff clearly shows the hypocrisy of the world and a huge vacuum of tolerance to be filled in the
self-styled civilized world.

India, known for its multicultural and religious diversity, is no exception in rising intolerance and extremism as the people here are burnt alive in communal violence erupts for nothing or over a trifle.
The communities are heading to fight for their supremacy and control over the nation and becoming radicals and intolerants towards others. Minority communities are feeling restless over various issues since the new government was formed in the centre. Many saffron
organisations and their offshoots emerged liked mushrooms and launched
scathing attacks on the rival communities with full intent to
implement their well-planned agendas. An absurd theory of 'Love Jihad', 'Homecoming' (Conversion) and 'Bring Daughters-in-law and Save Daughters' (Marry Muslim Girls) have become the catchphrases of the right-wing activists spoiling the centuries of the religious diversity in the country. Their treacherous plan to forcefully convert poor Muslims and Christians is not only poisoning the peaceful atmosphere of the societies but also posing a challenge to its multi-faith
constitutional commitment, since every individual enjoys the freedom of religion and faith as a fundamental right guaranteed by Indian constitution article 25. Freedom to faith is a principle that supports the free will of an individual or community to manifest belief, practice, worship and observance recognised by the Article 18 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights too. Islam has acknowledged it in the Qur'an, saying, "There is no compulsion in faith. The correct way has become distinct from the erroneous." In another verse, a similar message is given, "And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you (O Muhammad) then compel mankind, until they become believers?"

Such issues in the world of intolerance have become matters of great concern for Muslim scholars. It is high time for Muslim organisations setting aside their differences to counter cohesively the Hindutva plan and widen the Islamic awakening among the masses as Islam with no doubt is a universal light to guide the whole humanity. The eternal battle between truth and falsehood started since the beginning of this world and will continue to the last day. But Allah says in the glorious Qur'an, "They wish to blow out the Light of Allah with their mouths, and Allah rejects everything short of making His light perfect, no matter how the disbelievers may hate it."

(THE LIGHT JAN FEB MAR 2015)

Language Does Matter

Language Does Matter

Shamsul Huda Qasmi

Editor: The Light (Islamic Magazine)

hudaqasmi@gmail.com

In the recent past, it was deemed no good and necessary by the scholars in Indian subcontinent to work in English language at large for various valid reasons. Most importantly because the scholars hated the British illegitimate oppressive regime and its policy, as the latter had occupied their homeland and were ruling over a vast empire. After a long struggle for freedom against the British regime, the brutal colonial rule came to an end and India enjoyed the glory of independence in 1947. Moreover our scholars didn't like the European culture and always rightly opposed it on solid Islamic basis. Since the British spoke English and considered themselves to be superior to others, our Ulama never ever approved their fanciful thoughts and never encouraged to absorb English on the aforesaid grounds. 

But post-independence, India witnessed a lot of dynamic changes in political, educational, economical and scientific scenarios where Muslims cannot stand aloof from the recent developments in modern India, besides the western countries made a remarkable progress in various fields especially in the fields of science and technology and now it is indisputable fact that different cultures and economic systems around the world are becoming connected and similar to each other because of the influence of large multinational companies and of improved communication. English language, being the language of the developed nations, is now playing a vital role in expanding the recent advancements in science and technology and undoubtedly has taken the position of an international language as local and national languages are getting influenced with it. Some self-professed modern people in India have opened a discussion to make English a national language as they aspire to pursue a scientific career and get rewarded with well-paid jobs across the world. However, it has become subsidiary official language in India.

Sensing the need of hour, our scholars too do not deny the significance of languages specially English today and not only appreciate the learning but some of our scholars set up special faculty for this language and designed tailor-made course for fresh certified Ulama from different Madaris so as they could learn the communicative tool and serve Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching at a large scale. It's not a whimsical imagination to conceive but the community has begun to derive the benefits from these scholars equipped with this modern means. Our new scholars are fully capable of representing true Islamic views in English thanks to these departments and interestingly they are heard at various levels, be it preaching, teaching and writings, but the gap is still to be bridged.

Islam is a dynamic and universal religion and has a power to meet the challenges of the modern world. It never denies using the useful and positive sources for the noble cause of Islam. Languages are innocents as prophets were sent to different nations from time to time with their own languages. It could be an effective tool in propagating the teachings of Islam and removing the misconceptions in the minds of the people. Languages are signs and boon, not bane, of Allah, the Almighty, as the holy Qur'an speaks in its matchless style: "And among His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and difference of your tongues and colours. Surely in this there are signs for the persons having knowledge. (Al-rome-22)

This quarterly magazine too is a part of an effort to broadcast Islamic message to the targeted audiences. May Allah (swt) accept our humble deeds and reward us hereafter. Ameen!