{jb_quote}These are investigative reports and letters of Saudi Scholars upon Tableeghi Jamaat which to the best of our knowledge has never been presented in its entirety in the English language along with its original sources. We request the readers to inform us of our errors.{/jb_quote}
{jb_dropcap}T{/jb_dropcap}here is enormous misconception amongst the English speaking western Muslims that the Arab Scholars in general and Saudi Scholars in particular have an axe to grind with Tableeghi Jamaat and they totally refute and condemn this work of Dawah. Reality on the ground with hundreds of thousands of Arabs (worldwide) laymen, Scholars and students (of knowledge) alike who are engaged in this work of Dawah paints a different picture, altogether.
The work of Tableegh, its methodology and its workers (laymen, Scholars and students (of knowledge) alike are neither perfect nor free from error as Shaykh Ibn Baz (RA) himself stated that deficiency is in itself part of human nature, however to present an exaggerated (false) side of the picture in condemnation is neither fair nor Islamically acceptable.
Which Islamic group engaged in revival of Islam is perfect and free from error?
We are neither part of the Tableeghi Jamaat, nor participate in its activities and aware of our shortcomings and deficiencies in both Arabic and the English language. However, we felt that it is necessary to make these reports available to English speaking Muslims as to the best of our knowledge they have never been produced previously. We have tried to be as faithful to the original text as possible but to err is human and we request our readers to inform us of my errors and shortcomings.
Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (HA) to Falih Ibn Nafi Al-Harbi
Correspondence 889 (خ) dated 12th of Sha’baan 1406 AH (22nd of April 1986)
In the name of Allah (SWT), the most beneficent the most Merciful
From Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (RA) to honourable brother respected Shaykh Falih Ibn Nafi Al-Harbi (HA) and may Allah (SWT) increase his Baseerah (foresight for Islam) and expand his breast for actions suited for His (SWT)’s pleasure (Ameen).
Asslamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
And thereafter, I received your letter dated 22nd of Rajab 1406 AH and the objections raised towards Tableeghi Jam’aat I understood. Whatever I wrote regarding the Tableeghi Jamaat and before me our respected Shaykh (Allamah) Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem Al-Shaykh (RA) [who was the Mufti of the of this Kingdom of Saudia in his time] who also praised Tableeghi Jamaat and I understood your objections towards it. You have devalued Shaykh (Allamah) Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem Al-Shaykh (RA)by referring to him as “Ibn Ibraheem” and I disliked it! And I also disliked those whom you have referred to who have disagreed with the Shaykh (RA) with regards to his opinion regarding Tableeghi Jamaat and I am astonished! Where is their knowledge and their opinion (in comparison)? (Who are they) compared to the Baseerah, understanding, depth in knowledge, foresight and steadfastness of our Shaykh (RA)? We (Alhumdolillah) are upon Baseerah on our Deen and we don’t compare benefits and harms and we prefer where our heart finds peace. We investigated the affairs of the Tableeghi Jamaat and our contentment (of the heart) is towards agreement and alongside it those are deficient should be encouraged to reform (themselves) out of good will because deficiency is part of human nature apart from whom Allah (SWT) protects.
If our teachers and student brothers whom you have pointed to should have kept in touch with these (Tableeghi) people and participated in their work (of Tabeelgh) and guided them and tried to reform their deficiencies and shortcomings and guided them where they committed mistakes it would be of great benefit to Islam and Muslims. But, to hate them and to stay away from them and to warn people from mixing with them is a mistake and its harm is greater than its benefit. So my brother! Reconsider your opinion and beseech your Lord (SWT) with humility to expand your breast towards actions which are pleased to Him (SWT) and which bring benefit to his bondsmen and to show you the path of truth in this matters (of difference of opinion) and I ask Allah (SWT) to show me and you truth as truth and falsehood as falsehood and to abstain from it as His (SWT)’s special favour and not to let the haqq and falsehood become (mixed up) upon us otherwise we will be misguided and Surely He (SWT) is Capable of it and Owner of it.
Was-Salamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
Addendum:
You have referred to honourable Shaykh Muhammad Amaan (HA) that he has retracted his opinion in which he has praised Tableeghi Jamaat and stated that they are the originator of fictitious tales and baseless stories and people of Bid’ah. So know that Shaykh (HA) has denied this and is astonished by these opinions (attributed to him) and has stated that I had written from observation and Yaqeen and I am still of the same opinion (of praising Tableeghi Jamaat) and whosoever asks him about the Tableeghi Jamaat he refers to his report (of Bangaldesh Ijtema) so it’s wrong to attribute this opinion towards him.
خطاب من سماحة الشيخ عبد العزيز بن عبد اللهبن باز رحمه الله إلى فضيلة الشيخ / فالح بن نافع الحربي برقم 889/خ المؤرخ 12/8/1406هـ
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم من عبد العزيز بن عبد الله بن بازإلى حضرة الأخ المكرم فضيلة الشيخ فالح بن نافع الحربي أمدّه الله البصيرة, وشرحصدره لما يرضى رب العالمين, آمين. السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته، وبعد: فقدوصلني كتابك المؤرخ 26/2/1406هـ , وفهمتُ ما تضمّنه من النيل من جماعة التبليغ,واستنكارك لما كتبتُ بشأنهم، وما كتبه قبلي شيخنا العلامة الشيخ محمد بن إبراهيم آل الشيخ مفتي الديار السعودية في زمانه قدّس الله روحه, ونور ضريحه من الثناء عليهم. ولقد ساءني كثيراً تنقُّصُك وحطُّك من قدره بقولك: "ابن إبراهيم", وأنالأشخاص الذين أشرتَ إليهم يخالفونه في الرأي فيهم. ولقد عجبتُ مما ذكرتَ فأين يقع علم هؤلاء ورأيهم من علم شيخنا, وبصيرته, وبُعد نظره, وسعة اطلاعه, وتأنّيه, وحكمته . ونحن بحمد الله على بصيرة من ديننا, ونوازن بين المصالح والمضار، ونُرجحما تطمئن إليه قلوبنا, وقد تأكّدنا من أخبارهم ما يطمئننا إلى الوقوف بجانبهم, معمناصحتهم فيما يحصل من بعضهم من النقص الذي هو من لوازم البشر كلهم إلا من شاء الله. ولو أنّ إخواننا من المشايخ وطلبة العلم الذين أشرتَ إليهم خالطوهموشاركوهم في الدعوة إلى الله، ووجّهوهم وكملوا ما يحصل منهم من النقص, وأرشدوهم فيمايخطئون فيه، لحصل بذلك خير كثير, ونفع عظيم للإسلام والمسلمين. أما النُّفرة منهموالتخلّي عنهم والتحذير من مخالطتهم فهذا غلط كبير وضررُه أكبر من نفعه . فاتهمالرأي يا أخي, واضرع إلى ربك أن يشرح صدرك لما هو الأحب إليه والأنفع لعباده, وأن يهديك لما اختلف فيه من الحق بإذنه, وأسأل الله عز وجل أن يُرينا وإياكم الحق حقاً ويمنّ علينا باتباعه، والباطل باطلاً ويمنّ علينا باجتنابه, ولا يجعله ملتبْساًعلينا فنضل, إنه ولي ذلك والقادر عليه, والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته .
الرئيس العام لإدارات البحوث العلمية والإفتاء والدعوة والإرشاد
تكميل أنا بعد ما نسبت إلى فضيلة الشيخ محمد أمان من رجوعه عن الثناء على الجماعة المذكورة, وإنه يقول خرافيون ومبتدعة, فقد أنكر ذلك, واستغربه جداً, وأخبر أنه لا زال على ما كتب عنهم, لأنه كتبه عن مشاهدة ويقين, وأنه يحيل كل من سأله عنهم الى ما كتبه في ذلك .
Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (RA) to (Dr) Taqiduddin Hilali
Correspondence 889 (خ) dated 12th of Sha’baan 1406 AH (21st of July 1983)
In the name of Allah (SWT), the most beneficent the most Merciful
From Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (RA) to honourable brother respected Dr Muhammad Taqiuddin Hilali (HA) and may Allah (SWT) grant him Taufeeq towards Khair (Ameen).
Asslamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
And thereafter, I received your letter dated 12th of Sha'baan 1403 AH and may Allah (SWT) immerse you in His guidance. What you have alluded to I have understood and you want to know my opinion about stopping the Salary of brother Ahmed Muhaani when he goes out with Tableeghi Jamaat. I would like to give beneficial advice that his Salary which we deliver through you will be continued because his going out with Tableeghi Jamaat is not condemned tourism because he wanders in cities and towns for Dawah (towards Allah (SWT)) and meets honourable people and not so (honourable) and their (Tableeghi) Ijtemaas which occur in Bangladesh are attended by many people (honourable and not so) as we have been told by those trustworthy Ulamah who we were sent to attend the Ijtema last year.
Your condemnation of their Khurooj (i.e. going in the path of Allah (SWT)) and your proof that the statement of Al-Hafidh Ibn Haj'r (Al-Asqalani (RA)) that a person wanders around and considers his wandering his worship and chooses to live (in solitude) in caves, hilltops and jungles is contrary to the actions of Tableeghi Jamaat because these people don't leave (their homes) for solitude rather they exit for the benefit and reform of people, thus there is difference between them and those seek solitude.
And we beseech Allah (SWT) to give you Taufeeq towards actions for His (SWT)'s pleasure for verily he is Most Beneficent.
Was-Salamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
خطاب من سماحة الشيخ عبد العزيز بن عبد الله بن باز (رحمه الله) إلى فضيلة الدكتور / محمد تقي الدين الهلالي برقم 889 / خ المؤرخ 10/10/1403هـ
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم من عبدالعزيز بن عبد الله بن باز إلى حضرة الأخ المكرم فضيلة الدكتور محمد تقي الدين الهلالي, وفقه الله للخير, آمين . سلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته, وبعد: يا محبّ: كتابكم الكريم المؤرخ 12/8/1403هـ وصل, وصلكم الله بهداه، وفهمتُ ما أشرتمإليه من أخذ رأينا في قطع راتب الأخ أحمد المهاني بكونه يخرج مع جماعة التبليغ، وأفيدكم بأن الذي أرى الاستمرار في إعطائه راتبه الذي نرسل بواسطتكم, لأن خروجهمعهم ليس من السياحة المذمومة في شيء، لكونهم يقومون بالتجول للدعوة إلى الله عزوجل في المدن والقرى, ويتصلون بكبار الناس وعامتهم، واجتماعاتهم في بنغلاديش وغيرها, يحضرها كبار الناس وصغارهم حسب ما أفادنا به الثقات من المشايخ ممن أرسلنا لحضوراجتماعهم في بنغلاديش في عام مضى، فاستدلال فضيلتكم على ذم خروجهم بأنه ينطبق عليهم ما ذكره الحافظ ابن كثير رحمه الله تعالى عمّن يتعبد بمجرد السياحة في الأرض والتفردفي شواهق الجبال والكهوف والبراري، يخالفه واقعهم وعملهم، ونسأل الله أن يوفقالجميع لما يرضيه, إنه جواد كريم, والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته .
الرئيس العام لإدارات البحوث العلمية والإفتاء والدعوة والإرشاد 10 /10/1403هـ
Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (RA) to Audh Ibn Audh Al-Qahtaani
In the name of Allah (SWT), the most beneficent the most Merciful
From Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (RA) to honourable brother respected Audh Ibn Audh Al-Qahtaani and may Allah (SWT) increase his knowledge and Eemaan and increase His (SWT)'s abundance and blessings upon him, wherever he (Audh) may be. (Ameen)
Asslamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
And thereafter,I received Your letter and whatever you have elucidated in it I have understood the question about Tableeghi Jamaat and as to whether their methodology is correct? Is their method and framework correct and there any obstacles in joining them and what is the status of leaving in the path of Allah (SWT) with them?
People narrate differing accounts regarding them, some praise them while others object to them but we have enquired about them from trustworthy brothers from Najd (Saudia) who have accompanied them in their travels and also made journeys to India/Pakistan and they have not made any mention of matters which are objectionable in Shariah or would prevent in joining them. I have also witnessed many people who have spent time with them and they went out with them because they were impressed by them and their condition and ideas about Deen, Akhlaaq (morals) and Aakhira had become good, therefore I see no impediment in leaving with them and to cooperate with them in Dawah. Moreover, people of knowledge and foresight should engage in this work (of Dawah) and should correct and reform if they (people of Tableegh) commit any mistakes or errors because there is impressive effect in their Seerah and actions and those who are well known in indulgence in sins and divergent from Deen are effected by their companionship and with this I am enclosing a letter of our teacher Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Ibraheem Aal Shaykh (RA)in which he praised this Jamaat and its work and therein he encourages people to make Nusrah (provide assistance to them) and prevents people from placing impediments in their path. In the letter he mentions that their main aim is to give sincere advice and talks in the Masajid, to guide people towards (goodness) and to establish people towards Tauheed and good Aqai'd and to encourage them to act upon the Kitaab & Sunnah to prevent them from Bi'daa and (blameworthy) useless matters. You will also find attached a photocopy of research by our trustworthy brothers rector Muhammad Amman Ibn Ali (rector of Jamia Islamiyya, Hadeeth and teaching) Madina Munawwara who was sent last year by the Jamia accompanied by Shaykh Abdul-Kareem Muraad who is also a teacher and he is known amongst us and also knows Urdu language along with Arabic as he attends the annual Ijtema in Pakistan, regularly.
The summary of their report is that their work is praised and people are encouarged to join this work of Dawah and to attend the Ijtemaas and to treat (the people of Tableeghi Jamaat) with goodness and excellent manners.
Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Bin Baaz
والجواب: قد اختلف الناس فيما ينقلون عنهم فمن مادح وقادح, ولكننا تحققنا عنهم من كثير من إخواننا الثقات منأهل نجد وغيرهم الذين صحبوهم في رحلات كثيرة وسافروا إليهم في الهند والباكستان,فلم يذكروا شيئاً يُخِلّ بالشرع المطهر أو يمنع من الخروج معهم ومشاركتهم في الدعوة. وقد رأينا كثيراً ممن صحبهم وخرج معهم قد تأثر بهم وحسنت حاله كثيراً في دينه وأخلاقه ورغبته في الآخرة .
فعلى هذا لا أرى مانعاً من الخروج معهمومشاركتهم في الدعوة إلى الله، بل ينبغي لأهل العلم والبصيرة والعقيدة الطيبة أن يشاركوهم في ذلك, وأن يُكملوا ما قد يقع من بعضهم من نقص, لما في سيرتهم وأعمالهم من التأثيـر العجيـب علـى مـن صحبهم من المعروفين بالانحراف أو الفسق.
وإليكم برفقه صورة من كتاب كتبه شيخنا الشيخ محمد بن إبراهيم آل الشيخ رحمه الله يثني عليهم فيه, ويشجع على مساعدتهم في الدعوة وعدم منعهم, وذكر فيه: "أن مهمتهم العظة في المساجد, والإرشاد, والحث على التوحيد وحسن المعتقد، والحث على العملبالكتاب والسنة, مع التحذير من البدع والخرافات إلى آخر ما ذكر في كتابه المشفوع بهذا... " , وتجدون أيضاً برفقه نسخة من تقرير كتبه بعض إخواننا الثقات عنهم وهوفضيلة عميد كلية الحديث والدراسات الإسلامية بالجامعة الإسلامية بالمدينة المنورةفي العام الماضي, وفضيلة الشيخ عبد الكريم مراد الأستاذ بالجامعة الإسلامية وهو معروف لدينا بحسن المعتقد ويجيد لغتهم مع العربية لحضور مؤتمرهم السنوي الذي يقامفي الباكستان كل سنة . وخلاصة التقرير الثناء عليهم والدعوة إلى مشاركتهم في دعوتهم واجتماعهم واستمرار الصلة بهم .
وأسأل الله أن يوفق الجميع لما يرضيه, وأن ينفع بهم وبأمثالهم المسلمين, إنه سميع قريب, والسلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته .
الرئيس العام لإدارات البحوث العلمية والإفتاء والدعوة والإرشاد
Shaykh Yusuf Ibn Isa Al-Malahi (HA)
Introduction:
Thereafter...Indeed objections are being raised on the Tableeghi Jamaat and arguments (back and forth) are being thrown and amongst those who are objecting, some are those who are well-wishers to the Ummah but they have not adopted the way of justice and reformation in favour of the (Tableeghi Jamaat) and they have issued a judgement that Jamaat is far and deviant from the ways of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and his companions (RA) and they have made vile accusations on each and every individual belonging to Jamaat and they have negated even their virtuous acts and good deeds and some amongst the critics have even crossed the limits and linked those of Tableegh with deviant and heretic sects. These people are bent upon destruction (what they consider construction) and they are engaged in evil (what they consider as good) and the example of these people is that of a man who saw a tall magnificent building with a solid foundation, capable of benefit and goodness but it had some deficiencies and needed some repair but that men decided to uproot the building (instead of making minor repairs) and he demands the residents and occupants to leave the building and he doesn’t even have the intention to make a better building (in its place) or make a better building (close to it)! So I decided to write this treatise so that some of the qualities of workers of Tableeghi Jamaat can be highlighted and I don’t consider some of the workers free from mistakes and errors and I appeal to my Muslim brothers to work with them for their and the reformation of others. Those who are objecting to them are also not free from some of those errors and verily errors are highlighted for the one who engages (in work) for the one who closes the door of his house and remains indoors his errors will be hidden but it doesn’t mean that they don’t exist and the errors (of a person) are becoming visible because he is busy in action and engaged in Dawah. In addition, those errors (of Jamaat) which are being highlighted are not so prominent (and visible) that they are not present in other groups and even if they are then it becomes our duty to work to eradicate them and to cooperate with (them)as a believer is like a mirror for another believer and wishing a believer well is what is incumbent upon us. I have titled this treatise as “Islah Wal-Insaaf, La-Hadam Wala-Ait’saaf” and seek the Mercy and benevolence of Allah (SWT) that he (SWT) makes it beneficial and makes it sincere (and exclusive) for Him (SWT) and that He (SWT) reforms the condition of the believers and joins their hearts upon the truth, guidance and Dawah towards the Path of Allah (SWT).
Text:
All praise belong to Allah (SWT), the Lord of the worlds and salutations upon the best of Prophets & Messengers, our Nabi (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and his family and his companions, thereafter...
I had the opportunity to review a compilation (of various writings) entitled, "Haqaiq Un Jamaatut-Tableegh" and before embarking upon discussing some of its constituents and highlighting some of its errors I would like to bring certain facts to the attention of esteemed readers from which many people are heedless. So understand! That to investigate and research news is a basic principle of Shariah and its injunction is plainly stated in the Qur'aan & Sunnah as Allah (SWT) states:
{jb_bluebox} [49:6] O you who believe, if a sinful person brings you a report, verify its correctness, lest you should harm a people out of ignorance, and then become remorseful on what you did.{/jb_bluebox}
And Allah (SWT) states:
{jb_bluebox}[4:94] O you who believe, when you go out in the way of Allah, be careful...{/jb_bluebox}
{jb_bluebox}Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said, "It is enough falsehood for a person to transmit everything he hears." [Muslim]{/jb_bluebox}
It is so because many people merely accept everything they hear or read and don't endeavour to investigate (its truth) and establish its authenticity and forget to act upon this basic principle which Allah (SWT) has commanded since those from amongst the Jinn and humans who are influenced by Shaytaan are busy in spreading falsehood and thus abandoning this basic principle enables many from amongst the people to abandon the truth and adopt falsehood until they begin to establish the realities of their lives upon falsehood and this has resulted in hatred, enmity and ill feelings between sons of Adam. These naive people will continue to harbour ill feelings towards Musliheen (those who attempt to make peace and reconcile) and good feelings towards Mufsids (those who attempt to spread vice and corruption) if they continue on their path of accepting everything (as truth) they read or hear.
How much blood has been shed, how many idols have been worshiped as a consequence of accepting random speeches and writings as truth? Similarly, some placed their belief in those in the grave that they can benefit or harm besides Allah (SWT) so innovations and baseless customs became widespread amongst them until devotion, humility, prayers, asking for help and even acts of worship were directed deities (other than Allah (SWT)) even though there is none worthy of worship besides Allah (SWT), Alone & Al-Mighty.
These thoughts compelled me to summarise these words lest someone develops ill feelings towards those who are engaged in work (of Tableegh) after reading "Haqaiq Un Jamaatut-Tableegh". In addition, one of my friends and companions (in Islam) requested me to warn others about the errors in the fore mentioned compilation and if this brother wouldn't have insisted on exposing the truth and highlighting the falsehood I perhaps wouldn't have engaged myself in this endeavour. May Allah (SWT) reward him from me and those of Islam. Indeed there are errors in "Haqaiq Un Jamaatut-Tableegh" and although we have Husnud-Dhun towards those who complied it that they must have meant Khair (good) during its compilation because our Husnud-Dhun is in accordance to the statement of Sayyidina Umar (RA):
{jb_bluebox}As long as you continue to ascribe the works of a believer towards Khair (goodness) then don't ascribe it to evil.{/jb_bluebox}
But it is possible that a person may intend good but make an (earnest) mistake and that's why Sayyidina Abdullah Ibn Masood (RA) said:
{jb_bluebox}Many amongst the people intend to perform goodness but don't achieve it.{/jb_bluebox}
I don't intend to refute every trivial or detailed allegation in the compilation because this will necessitate a lengthy (counter compilation) so we will suffice with refuting some of its points although these are not hidden from those who reflect, ponder and research. The salient errors of the compilation are as follows:
{jb_bluedisc}1{/jb_bluedisc} The charge of falsehood is comprehensively applied on the whole Jamaat and there is no doubt that this isn't correct because every fair minded individual who has knowledge of this Jamaat knows (with certainty) that many from the Jamaat are free from the innovations and futilities which have been alleged! In fact anyone who walked with this Jamaat and remained free from the trappings of the Nafs (ego) cannot prove any of the allegations and matters which the Scholars unanimously deem to be against Shariah. To suspect that since these Jamaats are coming from lands which have practises associated with innovations, Shirk and misguided Sufi practises those who are in the Jamaat must also have done Bay'ah on the hands of deviant Mashaykh is blameworthy and far from reality! In fact it can't even be established that everyone in Jamaat has even made Ba'yah (to anyone)! Know that suspicion is not beneficial compared to reality!
{jb_bluedisc}2{/jb_bluedisc} Second error is that those made the compilations have stripped the Jamaat of all goodness and this is not fair and they have written as if those (in Jamaat) are devoid of all good qualities and thus those who wrote didn't walk on the path of fairness and justice, the path of those who described the good and bad (both) amongst them. In fact some have gone so far ahead that they declared candid, open and blatant Kuf'r on them (see page 4):
{jb_brownbox}Shaykh Abdullah Ibn Saad Li Al-Abd Al-Ghamidi (HA) in Masajid, in Haram (Al-Makki), in gatherings of Dhik'r and in other gatherings openly pronounced Kuf'r on them and this was 5 years ago and whoever I met from Madinatul-Munawarra, mentioned it"{/jb_brownbox}
Scholars and Students of knowledge from Saudia who accompany (the Jamaat) in their free time and provide Nusra (assistance to them) indeed their intention is to assist the truth, spread Tawheed, counter Shirk, innovations and sins because those who know acknowledge that Tableeghi Jamaat performs the work of Dawah with Hikmah (wisdom) and words of wisdom and eloquence and refrain from all those action which have the potential to alienate (others) and spread hatred for Islam. They may delay (and defer) chastisement on certain evil but it doesn't mean that they accept the evil but seek the right opportunity to uproot the evil! The purpose of Dawah is to snatch people from sins, innovations and misguidance and bring them towards Tawheed & Islam through words of wisdom and eloquence and they attempt to make those (absorbed) in sins companions in their work (of Dawah) until those who oppose and those who support witness that those who were immersed in sins, crimes and opposition of sin and those who were a headache (to the Government) sat in the company of these people (of Jamaat) and they spent time in good and conducive (environment) and they changed! They became those who invite towards Qur'aan and Sunnah and became eager to sacrifice their life, time and wealth in the path of Allah (SWT) in Dawah.
Thus in the light of aforementioned details, how can one entertain evil intentions about those who travel with them (Tableeghi Jamaat) or those who assist them and how can one slander them that they are assisting in (spreading) innovations and misguidance. In fact, why not have good intentions about the Scholars and students of knowledge who are travelling with them that they want to reform the Ummah and want to assist the truth. Is it permissible intellectually and according to Shariah that we insult (and demean) those who are engaged in Dawah (of religion) simply because some of them come from countries in which innovations and absurdities are prevalent? Why shouldn't be walk on the Dhahir (apparent) as found in the authentic Athar of Sayyidina 'Abdullah ibn 'Utba ibn Mas'ud (RA) when he reported that he heard Sayyidina 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) say, "Some people were dealt with by the revelation in the time of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. The revelation has ceased. Now we deal with you according to what is clear to us from your actions. If anyone shows us good, we trust him and honour him. We know nothing of his inward. Allah will call him to reckoning in respect of his inward. If anyone shows us evil, we do not trust him and do not believe him, even if he says that his inward is good." [Bukhari]
Similarly, it has been narrated in the tradition concerning Sayyidina Usama Ibn Zaid (RA) that when he killed a man despite reciting the Kalima, Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) chastised him by stating that we will judge upon the apparent and leave the matters of the heart to Allah (SWT).
There are many authentic traditions which instruct us that we should judge matters on the apparent and also make decisions based on the apparent and similar is the statement of Sayyidina Umar (RA) in which he instructs the believers not to interpret the sayings and actions of one's brothers on the evil until it can be interpreted upon the good and the objections of many of upon Tableeghi Jamaat are based on suspicion when Allah (SWT) categorically states:
{jb_bluebox}[49:12] O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin...{/jb_bluebox}
{jb_bluebox}[10:36] ...Surely, conjectures are of no avail in the matter of truth at all...{/jb_bluebox}
{jb_bluebox}[It is narrated in Bukhari & Muslim on the authority of Sayyidina Abu Hurairah (RA) that Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassllam) stated, "Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales; and do not look for the others' faults and do not spy..."{/jb_bluebox}
Some have objected that these people believe in Nazar & Niyaz of the graves and confirm innovative Ziyaraat but we are not aware of these and if such matters are proven (conclusively) then we declare our explicit disapproval from it and anyone who has witnessed any of these matters then it is incumbent upon him to oppose it and it will not be permissible for him to stay silent (over it).
Another error in these compilations (of refutation) is that whenever the writers witnessed an error in an individual they issued a judgement on the entire Jamaat although this (behaviour) is against the Shariah to condemn an entire group based on individual errors. We should not blame the whole when part is at fault, in other words it's not permissible for us to issue a general ruling (of condemnation) when certain people of knowledge or even common individuals make a mistake and we don't consider everyone in the Jamaat to be free from error and just as normal humans make mistakes and commit errors so do the people (in Jamaat), we even go further and say that just like we can't condemn the whole Jamaat based on the errors of a few we also can't claim that they are all free from errors and mistakes. We even say that it is possible that some of the individuals may be committing some of these mistakes (in private) but we cannot decisively confirm or deny these (private) matters without knowledge and we certainly can't blame the whole Jamaat for these individual actions. The blameworthy traits which have been mentioned in these compilations (against the Jamaat) if they are found in individuals then we announce our disapproval from these (traits) and we make dua that Allah (SWT) assist those who have the intention of reformation to convert these blameworthy traits into praiseworthy ones. But, I would still like to ask those (who object) that aren't the brothers of Jamaat believers? Is "sincere advice" towards them not an obligation as narrated in the tradition of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)? Lets assume for a moment that these absurdities which are being described are actually present in Jamaat so what should be done? Would it be permissible to simply leave them to it (with these vices)? Is it not an obligation upon Scholars and students of knowledge to show them the straight path and to make them act upon the Book of Allah (SWT) and the Sunnah of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassalam) and for them to avoid the path of innovations? And when some from amongst the Scholars and students of knowledge join them (to reform them) is it permissible for others to believe that they have deviate from the path (of guidance) and joined them in their misguidance? Do our brothers who object believe that Dawah is dependent upon insulting and castigation people (of Jamaat) and to slander them with accusations of Kuf'r and heresy? Do they believe that their responsibilities are fulfilled with these accusations?
Tableeghi Jamaat consists of all groups of Ahlus-Sunnah Wal-Jamaah despite differences amongst them in Manhaj, countries, colour, languages and there are Arabs amonst them as well as Non Arabs.
When we are visited by brothers from lands in which a large number consider us Kaafir because of our following of Imam Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahab (RA) and due to hate and discrimination are unwilling to listen to us and these brothers open their bosoms for us and say that we are indeed the people of Tawheed and the best of believers and progeny of the companions of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and they ask us to cooperate with them in spreading Islam & Tawheed and at the same time admit to their lack of knowledge and are willing to accept the truth so what is our obligation towards them? Should we say to them that you are Kaafirs and polytheists so leave? Should we say that we don't want to walk with you (in the path of Allah (SWT)) and we don't want to assist you because your lands are infested with Shirk, innovations and idolatry even though they are asking us to come to their lands and willing to learn (from us) and adopt our (ways) which are according to Shariah?
Tableeghi Jamaat has a set methodology which is based upon the principles present in the Qur'aan and Sunnah and they follow these principles which are based on Tawheed, correct (acts of worship), Dawah and necessities of the religion. They have deferred issues which may cause animosity and disrespect towards Scholars (or evil) and rulers so that dissension doesn't spread amongst the Jamaat but it doesn't mean that they reject the (nature of) evil rather Dawah is accepted due to softness (in their approach) as Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) has stated that Allah (SWT) likes those with softness and prefers softness and blessings are granted on softness which are not granted with harshness and there are other narrations on the subject as well.
It is from the administrative methodology of Dawat & Tableegh for these people (of Jamaat)to request from others to spare some of their time and accompany them depending on their circumstances in order for new comers to be affected by the righteous environment, and for them to be affected by the qualities of religions and for them to engage in righteous deeds in their free time so that it becomes easier for them to let go of their sins, thus they regard this going out as a way for their (personal) reformation and that of others and you will notice that due to this system and methodology the lives of many have been transformed and eventually many who were far from the religion become its Da'ees.
It becomes apparent from the criticism (towards Tableeghi Jamaat) of our brothers that they think that the correct methodology for Dawah is the one based on harshness, strict measures and softness and conciliation shouldn't be adopted towards those (being invited) and they consider adopting softness and conciliatory attitude to be against wisdom and they expect everyone to agree with them and those who disagree are labelled to be as careless in forbidding the evil. We wish for such people to understand and accept the soft, lenient and conciliatory approach of their (Tableeghi) brothers because when Allah (SWT) sent Sayyidina Musa (AS) to Fir'aun he was commanded:
{jb_bluebox}[[20:44] So speak to him in soft words. May be, he accepts the advice or fears (Allah).{/jb_bluebox}
And Allah (SWT) states:
{jb_bluebox}[16:125] Invite (people) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel. And argue with them in the best of manners...{/jb_bluebox}
{jb_bluebox}[3:159] 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...{/jb_bluebox}
{jb_bluebox}Narrated by Aisha: Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said: Kindness is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. [Muslim]{/jb_bluebox}
We wish that they would given benefit of the doubt to their brothers (of Tableegh) because they have established their work on a certain methodology based on Ijtehad and one of the errors (in criticism) is that they have become despondent in the reformation of Tableeghi Jamaat and consider the allegations (levelled against Tableeghi Jamaat) as facts and those who are assisting them (in their work) to be lenient. We say that indeed those with Tableeghi Jamaat have the intention to assist in the truth (which is with them) and they have the intention to destroy the falsehood and they have the intention to strengthen the Aqeedah in the hearts of those who accompany them and to prevent deviance from it. Our UIamah have varying opinions about the Tableeghi Jamaat:
Some amongst them consider it permissible and correct to assist in the truth, spread the Sunnah, attempt to reform the situation of the believers, and to clearly point out the distinction between the correct and the incorrect Aqeedah and to address (to reform) matters against the book and the Sunnah which become apparent and to consign matters which are hidden (from us) to Allah (SWT) as it is not permissible for us to judge upon matters which don't become apparent to us. This work (of Tableegh) has been affirmed by our Shaykh Muhammad Ibraheem Aal-Shaykh (RA) and our Shaykh Abdul-Aziz Ibn Baz (RA) and other Ulamah who have an interest (in knowing) the situation of (this) Jamaat and that of general Muslims.
Anyone who ponders upon the matter of Tableeghi Jamaat will learn that these people only desire what is good for themselves and for the believers through their Dawah and they desire nothing but reformation through their effort. They are not exempt from error but they are satisfied that they are treading the path of truth and they give Dawah for people to tread the path of the book and Sunnah and to tread the path of Salaf (As-Saliheen) and why shouldn't it be when they proclaim and announce:
{jb_bluebox}"O people! Our success in this world and the next is in obeying the commands of Allah (SWT) and the way of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam)"{/jb_bluebox}
Indeed I and many others know that some people who had deviated from the guided path and not only strayed away from the circles of (Islamic) knowledge and reformation but entered into the lethal bounds of heresy were affected by these Jamaats and after spending some time with them their lifestyles changed and they entered Islamic institutes and groups and became students (of Scholars) and read those works (of Dawah) which were printed by the adherent of Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahab (RA). Indeed, many amongst those who have accompanied them get affected and when they return they are affected and attracted by the lives of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and his companions and very few return unaffected. In addition, of all the times in which I have gone out with them I have not seen anything which is contrary to the interpretation of "There is no deity except Allah (SWT)" and I have not heard anything from those students (of knowledge) in Saudi cities who have gone out with them which is contrary to the Aqeedah of Shaykh [Muhammad Ibn Abdul-Wahab] (RA) and the discourses (All Praise be to Allah (SWT)) evolve around Tawheed and that worship should be made exclusive to Allah (SWT) alone, and it doesn't mean matters are restricted to accepting the Lordship of Allah (SWT) [Rubobiyah] that Allah (SWT) is one because the pre-Islamic (Arab) polytheists also accepted it but they included others in acts of worship (thus denied Tawheed Uluhiyyah) so their prostrations, offerings etc were also for others (in addition to being for Allah (SWT)), thus the pre-Islamic (Arab) polytheists didn't accept Uluhiyyah along with Rubobiyah and thus were declared polytheists. Thus our brothers who go out with (Tableeghi Jamaat) and assist them amongst other issues also advise and discuss these matters contrary to those who have pointed out (in their writings) that Tableeghi Jamaat neglect and only discuss Rubobiyah. I say, indeed that sometimes Tableeghi Jamaat don't exclusively use the terms and point out that this is Rubobiyah and this Uluhiyyah but these people describe, explain and expound upon the intention behind them because sincerity of intention (and exclusion towards Allah (SWT)) is part of their principles and it is indeed Uluhiyyah and all matters should actions of the bondsmen should be exclusive towards Allah (SWT) and when you go out of them you will notice that their invocations and acts (of worship) don't extend beyond the bounds of Uluhiyyah and they are extremely desirous that their actions must conform to the sayings and actions of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and to deviate from it (at all).
{jb_bluebox}[2:269] He gives wisdom to whom He wills...{/jb_bluebox}
Those who spend time with these Daees, becomes familiar with their circumstances, recognises their methodology, if not overcome with the desires of the Nafs and external factors and is desirous (to seek) the truth will witness many astonishing matters e.g. how Eemaan is strengthened and how people accept their words so his heart shouldn't have any doubt that Allah (SWT) has granted Hikamh in their Dawah. It is from wisdom that sincere intention should be made and some time should be spared from daily chores of life to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) and to seek permanent abode of the hereafter and to seek personal reformation (and that of others) and alongside it sincerely beg and beseech Allah (SWT) to grant us and the whole Ummah, guidance. It doesn't mean that those going in the path of Allah (SWT) abandons his family and children or opposes the parents or disregards his livelihood but he organises his affairs just like a businessman or the one travelling (for medical treatment) arranges his program (when travelling). There are (many) who are unfamiliar with this work even amongst practising Muslims and they look at this (going out) in astonishment and consider this an innovation in religion and a waste of time, when in reality this is neither a waste of time nor an innovation. In fact this (methodology) is based on wisdom which is necessary for the reformation of the believers because going out is hard against the Nafs because this work requires certain sacrifices which are to endure hardships by letting go of comforts and to separate oneself from family (and loved ones) and to endure the sacrifice of wealth, time and effort. The purpose of this work is that the one going out in the path of Allah (SWT) should perform Jihad against his Nafs, Shaytaan and this world (Dunya) until this religion and hereafter becomes dearer to him and the pleasure of Allah (SWT) becomes foremost. Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) endured a lot of hardship during this (Dawah) trip to Taif, and 70 of his Qari companions who were sent to various Arab tribes for Dawah were murdered (by deception)
{jb_bluebox}[9:122]...So, why should it not be that a group from every section of them goes forth, so that they may acquire perfect understanding of the Faith, and so that they may warn their people when they return to them, so that they may take due care (of the rules of Shariah ).{/jb_bluebox}
The work of Dawah & Tableegh is Jihad
What Imam Ibn Qayyim (HA) stated can be summarised as follows:
{jb_brownbox}Indeed, Jihad includes many matters but the foremost amongst them are four namely Jihad against Nafs, Jihad against desires, Jihad against Shaytaan and Jihad against this world (Dunya) and when a believer overcomes these then he overcomes the (external) enemy and when these things overcome a man then the (external) enemy overpowers the man.{/jb_brownbox}
We must admit the fact that the creed of many inhabitants of our area (Saudi Arabia) is safe from the deviancy which has afflicted the people of innovation such as seeking assistance from Prophets, Awliya, the pious and inhabitants of the grave and they are protected from many such innovations and absurdities but it must be said (with regret) that there are many amongst us who have preferred this world (Dunya) over the hereafter and have made their desires their deity (despite knowledge) and they have no regard in making friendship (with the enemies of Allah (SWT) and His religion) until the most profound characteristic of faith which is love and hate for the sake of Allah (SWT) has become weak in their hearts and many of us have left the (correct) path of encouraging good and forbidding evil and foundations for worship which is extreme love, affection and humility (servitude) towards Allah (SWT) has become weak in their hearts and we must accept the bitter truth that these are present amongst us and in other Islamic countries in addition to these weakness, innovations and absurdities are also prevalent so we must consider the Quraanic principle:
{jb_bluebox}[5:2] ...Help each other in righteousness and piety...{/jb_bluebox}
Indeed, human weakness are part of our nature but men are also bestowed with goodness as well as omissions and when cooperation is made the Da'ees of this country and (those) countries then benefit will be achieved and goodness will spread because every Da'ee has some qualities and some discrepancies and when we meet (each other) in the fields of Dawah (towards Allah (SWT)) and the path of goodness then discrepancies will be eliminated or at least minimised and it is not hidden that many who consider themselves upon the truth (and others upon falsehood) their error becomes manifest upon them when they meet (those upon the truth). I would like to end my treatise by briefly describing the methodology of (this) Jamaat, their Dawah primarily revolves around six fundamental principles:
{jb_bluedisc}1{/jb_bluedisc} The reality of faith and Kalima (of Shahada)
{jb_bluedisc}2{/jb_bluedisc} Devotion and concentration in Salah
{jb_bluedisc}3{/jb_bluedisc} (Islamic) knowledge & Dhikr (remembrance of Allah (SWT))
{jb_bluedisc}4{/jb_bluedisc} Honouring the believers
{jb_bluedisc}5{/jb_bluedisc} Sincerity of intention
{jb_bluedisc}6{/jb_bluedisc} Dawah (invitation) and Tabligh (conveyance)
These fundamentals are not meant to be (merely) memorised but the intention is that these fundamentals should becomes attributes in the tongue, hearts and the limbs and it is to achieved by sparing some time to go in the path of Allah (SWT) for them to become manifestations in the internal and external aspects of life and however is endowed with the real manifestations of these fundamentals then indeed the manifestations of Sayyidina Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and his companions (RA) will enter his life. These fundamentals are chosen because as it is not hidden from those who ponder that these are always needed and it is from the reality that it is difficult to attain the qualities of Jamaat by anyone except that he accompanies them for a long period (with the intention of benefit) and his heart is devoid of desires of the Nafs and in the path of Allah (SWT) they spend their time in 4 (four) activities:
{jb_bluedisc}1{/jb_bluedisc} Dawah towards Allah (SWT)
{jb_bluedisc}2{/jb_bluedisc} Teaching & leaning (of Islam)
{jb_bluedisc}3{/jb_bluedisc} Acts of worship
{jb_bluedisc}4{/jb_bluedisc} Service (of others)
None has the power to truly and fully know, ascertain and understand the methodology of the Jamaat and to know their principles and fundamentals which are extracted from the book and the Sunnah and ways which they act upon unless he accompanies them (for sometime) and spends time with them until he gains an insight and if he decides to ground his judgement on hearsay then his judgement will be flawed. Why? Because the basis is devoid of (firm) foundation and facts when the affairs of the Jamaats and those who participate in it are clear and manifest in front of peoples' eyes:
Despite cultural, methodological and other differences these people of Tableegh always ask other believers to join them in their work (of Dawah) and to inform them of their shortcomings so they can reform (themselves):
{jb_bluebox}"The word of wisdom is the lost property of the believer, so wherever he finds it he has a better right to it." [Tirmidhi]{/jb_bluebox}
I beseech & invoke Allah (SWT) that he may penetrate the words of guidance in our heart and to protect us from the evils of the Nafs and to make truth appear as truth and for us to follow it and to make evil appear as evil and the ability to abstain from it and not to make it ambiguous for us because we will be misguided (due to its ambiguity) and to assist his religion and to surmount his Kalima and to give us all the ability to assist in his religion.
Shaykh Muhammad Amaan Jami (HA) & Shaykh Abdul-Kareem Murad (HA)
Eye witness account of Bangladesh (Tableeghi) Ijtema
Tableeghi Jamaat sent an invitation towards Jamia Islamiyya (Madina Munawwara) and requested attendance at the major Tableeghi Ijtema in the Dhaka, capital of Bangaldesh so the Jamia accepted the invitation and I (Muhammad Amaan Ibn Ali Jami) from the faculty of Hadeeth and Abdul-Kareem Murad from the faculty of Shariah were sent to attend the Ijtema and we departed on Sunday morning the 10th of Safar 1399 (9th of January 1979) from Madina airport via Jeddah to Karachi (Pakistan). We arrived at Jeddah airport at 06:30 and immediately due to the intervention of president of Jamia library Mr. Musfir Zahraani, reached the office of Pakistan International Airlines because our reservations at Pakistan International Airlines were completed (in advance). The formalities at the airport were completed in less than 10 minutes and we reached the departure lounge in no time to prepare for our departure but here we were informed of this unfortunate and unexpected news that due to a technical problem (in the plane) the departure will be delayed for an unspecified period.
We kept waiting for this unspecified period as the airline had not given us a timeframe or perhaps it was not possible for them to give us a timeframe until the time for Dhohar Salat reached which we prayed at the airport since it was not permitted for us to leave the airport premises and then we were invited for lunch which affirmed to us that the delay will be even longer. Similarly we waited until after Esha Salah on Monday night and eventually the departure was announced to be at 23:00 and yet the departure actually occurred after midnight. Thus our travel towards Karachi started and since we were exhausted (of all the waiting) we fell fast asleep because this was our rest after a long tiring wait at Jeddah (airport) and we woke up with the announcement that we were near Karachi airport. We praised Allah (SWT) that we reached here with safety and reached Karachi a little before Subh-Sadiq (true dawn) and prayed our morning prayers at our residence at the hotel. After some rest we made Mushwara on whether to proceed towards Lahore (Pakistan) or Dhaka (Bangaldesh) as per the previous program and it was decided to proceed to Dhaka (Bangaldesh) to attend the Ijtema so our primary objective is not delayed (in completion).
We spent Wednesday (the 12th of Safar 1399) at the reservations office hoping to purchase tickets for Thursday however we discovered that there were only two flights to Dhaka from Karachi, a Pakistani flight on Tuesday and a Bangladeshi flight on Friday and there was no third flight. Thus we reserved seats for the Friday flight and with the Will of Allah (SWT) after Asar started our journey and reached Dhaka Airport in the last part of the night.
A Rabita (welcoming) Jamaat was present at the airport to welcome us and other (foreign) attendees and with them there some Pakistani & Sudani companions whom we had prior acquaintance. They performed the necessary formalities at the airport, there was special dispensation for Ijtema attendees that they were not physically searched and even our luggage wasn't searched and yet everyone else was fully searched. We were then transported to a nearby Masjid so that the guests can be distributed and directed towards their (temporary residence) during their stay which was close to the Ijtema site. Our assignment was done before Fajar Salah and we even managed to take a little nap before the Adhan of Fajar prayers. After Adhan we performed our Fajar prayers at the nearby Masjid. This Masjid was a huge hall which was created in an open field and in our estimation it may have been 1 ½ kilometre long and 1 kilometre long and able to hold 1 million people (for stay as well as prayers) and all of them pray behind one Imam without the use of loudspeakers. In order to facilitate the sound of the Imam to reach everyone there were many people appointed at various places (to relay the sound) so that people may follow the Imam. I don't know why they didn't use loudspeakers for Salah when loud speakers were used for speeches, sending Jamaats and giving them (Jamaats) necessary guidance.
How the setting and arrangement of Ijtema was done and how the material was organised and used, the details are astonishing to hear because the temporary Masjid and lodging of (foreign) guests were all made from light-weight material which was meant to be returned to the shops thus it remained useable and able to be resold. And what was this material? Tin, Bamboo sticks, jute and ropes were the primary constituents, nails are not used so the material remains (reusable) and since the traders and the factory owners have temporarily lent this material they are the ones who do its setting and arrangement and after Ijtema they themselves easily disassemble the whole lot. To bring (people) to the right path in an Islamic environment this temporary Masjid was astonishing as after prayers people used to form Halaqahs of knowledge which reminded us of Masjids of the earlier generation which were for prayers and acts of worship and they were neither buildings of pride nor elaborately decorated.
After breakfast the talks started and on Saturday around Duha prayers (on the 15th of Safar 1399) there was a special talk in Arabic by Shaykh Umar Palunpuri (RA) and it was a beneficial and comprehensive talk. He elaborated and answered many of the doubts on Tableeghi Jamaat and its methodology of Dawah and the purpose of going out in the path of Allah (SWT). The summary is to change the environment of those giving the Dawah and those to whom Dawah is being given and not all of those leaving (in the path of Allah (SWT)) are Da'ees rather it is intended for them to reform their lives, and inculcate the love of Islam in their heart and to encourage them towards (good) and to inform them of the matters of Deen which they don't are (yet) unaware of. Experience tells us that these things cannot be achieved until a person leaves behind their normal business and engagements of (life of this world) temporarily and joins a righteous and religious environment.
Afterwards, the Arabs were requested to attend the normal talk at the gathering which was to occur after Dhohar Salah. We were requested to deliver this public talk and we accepted with pleasure and thus after Dhohar prayer I gave this talk which was simultaneously translated in various (local) languages while the original speech was in Arabic and afterwards it was announced that on Sunday the 16th of Safar 1399 after Dhohar respected Abdul-Kareem Murad (HA) will be giving a talk. We were present in all the talks which were translated from Urdu to Arabic (for us). Shaykh Abdul-Kareem Murad (HA) delivered his talk on time and his talk was about "Tauheedul-Ibadah" and he prohibited people from exaggerating the love for the pious and also warned them about making structures on graves.
The Ijtema site was roughly 7 kilometres from the capital (Dhaka) and it was chosen so that people may find some peace (& solace) and also for them to remain at one place (Masjid) and for people like us who arrived (late) wouldn't have a chance to reach Dhaka before or after the Ijtema. Monday was the day of giving (leaving) guidance to Jamaats and to bid farewell to the Jamaats and it was a day of mixed emotions (of happiness and sadness). Their happiness and sadness on that day was the proof that their hearts were filled with the love of each other for the sake of Allah (SWT) and that the love of Allah (SWT) had penetrated their hearts. How the people of Dawah are able to let go (of all other engagements) to connect the hearts of bondsmen to Allah (SWT), [the Alone] and they have no reliance except for Him (SWT) and none worthy of attention expect Him (SWT)!
This is the summary of their talks and and their speeches and their actions and their Zuh'd (asceticism) which is gained after witnessing them and listening to them, on the contrary to people who discuss (their affairs) without recognising them or become ignorant to the reality of (Tableeghi) Jamaat due to some evil (purpose or) reason.
A noteworthy trait of this Jamaat is that this Jamaat concerns itself with matters which other Jamaats don't find appealing and it is that they take people with them (for reformation) and remain patient (on their excesses) and make their Tarbiyah (nurture them) in an excellent manner and have concern for their guidance. Their worry and concern is similar to a merciful mother towards her beloved son. Allah (SWT) has guided many kinds of people through them and foremost amongst them are those youth whom we have sent to America & Europe for education and then left them to their (affairs) and not worried about their welfare and Tarbiyah. Allah (SWT) has deputed this Jamaat for many such individuals when these youngsters had left this (Deen of Islam) after being impressed by the irreligious society around them and I have many such eye witness accounts and stories and it will be too long to write them all so I will suffice with recounting only one incident.
A resident of Riyadh brought a group (Jamaat) of American youth to the Dhaka Ijtema. Allah (SWT) had enable him to climb out of the abyss (of misguidance) through the work of Jamaat. This youth desired to perform Umrah as he longed for the Umrah to become a means of his (forgiveness of sins) and his distance from his actions (of Jahilliyah). I congratulated him and told him about the virtues of repentance to which he embarrassingly replied "O Br Muhammad! I intend to perform Umrah but don't know how to actually perform it and I don't know what I should do when I reach Makkah and before going to America whatever I had learned in primary (education), I have forgotten and lost it." I told him to go to one side so we may be away from the (rush of people) and that I may describe the actions of Umrah to him in detail. He requested of me to record it on a cassette to which I replied that if you have a cassette recorder and a cassette then there is nothing preventing us from this matter. So he brought me a cassette and I recorded the actions of Umrah and then also he also asked for a cassette of actions of Hajj and I also summarised those actions for him. I also encouraged him to visit Masjidun-Nabawi and to also visit Jamia Islamiyya so that he may obtain beneficial books and magazines from there.
The purpose of recounting this incident and other (incidents) which I have presented in your presence and there are many other successes of this Jamaat and the mention of these will be rather long and these success are real (and palpable so that can be touched by hand) and some of other Jamaats which are engaged in Dawah (towards Allah (SWT)) are not able to achieve these and no one (friend or foe, alike) can deny this. The secret is that this Jamaat has made Dawah-Illallah and the work of reformation of morals (of people) its primary objective (of life) and it is not so that they have taken the work of dawah in their left hand and the (fame and enjoyments due to Dawah) in their right; rather this Jamaat has grasped the work of dawah (itself) with both hands and these people are far from the greed of fame and popularity and to them praise and condemnation is equal until the life of this world has no value in their eyes.
And I suffice at this hint and since the issue is clear so the effects of the Dawah of this nation is also clear as I previously elucidated so the ones to make decisions can do so as the work, its effects and its successes are in front of them to decide.
We spent 3 days in the environment of this Ijtema and on the fourth day on Monday after Dhohar prayers we returned to Karachi and on the 23rd of Safar 1399 on Sunday we returned to Jeddah via our flights and we hope that this journey will be a blessed one, Insha'Allah.
Observations:
{jb_bluedisc}1{/jb_bluedisc} The name "Tableeghi Jamaat" is not an organised adaptation, rather it is an identity and they didn't propose but people witnessed their work (of Dawah and Tadhkeer) and gave them (this name).
{jb_bluedisc}2{/jb_bluedisc} Dawah, discipline and repeated Ijtemaas have inculcated in them skills of organisation and structure which enables to perform their duties in an excellent manner without getting tired.
{jb_bluedisc}3{/jb_bluedisc} They have the ability to organise and conduct large-scale Ijtemaas in a structure and organised manner and if someone else was to organise such a large scale Ijtema they would need to exert themselves (heavily), require large sums of money while they (Tableeghi Jamaat) are able to do so with the minimum of expenditure except for when they host (long distance foreign) guests. All participants of Jamaat consider themselves responsible for the work of the Ijtema.
Every person performs his assigned task and presents his belongings (according to his capacity) and performs his duty himself and it is the intention of every individual that he may become a Khaadim (i.e. serve others) and not a ruler and strives to benefit his brothers as to them it is an exalted action, indeed.
Recommendations:
There are clear and apparent qualities and successes associated with this Jamaat (and its work) which we have highlighted and are accepted by friends and foe, alike. Subsequently, we deem it appropriate to present the following recommendations:
{jb_bluedisc}1{/jb_bluedisc} For benefit and advantage, practical and sincere cooperation with the Jamaat should be done.
{jb_bluedisc}2{/jb_bluedisc} We recommend that this movement (of Tableegh) should also be present amongst our students so that they may benefit from it and for them to benefit Jamaat. Our students are in need of this blessed Dawah compared to many other people.
{jb_bluedisc}3{/jb_bluedisc} Jamia Islamiyya (Madina) should frequently (and in great numbers) attend these Ijtemaas and teachers and students alike should be represented here.
We beseech Allah (SWT)to make our actions pure and exclusive for His Benevolent Diety (SWT) and to keep show and fame away from us for surely He (SWT) is the most exalted and the one towards whom beseechment is directed.
Muhammad Amaan Ibn Ali Jami (HA)
10th of Rabiul-Awwal 1399 (8th of February 1979)
تقرير عن زيارة جماعة التبليغ في بنغلادش للشيخ محمد أمانالجامي وعبد الكريم مراد حفظهما الله
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
وجهت جماعة التبليغ والدعوة إلى الجامعة الإسلامية، فطلب إليها حضور لقاء إسلامي كبير يعقد في (داكا) عاصمة (بنغلادش) فلبّتْ الجامعة الطلب، فأوفدتنا أنا محمد أمان بن علي الجامي من كلية الحديث، وعبد الكريم مراد من كلية الشريعة, للمشاركة في اللقاء .
فغادرنا مطار المدينة المنورة صباح يوم الاثنين 10/2/1399 هـ إلى جدة في طريقنا إلى (كراتشي)، فوصلنا مطار جدة في تمام الساعة السادسة والنصف, واتصلنا بالخطوط الباكستانية فور وصولنا بواسطة مدير الخطوط المذكورة، فتمت إجراءات السفر في أقل من عشر دقائق, فدخلنا صالة المسافرين استعداداً للسفر، وبعد ساعة تقريباً من دخولنا فوجئنا بأن السفر سوف يتأخر إلى موعد غير محدد إذ طرأ في الطائرة خلل فني كما قيل، فجعلنا ننتظر هذا الموعد الذي لم يحدد بل لم َتِردْ أو لم تستطع الشركة تحديده، فحان وقت صلاة الظهر فصلينا في المطار, لأن الخروج ممنوع، ثم دعينا لتناول طعام الغداء, من هنا تأكدنا أن الموعد سوف يتأخر وأنه ليس بقريب .
وهكذا استمرّ انتظارنا إلى بعد صلاة العشاء من ليلة الثلاثاء، ثم أعلن عن الموعد الأخير, وأنه ستكون المغادرة بعد الساعة الحادية عشرة من الليل، فتمت مغادرتنا فعلا بعد منتصف الليل, فواصلنا سفرنا إلى كراتشي، فأخذنا نغط في نومنا الذي هو عبارة عن راحة بعد تعب طويل في مطار جدة، ولم نشعر إلا حين أعلن أننا على مقربة من مطار كراتشي فاستيقظنا، فحمدنا الله تعالى على الوصول بالسلامة, فدخلنا مدين كراتشي قبيل صلاة الفجر, فصلينا الفجر في منزلنا في الفندق . وبعد أن استرحنا زمنًا كافياً للراحة بعد صلاة الفجر, تبادلنا الرأي بالنسبة للسفر إلى (لاهور) قبل السفر إلى (داما) كما هو المقرر, فرأينا تأجيله إلى ما بعد العودة من (داكا), خشية أن يحصل تأخر لسبب من الأسباب فيؤثر في الاجتماع الذي هو المقصود الأول من سفرنا هذا، فقضينا يوم الأربعاء 12/2/1399هـ في محل الحجز إلى داكا ليوم الخميس، ولكننا علمنا أن السفر إلى داكا عاصمة (بنقلاديش) لا يتم إلا ليوم الجمعة بالنسبة لمن لم يسافر يوم الثلاثاء والذي وصلنا فيه إلى كراتشي، هما رحلتان فقط رحلة لطائرة باكستانية يوم الثلاثاء ورحلة لطائرة بنغلاديش يوم الجمعة لا ثالثة لهما .
فحجزنا في طائرة يوم الجمعة فسافرنا فيها بعد صلاة بإذن الله، وصلنا مطار (داكا ) في وقت متأخر من الليل, والمسافة بين مطار (كراتشي) ومطار (داكا) تستغرق ثلاث ساعات ونصف ساعة، وكان في استقبالنا نحن وجميع الذين وصلوا معنا لحضور اللقاء لجنة مرابطة بالمطار لاستقبال الوافدين, ومعهم عدد من الأشخاص الذين بيننا وبينهم معرفة سابقة من السوادنيين وبعض الباكستانيين, فقاموا بجميع إجراءات المطار, وللوافدين لحضور الاجتماع إجراء خاص، حيث أنهم لا يفتشون بل لا تفتح شنطهم, وإنما تكتفي بالإشارة عليها بالتباشير الملون فقط, بينما يفتّش غيرهم تفتيشاً دقيقاً، ثم نقلونا إلى مسجد لهم بجوار المطار ليوزعوا الضيوف، من هناك على منازلهم في المخيم المهّيأ لهم بجوار مقرّ الاجتماع، فتم توزيعنا قبل صلاة الفجر, بل هجعنا قليلاً قبل الأذان ثم أذن, فصلينا في ذلك المسجد القريب, وهو: عبارة عن صالون كبير أقيم على مساحة من الأرض تقدّر ب(كيلو ونصف في كيلو) ليّسع لآلاف من الناس, ويصلي العدد الكبير الذي قدروه بما يقارب المليون خلف إمام واحد دون استخدام مكبّر الصوت، بل يكتفى بعدد كبير من المبّلغين موزّعين في المسجد على أماكن مرتفعة, حيث يسمع كل مصلي مهما بعد مكانه عن الإمام صوت المبلغ فيّتبع الإمام, ولست أدري ما السبب في عدم استخدام مكبر الصوت في الصلاة, علماً أنهم كانوا يستخدمونه في المحاضرات (بيانات) والتوجيه والتعليمات اللازمة؟!
وأما كيف تم ذلك التنظيم الدقيق والإعداد العجيب, فأمر يعجب الإنسان عن وصفه وصفاً دقيقاً, فقد بنى المسجد ومنازل الضيوف من مواد بناء خفيفة تستخدم ثم ترد لأصحابها في حوانيتهم, وهي لا تزال صالحة للبيع والاستعمال, وهذه المواد عبارة عن زنك وعيدان الخيزران والخيش والحبال دون استخدام المسامير لئلا يتلف شيء من مواد البناء, إذ قد تبرع بها التجار وأصحاب المصانع وقاموا بأنفسهم بالبناء والتركيب, فإذا ما انقضى الاجتماع, فسوف يقوم بحلّ الحبال ونقض البناء بسهولة كما كان التركيب والبناء بسهولة من قبل . في هذا المسجد الغريب من نوعه في ذلك الجو الإسلامي الهادئ يبعث على الخشوع والطمأنينة, وبعد الصلاة أخذ المصلون يعقدون جلسات موزعة في المسجد, ذلك الذي يشبه مساجد المسلمين في أيامهم الأول عندما كانت المساجد إنما تقصد للصلاة والعبادة فقط لا للتباهي بها وزخرفتها... والله المستعان.
فأخذت الجماعات الموزعة في المسجد تتدارس القرآن حفظاً, وكانت التلاوة قاصرة على السور القصار التي يحفظها غالباً جميع المصلين أو أكثرهم حتى تطلع الشمس ويحين وقت تناول طعام (الفطور), فبعد الفطور تُعدّ المحاضرات, وفي ضحى ذلك اليوم السبت 15/2/1399هـ حضرنا محاضرة ألقاها في طائفة ذلك المسجد فضيلة الشيخ محمد عمر باللغة العربية، وهي محاضرة تخصّ العرب فقط، ولقد كانت قيّمة ومفيدة أجاب فيها على كثير من الشبهات التي تدور حول نشاط الجماعة ووضعية دعوة الناس إلى الخروج، والغرض من الخروج وخلاصته تغيير البيئة للدعاة والمدعوين، لأن الذين يخرجون ليسوا كلهم دعاة, بل أكثرهم ممن يُراد إصلاحهم وترغيبهم في الإسلام وحُبّه، وتعليمهم ما يجهلون من أمور دينهم، وقد أثبتتْ التجربة أن ذلك لا يتم للإنسان إلا إذا خرج تاركاً مشاغل الحياة المتنوعة, وانتقل إلى بيئة صالحة للإصلاح... ..الخ, وبعد محاضرته أعلن لجماعة العرب أنهم يحضرون محاضرة في الميكرفون العام بعد صلاة الظهر, وطلب من أحدنا أن يقوم بهذه المحاضرة العامة، فلبيّنا الطلب طبعاً, فألقيتُ المحاضرة بعد صلاة الظهر، فتُرجمت فوراً إلى عدة لغات، ثم أعلنت عن محاضرة لعبد الكريم مراد يوم الأحد 16/2/1399هـ بعد صلاة الظهر، فكنّا نحضُرُ بعد كل صلاة محاضرة مترجمة من الأردية إلى العربية .
فألقى الشيخ عبد الكريم محاضرة في الموعد المحدد, وكانت تدور حول توحيد العبادة, والتحذير من الغلو في الصالحين, والبناء على قبورهم . وأما محاضرة يوم السبت فكانت توجيهات عامة تناولت تحقيق كلمة التوحيد في آخرها.
هذا ! وقد كان محل الاجتماع بعيداً عن العاصمة نحو 7 كيلو متر، وهذا مما ساعدهم على إيجاد الهدوء ومواظبة الناس على صلاة الجماعة، بل ملازمتهم للمسجد مدة الاجتماع. أما نحن وأمثالنا الذين وصلنا في وقت متأخر فلم نتمكن من دخول العاصمة لا قبل الاجتماع ولا بعده، فغادرنا بالسفر يوم الثلاثاء بعد انتهاء الاجتماع مباشرة للقيام بزيارة بعض الجهات في باكستان .
وأما غيرنا فبادروا بالخروج في سبيل الدعوة إلى الله، فكانوا يُشكّلون جماعات متعددة بعد كل محاضرة، ويوم الثلاثاء كان يوم توجيه للدعاة وتبصيرهم ووداعهم، وهو يوم إمتزج فيه الفرح بالبكاء الذي يدل على ما يكنّه القوم من التّحابُب في الله, والتفاني في حب الله, والتجرد للدعوة إلى الله, وتعليق قلوب العباد بالله وحده دون الالتفات إلى ما سواه. هذا ملخص ما يُستفاد من محاضرات القوم, وحديثهم, وتصرفاتهم, وزهدهم المتعدد، خلافَ ما يَذكُرُ من لم يعرفهم حق المعرفة أو يتجاهل حقيقة القوم لغرض .
ومما ينبغي التنويه به أن الجماعة تتمتع مما لا تتمتع به الجماعات التي تدعو إلى الله، وهو الصبر مع من يريدون إصلاحهم وهدايتهم وحسن السياسة معهم، صبرٌ يشبه صبر الأم الرؤوف على طفلها الحبيب. وقد هدى الله بهم خلقاً كثيراً في مختلف الجنسية، وفي مقدمتهم شبابنا الذين نبعثهم للدراسة إلى أوروبا وأمريكا, ثم نهملهم ونتركهم وشأنهم دون رعاية أو تربية، وقد قيّض الله بكثير منهم بهذه الجماعة فهداهم الله بها، بعد أن كادوا يمرقون من الإسلام متأثرين بحياة الجهة التي يدرسون فيها، ولديّ مشاهدات وقصص يطول سردها .
(( قصة قصيرة))
أذكر على سبيل المثال قصة قصيرة عن شاب من أهل الرياض حضر اجتماع داكا ضمن مجموعة من شباب في أمريكا بعد أن أنقذه الله من الجاهلية التي تورّط فيها، بسبب هذه الجماعة، وهذا أبدى لي رغبة في أن يعتمر, ولعل العمرة تُكفّر عنه سيئاته وتذهب بأمر الجاهلية. فشجّعته على ذلك طبعاً، بعد أن ذكرتُ فضل التوبة، وأنها تجبُّ ما قبلها، فقال: وهو يحسُّ بالخجل والاستحياء باد على وجهه - يا أخ محمد أريد أن أعتمر، ولكن ما أدري كيف العمرة, وأين أعمل لها، وماذا أفعل إذا وصلت مكة ؟ لأني نسيتُ كل ما درسته في المرحلة الثانوية قبل أن أذهب إلى أمريكا ؟ وضيّعتُ كل شيء... قال هذه الجملة وهو متأثر، وأنا بدوري تأثّرت، فقلت له: فتعال بنا إلى بعيد عن الناس لكي أشرح لك أعمال العمرة إلى أن قال: هل تسمح تُسجّل لي ? قلت: لا مانع إذا لديك مسجل وشريط، فأحضر المسجل فسجلتُ له بالاختصار، فشجّعته على زيارة المسجد النبوي بالمدينة المنورة، وزيارة الجامعة الإسلامية لكي تُزوّده الجامعة بالكتب والرسائل النافعة .
والأمر الذي أريد أن أخلص إليه في هذه القصة وما قبلها أن لجماعة التبليغ مكاسب يطول سردها ليست لغيرها من الجماعات التي تدعو إلى الله في العالم الإسلامي وغير الإسلامي، وهي مكاسب ملموسة لمس اليد، لا يقدر أحد إنكارها عدواً كان أو صديقاً.
وسرُّ المسألة أن الجماعة جعلت الدعوة إلى الله ومحاولة إصلاح الناس هدفها في هذه الحياة, ولم تمسك الدعوة باليد اليسرى والتعيش بإسمها باليد اليمنى، بل مسكتها بكلتى اليدين، ثم إنها ابتعدت عن التطلع إلى حب المدح والثناء عليها, بل استوى عندها المدح والذم، حتى أصبحت الحياة رخيصة عندها .
وأكتفي بهذه الإشارة لأن الأمر واضح، ولأن أثر دعوة القوم واضح كما قلت, والعاملون يستدل عليهم بآثار أعمالهم وبمكاسبهم, والله ولي التوفيق، وفي ذلك الجو الذي ذَكَّرنا حياة الدعاة الأولين الفطريين... قضينا ثلاثة أيام .
وفي اليوم الرابع غادرنا كراتشي بعد صلاة الظهر من يوم الثلاثاء 18/2/1399هـ فبادرنا بالحجز في طائرة يوم الأحد 23/2/1399هـ إلى جدة, على أن يسافر أحدنا إلى لاهور في هذه الفترة قبل يوم الأحد ثم يعود ليسافر الوفد معاً إلى جدة, فتم سفره إلى لاهور يوم الأربعاء 26/2/1399هـ , ولكنه تأخر لظروف طارئة ولم يتمكن من العودة إلى كراتشي إلا في يوم الاثنين 24/2/1399هـ , فبعد ذلك كان سفر أحدنا يوم الأحد 23/2/1399هـ وسفر الآخر يوم الأربعاء 26/2/1399هـ , هكذا انتهت الرحلة المباركة إن شاء الله .
)) ملاحظات ((
ومما يلاحظ أن جماعة التبليغ ليس لها اسم رسمي، وإنما يُسمّيها الناس بهذا الاسم الذي تدل عليه دعوتهم وعملهم وهو التبليغ والتذكير . وأن المِرَانَ على الدعوة والتنظيم والاجتماعات المتكررة كل ذلك أكسبهم دقة التنظيم في أمورهم, دون أدنى تكلّف أو ملل . وفي إمكان الجماعة أن تعقد وتُنظّم لأكبر اجتماع الذي لو قامت للإعداد له جهة غيرهم لتكلّفت نفقات باهظة، واحتاجت لزمن طويل جداً، أما جماعة التبليغ فلا تتكلف في مؤتمراتها ولقاءاتها شيئاً يُذكر، إلا ما كان من قِرَى الضيف بالنسبة للوافدين من جهات بعيدة، بل أفراد الجماعة يعتبر كل واحد نفسه مسؤولاً عن المؤتمر، فكل واحد منهم يقوم بعمل يخصّه، ويحضر ما في استطاعته أن يحضر, ثم يباشر العمل بنفسه, فكل واحد منهم يحاول أن يخدم وينفع غيره, مما جعل مستوى التحابُبِ عندهم مرتفعاً جداً .
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وبعد أن شرحنا هذا عن الجماعة وما تقوم به من أعمال إسلامية تُعبّر عنها تلك المكاسب الهائلة الملموسة التي تحدثنا عن بعضها، والتي يَعتَبِرُ فيها الصديق والعدو على حد سواء، بعد هذا كله يحسُنُ بنا أن نقترح الآتي:
1 - التعاون مع الجماعة تعاونا فعّالاً وصادقاً مُؤثّرين ومُتأثّرين, ليحصل ما يشبه تبادل الخبراء.
2 -نقترح أن يكون لنشاط الجماعة في صفوف طُلابنا ليُفيدوا ويستفيدوا، وطلابنا من أحوج الناس إلى مثل هذا النشاط, وهذه الدعوة المباركة . 3- أن تُكثرالجامعة الإسلامية من المشاركة في لقاءات الجماعة ومؤتمراتهم، مُمَثّلةً في أعضاء هيئة التدريس وطلابها .
والله نسأل أن يجعل أعمالنا خالصة لوجهه الكريم, بعيدة عن الرياء والسمعة إنه خير مسؤول, وصلى الله وسلم وبارك على أفضل رسله محمد وآله وصحبه .
محمد أمان بن علي الجامي عميد/ كلية الحديث الشريف والدراسات الإسلامية 10/2/1399 هـ
Report on Annual Tableeghi Ijtema by Shaykh Salih Ibn Ali Al-Shawaymaan (HA).
In the name of Allah (SWT), the most beneficent the most Merciful,
To my respected father respected Shaykh Abdul-Aziz Ibn Abdullah Ibn baz (RA) الرئيس العام لإدارات البحوث العلمية والإفتاء والدعوة والإرشاد)حفظه الله من كل سوء ووفقه وسدد خطاه (Ameen)
Asslamo Allaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,
And thereafter, today dated 1st of Raibul-Awwal 1407 (4th of November 1986) my holidays started and on the 3rd of Rabiul-Awwal I travelled to Pakistan along with Ulamah and students of different groups to Pakistan. These Ulamah and students belonged to "Al-Jamia Al-Isamiyyaa", "Jamiatul-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Al-Islamiyyah", "Jamia Al-Malik As-Saud" and others and we witnessed some astonishing events there. When we landed at Lahore airport a Jamaah (group) of pious youngsters welcomed us whose faces and beards were illuminated with the Noor (light) of Ilm (knowledge) and Eemaan. We went to the Airport Mosque and after praying the Sunnah gathered together and sat down in a Halaqah. We were from various localities and then from amongst those youth one of them stood up and spoke in an amazing manner which penetrated the hearts. Then the buses came and transported us to Raiwind Ijtema site and the Ijtema was on such a beautiful site that it filled the heart with "Al-Khushu" and the eyes became wet with tears of fear (of Allah (SWT)) and happiness.
This Ijtema resembled the gathering of Jannah in the sense that there was no shouting or yelling, no Laghw (irrelevant and useless matters), no lies and no chaos but the surroundings were nice, clean, organised and free from foul smell and filth. It was organised and structured in a disciplined and graceful manner with no traffic (jams), no police and no security guards although there were in excess of a million souls there but life was continuing along its natural course and this natural course (of life) was encircled with Halaqahs of Dhikrullah, speeches, teaching and learning day and night. I swear by Allah (SWT) that it was an Ijtema through which dead hearts are revived and Eemaan strengthens and gets illuminated. So how wonderful and majestic (of a scene) it was! A scene which placed the pictures of the lives of the Sahaba (RA), Taba'een (RA) and Taba-Taba'een (RA) in front of our eyes. There were talks of effort of Deen, Ilm & Dhikrullah, (inculcating) good habits and (to make) movements for Islam and faces radiant with knowledge and Eemaan. You would not have heard anything but Tauheed of Allah (SWT), Dhik'r, Tasbeeh, Tamheed ,Takbeer and recitation of the Qur'aan. Saying Asslamo Allaikum wa Rahmatullahi and Jazakullah Khairun was the norm there. Everything there was pleasing to the heart and Sunnahs of Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) were being revived and freshened every moment. In short, there were practical teachings of adopting the life based upon the book of Allah (SWT) and Sunnah of Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) and how fortunate and wonderful such a life is! A desire arose in my heart many times that such an Ijtema should have taken place in Saudi Arabia as the era of Malik Abdul-Aziz (RA) has given rise to an illuminated age and every moment is competing to surpass the last one (in virtue and goodness).
There were people from various countries of the world in the Ijtema but as if they were of the same face, same intention and of the same the purpose like they were children of the same man as if Allah (SWT) had created a single heart and then distributed it amongst them (all) and it served no purpose but to fulfil all the commandments of Deen and to reform the Muslim youth and to bring Non-Muslims to the path of Allah (SWT). Those (unknown people) who spread rumours about them dare to criticise these pious souls when Shaykh Abdul-Majeed Zindaani (HA) said, "These are heavenly beings who walk on this earth!" So who are those who dare to criticise them and accuse them of matters which are not present in them? In my opinion, Tableeghi Jamaat has the same objective as Saudi Aabia which is to reform all of humanity and to bring them to the straight path and to spread peace and harmony in the world. So which of these (matters) is objectionable?
After Esha (Salah) when the Bayans are all completed and when you gaze your eyes to the right and to the left you will find nothing but gatherings of knowledge and you will find beneficial information from wherever you may find yourself and you will benefit no matter which Halaqah you may sit in. When people are fast asleep you will witness them standing (in Salah) like Pillars and in the last part of the night you will hear their crying in the presence of their Lord (SWT) like buzzing of a honey bee and you will witness that they are beseeching their Lord (SWT) with utmost humility for the sins of the whole Ummah to be forgiven and for the whole Ummah to be delivered from the fire of Jahannum and for the entire Ummah to be given Taufeeq (of Hidayah) and to live their lives according to the Sunnah of Mustafa (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam).
So this Ijtema deserves that every Scholar and every student and every Muslim who fears Allah (SWT) and has hope in the day of judgement should attend it. May Allah (SWT) give the best of reward to those who worked in it and to give steadfastness and to assist them and to benefit the Muslims from them, for verily he is the Listener, the Acceptor.
Those who were appointed to serve were Hafidh of the Qur'aan. The one grinding the flour commenced his task with "Bismillah" and then continued with "Subhanullah, Alhumdolillah, Allahu-Akbar", the one kneading the dough commenced his task with "Bismillah" and then continued with "Subhanullah, Alhumdolillah, Allahu-Akbar" and the one making bread commenced his task with "Bismillah" and then continued with Tasbeeh, Tamheed and Takbeer. We heard them and we witnessed their Dhikr and yet they didn't know that we were watching them. So Purified and Exalted be Him (SWT) who opened their eyes and granted them Taufeeq for their Dhikr and showed them the straight path and surely this is desired by every Muslim. O honoured Shaykh! The reality is that whoever will sit in their company will become a Daee Illallah (inviter towards Allah (SWT)) due to their experience and companionship.
I wish! That while I was a student at the Jamia I would have recognised this Jam'aah (Tableegh) and engaged in this work so today I would have been an Allamah of the knowledge of his work. I swear by Allah (SWT), I consider this Deen! And soon I will be questioned regarding it, that day when no wealth and no sons will help anyone.
I wish that all those who work (under you) would attend this Ijtema and for them to proceed in the path of Allah (SWT) along with them so that they may learn Ikhlaas (sincerity) and the work of Dawah with the Akhlaaq (mannerism) of the the Sahaba (RA), Taba'een (RA) and Taba-Taba'een (RA).
In the end I beseech Allah (SWT) to give us the correct understanding of the truth and to follow it, to give us the fervour of doing righteous deeds and to grant us the Tawfeeq of Ikhlas (sincerity) and action, to protect us from the evil of our Nafs (self) and the evil of our desires and Shaytaan and to grant honour to His Deen, to elevate His Kalima and to strengthen our kingdom with Islam and to strengthen Islam with it and verily He (SWT) is the owner of it and has control (over it).
Written by your Son
Shaykh Salih Ibn Ali Al-Shawaymaan (HA)
Ad-Dawah Wal-Irshaad Unaiza
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم سماحة الوالد الكريم الشيخ عبد العزيز بنعبد الله بن باز (الرئيس العام لإدارات البحوث العلمية والإفتاء والدعوة والإرشاد)حفظه الله من كل سوء ووفقه وسدد خطاه, آمين . سلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته: أمابعد: فقد بدأت اجازتي في 1/3/1407هـ وسافرت إلى باكستان في 3/3/1407هـ مع مجموعة من العلماء وطلاب العلم من مختلف الجامعات، من الجامعة الإسلامية, وجامعة الإمام محمد بن سعود الإسلامية, وجامعة الملك سعود وغيرها، فشاهدنا العجب العجاب، فبعدوصولنا مطار لاهور استقبلنا جماعة من الشباب الصالحين الذين يشرق نور العلموالإيمان من لحاهم ووجوههم, واتجهنا إلى مسجد المطار فأدينا فيه السنة ثم جلسنا حولبعضنا ونحن من بلاد مختلفة، فقام واحد منهم يتكلم بكلام عجيب يأخذ بمجامعالقلوب . ثم جائت السيارات ونقلتنا إلى مقر الاجتماع في رايوند, ذلك الاجتماعالجميل الذي تخشع بسببه القلوب وتذزف منه العيون وابل دموع الفزع والسرور والخوف من الله، يشبه اجتماع أهل الجنة، لا صخب, ولا نصب، ولا لغو, ولا فوضى, ولاكذب . نظيف جداً لا روائح ولا أوساخ، ومرتب ترتيب دقيق، فلا مرور ولا شرطة ولا نجدة ولا حراس، مع العلم أنه يفوق المليون . حياة طبيعية فطرية يحوطها ذكر الله، علم ومحاضرات ودروس وحلق ذكر ليلا ونهاراً، فوالله إنه اجتماع تحيى به القلوبوينصقل به الإيمان ويزداد, فما أروعه وما أجمله يعطيك صورة ناطقة عن حياةالصحابة والتابعين واتباعهم رضوان الله عليهم، جهد وعلم وذكر، كلام جميل، أفعال جميلة، حركات إسلامية رائعة، ووجوه مشرقة بنور الإيمان والعلم, فلا تسمع إلاكلام التوحيد والذكر، والتسبيح والتحميد، والتهليل والتكبير, وقراءة القرآن, والسلاموعليكم السلام ورحمة الله، وجزاكم الله خيراً, ولا ترى إلا ما يسرك ويبهج قلبك من إحياء سنن المصطفىطريـة تتمتع بهـا فـي كل لحظة، ما أجمله وما أحلاه من اجتماع إسلاميعظيم . وبالجملة تطبيق عملي لكتاب الله وسنة رسوله،فيا لها من حياة طيبةسعيدة، كم تمنيت من قلبي أن يكون هذا الاجتماع في ربوع المملكة العربية السعودية، لأنها جديرة بكل خير، ولأنها سبّاقة إلى كل خير منذ فجر عهد الملك عبد العزيز المشرقغفر الله له وقدّس روحه في جنات النعيم, وجمعنا وإياكم به في الفردوس الأعلى .
وأفراد هذا الاجتماع أشخاص من جميع جهات العالم على شكل واحد, وطبع واحد,وكلام واحد, وهدف واحد, وكأنهم أبناء رجل واحد, أو كأن الله سبحانه خلق قلباً واحداًفوزعه على هؤلاء، ليس لهم مطامع, ولا مآرب غير التمسك بأهداب الدين, وإصلاح شباب المسلمين, وهداية غير المسلمين إلى صراط الله الحميد، فكيف يجرؤ المرجفون على النيلمن هؤلاء الصالحين ؟ وقد قال فيهم الشيخ عبد المجيد الزنداني: "هؤلاء أهل السماء يمشون على الأرض". فأي قلب يجترئ على سبهم أو اتهامهم بما ليس فيهم, أنني أزعم أن هدف هذه الجماعة هو هدف حكومة المملكة العربية السعودية، وهو: إصلاح الناس في جميع العالم, ونشر الأمن والأمان في جميع المعمورة,... وإذا إنتهت المحاضرات بعد العشاء وسرحت طرفك يمنة ويسرة رأيتهموروداً علمية تتفكه فيها حيثما شئت, فأي حلقة تجلس فيها لا بد أن تخرج منهابفائدة، وإذا هدأت الرجل ونامت العين رأيتهم كالأعمدة يصلون قبل النوم،فإذاكان آخر الليل سمعتهم وكأنهم خلية نحل بكاء ونحيب وابتهال إلى الله, بأن يغفر اللهذنوبهم وذنوب المسلمين وأن ينجيهم الله وإخوانهم المسلمين من النار، وأن يهدي الناسجميعاً إلى إحياء سنة المصطفى، وقصار القول أنه اجتماع جدير بأن يحضره كل عالم طالب علم، بل وكلمسلم يخاف الله ويرجو الدار الآخرة, فجزى الله القائمين عليه خير الجزاء وثبتهم وأعانهم, ونفع بهم المسلمين, إنه سميع مجيب .
أما القائمون على الخدمة فكلهم من حفظه القرآن الكريم، فصاحب المطحنة يطحن باسم الله وبالتكبير والتسبيح، وصاحبالمعجنة يعجن باسم الله والله أكبر وسبحان الله والحمد لله، والخبازين يخبزون بإسمالله وبذكر الله والتسبيح والتحميد والتكبير أيضاً، وقد شاهدناهم وسمعناهم وهم لايشعرون, فسبحان من فتح بصائرهم ووفقهم لذكراه, ودلهم على الطريق الصحيح الذي يتمناهكل مسلم .
والحقيقة يا سماحة الشيخ أن كل من صحبهم لا بد أن يكون داعية إلى اللهبالتمرين وطول الصحبة، فيا ليتني عرفتهم منذ أن كنت طالباً في الجامعة لكنت اليومعلامة في الدعوة وسائر العلوم. وهذا ! والله ما أدين الله به، وسيسألني الجبارسبحانه عن ذلك, يوم لا ينفع مال ولا بنون ولا يغني أحد عن أحد .
ويا ليت جميع الدعاة التابعين لرئاستكم المباركة يشتركون في هذا الاجتماع, ويخرجون مع هذه الجماعة, ليتعلموا الإخلاص, وأسلوب الدعوة، وأخلاق الصحابة والتابعين واتباعهم رضوان الله عليهم أجمعين.
وختاماً أسأل الله سبحانه أن يرينا الحق حقاً ويرزقنا اتباعه، وأنيلهمنا رشدنا ويوفقنا للإخلاص والصواب, وأن يكفينا شرور أنفسنا والهوى والشيطان, وأنينصر دينه ويعلي كلمته, وأن يعز حكومتنا بالإسلام ويعز الإسلام بها, إنه ولي ذلكوالقادر عليه, وصلى الله على نبينا محمد وآله وصحبه .
كتبه ابنكم صالح بنعلي الشويمان مندوب الدعوة والإرشاد بمنطقة عنيزة
Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz (HA)'s final Fatwa!
These are many Fatwaas which are being produced as the final Fatwa of Shaykh (HA) but we will produce from a credible site which we believe to be the final Fatwa.
جماعة التبليغ والصلاة في المساجد التي فيها قبور
سؤال من : م . ع . من أمريكا يقول : خرجت مع جماعة التبليغ للهند والباكستان ، وكنا نجتمع ونصلي في مساجد يوجد بها قبور ، وسمعت أن الصلاة في المسجد الذي يوجد به قبر باطلة ، فما رأيكم في صلاتي وهل أعيدها ؟ وما حكم الخروج معهم لهذه الأماكن ؟
ج : بسم الله ، والحمد لله ، أما بعد :
جماعة التبليغ ليس عندهم بصيرة في مسائل العقيدة فلا يجوز الخروج معهم إلا لمن لديه علم وبصيرة بالعقيدة الصحيحة التي عليها أهل السنة والجماعة حتى يرشدهم وينصحهم ويتعاون معهم على الخير ؛ لأنهم نشيطون في عملهم ، لكنهم يحتاجون إلى المزيد من العلم ، وإلى من يبصرهم من علماء التوحيد والسنة . رزق الله الجميع الفقه في الدين والثبات عليه .
أما الصلاة في المساجد التي فيها القبور فلا تصح ، والواجب : إعادة ما صليت فيها ؛ لقول النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : لعن الله اليهود والنصارى اتخذوا قبور أنبيائهم مساجد متفق على صحته ، وقوله صلى الله عليه وسلم : ألا وإن من كان قبلكم كانوا يتخذون قبور أنبيائهم وصالحيهم مساجد ، ألا فلا تتخذوا القبور مساجد فإني أنهاكم عن ذلك أخرجه مسلم في صحيحه . والأحاديث في هذا الباب كثيرة .
وبالله التوفيق ، وصلى الله على نبينا محمد ، وآله وصحبه وسلم .
Al-Tabligh Group and offering Salah in Masjids containing graves
Q: M.`A. From America says: I traveled with Tabligh (a group calling to Islam) to India and Pakistan. We used to gather and pray in Masjids (mosques) that have graves inside them. Later, I was informed that praying in Masjids containing graves is Batil (null and void). What is the ruling on my prayer? Should I repeat it? What is the ruling on traveling with this group to similar places?
A: In the Name of Allah. All Praise is due to Allah.
Tabligh does not have good knowledge in matters related to `Aqidah (creed). Thus, it is not permissible for anyone to set out with them. Only someone who has enough knowledge and insight about the True `Aqidah of Ahl-ul-Sunnah wal-Jama`ah (adherents to the Sunnah and the Muslim mainstream) can go to be able to guide, advise, and cooperate with them in good. Tabligh is a very active group that lacks knowledge and needs more knowledge and scholars to guide them in matters relating to Tawhid (monotheism) and Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet).
May Allah grant us all understanding of His Religion and holding fast to it!
As for praying in Masjids where there are graves, it is not permissible. You have to repeat all the prayers offered there, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah cursed the Jews and the Christians; they made the graves of their prophets places of worship.” (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) He (peace be upon him) also said, "Indeed, those who preceded you used to take the graves of their prophets and righteous men as places of worship, so beware and do not make graves into Masjids; I forbid you to do this." (Related by Muslim in his Sahih book of authentic Hadith) There are many Hadiths to the same effect.
May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.
{jb_bluebox}Disclaimer: Tableeghi Jamaat neither have Masajid with graves inside nor instruct or build these Masajid. The work of Tableeghi Jamaat is being carried out worldwide and they visit many Masajid for the sake of calling towards Allah (SWT) without prior knowledge of which sect or group the Mosque belongs to. In India/Pakistan it is (unfortunately) common to have grave sites in and around Mosques this doesn’t imply that it has anything to do with Tableeghi Jamaat. Our brothers and sisters (involved in these activities) need to be invited towards the noble Sunnah and this is what Tableeghi Jamaat does. A Scholar inviting a group of Christians towards Allah (SWT) in a Church neither endorses Christianity nor the church! {/jb_bluebox}