At
the outset, before answering the objections that you have
raised, we wish to inform you that just as there is a vast
difference between Islam and Muslims, likewise there is a
great difference between Tabligh Jamaat and its workers.
Islam is the true and perfect religion undoubtedly, but not
every Muslims portrays it the way he suppose to do so.
Likewise, with Tabligh. We do not deny some of the
objections you have raised (unless they are false). Every
single human being is bound to make mistakes. Therefore,
understand well, the fact that there are definitely
shortcomings and mistakes amongst those who participate in
Tabligh (like there is in all other efforts of Deen), this
does not in any way whatsoever degrade the actual work of
Tabligh itself, neither does it render one excusable from
it. If, in a certain town, there are 10 wholesalers all of
whom are involved in cheating, deception and fraud, this has
no impact at all on the actual work of wholesaling.
Likewise, if there are shortcomings in some of the workers
of Tabligh, this cannot have any impact on the work of
Tabligh. The work of Tabligh will still remain Haqq. Yes, it
will be upon the various individuals to take care of their
mistakes and shortcomings.
After
understanding the above, we will now answer your queries:
1.
It
seems as though you are referring to the Salafis or may be
some people who are inclined towards Salafism. The aim and
object of Tabligh is to make such an effort by virtue of
which 100% Deen becomes a reality into the lives of the
whole of mankind. Everything else is secondary, not to say
unimportant. You say that some of them do not adopt the
Aqeedah of Ahlus sunnah Wal Jamaah. The problem is that
everyone claims to be following the Ahlus sunnah Wal Jamaah.
Everyone looks at it in their own way and claims that they
are right. What is the true interpretation of Ahlus Sunnah
Wal Jamaah is a discussion on its own, suffice to say here
that the workers of Tabligh have an aim and an objective
which they strive towards.
2.
When
you say ‘Shar’ee knowledge’, we assume you refer to
knowledge of Deen in general over and above the knowledge of
the basic fundamentals. It is compulsory on every believer
to seek that amount of knowledge by virtue of which he will
be able to fulfil the commandments of Allah Ta’ala. Any
form of knowledge over and above this is meritorious, not
compulsory. As mentioned earlier, participants of Tabligh
have a mission ahead of them which is far more important
than seeking extra knowledge. Nevertheless, they also
concentrate heavily on 6 points, one of which is knowledge
and rememberance of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, we can safely
say that it is part and parcel of their activities to
acquire as much knowledge as they can.
3.
This
claim is incorrect. The interpretation of verses of the
Qur’aan regarding Jihaad to mean going out to give
Da’awah is a correct interpretation. You need to
understand a simple principle of Tafseer. Verses of the
Qur’aan do not only refer specifically to what it seems
like outwardly, but instead they extend a general meaning in
many cases.
In
the case of Jihaad, the word Jihaad literally means to
strive, make an effort, sacrifice, etc. It, thus, includes
every form of worship for which one has to make an effort.
There are numerous Ahaadith of Nabi (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) which bear testimony to this. In fact,
there are so many verses of the Qur’aan which contain the
word ‘Jihad’, yet these verses were revealed before
Hijrat and before Hijrat, there was no physical Jihaad
(fighting) – what will those verses then refer to?
Similarly, the word ‘Fee Sabeelillah’ does not only
refer specifically to Jihaad. There are numerous Ahaadith
which clearly prove that these words also refer to various
other actions. Imaam Bukhari (RA) has brought the following
narration under the discussion of Jumu’ah Salaat:
‘Abaaya ibn Rifaa’ah says that Hadhrat Abu Abs Badri
(RA) met me whilst I was walking towards the Musjid for
Jumu’ah Salaat. He said that he had heard Nabi (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) saying the person whose feet gets
covered with dust whilst he is in the path of Allah, Allah
Ta’ala will make him Haraam from the fire of Jahannum. (Bukhari
vol.1 pg.124; Qadeemi).
In
this Hadith, ‘Fee Sabeelillah’ includes walking towards
the Musjid for Jumu’ah Salaat. Likewise, various other
Ahaadith prove that both words ‘Jihaad’ and ‘Fee
sabeelillah’ include numerous other actions besides
physical fighting in the battlefield. Nevertheless, we are
unaware of how well versed you are, since this is an
academic discussion, the proofs and details of which you may
not understand. However, should you still feel unsatisfied,
kindly contact us again on this specific query.
4.
‘The
taste of the pudding is in eating it.’ Since you have not
spent sufficient time yourself in this great work, merely
‘on-looking’ has given you the wrong impression. Nobody
claims that the system of going out for specific days (40
days, 4 months, etc.) is proven from the Qur’aan. This 40
days or any other number of specific time is merely a
training period. The object is not 40 days but the object is
that this is a ‘lifetime effort’. In order to bring this
understanding into the heart and mind, it requires gradual
sacrifice on a regular basis. Nobody says that this is from
the Qur’aan. It is only a training period which was
established to accommodate for everyone. We are not saying
that the number of specific days is the objective. The
actions that are carried out during this time is the
objective. Now, in order to make these actions part and
parcel of our daily life, a gradual but regular effort is
required. Hence, this period of 40 days or 4 months was
stipulated to accommodate everyone, so as to make this
gradual effort by virtue of which the actions carried out
therein will become habitual and second nature. And if any
particular person wishes to for a shorter period, he is also
accommodated.
5.
We
cannot understand what is ‘against the Shari’ah’, if
somebody is appointed to make Du’aa. Undoubtedly, Allah
Ta’ala is most merciful and he may accept the Du’aas of
anybody, even an open sinner but it is the system (Sunnat)
of Allah Ta’ala, that the Du’aa of one who is sincere
has much more effect. So what is wrong with this?
6.
As
mentioned earlier on, this too is an objection on a small
percentage of the participants and not on the actual work of
Tabligh. Firstly, how ‘widespread’ has this become?
Alhamdulillah, Tabligh has reached every corner of the
world. It will be foolish to claim that this allegation has
become rife all over the world, wherever the workers are.
Hence, we see that this is only a small fraction. Secondly,
the demands of Tabligh is that the general masses refrain
from quoting verses of the Qur’aan and Hadith. Now, when
learned people like yourself act as onlookers and criticise,
then what else do we expect? All this is besides the point
that academically speaking there is nothing wrong with
quoting weak narrations for Fadhaail (virtues) if its
conditions are fulfilled. As far as fabricated narrations
are concerned, then these are very rare, thus you have to be
more specific as to which narrations you are referring to.
Nevertheless, Tabligh is still and will always be Haqq. If
there are faults and shortcomings, then this is because of
the workers and participants. The actions of the workers
cannot render one excusable from the actual work.
7.
This
is a false allegation. You have failed to understand what
exactly ‘Nahy anil munkar; refers to. The workers are
doing both enjoining the good and forbidding the evil.
However, the manner in which forbidding evil is being
accomplished is something that you need to understand.
‘Forbidding evil’ has got nothing to do with force,
severity, scolding, hitting, shouting or weapons and
ammunitions as you or others may assume. We will cite just
one incident by way of example which will clear up your
mind.
The
famous incident of the villager who urinated in one corner
of Masjid-un-Nabawiy. Look at the severity of the sin!
Firstly, urinating inside the Musjid and then on top of
that, in front of Nabi (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam). Now, this was the evil. How was it
prevented? Did Nabi (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) lift up his sword? Did he roll up his
sleeves? What did he do? He kindly and most lovingly
explained to this villager the importance of respecting the
sanctity of the Musjid. This is it. Outwardly, this seems to
be only enjoining good and not forbidding evil, but in
reality, it entails both. Hence, the worker of Tabligh may
outwardly seem to be neglecting ‘forbidding evil’ but in
reality, they are using wisdom and foresight in their
efforts. In fact, we suggest that you refer to the book,
‘Al-Rasoolul mu’allim wa asaalibuhu fiy ta’leem’ of
Shaykh Abdul-Fattaah Abu-Ghuddah for a clear insight of the
various methods applied by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu
Alayhi Wasallam) in forbidding evil.
8.
If
your brother is performing Salaat out of pride and for show,
will you then stop performing Salaat or will you criticise
the action of Salaat because of his evil doing? Then why do
you criticise the work of Tabligh just because some brothers
of yours in other parts of the world have pride and
arrogance? Your objection (as is always being repeated here)
is on the workers and not on the work. Leave the workers
alone and worry about doing the work. Why only Tableegh?
What about all the other Muslims who are not doing Tabligh
and are involved in some other effort of Deen, yet they may
also have pride, arrogance and look down on others? Have
they already become Jannatis and all the criticism of pride,
showing off and self-admiration just landed on the heads of
the workers of Tabligh?
9.
This
and all other objections are purely based on
misunderstanding. There is a difference between a spectator
and a physical participant! If you physically take part in
this great effort then you will understand it better. You
claim that ‘they regard going out for Da’awah as better
than Jihaad and knowledge’. Tabligh doesn’t deny any
other effort or form of worship like Jihaad. Nobody denied,
criticised or trounced upon Jihaad? As for knowledge, this
aspect was well explained previously under 2
10.
Part
of this has been covered under 6. The workers of Tabligh are
commanded to remain within the circle of their famous 6
points. They are not allowed to speak about anything beyond
these 6 points, neither are they allowed to interpret or
quote verses of the Qur’aan and Hadith. Now, if some of
the workers neglect this order then this is ‘their
fault’. It is not the fault of the work itself. What is
more disturbing is this that people who have the knowledge
and understanding of the Qur’aan, Hadith and the rulings,
etc. merely sit back and criticise. If the workers of
Tabligh continue to issues Fatwas, discuss Tafseer and
Hadith and issue rulings (as you claim), if they do this
from now till Qiyaamat and you sit, watch and criticise,
then their shortcoming is understood, but what good did you
do? In fact, you will be more responsible for knowing about
it but doing nothing. Brother, take to our humble advice and
become part and parcel of this noble work. It will benefit
you and many others will benefit from you.
11.
Once
again, you find fault in the workers of Tabligh. What wrong
have they done? Why is it that everytime, only and only the
Tablighi’s are at fault? What about the thousands of
Muslim businessmen throughout the world who travel alone for
weeks on end to Hong Kong,London, Brazil and Germany for
business purposes? Are they not neglecting the rights of
their wives and children? What
about the thousands of Muslim men that go alone for Hajj
every year without fail and stay there for weeks on end? Do
they not have wives and children? Have all these people, all
of a sudden become ‘angels’ and it is only and only the
workers of Tabligh who are to be blamed all the time?
Nevertheless, the answer given in reply to q3043 merely
expounds the importance of looking after all the necessary
requirements for the wife and children. This answer does not
at all deal directly with nor does it degrade or criticise
Tabligh. Coming back to the point, the workers of Tabligh
are well aware of the rights of their family members. If it
is genuinely and authentically proven (not just a mere
assumption) that certain workers of Tabligh are neglecting
the Shar’ee rights of their family, then as we always say,
this is their fault and not the fault of the actual work of
Tabligh. In this case, a mere ‘look’ or ‘criticism’
from the outside will never solve the problem, instead, it
will need courage for us all to join the effort and work
from within the inside with kindness and wisdom. In fact,
even this issue can be said to be well-covered by the work
of Tabligh, since one of the famous 6 points is called
Ikraamul Muslim. This includes discharging of rights due to
others, be it one’s wife, children, relatives, neighbours
or anyone else. Hence, Tabligh teaches a person to justly
and correctly discharge every right that he is bound to.
Finally,
to further support your criticism, you have sought refuge in
the Fatwas of Shaykh ibn Baaz and Sheykh Saalih al-Fawzaan
(RA). It suffices for us here to say that every person will
issue a verdict according to his personal understanding of
the relevant issue, depending on who informed him, but
remember if one is not personally and physically involved
and participating in Tablidh, he will never understand it.
Did any of these two Shaykhs physically participate in
Tabligh or did they merely pass their verdicts according to
the information that they ‘heard’ about this effort? We
respect them for their knowledge and piety. However, we
disagree with their view simply because the reality on the
ground is totally different from that which was falsely
explained to them.
Lastly,
we humbly advise you to look at this great and noble effort
with a different eye. If you will continue to look for
faults, then most definitely you will find them, but how
will that benefit you? Look at the thousands of people
throughout the world who have brought revolutions to their
lives by joining this effort. We request you to physically
join this effort and realise that the proper understanding
of Tabligh will only enter your heart after spending maximum
time in this effort.
Faculty
of Specialty in Hadith Sciences
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