Azharul Fatawa:TO VISIT THE GRAVES OF SHRINES OF THE WALIS

Azharul Fatawa – Collection of English Fatawa
by Taajush Shariah Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari al-Qaadiri

TO VISIT THE GRAVES OF SHRINES OF THE WALIS

QUESTION

Revisiting Graves or Shrines of a Wali Radi Allaho Anhu. In Fiji there is a grave of Wali who came from India and Muslims they visit and respect to that blessed places in the town Navua. The Wali had also shown great Karamaat and even today it can be experienced whosoever visits the graves. The Wahabies claim it is un-Islamic to visit such places. Please provide a Fatawa regarding the cited subject and there is no Muslim Sunni Mufti currenty in Fiji and it is for reason I have knocked your door.

ANSWER

In this regard, I have to say that Wahabism is based on disrespecting the Prophets and Saints of Allah and they do not believe in their authority and miracles and so claim that visiting graves and shrines are anti- Islamic and settle such action contrary to the teachings of Islam and say that Muslims should refrain from visiting the graves and shrines and even performing worship at those places.

In fact, Wahabis have refused the commands of the Holy Quran and authentic Traditions of the Holy Messenger (Sallal-Laahu Ta’ala Alaihi Wasallam) and have adopted very irrespective manners towards the Saints and pious persons. They are misled and every baseless act of Wahabis is against Islamic faith. The Holy Messenger (Sallal-Laahu Ta’ala Alaihi Wasallam) has clearly stated:- i.e. “I had forbidden to visit the graves. But be attentive that now you do visit the graves.”

Every Sunni Muslim should ask the Wahabis to present the evidence about their claim. If they cannot present any evidence and surely they would not be able to do so, then it goes without saying that their claim is contrary to Islam. Verily! Everybody can point out that no one is opposing Islam but the Wahabis. In fact, Allah has bestowed upon His favorites, a great importance, and therefore, our Shariah urges Muslims to be in touch with the pious persons and wants to remain this connection till the last moment of life.


“Recite the statement of Hazrat Yusuf Alaihis Salaam, ‘Make me die as a Muslim and join me with those who are worthy to be very close to you’”. (Sura Yusuf: 101) Note: This invocation of Hazrat Yusuf Alaihis Salaam was to instruct the Ummah as the Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Ta’ala Alaihi Wasallam) is preserved from evil end. This is the reason that the esteemed Prophet commanded his Ummah to visit the graves of virtuous persons. This practice has been continuing since the age of the preceding Prophets. The Holy Quran, narrating the saying of people about the men of the cave, says: “Those who prevailed in their affair said, ‘We swear that we shall erect over them a mosque’”. (Al-Kahaf: 21). Hence, everybody can derive clearly that Muslims in every age used to build the Mosque around the Shrine.

Since Saints are the favorites of Allah and close to Him, therefore the Muslim for beneficence visit the Shrines, perform Namaaz in the Mosque near of the Shrines, and undoubtedly, Muslims consider this act a good deed. Now they should answer whether the statement of Wahabis is contrary to Islam or the practice of Ahle-Sunnat which they have inherited by the virtuous persons from the very beginning of Islam and is still going on. It goes on without saying that whose action is contrary to Islam? This is the action of Wahabis only which is baseless in the light of the tradition of the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Ta’ala Alaihi Wasallam) which says that Allah cursed the Jews as they assumed the graves of their Prophets in the form of the Mosques. I have to say that this Hadith is never supporting them. This is only backing up the Ahle Sunnat Wa-Jamaat.

The Jews built the Mosque directly on the graves and this is obvious that this is the contempting manner and irrespective. We never allow to build a Mosque over the graves. However, he who builds a Mosque near the grave of a Saint or performs Namaaz near a grave with the intention to seek spiritual help and to be benefited from the effects of Awliya; then there is no objection to this practice. You know that the Shrine of Hazrat Ismail Alaihis Salaam is in the premises of Masjidul Haram and it is very virtuous to perform Namaaz in certain place.

In this regard the verses of the Holy Quran i.e. “We swear that we shall erect over them a Mosque” has been stated before. It has been stated in “Jalalain” explaining the word Alaihim i.e. around their graves. Through this explanation given in Jalalain it goes on without saying that the Holy Quran legitimizes to build a Mosque around the grave and it can be derived very clearly that this practice has been going on by the Muslims since thousands of years. Wahabis committed contempt of Awliya in a more violent way and so they destroyed (demolished) the graves and Shrines and still they are not pleased to do so but they just want to obliterate the reverence of the Prophets and Saints absolutely from the heart of Muslims. That is why they urged Muslims neither to visit the graves nor to pay submission and devotion to them at all.

Ja Nashine Mufti Azam, Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhter Raza Khan Azhari Qaadiri

Azharul Fatawa: What is Maslak-e-Aala Hazrat?

Azharul Fatawa – Collection of English Fatawa
by Taajush Shariah Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari al-Qaadiri

QUESTION

What is Maslak-e-Aala Hazrat?

ANSWER

Maslak-e-Aala Hazrat is not any innovated religion in the name of Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih. Really it is the same way which is well known amongst the Sunnis in the name of Maslak-e-Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama’at.

I have recently delivered a speech concerning this issue in Harare. I would like you to go over this speech which is available on the web.

Ja Nashine Mufti Azam, Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari Qaadiri

Harare Lecture by Taajush Shariah, Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhtar Raza Khan Azhari Qaadiri

Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih never innovated any religion in his name. Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih has been awarded from ALLAH and His Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) for his dedication to serve Islam and reforms the practices of our Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wasallam). Therefore, ALLAH’S real Deen is introduced by the name of Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih, that’s why, Maslake Aala Hazrat is another name of Maslak-e-Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama’at.

There is not enough time to elaborate his teaching; however, I can compress all his thoughts and teachings in a few stanzas of his poetry which present the real faith and right beliefs of a real Muslim concerning the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wasallam) as he says:

“Allah Ki Sar Ta Baa Qadam Shaan Hain Yeh,
Insaa Nahin Insaan, Woh Insaan Hain Yeh,
Quran To Imaan Batata Hai Inhein,
Imaan Yeh Kahta Hai Meri Jaan Hain Yeh”

I have come to explain what Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih says, indicating to His Revered and Very Esteemed Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) as he is looking at him. This is the Glory and Jalwa of ALLAH from head to bottom (feet). This is such a man that no man is like him.

Moreover, I have to say aforesaid quatrain of Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih comprises one more belief which is not spoken but it is understood easily through the indication “THAT IS AQIDA-E-HAZIR-O-NAZIR” which can be explained in English in this manner that our Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) is present everywhere, observing everyone by his knowledge and through his insight. That is why the Muslim is instructed while performing Namaaz to consider himself in the presence of Holy Prophet Muhammed (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) and to say with due respect, “As Salaam-0-Alaika Ya Ayyuhan Nabi, Wa Rahmatullahi-Wa-Barakatuhu”. If he is unable to look at his beloved Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam), he must believe that his Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) is alive and he is in front of him observing his actions and looking at the condition of his heart wherever he may be.

This way Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih guides Muslims how to believe the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) and what is the right belief regarding the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam)? One can realize himself through his Aqida that Muhammad (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) is quite unparallel, unique and peerless so nobody in the whole Creation can compare to Him. Quran calls on people to believe the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) and calls him Imaan but Imaan states that the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) is “my spirit.”

This is not only the teachings of Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih but also the teachings of Kalimah and it is the voice of every Muslim’s heart so now you can know who the real Muslims are? There in no real Muslim but Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama’at.

In this connection, I would like to recall some stanzas of Hazrat Hassan Ibn Sabit Radi Allaho Ta’ala Anhu, the great poet of the dawn of Islamic age. Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) used to lay down the pulpit for him and commanded him so many times to stand on the pulpit depending the Reverential Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) and communicated good news to Hazrat Hassan Ibn Sabit Radi Allaho Ta’ala Anhu stating “Roohul Qudus” Hazrat Jibraeel Alaihe Salaato Wasallam is defending him. As longer he is defending his Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam).

So the above-mentioned poet of the dawn of Islamic age Hazrat Hassan Ibn Sabit Radi Allaho Ta’ala Anhu, praising his revered Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) says, “Never an eye witnessed more glorious than you, women have never given birth to the virtuous than you, you have been created free from every blemish, you seem to be created as you wished.” Every one can know through these words that Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih is not alone in regard with his belief concerning Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam), in realistic manner he complies in his belief with the faith of Holy Companions of Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam), and it proves that this is the real manner to believe Rasool (Sallal-Lahu Alaihi Wassallam) and the beliefs of Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamaat have been inherited from the companions of Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam). That’s why Aala Hazrat Rehmatullah Alaih says:

“Ahle Sunnat Ka Hai Beda Paar,
Ashaba Huzoor Najm Hai,
Aur Nau Hai Itrat Rasool Allah Ki”

i.e. “Ahle Sunnat are delivered at trust the companions of your excellence of the leading stars and your descendents are just like a boat for deliverance”

This sense is the derivation from a Hadith in which Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) has compared his companions with the stars that has likened his defendants with the boat of Hazrat Nooh Alaihi Salaam.

In the meantime, there are some people trying to represent Islam in a wrong way, actually, they are not representing Islam but they are only trying to deprive Muslims from the spirit of Islam, as they say, “Muhammad (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) is a man like others”. Unfortunately, they try to justify this wrong tenet by means of the verses of Holy Quran, Para (16) “Say you, apparently in facial outlook of a man, I am like you, I receive Revelation that your Allah is one”. (Al-Kahf: Verse 110).

In this verse, ALLAH has commanded His Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) only to state in a humble way that he is apparently like others. Meanwhile, he is clarifying the things which separate him from the mankind, stating that the revelation comes to him that your deity is one so whilst ALLAH has commanded only His Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) to make such a statement in a humble way, how can his believers dare to turn the simile and claim that they are like the Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam).

It would be a very irrespective attitude towards respected Rasool (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam). They believe one part of this verse, meanwhile they do not believe the other part i.e. “I receive Revelation” (Al-Kahf: 110). The revelation comes to me, therefore, ALLAH states about such people i.e. they believe in some parts of divine (Quran) and they do not believe in some others, while ALLAH states about Sunnis those who have got the certain knowledge, say, “We did believe the whole Book, every Aayat is from our Lord, the Almighty ALLAH.” One can know through these verses that the Revelation to the Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) requires an eye quite different from the eyes of whole mankind and it requires ears quite different from the ears of the mankind and a heart quite different from the hearts of mankind. Therefore, he Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam states: “My eyes sleep and my heart does not.”

Through this statement one can derive that there is no relation corresponding to his eminence in any manner, except visible conditions and regarding his intrinsic status. He is quite different from the whole mankind, it seems to be eminent mankind but it has been classified in the highest rank of Angels like other Prophets, moreover, he is virtuous among all his Prophets. Therefore, Ulama say:

“Prophets have been placed among the mankind is in regard with the apparent manners but regarding their intrinsic status they have been classified with the Angels, therefore, they observe the whole earth from East to West in one sight, they hear the cracking of Heaven and they smell the fragrance of Hazrat Jibraeel Alaihi Salaam while he intends to descend down to the Prophets and all creations that’s why he himself says about him “If I intended to make anyone my intimate, I had Abu Bakr (Radi Allah-o-Taa`la Anhu) as my friend (companion). However, there is a relation between me and you in Islam and your Master is Khaleel (intimate) of Rehman (The Compassionate).” Naseem-ur-Riaz, the distinguished work of Imam Shahbuddin Khifajyi.

That’s why our Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) says, “I witness what you do not witness and I hear what you do not hear”. It is quite short which has been mentioned above, much more has been left out. I conclude with these few words: May ALLAH accept them and may ALLAH bestow all of us to keep on the right path having the reverence and respect of His Holy Prophet (Sallal-Laahu Alaihi Wassallam) and all the belongings of him. May Allah keep us away from the company of misled people AAMEEN.

Azharul Fatawa: THE USE OF THE TERM “HAND OF ALLAH”

THE USE OF THE TERM “HAND OF ALLAH”
QUESTION

Generally people use the word “hand”, for Allah, such as they say that every thing is in the hand of Allah, whether the use of Allah is legal or not?

ANSWER

Really, Allah is free from body & soul. He is free from the hand of the creation as this hand is created by Him. Therefore, to apply the word for Almighty Allah with this intention is illegitimate. But Allah has stated the word “yad” (hand) for His Majesty. Ulama say that this “hand” (yad) is quite different from the above mentioned hand. The “yad” is an attribute of Allah which will exist forever and would never change. Here this “yad” (hand) means the hand of Divine Power of Allah so it can be used with this intention. People are advised to avoid this word and say that “the hand of Divine Power of Allah” or “the hand of Ominipotence of Allah” i.e. “The ya’de Qudrat”. Allah knows the best.

Ja Nashine Sarkar Mufti Azam, Hazrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhter Raza Khan Qaadiri Azhari
31st July, 2002

Azharul Fatawa: Wearing Of The Tie

Azharul Fatawa - Collection of English Fatawa
by Taajush Shariah Hadrat Allama Mufti Mohammed Akhter Raza Khan Azhari al-Qaadiri
QUESTION:
What do the theologians say about fastening the Tie? What was the Judicial Verdict of A’la Hadrat and Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam (radi Allahu anhuma) on this issue? Please clarify.
Mohammed Shahabuddin Razvi
Bareilly Shareef
India
ANSWER:
Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) used to say, “Tie is a refutation of the Quran.”
The Holy Quran states that the Jews did not kill Hadrat ‘Isa (alaihis salaam)alaihis salaam’s) “crucifixion” and keep the knot (i.e. the Tie around the necks). The persons sitting in the presence of Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam-e-Hind (radi Allahu anhu) always observed him expressing annoyance when he saw anybody wearing a Tie around his neck. Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) used to make that person take off his Tie. Further, he used to call it the signs of the Christians. The verdict of Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) is re-enforced with some reasons: and that they did not crucify him, but that Allah made for them one like him. Certainly, they never killed him. Therefore, Christians make the sign of the Cross in remembrance of his (Hadrat ‘Isa
(1) I would like, relying on the Help of Allah, to lay the basis of this issue on the universally admitted point, that is, that the Cross is unanimously considered by all Muslims and non-Muslims as the sign of the Christians. The Cross is applicable to the structure on which, according to Christian belief, Hadrat ‘Isa (alaihis salaam) was crucified, as well as to the well-known sign (i.e. the Cross). Accordingly, it is stated in the famous English Dictionary, “Practical Advanced Twentieth Century Dictionary”, under the word “CROSS”, as below:
“Stake with a traverse bar used for crucifixion; the Cross, wooden structure on which, according to the Christian religion’s belief, Jesus was crucified; Anything shaped like or ; the sign of the Cross.”
(2) This sign, according to Christian belief, is considered to be the reason of protection from misfortune and is also regarded as a means of prosperity. Accordingly, the same Dictionary, quoted above, says under the “CROSS” as follows:
“Cross (oneself); make the sign of the Cross with the hand as a religious act among Christians.”
(3) If you see a Tie in the light of the above mentioned facts, it will be clearly evident that the Tie resembles the structure of crucifixion, especially the straight and wide strip which is more similar to the Cross plank. This part is also sacred and respectable in the beliefs of Christians as well as the full Cross. It is also clear by the above-mentioned facts that they (the Christians) consider making the sign of the Cross even with their hands in the air as a means of prosperity. Hence, why would they not consider to keep the sign of the full Cross or part of the Cross as a reason of grace! Certainly, according to their tenet, this is a reason of compassion; this is the Tie, which Christians use to tie around their necks.
(4) If you attentively notice a Tie fastened around the neck of a man, it will come to light that the Tie lying on the chest between the two shoulders is representing the entire Cross. But, by a little deliberation, it is also clear that the whole Cross is existent on the Tie.



This is because when the knot is made after having put the strip around the neck, two strips cross each other at the same time (point) on that knot and these two strips lie on the collar-bone making this form. It shows the Cross structure and the stranglehold apparently. Now, if you put a pin to it, then another Cross is formed. This is clear by the given form. So the Tie represents the Cross by some means and brings the remembrance of the crucifixion to the Christians. In short, the Tie is quite a Cross including the knot, which is the redundant thing.
In the same manner, you compare the bow-tie with a neck-tie. The form of the Cross is existing, meanwhile, the bow-tie is tied around the neck as it appears by the given form.
The Cross, as well as anything like the Cross, is the religious symbol of the Christians. Now, either you admit that the tie is a Cross or you accept that it is similar to the Cross. On both the conditions: that it is a religious sign of the Christians, and whichever thing that is considered to be a sign of non-Muslims would not be legitimate on any account even if, Allah forbid, that it becomes common in any manner.
(5) The status of the Tie has been found out to the prudent by means of observation of it’s shape. But the Tie has got so much importance amongst Christians that they put the Tie on the dead body also. So, indeed, it is their customary manner, which makes Muslims deserve disgrace and Hell. Muslims cannot have the legitimacy to use it. Muslims must strictly abstain from it and must also not wear shirts and pants, etc. Muslims have to revive their culture, which is present in the Sunnat, i.e. the practice of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and the behaviour of religious preceptors. They must not put on the Tie in the name of job, etc. Muslims must rely on Allah and repose confidence in the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They must resist the unlawful conditions of others vigorously. Of course, Muslims will ultimately meet with success as Allah promises to help you if you assist His religion. So, Muslims must not accept on any account a job or post when he is forced to use a Tie or to accept such illegitimate conditions because the hypocrisy and dullness in religious affairs is a violent detriment to the religion and it causes the Anger of Allah. As it is said in the Holy Quran: If Allah is Angry, Allah forbid, nobody can assist you in the whole universe and if Allah leaves you, then there is no helper for you.
(6) The Tie itself is just a testimony, which signifies the religion of Christianity. So there is no need for any other evidence. Even then, all Muslims and non-Muslims agree to the fact that the Tie is a symbol of Christianity as it appeared many times during enquiry from people. It happened just last year that a convert (Muslim) told me that the Tie was considered as a dress of respect to the Church. In this way, it’s religious standing comes to light. Also as a clergyman told a Pakistani theologian, “The reward is increased by fastening the Tie according to their belief”, as Mufti Naseem Ashraf, a resident of Durban, South Africa, told me.
Hence, find out the insight of Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam Hind (radi Allahu anhu) (radi Allahu anhu) has got a great reach in this field. Therefore, Ulama used to say that “Whoever is not aware of the people of his time, he is ignorant.” in Islamic law and estimate the range of his information about the habits and affairs of contemporary persons. Certainly, a theologian must be such that he must have awareness about the people of his time, despite having no contact with them. No doubt, after having known all the principles of Islamic Law, the knowledge of people’s conditions is necessary for a theologian. Hadrat Mufti-e-Azam
(7) After all this, few words are quoted from A’la Hadrat’s (radi Allahu anhu)“Fatawa Razvia” for the sake of attaining blessings. Here is a question and part of the answer: work,
QUESTION: Zaid used to wear the coat, shirt with collar and neck-tie, Turkish cap and pishwari pyjama and boots and has his hair (done) in English fashion. Amar says, “It has resemblance with Christians.” Zaid says, “No. On any account a little difference is enough to escape likeness.” Which of the two is right? Please clarify. May Allah reward you.
ANSWER:
Whichever (of these), which are considered to be symbols of non-Muslims or of sinful and disobedient persons, it is absolutely forbidden to adopt it willingly without a lawful reason, even if it is a single thing for it that will certainly bring resemblance with them in this very way. This very reason is enough to inhibit (its use), notwithstanding, no resemblance exists in other manners. It is just like the rose and urine. In case there is a full glass of rose water which has one drop of urine, the entire glass is impure as well, as if it is full of urine. After going ahead, he (A’la Hadrat) quoted the special injunction concerning the very issue to establish its identity as a symbol. Accordingly, he states – “Ashbaho Nazair” briefly states, “The worship of Idol is Kufr (infidelity) as well as fastening the band of Jews and Christians, it is alike no matter if the person enters their Church or if he doesn’t.” (Fatawa Razvia, Part 2, Vol. 10, pg. 148-151)
In this very book, a question had been put to A’la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) (radi Allahu anhu) stated, “It is forbidden. Allah’s Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) says, ‘Whoever moves to resemble a nation, he is one of that nation.’ But several conditions in this concern are considered to be infidelity, e.g. fastening the wasteband.” about wearing such dress that causes no difference between Muslims and non-Muslims. A’la Hadrat
Allama Abdul Ghani Nablusi (rahmatullahi alaih) states, “Having the English fashion dress is infidelity according to the correct decision.” In is said in “Fatawa Khulasa” that, “If a woman tied a rope around her back and said ‘it is a cross-thread’, she becomes an infidel.”
In the same book, A’la Hadrat (radi Allahu anhu) has given the general rule of this issue as following: The generic (common, general) in this issue of the dress is that three points must be considered in this regard -
(1) the origin of it (the dress) must be lawful,
(2) to seek covering which concerns concealment,
(3) to regard the fashion, it must not be style of non-Muslims or sinful persons. It has two sorts, (i) the religious sign of non-Muslims, e.g. Hindus cross-thread and special cap of Christians, that is, the hat (ii) specially belonging to the non-Muslim nation but regarded as the symbol of their religion. It is also prohibited.
The Hadith-e-Sahih that was quoted before is attributed to it’s apparent meaning in it’s first condition and in it’s second condition it is just for scolding and threatening. (Fatawa Razvia, Part 2, Vol. 10, pg. 177-8)
Mohammad Akhter Raza Khan Qadiri Azhari