General Principles
(JollofNews) – In its real form and sense, “Tabligh” is the most important type of worship of Allah Ta’ala and it amounts to a blessing of very high order. It literally means to follow in the footsteps of the Prophets.
Truly, as the work is of a very superior character, it must be based on equally high principles, which ought to be strictly followed throughout. Each participant must feel that it is he who needs to improve himself rather than thinking of reforming others.
During the course of work and even away from it, he must try to behave as a perfect Muslim, as a faithful slave of Allah Ta’ala, constantly obeying and following the Divine commands of “Shariat” and always seeking Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and pleasure. This is the basic requirement and the soul and foundation of the work of “Tabligh”. Once it is deeply and firmly embedded in the hearts of workers, the other principles, rules and practices, some of which are narrated below, will become easy to follow:
(1) As far as possible, all expenses, including travelling, food etc., must be borne by each individual himself and , if he can afford, he may quietly assist those companions who may be in need.
(2) All fellow workers and companions in this work must be given full respect, shown tolerance, be cared for and encouraged at all times by one another. Such participation will prove a great blessing for the whole area where the “jamaat” may be working.
(3) Conversations, talks and discussions must be conducted in soft and persuasive tones, using simple and polite language. All types of displeasure with each other must be avoided. The “ulema-e-karam” (scholars of Muslim scripture) must be held in high respect and esteem as we usually display for the “Holy Quran” and “hadiths” , because, it is through these learned personages that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the true knowledge of Islam and enlightenment. Any disrespect towards them, however insignificant, may amount to contempt of Islam itself, which in turn may provoke the wrath of Allah Ta’ala for the whole community.
(4) Leisure and free moments must be spent either in reading good religious books or in the company of pious and learned companions; by this means one will be able to learn many right things about the faith of Islam, about Allah Ta’ala and His apostle. Particular care must be taken of the time given to the “Tabligh” work itself, that nothing unimportant, useless or senseless is uttered, discussed or done.
(5) To endeavour to earn an honest and pure living, to be most careful and frugal in expenditure, and to constantly observe every single obligation, however big or small, towards one’s family relations and acquaintances.
(6) No controversial matters or points of secondary importance be discussed at any time. The total time must be devoted to bringing out the Divinity, Oneness and Omnipotence of Allah Ta’ala and to confine all talk to the main points of “Tabligh”, which are in real sense the basic principles to be followed by each and every Muslim at all times.
(6) Every action, work and speech must be fused with sincerity and honesty of purpose, for and act, however small, but imbued with this quality is destined to bring high rewards and plenty of well-being. On the other hand, an insincere act, however big, will not bear any worthwhile fruit or benefit, either in this life or in the hereafter.
Hadhrat Mu’az (RA), who was appointed as Governor of Yemen, begged the Holy Prophet (SAW) to give him some special advice. The Holy Prophet (SAW) was pleased to say: “Be meticulously honest and sincere in matters of religion: a little done with sincerity is enough”. There is yet another hadith in the same connection, “Allah Ta’ala accepts only such actions and deeds which are performed purely for His pleasure and accord”. In another place it is mentioned “Allah Ta’ala does not look at your face nor at your property,but only at your hearts and deeds”. So the crux of the matter is that the work of “Tabligh” must be performed with all sincerity and honesty. No show or outward appearance is to be put on. The depth of success and progress will depend entirely on the depth of our sincerity.
Summary and Conclusion
A brief sketch of the work of “Tabligh”, its importance and urgent need have been discussed. It now remains to be judged as to how all this can guide us and bring us the desired relief and benefits in these times, which are fraught with confusion, unrest and rivalries.
For this, once again, we have to seek guidance from the allwise “Holy Quran”, which refers to the hard work and endurance for the faith of Islam as a highly profitable business, and puts it across in the following manner:
“O you who believe! Shall I point out to you a trade that will shield you from a grievous doom? Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and perform “jehad” in His way with your wealth and lives. This is best for you, if you understand. Your Lord will forgive your sins, and you shall enter Paradise, under which ripple (beauteous) streams, and stately abodes in everlasting gardens; and this is great success…
And another which you covet much, i.e., succor from Allah and victory near at hand; and give glad tidings to those who believe.”
The above verse describes a trade, which if accepted promises deliverance from all types of afflictions and punishments. The trade is meant: to have a firm faith in Allah Ta’ala and His Apostle and to struggle hard in the path of Allah, without shirking to use one’s life and wealth. This again points to the act of “Tabligh”, which can ensure for us everlasting well-being and happiness. It is this simple work which will bring us great benefits, such as the forgiveness for all our sins, deliberate mistakes and shortcomings and high rewards in the life hereafter. So much for the success in the next life, which really is the greatest triumph for a Muslim, but there is also clear hint for this life too. We shall get what we cherish most, such as prosperity, divine help and success against all our adversaries!
In other words, Allah Ta’ala has demanded two things from us, firstly to have firm faith in Him and His Apostle, secondly, to struggle hard in His path, giving, if need be, our lives and all that we posses. In return for this, He has also promised two things: first a beautiful and peaceful abode in Heaven (Jannat) with an eternal life, and everlasting happiness: and second, glory and success in this life. The first demand on us is that of faith (eiman). This is exactly what the “Tabligh” is meant to bring to us, that we should all be endowed with the wealth of true faith. The second demand is that of striving in the path of Allah, which actually means “jehad”. Jehad may normally mean fighting a war against oppressors and non-believers. In the practical sense, however, it means spreading of Kalimah of Allah and enforcing of Allah’s Commandments, which is also the ultimate aim of “Tabligh”.
It should be clear to us now that the happiness and success in the life after death is solely dependent of having firm faith in Allah Ta’ala and His Apostle, and in striving hard in the path laid down by Him. Similarly, the success and prosperity in this life too depend entirely on that very faith and on spending all our efforts in the path of Allah Ta’ala.
When we fulfil these basic requirements, firstly of faith in Allah Ta’ala and His Apostle, and secondly of struggling hard in their path, through these two attributes alone, we can adorn ourselves with high moral virtues and excellence of character. Only then can we fit to receive the promised vicegerency of Allah Ta’ala and His kingdom on earth, which are bound to come as is promised in the Holy Quran: “To those of you who believe and do righteous deeds, Allah promises that He will certainly give dominance to them in this world as He gave to those before you; and the religion that has been chosen for them shall be strengthened for them, and He will thereafter certainly transform their fear into tranquility, provided they worship Me and associate none with Me.”
The above verse portrays a forthright promise of kingdom, but through “eiman” (firm faith) and righteous deeds. This was actually fulfilled in the days of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and remained in effect right through the period on the “Khulfa-e-Rashdin” (the first four Caliphs after the Holy Prophet (SAW). Practically the whole of Arabia had become an Islamic State in the days of the Holy Prophet (SAW) himself and the rest of the countries (Muslim countries of today) mostly joined Islam during the period of “Khulfa-e-Rashdin” or immediately after their time. Later on too, the promise continued to be fulfilled in favour of a number of a Muslim Kings and “Khalifas” and it still awaits materialisation if someone fulfils the conditions, as is clear from the next verse:
“Surely Allah’s followers shall dominate”
In these few pages, an analysis of the present situation and a practical solution for improving it has been given; in fact the solution is nothing else than the actual Islamic way of life, which belonged to our forefathers and early Muslims.
In conclusion, it can be said that there is no way to gain honour, happiness, peace and tranquility in this life other than to adopt and firmly hold on to the work and system of “Tabligh”, for which every one of us must use all his energies and wealth.
“Hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not create dissensions.”
Final Appeal
This very system has actually been put into practice, in the recent past, in the territory of Mewat (an area of Alwar State) and a few other districts around Delhi (India). The work in that region, has not yet reached the final stage; the progress of the local Muslims, however, has been quite marked. The blessing and benefits of the system of “Tabligh” are clearly visible and worth witnessing. If all Muslims collectively resolve to follow the noble example mentioned above and adopt the correct system of life, as described in this book, there is every hope that, through that effort, Allah Ta’ala may obviate all our miseries and adversities and we may be able to regain our faith, the power to do righteous deeds and the resultant honour, dignity and glory in this life and attain permanent salvation in the next. The Muslims can then set an example for the rest of the world to live in peace, tranquility and happiness, which is the natural desire of every man on earth.
An attempt has been made to explain as early as possible the real purpose behind the It is up to us, the Muslims of the present time, to understand our obligations towards Islam and fulfil them in our own interest and that of the coming generations and the mankind at large. The way is clear and well set. Let us begin the march and fix our minds on the final goal, which is to acquire the pleasure and approval of Allah Ta’ala.
Courtesy of Fazail-e-Amaal
