The Path to Prosperity
Muhyis Sunnah Hazrat Maulana Shah Abrar-ul-Haq Sahib (RA)
Introduction
All praise is due to Allah, we seek His aid, assistance and forgiveness, in Him we believe and upon Him is our reliance. We seek Allah’s protection from the evil of our carnal self and from the evil effects of our sinful deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides none can lead astray and whomsoever Allah causes to deviate none can guide him. We testify that there is no deity except Allah, who is one and without any partner, and we testify that our noble master and prophet, Muhammad Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, is the servant and messenger of Allah. May Allah shower His infinite mercy and peace upon him, his family, and companions.
Allah Ta`ala says in the Qur`an: “Abandon external and internal sins. Those who transgress will be punished for their doings.” (6: 121)
It is reported in the Hadith that: “A single Aalim is more powerful against Shaitaan than a hundred worshippers.” (Tirmizi vol. 2, p.93)
In another hadith it is stated, “I have left behind two things upon which if you are steadfast you will never deviate, the book of Allah, i.e. the Qur`an, and the tradition of His prophet, i.e. the collections of ahaadeeth.” (Mishkat vol. 1, p. 31)
I have recited before you a verse of the Qur`an, and two ahaadeeth of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam regarding which I wish to mention three issues, briefly.
The verse of the Qur`an I recited is of special importance, due to the fact that success depends on the condition mentioned within it. Prosperity is the aim of every person. If a person is given a choice between respect and disgrace, comforts and hardships, he would naturally choose respect and comfort. Similarly, those who are gathered here today are more desirous of prosperity because they are Muslims. (Since Muslims believe that prosperity is dependant on Imaan, it proves that they are more desirous of it).
Any person who affiliates himself to any organization, institution, or official post, besides being obliged to fulfill the task assigned to him, he also has to dress according to the status and position of his duty. For example, if a person joins the police force or post office, he has to fulfill the tasks entrusted to him and he also has to wear the uniform (which is indicative of his affiliation to that organization and also classifies his status within the organization).
Prosperity and success inevitably depends on the fulfillment of both requirements. Can he prosper by just wearing his uniform (an outward form of commitment) and not fulfilling his duties? Similarly, can he prosper by merely fulfilling his tasks without an outward sign of commitment and affiliation, i.e. Uniform?
Similar is the case of a soldier, he is required to be in uniform when on duty. If on a Friday the Imam rushes into the masjid before the khutbah, wearing only a trouser, people will immediately call on a doctor to see if the Imam is mentally stable. No matter how much the Imam tries to explain that his purpose of doing so is to educate the public that Salah can be performed by wearing a trouser only. The point is that just as fulfillment of the duty is necessary, so is uniform, the attire which indicates the status and position of the person.
The uniform is a symbol by which a person is recognized to be affiliated to a specific institution or group. It dispels the need for introduction, which is why a policeman and a soldier are recognized instantly. (In the case of these two a uniform prevents unnecessary obstruction in times of necessity because the uniform informs people about their authority).
The question that arises is that since Islam is a complete way of life (encompassing every aspect of human activity) as has been claimed in the Qur`an: “Today I have completed your religion for you.” (5:3), has it stipulated any specific uniform for its adherent i.e. by which the Muslim can be recognized? If the reply were to be in the negative that would then mean that Islam is incomplete and eventually result in a lie being attributed to Allah (Allah forbid).
In reality, Islam has established principles and has set guidelines regarding every issue, but the Muslims, have been negligent regarding the importance of dressing in an Islamic manner, i.e. wearing the Muslim uniform. This has resulted in the acts worship being fulfilled only. Others have justified their act by saying that the internal commitment is sufficient.
A uniform is an outward symbol of commitment and affiliation. Similarly, the Islamic dress is a recognition symbol of a Muslim; hence its necessity is inevitable. I will now briefly mention a few guidelines stipulated by Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.
Firstly, any garment worn from top to bottom such as a shirt, trouser, and thoub etc. should not cover the ankles, i.e. the ankle should remain exposed for men.
“Any person who haughtily covers his ankles with his shirt, trouser or turban, Allah will not consider him with mercy (but with anger).” (Abu Dawood Mishkat, vol. 2, p. 374)
Similarly it has been reported that on the 15th night of Sha’baan countless souls are forgiven/granted redemption from the punishment from jahannam, however, a person (a man) who covers his ankles in the manner mentioned above (with a garment worn from top to bottom) will not be granted forgiveness.
Some people have the habit of folding up their trousers prior to performing Salah, whereas this law is general and applicable at any moment of the day or night. Others present the act of some Arabs as a justification because some Arab’s thoubs sweep the floors. To them we say that the practice of some Arabs is not a source of Islamic law. If some Arabs omit/neglect Salah, would this mean that omitting Salah is correct and permissible?
Transgressing the boundary by covering the ankles is similar to the example of transgressing the time limit stipulated in a curfew, in the sense that both are offences. That is why the jurists say that it is necessary for the trousers of men to be above the ankles. The significance of the action has become clear, so considering the severity of opposing it should be given importance.
The important question we ask ourselves is how can a Muslim be recognized by his hair? Yes, Islam has set guidelines for growing hair also, and this falls in three categories.
- It is permissible to grow the hair long but to a specified limit. It can be grown till the ear lobe or to the shoulder.
- It is also permissible to shave the head completely.
- The third way is to keep it between shaving and long hair. In this manner all the hair should be even and of equal length. Now-a-days people have introduced strange hairstyles. We can judge for ourselves the Islamic ruling regarding such hairstyles.
Third in line is the moustache, which is also part of the uniform of a Muslim male. For instance, if a Muslim is bald, he can be recognized by the way he keeps his moustache. In this regard, the sunnah is that the moustache should be finely trimmed.
The moustache could be trimmed with a machine or by scissors. The books of Islamic jurisprudence have mentioned the following regarding the moustache:
1) It is a unanimously accepted sunnah to clip the moustache so much that it is in line with the upper lip. (Shami vol.5 p. 261)
2) It is appropriate to trim the moustache to the extent that it is equal to the eyebrows (in terms of depth and density). (Alamghiri vol.5, p. 358)
3) The above mentioned texts make it apparent that the idea is to trim the moustache as much as possible. (Bazl-ul-Majhood vol. 1 p. 33)
Status and Length of the Beard
The beard is a necessary part of the Islamic uniform. The beard refers to the hair which grows on the jaw bone. (Majma’u Bihaar il Anwaar vol.4, p. 478)
In the Arabic language, the word “Luha” refers to the bone on which the teeth grow i.e., the jaw bone and this is where the beard grows.
Hence, it is necessary to let the beard grow on this bone and to cut any part of this is prohibited. We have been commanded to let the beard grow.
“Lengthen/ thicken the beard.”
But once its length is more than a fist, it is permissible to cut off the excess hair.
When I (Maulana Abrarul Haq) mentioned this in Bombay, a certain person objected. He said that the Hadith commands us to let the beard grow whereas you are saying that it should be shortened after it grows to the length of one fist. When I looked at him I saw that his beard had grown beyond his navel. Similarly, in Bangalore I met a person whose beard was beyond knee length. Nevertheless, I told the first person that it is proven that the beard should be trimmed.
“Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam used to trim his beard, in terms of length and breadth.” (Tirmizi vol.2 p. 100)
But how do we know how much of it was trimmed? We learn this from the actions of the Sahabah Radhiallahu anhum, who saw the beard of Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and who kept beards as Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam had kept. Hence, Umar Radhiallahu Anhu is reported to have said: “Trim the hair which is beyond one fist.” (Ghuniyatut Talibeen vol.1 p. 614)
It is mentioned regarding Abdullah bin Umar Radhiallahu Anhu: “He used to take his beard in his fist and trim all those hairs which were beyond the fist.” (Fathul Qadeer vol. 2 p.270)
Regarding Abu Hurairah Radhiallahu Anhu it is mentioned: “He used to trim all those hairs which extended beyond the fist.” (Ibid)
Hence, the act of the Sahabah has stipulated the minimum limit of the beard. Sometimes a law is passed verbally and sometimes by practice. Hence, the Ulamaa say that to keep an Islamic beard (one fist length) is compulsory (wajib). In other words, just as witr Salah, eid Salah, etc. is wajib, so is lengthening the beard.
Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi writes that shaving the beard is haram, and is an act of the west and the Hindus. To keep it one fist length is wajib.
I mentioned that it is wajib to keep an ‘Islamic beard’ whereupon a person enquired the reason for restricting it with the word ‘Islamic’. I told him that every action of a Muslim should be done according to Islamic guidelines. For example, to fast on the 30th of Ramadhan is Islamic but to fast on Eid day is un-Islamic. To perform the Fajr Salah before sunrise is Islamic while to perform it while the sun rises is un-Islamic. The crux is that if any action is done with the Islamic requirements being fulfilled, then it will be regarded as Islamic, otherwise it will be un-Islamic.
A person, who does not have a beard, is not eligible to lead the Salah, give Azan or Iqamah. When a person wishes an audience with the king or judge etc. he presents himself in an appropriate manner. Similarly, when a person comes into the court of Allah, he has to fulfill the conditions also.
How can a person stand on the musalla of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam when he does not resemble Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam? How can somebody succeed Bilal Radhiallahu Anhu in that lofty task when he does not resemble Bilal Radhiallahu Anhu?
Similarly, the beard should be one fist length on all three sides, concerning which many people are ignorant. Lastly, the beard length should be measured by one’s own fist and not by anybody else’s fist, such as the barber etc.
Many years ago a Sikh migrated to America. His son who was also a Sikh decided to join the military. The officer in charge informed him that if he wished that his application be accepted, he should as a pre-requisite cut his hair and shaves his beard. (The Sikh culture prohibits the cutting of hair from any part of the body).
After being refused admission due to his hair, he wrote a letter to the President stating, that being an American resident, he wished to join the army and be of service to his country and at the same time, he did not want to contradict his culture. Subsequently, he was granted permission to practice on his culture and remain in the Army. At that time he was the only one out of 11,000,000 soldiers who had hair.
The courage of this Sikh is definitely admirable. Hence, when any person determines to do anything, he will always accomplish it.
A policeman is in the force for 25 years in which no complaints have been filed against him. He arduously carries out his duties until he reaches the status of a sergeant, and in a few years time he will be retiring only to receive a healthy pension. However, one day at a certain police function he arrives without uniform, upon which he is reminded to wear it. After a few hours he is again seen out of uniform and reprimanded. He does not heed and eventually on the third occasion he is fired. After 25 years of service he is considered to be a failure and he is dismissed disgracefully.
Similar is the case of the Muslims of today, who worship Allah but discard the uniform as they consider it insignificant. Despite being disobedient they still entertain the hope of gaining success and cannot comprehend why they are afflicted with difficulties.
In June 1967, the Egyptian forces were defeated by the Jews, which resulted in Jewish Occupation of Palestine. A certain person asked me why his duas for the Muslim army were not being accepted. I asked him what his occupation was whereupon he replied that he was a businessman.
I then asked him if for example his son was disobedient to him, or disrespectful to him, or if he came naked to the shop, or if he destroyed the goods in the shop, would he not dismiss him and be angry with him? Thereafter, if his uncles or friends or even the Imam of the Masjid for that matter, intercede on his behalf, would the father forgive him, if the son himself does not ask for forgiveness? He replied that he would not accept any intercession unless the son himself asked for forgiveness.
Thereafter I explained to him that similarly, if the Egyptian forces and the people of Palestine do not seek forgiveness for themselves and they are not concerned with reforming themselves, then how will Allah help them?
The government of our country has provided electricity in such a way that by simply getting connected we are able to benefit tremendously from the electricity. On hot days we switch on the air conditioner and on cold days we use heaters. Similarly, we use fridges, lights, stoves, water coolers etc. One day all of a sudden the electricity is cut off. After enquiries it becomes apparent that the previous bill was not settled. So when the governments of the world apply this principle, then Allah too can apply the same principle – no cash, no delivery.
We desire our subjects (so to say) i.e. wife and children to be totally obedient to us, but how obedient are we (the subjects of Allah) to Allah. Hence, together with inward commitment to Allah, outward commitment should also be given its importance. If a shopkeeper has all his goods in the store (behind closed doors) but he does not lock the store, then his goods are in danger of being stolen. This shows that external and internal commitment is necessary.
Regarding the necessity of ‘Islamic’ attire the Qur`an states: “Abandon (Zahiri) external and internal (Batini) sin.”
The Zahiri sinning would be that which is apparent to the naked eye, whatever the sin maybe. Hence, disregarding Islamic attire is a sin and it has to be omitted. Furthermore, the Zahiri sin has been mentioned first, which stresses the importance of it.
Every good and evil act has two consequences, immediate and delayed. If a person works for a company and fulfills his task assiduously, at the end of the month he receives his pay which is immediate reward and after a few years, on retiring, he receives a pension which is a delayed reward. All these years of service have added to his pension.
Another person works for a company but on pay day, he was caught accepting a bribe. Immediately he will be disgraced and humiliated and later on, he will be sent to jail for a few months.
Similarly, a good deed done today has two rewards and an evil deed done has two punishments.
Sinning causes difficulty for a person even in this worldly life. It has been reported in the hadith that sinning causes a decrease in one’s sustenance. Similarly, the heart is filled with restlessness and worries and a person feels distanced from Allah, and he has adverse feelings towards pious people and their gatherings. Similarly, good deeds have the direct opposite effects. For a more detailed discussion, the book ‘Jazaa-ul-A’mal’ by Ml. Ashraf Ali Thanwi Rahimahullah should be studied.
Once after delivering a lecture somewhere, a person asked me why his sustenance was always constrained whereas he was reading the four wazaaif prescribed by a pious person for increase in sustenance. I asked him, “Is it perhaps not due to the fact that you may be doing eight such acts which result in decrease of sustenance?” If it is so, then while four deeds are inviting sustenance eight are repelling it and the consequence is logical.
Sufficient Cause for Destruction
Even one sin is sufficient cause for a person’s destruction and failure. If a person has mostly good qualities but is in the habit of accepting bribery, can he be successful. Another person is a habitual stealer, but he has good character and a good personality, is he successful?
Despite all the goodness the person possesses, he is regarded as a criminal and is classified by one evil deed. From this it becomes evident that every sin has to be given up without any exception.
The difference between being the friend and enemy of Allah is abandoning sin. However, there are different stages of wilaayat (friendship with Allah). In one examination people are successful but the degree of success varies. Thereafter, by practicing on the sunnah and mustahab acts, a person’s friendship with Allah increases. Thus far, the discussion regarding the verse has been concluded.
Now I would like to mention a few facts regarding the first hadith.
Enemy of Shaitaan – A Practicing Aalim
It is mentioned in a hadith that: “A single Aalim is more powerful against Shaitaan than a thousand worshippers.”
If there are a thousand worshippers (worshippers are mentioned as an opposite to an Aalim) then Shaitaan does not worry much about them entering Jannah and being successful because he knows that they are easy prey and easy to mislead.
Similarly, if in a town there are a 1000 wealthy people, thieves are convinced that they can easily rob them. However, if these people employ the services of a 24 hour security guards, then the thieves have a considerable enemy to overcome. In a like manner, Shaitaan has immense fear of a practicing Aalim, because the Aalim understands the deception of Shaitaan and his tomfoolery. Hence he defeats Shaitaan.
In this regard (examples of the power of an Aalim); Maulana Qasim Nanotwi Rahmatullahi alaihi laid the foundation of Darul Uloom Deoband (which has been responsible for reviving Islam in many parts of the world). Similarly, Maulana Muhammad Mazhar Nanotwi Rahmatullahi alaihi laid the foundation of Mazaahirul Uloom (which was also instrumental in the revival of Islam in many parts of the world). What were the results of Maulana Thanwi’s efforts in Thanabhawan, and Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Rahmatullahi alaihim of Khandla? Similarly, the efforts of Shaikh Zakariyya Rahmatullahi alaihi. How much service of Islam has been taken from these individuals? Each one of these have been responsible for reforming the lives of thousands (perhaps millions) of people.
Nevertheless, what is the purpose of mentioning this hadith? Every informative sentence has a law which is deduced from it. For example, somebody says, “There are hijackers on this particular highway.” This is an informative sentence and the command/ law deduced from it is that the traveler on this road should either be cautious, or he should totally abstain from using that road.
Similarly Allah Ta`ala says: “Allah is One.”
The deduced command is that we should all believe in and worship one Allah.
Applying the above-mentioned principle, the hadith instructs us to become faqihs and produce faqihs.
Hasan bin Ziyaad was one of the wealthy persons of his town. When he was 40 years old, coincidently one day he attended the discourse of Imam Abu Hanifah Rahmatullahi alaihi. Instantly the thirst for seeking knowledge overwhelmed him and he began his quest for education. He remained in the company of Imam Abu Hanifah for 40 years. Thereafter he passed verdicts for the remaining 40 years of his life.
Just as how Imam Hasan bin Ziyaad became a faqih after the age of 40, every person has the capacity to become a faqih. A very simple way of being included amongst the Ulama is by learning 40 hadith. Therefore, if we learn a hadith a day, in 40 days our task will be accomplished.
Similarly, we should learn and teach the Qur`an, and regarding this it has been reported in a hadith:
“Whosoever memorizes the Qur`an and practices on what is lawful and abstain from what is prohibited, Allah will enter him into Jannah and accept his intercession on behalf of ten such relatives who have been destined to enter Hell.” (Tirmizi vol. 2 p. 114)
What can be said about the Hafiz himself then? He will intercede on behalf of ten of his Muslim relatives, who are doomed to hell due to their evil deeds.
Since the month of Ramadhan is approaching, does anybody want to become a hafiz of the Qur`an? The virtues of memorizing the Qur`an are not restricted to memorizing it in a short period of time, but a person could take as long as he needs, five years, ten years etc.
A very easy method of memorizing the Qur`an (for those of us who find it difficult) is to memorize it line by line. If a person learns one line daily, at the end of one year he will be hafiz of one juz of the Holy Qur`an. Consequently, he will be a hafiz of the entire Qur`an in a period of 30 years. If a person passes away before he completes it, he will be raised amongst the huffaz on the day of Qiyamah.
When I mentioned this in Kaskanj, then even 65 year old people began memorizing the Qur`an. In Bombay, a 75 year old man began memorizing it and he had even memorized one or two juz.
If this system (of learning one, one line) is practiced upon, then it will be possible for people to recite the Qur`an in Taraweeh in a town where there are no huffaz. Thirty people should pledge to learn one juz and the next Ramadhan the Qur`an can be collectively completed in the taraweeh Salah.
The Story of Imam Bukhari and Ibn Jawzi
Just as a man can become a faqih (jurist), a woman can also become a faqihah. In previous times women had great desire to acquire and practice upon knowledge. They were also very concerned with the correct nurturing of their children.
The entire Muslim world knows Imam Bukhari. Who was the influential person behind him? His father had passed away when he was still a small child. His mother and sister nurtured him and brought him up. She used to request the Muhadditheen to make dua for him and she used to take him to their discourses and gatherings. It was the result of this nurturing and effort of his mother that Allah blessed him with such honor in the world of Hadith, that today his famous compilation is found anywhere and everywhere.
Similar is the case of Imam Jawzi, a Muhaddith. When he was three years old, his father passed away, and his maternal aunt took him under her guardianship. Whenever there was any talk taking place or any jalsa etc. she used to take him and thereafter ask the Ulamaa to make dua for him. Similarly, if any Aalim from another town arrived, she used to take him to attend his discourses too.
When he was ten years old, he was already giving lectures. Allah had kept such effect in his talks that people used to be moved to tears and sought forgiveness for their sins. Twenty thousand Jews and Christians accepted Islam due to his lectures and hundreds of thousands of people came back onto the path of the sunnah.
Many years ago there was a young boy who was studying Islamic knowledge at the institute in his hometown. After graduating, he desired to continue his studies which meant that he would have to leave his hometown. However, he feared that if he sought permission from his parents, he would be refused.
Nevertheless, he had made up his mind, and packing a few of his belongings he set off. When he reached his destination, he found amongst his belongings, jewelry and a note from his sister. In the note she had written words of support and encouragement and she told him to sell her jewelry and fulfill his necessities. This shows us the spirit and enthusiasm our mothers and sisters of previous times had for the sake of Deen.
This same youth became Allamah Chaghmini who wrote textbooks on philosophy which is studied today in Islamic Universities.
The Boy from Bukhara
When I was studying in Saharanpur, there was a lad who had come from Bukhara. His father was an Aalim who had graduated from Deoband or Saharanpur. He had three wives and only one son. The boy studied under his father but failed to complete his studies, and later got married.
One day his weeping father told his son of the regrets that were burdening him. His father had always hoped that his son would become an Aalim and his unsuccessfulness had burdened him for a long time.
His father told him of his high hopes he had in seeing his son graduate from Saharanpur or Deoband.
The lad was moved by his father’s grief and heartache. He had made up his mind to fulfill his father’s dreams. Hence, he divorced his wife (Talaq-e-Raji) because he did not know how long he would be gone for and what would happen to her.
This is a shining example of modern day sacrifice endured by seekers of knowledge and it is a true image of the desire for learning Islam.
The doors of Nubuwwat are closed but the doors of wilaayat and knowledge are still open and will remain open till the day of Qiyamah. Men of knowledge and learning pass on, but there is always someone to replace them.
Muhadditheen and Fuqaha have left but new ones are born daily. Who will be the next Imam Razi? Who will replace Shah Waliyullah Dehlawi? Who will replace Maulana Thanwi, Maulana Qasim Nanotwi, and Maulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi etc?
Hence, this is a golden opportunity for us to introduce our children to the world of Islamic knowledge and make them Fuqaha, whereby we will also reap the everlasting fruits of all their labors.
Allah Ta`ala has always granted respect and honor to these Ulamaa and Fuqaha. A simple example of this is that on the day of Eid people gather in thousands to perform the Eid Salah. Doctors, judges, lawyers, engineers and people of any profession attend the gathering. In Muslim countries, the king and all his courtiers attend the Salah. Despite the positions of all these people, they do not qualify to lead the people. In fact, only the man of learning is bestowed with this honor.
Therefore, we should take a step in this direction. If we cannot learn Deen or give our children the chance to do so, then we should support these institutes of Deen. If we water this garden, then we will have a share in the flourishing of Islam. All that has been mentioned thus far was concerning the first hadith.
The hadith mentioned in the beginning was: “I have left behind two things upon which if you are steadfast, you will never deviate from the straight path. The Qur`an and my Legacy; the collections of hadith.” (Mishkat vol. 1 p.31)
Just as how every father wants his children to be successful, every ustaadh wants his student to be successful and similarly, our Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam desires his followers to be successful. Regarding his concern and worry for his followers Allah says: “He (Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is very clement and affectionate to the believers.” (Surah Taubah)
Hence, he has commanded us to grasp firmly on to the Qur`an and Hadith. Although we have grasped it but some people have grasped it with five fingers, others with four, three, two, one etc., just as how grasping it results in success, similarly disregarding it results in failure.
- Muhabbat [love]
Every Muslim has to love the holy Qur`an. - Azmat [respect]
He should hold the Qur`an in high esteem. - Mutaba’ate Ahkaam [following]
He should follow the dictates of the Qur`an. - Sihhate Tilawat [recitation]
The recitation should be correct.
In the book Al-Itqan, Hazrat Ali’s Radhiallahu Anhu definition of correct recitation is mentioned: “To pronounce the letters correctly and to know the rules of stopping.” (Itqan vol. 1 p. 110)
As opposed to other languages, the Arabic language is very delicate as far as correct pronunciation is concerned. A slight difference could cause a vast difference in meaning as you will note in the following verse:
[His heart (qalb) is contented with Imaan.]
[His dog (kalb) is contented with Imaan.]
Maulana Thanwi Rahmatullahi alaih writes in Jamaalul Qur`an that errors such as changing the letters, or decreasing/increasing letters in the Qur`an is known as “Lahn Jali” and to commit such errors is haram. These days much negligence is being shown towards the importance of tajweed and correct recitation. Similarly, the Qur`an is not being respected in the manner it deserves.
Similarly, there are three rights regarding the hadith of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam also. Every Muslim should love, respect and follow the dictates of the hadith. These days we are unaware of the sunnats of actions which we do on a daily basis. For example, the sunnats of eating, drinking, sleeping, and reading Salah etc. This is proof of the indifferent attitude we show towards hadith.
One day I was sitting in the haram after Maghrib and two elderly men were sitting near me. At that time many people were performing tawaaf. These two men suddenly began pointing out the faults of a few of these people because they were walking very fast etc.
I went towards them and after introductions were made, I asked the one how old he was. He replied that he was 55 years old. I asked him from what age was he performing Salah, to which he replied that he was performing Salah since he had matured at the age of 15. I then asked him to mention the sunnats of Salah. He only managed to say two or three. The other person wasn’t anymore successful than his companion.
Thereafter I told them that you people are exposing the faults of these people who are performing tawaaf once in a lifetime. You are performing Salah for 40 years, but you are unaware of the sunnats of Salah. Thereupon they realized their error and desisted from this act
The point is that every day we do many actions, and by giving a little bit of our time, to learn the sunnats of that act and practice upon it, the reward will be immense and our devotional acts will be correct.
In this regard the book “One Minute Madrasah” is very effective in accomplishing our task, and by giving one minute everyday, in due course we will know all the necessary sunnats.
This kitab has five different topics:
- It gives a word by word translation of every word of Salah, including the duas and the tasbeehaat recited therein.
- It mentions sunnats, initially regarding Salah only but later on it discusses sunnats in general.
- It mentions each major sin separately.
- It mentions the harms of committing sin.
- It mentions the virtue and benefit of doing good deeds.
This book should be read in the Masjid by the Imams whereby the men will be educated. Similarly, it should be taught to the children in Madrasah. The men and the children should come home and pass on what they have heard. In due time, the atmosphere of practicing on the sunnah will prevail.
The reason for Allah granting the Mashaikh and Ulamaa respect and honor and for inclining people towards them is due to the fact that these people are ardent adherents of the Qur`an and sunnah. In the initial centuries of Islam, every Muslim was an ardent follower of the Qur`an and sunnah, which is why they were honored, respected and feared.
May Allah Ta`ala make us all ardent followers of the Qur`an and sunnah of Rasulullah Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Aameen.
-Sabeel-ul-Falaah
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An-Noor 
May 13, 2007 at 4:05 pm
JazakAllahu Khairan for translating that very comprehensive and encompassing article of Shah Abrarul Haq Saheb (rahmatullahi alaihi). There are some very vital points mentioned therein as far as the practical aspect of briniging about reform in the Ummah. Because theoretical and ideological points are mentioned by one and all, but very few individuals actually address the practical methodology of attaining reform. MashAllah, this detailed but yet concise treatise of Maulana Abrarul Haq is an excellent example of how reformation of the individual will lead to reformation of the Ummah.