Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui and the beliefs of the Ahl-Us-Sunnah

Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui is the founder of Jamia Nizamia.   Allah Ta’ala made him a pioneer in both the Shariah and Tariqah and chose him for serving His religion, Islam.   He made efforts at such a time when the British, to consolidate their rule on India, were making all kinds of plans to swerve the Muslims, most of all the Muslims of India, from the path of Islam.   To keep Muslims ignorant of their religion, the British had turned some scholars and writers into their supporters.   Apart from this, some libertines were brandishing their pens against the rules of Islam.   In the name of logical thinking, some scholars had started misinterpreting and even altering the teachings of Islam.   This situation was a grave danger for Muslims.   It was necessary to delineate the truth and save Muslims from immorality in such a dangerous atmosphere.   The Islamic sense of Shaykh Ul Islam, his feelings towards the community and his relationship with Hadhrat 'Umar al Farooq (May Allah be well pleased with him) did not allow him to be silent.   He refuted all the libertine factions through the Holy Quran and the Hadith and defended and upheld the banner of the Ahl us Sunnah.  – (Muqaddima Maqasid ul Islam, hissa awwal, Mufti Abdul Hameed (May Allah shower His Mercy upon him).

 

 

Defending The Ahl us Sunnah And The Feelings Of Shaykh Ul Islam About It

 

The number of the lawless factions was increasing day by day.   The supporters of these libertine factions were not from any other religion but from the Muslims.   Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes about the infirm nature of the Ahl us Sunnah people and instructs them to be steadfast:

 

“Just have a look at this: The people of India and Deccan were all Ahl us Sunnah and in the space of only 40, 50 years, how many libertine factions have sprung up.   All the factions among these, who are called by different names, are all born out of Ahl us Sunnah; because neither Hindus joined these factions, neither Christians or Jews, nor the Shia.   This shows that the number of men in these factions is the number of people who have exited the Ahl us Sunnah.   Day by day, their number is increasing and the number of Sunnis is decreasing.   If our community of such large numbers had paid attention, do you think these minute factions would have dared to snatch away our friends and relatives?” Maqasid ul Islam, Vol 4, Pg No.  14

 

If Iman Had Been Bought After Paying Something, Then There Would Have Been Some Sorrow On Losing It

 

Steadfastness upon the true faith till the last breath of life is the only basis for deliverance.   Even a hair-breadth’s swerving from Iman brings destruction and loss.   Hadhrat Shaykh ul Islam emphasizes that we should not be unmindful about Iman and gives heartfelt advice to the Ahl us Sunnah, thus:

 

“What is to be considered is that whoever dissents, it affects our Sunnis only.   Qadiani, Nechri, etc.  gave an open invitation to irreligiousness and were propagating it, but neither any European accepted their invitation, neither any Hindu, nor any other Islamic faction.   May Allah protect our group, that they are very generous and fulfill everybody’s hopes.   From time to time, they join them and create a new faction.   If they are bereft of intellect, then let it be; they are so nondiscriminatory and so just that they will listen to anybody’s talk with utmost attention and if they cannot answer it with their ignorance and foolishness, they will name that itself as justice so that everybody believes it.   On the other hand, those people have hit upon tricks to prey upon the ignorant.   They spread such nets that willy-nilly people get stuck in them.   If they had knowledge, they would have answered to their tricks, but still they are proud of their brains that they can understand everything.   If they had bought Iman after paying something, they would have had some sorrow on losing it.   It was the earning of their forefathers; they spent it extravagantly like inheritance without any problem.   If somebody cheats them out of even a rupee, then it is remembered for the whole life, but they are not worried if somebody rifles their Iman.   Now tell me what relation do they have with Iman?  And what is the benefit of such people in Islam.   Separation of such people is itself reasonable: the world is freed of dirt.   However this is grievous that a faithful person has turned into an unfaithful one.   It should not come as a surprise if the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has gestured towards this in this Hadith that the trials that will arise in the last era of the world.   Nonetheless, we should pray that May Allah Ta’ala grant steadfastness to the Muslims so that they stay safe from the trials in the last era of the world. ” Maqasid ul Islam, Vol 4, Pg No.  68, 69

 

Shaykh Ul Islam comments upon the Hadith, which talks about the misguided sect, the Khawarij

 

“This Hadith shows that that person was a great worshipper (A’abid).   His forehead had the marks of Salaat, so after considering these Hadith any person can understand that the reason that person and his supporters, who were declared as liable to be killed and as the worst creatures, in spite of their great worship, is not other than their inherent disrespect. ”

 

Defending Tauheed And Eliminating Shirk

 

Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes after describing the signs and the Wahhabi ordeal in the light of the Hadith:

 

“It can’t be doubted that this faction is suffering from some deep-seated deprivation because of which the True Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that they will never return to the Deen; but one reason which seems obvious is that in their zeal for defending Tauheed, eliminating shirk and bida’a (innovations), they not only disrespect the beloved of Allah Ta’ala, but also learn it and teach it to others as if they are teaching the principles of Deen, which Allah’s sense of honor cannot bear and it destroys them.  (Anwaar e Ahmadi, 324, 325)

 

Shaykh Ul Islam instructs the Wahhabis to give up disrespect and to follow the manners of the Sahabah:

 

“The Wahhabis should fear Allah Ta’ala that they see the grandeur and superiority of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in the Holy Quran and the Hadith, they hear it from the Muslims but ignore them and search for such Hadith, which outwardly diminish the superiority of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).   Will such Salaat, such fasts and such belief in the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) be of any benefit?  We have an example of a large group of people that these things will not benefit; so we give them well-meaning advice to leave this way and adopt the manners of the Sahabah. ” (Maqasid ul Islam, Vol 11, Pg No.  23)

 

Iman Is The Testification Of Tauheed And Prophethood

 

Linguistically, there is a slight difference between Iman and Islam, but in the terminology of the Shariah, there is no difference.  The word “Islam,” means obedience and following of rules.  The person who outwardly follows (the commandments of) Allah Ta’ala, performs Islamic actions (a’amaal) and does not do anything anti-Islamic is called a Muslim.   The Shariah does not give the order to determine his/her emotions.   If any act is attributed to the person who looks anti Islamic, then that person will be declared a Kafir.   After a highly scholarly argument Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam says:

 

“To summarize, it is not necessary to find out what goes on inside the heart of a person to declare him/her as a Muslim.   If it were necessary, then nobody could be called a Muslim which would create problems for Muslims.   For this reason, the Shariah says that whoever expresses Islam through words and actions, that person should be considered a Muslim and treated as one, as Allah Ta’ala says in Surah Nisa.   

 

In the same way, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) says that whoever declares the Tauhid of Allah Ta’ala and the Prophethood of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and performs Salaat etc.  should be considered a Muslim and there is no claim against that person.   Thus, based on the actions, words etc.  the Iman of a person would be decided.   In the same way the Kufr (denial) of a person will also be declared based on the actions and words of a person; as Ibn Taimiyya writes in As Sarim ul Maslool.   It is written in Sharh Maqasid, etc.  that some sins have been declared by the Law-giver as indications of rejection of faith, such as harboring enmity against the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), throwing the Holy Quran in dirt and filth, prostrating to a idol, etc.

 

Through this the Muslims can understand that if any person says that those matters in the Holy Quran and the Hadith, which cannot be understood logically (i. e.  using the present corpus of knowledge), they need to be explained away (tawil), which only means that they should not be understood as they are, then what we should think about such a person?

 

Shaykh Imam Taqiuddin writes in As Saif ul Maslool that a consensus has been achieved on this that any Muslim who diminishes the honor and glory of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), or abuses Him, the execution of that person is compulsory (Wajib) and writes that Hadhrat Umar (May Allah Ta’ala be well pleased with him) has explicitly ordered that the person who abuses Almighty Allah Ta’ala or the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) should be killed. ” (Maqasid Ul Islam, Pg No: 137, 138)

 

The Result Of Disrespect And Avoiding The Books Of The Misguided

 

If any person declares himself/herself as a Muslim and all the signs of Islam such as offering Salaat, fasting, acting upon the Shariah and along with that if that person disrespects the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) whether directly or indirectly, then that person will be considered a Kafir (denier).   That person’s declaration of faith and the manifestation of acts of Iman from that person do not mean anything.   Muslims should refrain from reading or listening to such books which create doubts in their minds and should supplicate Allah Ta’ala for guidance.   In this connection, Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam reproduces what Ibn Taimiyya wrote and comments on them:

 

“The substance of all these is that any person who disrespects Allah Ta’ala and the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is considered worthy of being killed, even though the disrespect might be indirect.   If any person says that the Zuhd (abstinence from the pleasures of the world) was not His own wish, if He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) had got something better to eat, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would have had it.   Then even that person is worthy of being killed.

 

These Traditions show that how much ever a person expresses Islam, if the above signs are found in that person, then that person will be considered a Kafir and that person’s declaration of faith and his acts of Islam will be worth nothing.   This was the result of denying only one verse of the Holy Quran.

 

Now think that if a person has doubt in Allah's power that the Lord Almighty can only do what is His habit and nothing beyond that, then this negates how many verses of the Holy Quran and would also include all the miracles of all the Prophets, of the Qiyamah (Day of Judgment), of Jannah and Jahannum (heaven and hell), the existence of angels and the Jinn.   In fact, of all those things whose existence is proved by the Holy Quran.  When the Holy Quran is being disrespected like this then what to say of the Hadith.  When the possibility of Allah Ta’ala lying is being raised, then will such people take into consideration the Sahabah, the Ulama and others? Then in spite of all these denials, only Allah Ta’ala knows what thing they name as Islam.”  (Maqasid Ul Islam, Pg No: 139)

 

Protection Of Iman, The Advice Of Shaykh Ul Islam

 

Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam advises the Muslims about the protection of their Iman and their beliefs in the following words:

 

“Nowadays, at least this much the Muslims need to do that they should not read such Tafseer nor even listen to them, which create doubts in their mind.  Instead, they should pray to Allah Ta’ala to guide us and them and grant us that Islam and Iman which will ensure our eternal deliverance”.  (Maqasid Ul Islam Vol 1, Pg No: 137-140)

 

Using Double-Meaning Words To Address The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) Is Not Correct Even If It Is Done With A Good Intention

 

In the Tafseer of a verse of the Holy Quran , Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes:

 

“The substance of this is that even though the Sahabah used this word in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with the intent and purport of respect, but because this word was used as an abuse in another language, Allah Ta’ala decreed against its use.  Now every person can understand that when a word does not even suggest disrespect, but only because of another language, the usage of that word was prohibited, then how can these insolent words, which directly intend the diminishing of the glory of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), be allowed?  If somebody says that the Jews were not allowed to use this word, then we will say maybe.  But the prohibition is for Muslims expressly, those with whom this word was used as form of respect.  Also, here neither the Jews are mentioned, nor their language.  If only this was intended, then like their other mischief, this also would have been mentioned here itself.  That the prohibition is for the Muslims expressly shows that using such words even with good intention is also not correct.  Then the punishment for this was decreed that that person should be executed.  If a Muslim had used this word, then because this order was for all, undoubtedly would have been killed.  Nobody would have asked him/her what did you intend by this word.”  (Anwaar-e-Ahmadi- Pg No: 222)

 

After writing this Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes in a moving and thought-provoking way:

 

“We should think that how much worse it is to use such words for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) which mean only disrespect regardless of whether they express it or intend it? Would the Sahabah, before whom the one who said think whether he would be worthy of being executed, delay the execution of such people.  Would their useless explanations be of any use?  No never.  But what can happen now?  What can we do now except to recall those times and cry on our powerlessness.  Where will those firm people be found whose fervor fixed the flags of Islam in the east and the west.  This age and time could not see those beacons of guidance.  Thus, whoever sees that the stage is vacant says whatever comes to his mind with terrific courage.  Then have a look at their courage that Iman is being based on those acts which would make a person liable to be executed.  If this is Iman, then we need to think carefully what lack of Iman would be.”  (Anwaar-e-Ahmadi, Pg No: 222-224)

 

The Commandment Of Salaat And Salaam In Namaaz

 

In Namaaz, which is a worship in itself, it is Wajib (compulsory) to recite the Tashahud, in which the Muslims send greetings (Salaam) to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Here a doubt might arise that should we send the Salaam, by directing our attention to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) or not?  Is it Shirk during an act of worship to direct out attention to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam makes a detailed case for this and establishes the ruling itself and the etiquette of following it.  Then he writes:

 

“No Muslim should think that directing one’s attention to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) during the Namaaz is Shirk of worship, because when the commandment for this has been given by the Law-giver, then all thoughts against are wrong and ridiculous.  To try to explain them away would be similar to the attempts of Iblis when asked to prostrate to Hadhrat Adam (Peace be upon him).

 

Now we should understand that if Salaam is so important, that one section of Namaaz has been kept entirely for that, then how much more should we not practice at other times, although granting that these things are not binding on the populace.  For them only what the Law-Giver decrees as enough is enough, but those blessed with intellect should think about this for as even a gesture is enough for an intelligent person.  All in all, when one wants to convey Salaam to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) at a particular time, then one should stand up and with utmost humility say:

 

“Assalamalaikum Ya Sayyidina Rasoolallah”

 

Assalamalaikum Ya Sayyidina Sayyidal Awwaleen Wal Aakhareen

 

and other such words and phrases which express the greatness and grandeur of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) should be used.  Here somebody may raise the objection that standing up is similar to worship and that is not allowed; if Salaam is allowed in worship itself, then why should it not be allowed if it similar to worship.  If it is said that the Holy Quran says that standing up is specifically only for Allah Ta’ala, then we would say, truly, standing in Salaat is only for Allah Ta’ala.  If it meant all kinds of standing, then why would (the word) Allah Ta’ala be mentioned in the verse.  To sum up, this verse means that the standing in Namaaz is obligatory and not every standing.  In the opinion of the majority of Fuqaha (Islamic Law experts), standing up by way of respect for anybody is also correct.  “ (Anwar-e-Ahmadi, Pg No: 175, 176)

 

Kissing The Thumbs On Listening To The Name Of The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam)

 

Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam piles heaps upon heaps of proofs that kissing the thumbs on listening to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is Mustahab and Masnoon (commendable and established by the Sunnah).  Then he advises us:

 

“Even after this if we do not kiss out thumbs on listening to the blessed name of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), then we should supplicate to Allah Ta’ala to guide us to do so.  If the grace of Allah Ta’ala holds our hands and we start kissing out thumbs then we may gain the reward of both the worlds.”  (Anwar-e-Ahmadi Pg No: 281, 282)

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) Hears Both Far And Near

 

In the discussion on Durood and Salaam, Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes about the hearing of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):

 

When so many Hadith prove that distance does not mean anything for some angels and at the same moment, they listen to each and every person, then what is the reason for Muslims to doubt the limits of the knowledge of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam); the reason for doubting it and denying it is that this might mean shirk fis sifat i. e.  equality with Allah SWT, so when this ability is proved in the attendants of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) without doubt, then it should be present all the more and even more in the Master.  (Anwar-e-Ahmadi Pg No: 75)

 

Getting Our Wishes Through The Auliya Allah

 

Asking for Auliya’s help and asking them to fulfill our wishes is considered wrong and it is considered shirk, Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes about that:

 

Maybe that at this point, people would think going to pay respects to Auliya Allah and asking them our wishes is shirk, then the answer for this is that asking for intercession (Shafa’at) through those who fulfill our wishes can never be wrong.  When it is well established that Allah Ta’ala gives them the knowledge of both the worlds, as given in the Hadith, then what is there to be surprised if the same Lord gives them the knowledge of what is going in the heart of the one far away…………when the intent of Allah Ta’ala is that these Auliya should be famous, as shown just now, then what if Allah Ta’ala Himself fulfils the wishes of those who ask for their help?  For this reason, even though centuries have passed, but still people crowd at the shrines of the Auliya.  If people did not get their wishes through them, then why would anyone take the trouble to go to their doors and why would anyone spend thousands of rupees as Isaal-E-Thawab.  “(Maqasid Ul Islam, Vol 4, Pg No: 84)

 

An Analysis Of Thinking About The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) In Namaaz

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) went inside the Ka’aba and saw that they had made images of the Prophets (Peace be upon them), so He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) washed them away with saffron-mixed water.  From this Hadith Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam draws the conclusion that the vision of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) which comes to our mind when we think about the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) ought to be respected as it is related to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):

 

“See! Those images all come under idols, their respect was not necessary, neither according to the Shariah and neither according to logic, but only because they had a certain relationship with the Prophets and it was said that this is image of this Prophet and this of that, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) showed some consideration for them and when He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) wiped them out, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) wiped them out with saffron-mixed water and did not allow any disrespect of them.  If some of present days’ harsh people were present, then their nature shows us that they would have dirtied their hands only for this and would have considered this as a proof of Tauhid.  Accordingly, some of these people have clearly written that thinking about something worse is better than thinking about the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

 

“Now consider! The vision of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) which develops in our mind when we think about the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has certain relationship with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and will any person with Iman say that it is worse than the worse animals?  Those people will surely explain this in some way or the other, but all those are not to be talked about.  What we say is this, the vision which had certain relationship with the person of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has been insulted.

 

In light of the respect of the Sahabah, these people should themselves think, if they had said such a thing about the Sahabah, then how they would have treated them. “  (Maqasid Ul Islam Vol 10, Pg No: 163, 164)

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) Is Always Immersed In The Vision Of The Almighty Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala)

 

While discussing asking for help from somebody other than Allah Ta’ala, Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam unravels the secrets of Tashahud (At Tahiyyat…):

 

“This calling out (Ya) is because the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is always immersed in the vision of Allah Ta’ala.  Who has the courage to call Him then? But such is His benevolence! Call out to us, whenever you want, we will listen to you, especially when you are in the presence of the Lord Almighty Allah Ta’ala, then think about us and send your Salaam to us.  This is the secret of Salaam in Tashahud.” (Maqasid Ul Islam, Vol.  10 Pg No: 163)

 

The Attention And Grace Of The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) Is Directed Towards Everybody At The Same Moment

 

Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam answers to the logic-based arguments on this in a beautiful manner:

 

“Now the talk that among philosophers, it is not considered valid that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) can pay attention to each and every person at the same time, then this discussion is for some other time.  With such thoughts , the philosophers have suspended the Lord Almighty also and have clearly and explicitly said that Allah Ta’ala does not know the details of His creation.  But Muslims consider such thoughts to be whispers from Satan.  They know that Allah Ta’ala is attentive towards every grain of sand present in universe and that He can give the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) such power when some follower (Ummati) of His call out to Him, He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) directs His attention to that Ummati and can direct His attention towards all of them also at the same time.  If this was impossible then Allah Ta’ala would never have allowed the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) to order all Muslims to say and ask for His attention:

 

“Assalamalaika Ayyuhan Nabiyyu”

 

This shows that we ask, we request the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) that as per command, we present ourselves at the door of the Almighty, but neither do we have the ability to present ourselves to Him nor is our worship of such standard that the Lord may accept it, Your help is required that this worship, this supplication reaches the door of acceptance.  In the same way, the Sahabah, the Tabi’en would call out to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) in times of need as they knew that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is given power over this universe.”  (Maqasid Ul Islam Vol.  10, Pg No: 98, 99)

 

Difference Between Worship And Respect

 

Hadhrat Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) told the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam): O Prophet of Allah Ta’ala! From the day when I pledged my allegiance to You (i. e.  from the day when he performed the Ba’yah), I have never touched my private organs with my right hand.  On this Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes and separates worship and respect.  He writes:

 

“The reason for this must be that overdoing in worship of Allah Ta’ala is more than what is required as has been said: Do this.  It is enough.  But not in matters of respect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as it raises the status, so the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did not stop from it.  A special reason for this is also that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the beloved of the Allah Ta’ala and the more we respect and love the Beloved, the more the One who loves will be pleased with us.  This shows that such practices invented by the Mashaiqeen are not against the wishes of the Law-Giver (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), but raise the status of those who follow them.  Now calling them as innovators (bida’ati) for this is without a reason.  May Allah Ta’ala grant us insight into religion, through which we can separate the commendable from what is not liked.“  (Maqasid Ul Islam Vol.  10, Pg No: 166, 167)

 

Starting Good Practices Is Also Good

 

After a detailed discussion showing that the Shariah allows Salaam, standing, feeding people on the occasion of Eid Milad, Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam invites those against to think and reflect:

 

“Regardless of that starting of these new practices is allowed by the Shariah, as given in Hadith which means whoever starts a good practice will be rewarded for his task and will also be given the reward for those who follow it and on the one who starts bad things will be the sin of himself and of those who follow him.

 

Look carefully, there is no restriction that this will happen only in the blessed era (of the Sahabah, the Tabi’en and the Tabe Tabi’en), but it is an open command.  If is restricted to the blessed era, then those who start evil will get a very good help, they will say that the way the reward for starting good things is restricted to the blessed era, in the same way the punishment for starting something bad is also restricted to the blessed era.  Thus, only one interpretation can be accepted for this Hadith.  In this case, this Hadith will mean that all the evil things started after the blessed era will not be considered evil, although this is wrong.  This shows that the way evil started in whatever era is to be condemned, in the same way starting good started in any era is praised.  To sum up, if Maulood is a bida’at, even then it is a bida’at-e-hasana, (a good innovation) whose permission is granted by the Shariah.

 

The Belief In The Termination Of Prophethood

 

It is the belief of Muslims that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the Final Prophet.  Allah Ta’ala has ended the galaxy of Prophethood on Him.  Now, now new Prophet will come.  Near the Qiyamah, Hadhrat Isa (Peace be upon him) will come, not as a Prophet, but as a follower of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and he will follow the Shariah of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  From some quarters, filthy attempts are being made to create doubts in the minds of this belief.  Using logic and philosophy, attempts have been made.  This belief is established by the verses of the Holy Quran and the frequently-occurring Hadith (Mutawatir).  Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam has refuted the philosophical arguments presented by the author of Tahzeerunnas.  He writes:

 

“Now we ask those people, where are those thoughts now that kept dragging the whole world into hell by reciting “Kullu bid’atin Dhalala,” (i.e. every new thing is a misguidance) is there any such philosophical argument in the Holy Quran or the Hadith? Or did anyone in the blessed era ever present such an argument, then what do you deserve by starting such a filthy argument and who will be sinner as long as arguments rage back and forth?“ (Anwar-e-Ahmadi,Pg No: 54)

 

After this Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam mentions the Hadith of Hadhrat Umar (May Allah be well pleased with him) in which Hadhrat Umar started reciting from a copy of Talmud in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) expressed His anger and said: If Moosa (Peace be upon him) was present here, he would have no choice but to follow Me.  Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam writes after mentioning this Hadith:

 

“Now everybody can understand when such a small act of a sincere Companion like Hadhrat 'Umar‘s (May Allah be well pleased with him) agitated the Prophet( Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) to such an extent then what about the speech of some Zaid and Umar which shakes the very belief of the Termination of Prophethood? How much do you think it would agitate the Prophet? Will it be forgiven? No, Never.  Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran, "Lo! those who malign Allah and His messenger, Allah hath cursed them in the world and the hereafter, and hath prepared for them the doom of the disdained. " Surah Ahzab, Verse-57.  (Anwar-e-Ahmadi, pg no 55)