Bismihi Ta`ala
*JAMAAT STRUCTURAL REFORM PROPOSAL.*
Hamidan Wamusalliyan,
Sad that lately there has been lots of reshuffling on the Jamaat work on every level and that this has affected the work force itself around the globe. Since the jamaat work is beneficial and very good reformation option for one and all, it is important that we digest our differences and put forward the work itself. The Shariah has instructed us to turn towards Qur-aan, Sunnah and Ijma`(consensus) to solve any disputed situation. We will make qiyaas(analytical judgement) also on sahabahs disputed issues and their adaptation to our present context.
I am not partying any groups or Markazs, but only proposing some valuable Shariah based solution to our present situation. Because the present competition between our mothers and fathers of Tabligh have caused rifts between the children: shuras of countries, zone areas and also individuals in Masjids mashwara. When there is separating issues between father and mother, then the child may propose solutions and if no solution attained, then the child should continue respect, as before, both father and mother without an iota of difference. Although separated, we will follow their wishes to our utmost to have their du`as and barkah underlined by shariah: Mother is the person who should be most attended to(Bukhari) and the father is the main door of Jannah.(Tirmizi) To achieve Jannah, we need to satisfy both, although there are political pressures from both side to win most attention and attendance. But the child should distribute his time and attention towards both and cater for both.
This should be the attitude of a country`s shura towards the stars of Tabligh. Reported in the beginning Chapter of Hayatus Sahabah that the beloved prophet Swalallahou `Alaihi Wasallam said: ‘’I have asked my Rabb about the differences that will occur between my Sahabahs after me. So Allah Ta`ala answered: ‘’O Muhammad! According to Me, your Sahabahs are like stars in the sky. Some shine brighter than others, *but they all have lights.* So whoever take guidance from them even with their differences, then he will be, according to Me, well guided.’’(Hayatus Sahabah)
وأَخرج رَزِين عن عمر رضي الله عنه مرفوعاً: سأَلت ربِّي عن إختلاف أَصحابي من بعدي، فأوحى إليّ: يا محمد، إِنَّ أَصحابك عندي بمنزلة النجوم من السماء بعضها أَقوى من بعض ولكلِّ نور، فمن أَخذ بشيء ممن هم عليه من إختلافهم فهو عندي على هدى»، وقال: «أصحابي كالنجوم بأَيهم اقتديتم اهتديتم»، كذا في جمع الفوائد .
حياة الصحابة
To begin with, the Shura of the country should stay same as it was before the rifts as at May 2016. That Shura of that country was well appointed by our elders when they were all together. These Shurahs have given their life investment in the work and hold an emblematic figure of Tabligh in the society. As such penalizing them will cause further rifts in the country. As far as possible keep the off shore differences and pressures off and keep the inland Tabligh environment secure and peaceful. To do that, we need to recall the same components as when Tabligh was one and united. Hence all Shura appointed as at before partitioning should be kept same.
The Shar`ee daleel for that we have to follow preferably a collectively agreed and adopted practice rather than introducing new ones is found in Sunnah and Fiqh books. Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin `Awf r.a. gave preference to Hazrat Usman r.a. over Ali r.a. when he answered that he will follow Qur-aan, Sunnah and Ijma` practice established by the prior 2 Khalifas. Whereas Ali r.a. answered by Qur-aan, Sunnah and his own opinion.
We will hold to excellence if we hold to those components that prevailed towards excellence. So excellence environment was there prior the rifts.
Countries where Muntakhab/Masjid Abadi/Qur-aani Madrassah,etc have already been introduced for years should continue with it so as not to disturb the status quo prevailing. We should prevent confusion in front of new comers and all musallis. Rasouloullah SAW did not pass capital punishment to accused Munafiqs so that not to show a picture of confusion outside Madinah. Because people outside Madinah will talk that Muhammad Swalallahou Alaihi Wasallam has killed his own people, thinking that munafiqs were considered muslims.
فقال عبد الله بن أبي أوقد فعلوا والله لئن رجعنا إلى المدينة ليخرجن الأعز منها الأذل فقال عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه دعني يا رسول الله أضرب عنق هذا المنافق قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم دعه لا يتحدث الناس أن محمدا يقتل أصحابه
بخاري
As such, all status quo will promote strength and continuity to the work. Muntakhab was prepared by M Yousouf Kandlewi purposely to serve the work. M Alimiyah sahab recalled of its scripts in the 90`s.
But nonetheless, on the basis of preserving status quos, those countries who has not yet applied Muntakhab Ahadith talim, then, if this will cause upheavals, then no need to apply that ta`lim now.
In whole, the shura of each country will be the judge party for its tableegh work. The shura will keep in touch with all stars of tableegh. Because we drank milk from all of them.
As such, one country may have one year ijtima world shura and another year ijtima Nizamuddeen Markaz. This will prevent conflicts in the country itself.
Alike the moon date, each country has his own moon date specific to itself. In the same way, each country may digest and opt for their respective Stars. When foreign jamaat reach another country, they should ask properly which moon that the shura of that country following: world shura or nizamuddeen markaz or a mixture. Which books they are using, etc. So that they respect the established protocols prevailing in that country. No need to impose other moons to that country. The shariah gives the elasticity to each country to follow its own moon without any off shore influence.
Like this, we will respect and keep in touch both mother and father by sending jamaats to both of them. Receiving both of them, but following only the Shura of our country. If there is difference between them, then they may conclude on a mashwara and no need to expulse a member of shura. But status quos that was prevailing should be preserved.
In sunnah we find that Hazrat Abu Hureira r.a. was present in both side : Ali and Mu`awiyah r.a. And the historic hadith of Annas r.a. reported in Hayatus Sahabah purposely support this approach:
وأخرج أَيضاً عن أَنس رضي الله عنه قال: قال لي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم «يا بني، إِن قَدرْتَ أَن تصبح وتمسي وليس في قلبك غُشُّ لأحد فافعل، ثم قال: يا بني، وذلك من سنَّتي، ومن أَحب سنّتي فقد أحبني، ومن أَحبني، كان معي في الجنة».
حياة الصحابة
*Hazrat Annas r.a. said that the beloved prophet SAW told him: O son! If you can spend your days and nights in such a way that in your heart there is no hate for anyone, then do it. Then he added: And O son! Know that this is my way(my sunnah). And one who has liked my sunnah, he has indeed liked me. And the one who has liked me, will be with me in Jannah! (Hayatus Sahabah)*
Doing so, we would be benefiting from the lights of all stars of tabligh. Refer to the first hadith.
There are other options also that will be delivered, Insha Allah, as per circumstances. May Allah Ta`ala unite us for the uplifting of the work of Tableegh. Ameen.
Mufti Ayoob Mackoojee
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