THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST

Vol. XXIII No. 5 May 2021

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Ramadan: A Global Season of Founder: Worship and Good Deeds

Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi (RAH) S. Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi All these things have made Ramadan a global season and a time of grand celebration of worship, God-remembrance, Patron: recitation of the Quran, self-restraint, and piety in which Muslims—educated and S.M. Rabey Hasani Nadwi uneducated, rich and poor, humble and privileged-participate like close friends and associates all over the world. Ramadan falls at the same time in every city and village in Advisory Board : the world. Its arrival can be noticed equally in the palaces of the rich as well as huts of the Mohd. Hamza Hasani Nadwi poor. No one can dare do its rituals differently according to his personal understanding, Shah Ebadur Rahman nor is there any scope for a disagreement in determining the number of its days. The Shamsul Haque Nadwi grandeur and beauty of Ramadan is, in fact, easily noticeable throughout the length and breadth of the Muslim world. It seems as if a canopy of effulgence and peace is raised all Editor: over the Muslim society. Even those who are slack in Fasting choose to fast in Ramadan Shariq Alavi for the fear of being alienated in the Muslim community. If for some reason they decide not to fast, they eat in the day hiding from others in shame. The sick and the traveller Asstt. Editor: are, of course, lawfully exempted from Fasting. Fasting is thus observed collectively Obaidur Rahman Nadwi throughout the world in the same month. This creates a congenial and conducive atmosphere for the believers due to which Fasting becomes easy, hearts soften, and Muslims turn to deeds of worship and submission, sympathy and compassion with greater eagerness.

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CONTENTS

1- The Message of Idul Fitr - S. Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi 7

2- The Universal Fraternization - S.M. Rabey Hasani Nadwi 9

3- The Meaning of Islam - Hammudah Abdalati 17

4- The Essentials of An Islamic - Maryam Jameelah 21

Community

5- The Religious Practices of Islam - S. Athar Husain 27

6- Under Islamic Law, Why is A - Syed Mohammad Hamid 34

Woman’s Share of Inherited Wealth

Half That of A Man’s?

7- Maulana Syed Wali Rahmani - Obaidur Rahman Nadwi 36

(1943-2021)

8- Anees Chisti Passes Away - Abdul Bari Masoud 37

9-A Pious Lady - 38

10-Around The World - 39

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Wisdom of Qur’an Pearls From the O Believers! Enter into Islam wholly and Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) do not follow the footsteps of Satan. It is related by Abu Hurairah that the Apostle of Surely he is an open enemy to you. God said : ‘‘Do not be suspicious, for suspicion (al-Baqgrah 2:208) is the height of falsehood, nor bear a grudge or enmity against each other, nor be jealous of This verse, though brief, contains a each other, nor indulge in back-biting, nor pry broad message for man, especially the into the secrets of one another, nor try Muslim community. Contained in it is unreasonably to excel one another, nor turn much food for thought, for here Allah your faces against each other, but O bondmen asks believers to be imbued with Islam of God ! live like brothers as the Lord has commanded.” in full. Another significant directive is to —Bukhari and Muslim shun Satan’s footsteps in that he is Commentary: The evils mentioned above are man’s open enemy. highly detrimental to the growth of good and Let us first explain what is meant by Islam. friendly relations. They cause ill-will and Many people who have not conducted a produce bitterness in the hearts. The sacred Prophet has, first of all, spoken of suspicion study of comparative religions fail to which is a form of unfounded feal and appreciate the fundamental truth that misdoubt, and whoever has a suspecting Islam is a set of beliefs and a complete nature sees viciousness in everything a man way of life. Other religions are named does with whom he has the least difference, after their founders or their ethnic origin. and his attitude towards him is, naturally, influenced by it. The other person, too, reacts Take the example of Judaism, which is and an atmosphere of sullen malice and ill- named after YeHuda, a member of the will is created between them. Prophet’s family. Christianity owes its The same is the case with the other habits name to Jesus Christ. Parsis are named indicated in it. They breed hatred and enmity after Faris, the old name of Iran, which and leave no room for goodwill and fellowship was the birthplace of their religion. None to develop which the common religious tie demands. of these religions represents an Abu Hurairah relates that the Apostle of God extensive call to believe in God or a Way said: “Guard yourselves against envy for envy of life. Hinduism takes its name from eats up good deeds as fire eats up wood.” Sindh, and Brahamanism after a — Abu Dawood particular class. Buddhism too owes its Commentary : When the fire of envy burns in name to its founder, Gautama Buddha. anyone’s heart, he misses no opportunity to So is the case with Jainism. In contrast hurt or harm the person at the sight of whose excellence or success he feels discontented, to all these, Islam is the only faith that and, if nothing else, he seeks satisfaction by prescribed a way of life and derives its slandering him and speaking ill of him behind message from the Scripture and the his back, and, as we learn from other Messenger. It is based solely on divine Traditions of the Prophet, the lowest penalty revelation. The Shariah stands for His the envious are going to pay in future existence is that their good deeds will be allotted to those commands. Islam is a set of beliefs and against whom they have sinned. It will, the Shariah. In this respect it is unique, perhaps, explain what is meant by the eating distinct from all other religions. up of good deeds by envy, as stated in the above narrative. 

[ 4 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 Editor’s Note The Blessed Month of Ramazan

Ramadhan is the month of peace, tranquility, piety, righteousness, generosity and bestowal. Of the five tenets of Islam, fasting in the month of Ramadhan is a must every year. During fast one must abstain from eating, drinking and smoking including inoculation and injections from dawn to dusk. In this context the verses of the Holy Quran which ordain for fasting, as an obligatory duty for Muslims are as follows: “O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self restraint.” (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number should be made up from later days. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that indigent, but he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him, and it is better for ye that ye face, if ye only knew”. (S.2,A.183-184) Ramadhan’s significance can be gauged from the fact that “the Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammad(PBUH) in this month as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present at his house during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. God intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties. He wants you to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. (S.2,A.185) Needless to add that like Salat (Prayers), fasting has been an essential duty for the followers of earlier Prophets. The Bible says that Jesus Christ fasted for forty days (Matthew 4: 1-4, Mark 1:12-13 and Luke 4:1-4). In Peter 2:21 the followers of Christ are enjoined to fast as the Prophet did. Even the Vedas and the Puranas prescribe fasting. Thus earlier peoples fasted though with a difference in the number of days and the prescribed time of fasting. It should be kept in mind that this particular month has been considered sacred even from pre-Islamic days too. Ibn-Hisham states that the Qurayesh in the days of ignorance spent one month a year on Mt. Hira, practicing penance (Tahannuth). Before instituting fasting of Ramadhan Muhammad (PBUH) evidently observed fast on the tenth of Moharram”. (History of the Arabs, p. 133) During Ramadhan evil conceals itself while good comes to the fore and the whole atmosphere is filled with piety and purity. The holy prophet says: “The deed of son of Adam is’ increased several times (in Ramadhan) and the reward is increased by ten times. But Allah says that fasting is exclusively for Him and He himself will deliver its reward (to His bondsmen) as he abstains from eating and controls his desires only for Him. There are (two instances) of happiness for the fasting Muslim, one is at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time meeting his Lord. And verily to Allah, the smell of fasting person’s breath is the best and cleanliest. “The prophet of Islam also says: There is a door of paradise called Rayyan towards which only the fasting will be called. Only [ 5 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 the fastings will be called. Only the fastings will enter it and those who enter it will never feel thirsty. It is related by Abu Hurairah that the Apostle of Allah said: “When the month of Ramazan’ comes, the Gates of Heaven are thrown open, and the Gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are put behind the bar.” (In another report, the “Gates of Mercy” are mentioned in place of the “Gates of Heaven.” (Bukhari and Muslim) “Salman Farsi narrates that the Apostle of Allah delivered a sermon on the last day of Sha’ban in which he said:’ “O my people! You are on the threshold of a month of great solemnity and blessings. It is a month whose one night is better than a thousand months. God has prescribed fasting in this month and make Taraweeh prayers optional whosoever willingly and with good intentions does one good act in this month will have the merit of having done an obligatory act in other months and one who does a prescribed act in this month it will be equal to seventy prescribed act of other months. This is the month of endurance and the reward of endurance is paradise and this the month of sympathy with and care of the needy men of the community”. (Mishkat) It is related by Abu Hurairah that the Apostle of Allah said: “Whoever omits even a single fast of Ramazan without the legal concession of a journey etc. or (a valid excuse like that of illness), amends cannot be made for the thing that is omitted even though he observes fasting throughout the life.” (Tirmizi) It is needless to add that fasting is a shield against sins, crimes, vices and other un-Islamic acts. The prophet says: “Fast is like a shield for protection from satan’s attack. Therefore, when one observes fast he should use this shield and abstain from quarreling. If anybody abuses him or quarrels with him, he should simply say: Brother, I am fasting do not expect me to indulge in similar conduct (Bukhari & Muslim) To restore real spirit of fast, it is incumbent to observe it with prescribed rules and regulations. The noble prophet said: “If one does not give up speaking a lie during fast, God does not require him to give up eating and drinking (Bukhari). On another occasion, he said: “Many are the people who fast but who “gain nothing from their fasts except hunger and thirst: and many are those who stand praying all night but gain nothing except sleeplessness (Darimi)” To sum up the fasting according to Islam, is a spiritual discipline and as a consequence it inculcates moral discipline. It imparts moral strength and leads to the promotion of” virtues of piety. We solicit articles for publication in The Fragrance of East. Suitable remuneration will be paid to writers. We prefer receipt of articles on: e-mail: [email protected] along with a hard copy, duly signed, by post.

[ 6 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 The Message of Idul Fitr - S. Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi Allah intends for you ease, and He does should celebrate Allah’s praise in that not want to make things difficult for you. He has guided them. They are obliged [He wants that] you must complete the to praise Him for having blessed them same number of days and that you must with His guidance. They are also magnify Allah for having guided you so that exhorted to thank Allah and express you may be grateful to Him. And when My gratitude to Him. slaves ask you [O Prophet] concerning Me, then [tell them]I am indeed near. I Allah mentions implicitly ‘Id in the respond to the invocations of the above passage. Although the festival of supplicant when he calls on Me. So let ‘Id is not specified, the passage states them obey Me and believe in Me, so that the objective, spirit and function of ‘Id. they may be led alright. As Allah enables a Muslim to fast during (al-Baqarah 2:185-186) Ramadan and pray at night, he should This passage relates to the celebrate Allah’s glory. This should be blessed month of Ramadan. The by way of thanks for the bestowal of His Qur’anic account of fasting marks the guidance. A Muslim stands indebted to opening of this passage which states Him for blessing him with faith and Islam. that fasting is prescribed as a religious Without His leave he could neither fast duty for Muslims, as it was for the nor pray. For there are numerous believers of an earlier date. It is communities besides Muslims in the prescribed so that they may become world. They know well that Muslims pious. It is further clarified that the celebrate Ramadan in a particular way. Qur’an was sent down during this month Yet it makes no difference to them. and that the Qur’an is guidance for all Ramadan does not carry any meaning mankind. Contained in it are signs as and message for them. guidance and criterion. We should be grateful to Allah for In this passage Allah tells having guided us. We should be equally Muslims that He intends ease for them. grateful for being blessed with Islarn. He does not want to put them to any Moreover, we should be thankful to Him difficulty. Fasting for twenty-nine or thirty for granting us health which enables us days during Ramadan is not an to fast. Above all, Allah grants us the impossible task. Muslims are asked to ability and strength to fast. For one may fast for a limited number of days. This possess everything yet not receive is followed by the directive that they divine guidance to fast. One may be an

[ 7 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 adult, with sound physique and other be pardoned for missing a fast on resources yet still not fast. It amounts to account of ill health. disobedience on his part. It is common knowledge that That Allah alone grants the ability festivals are an. occasion for expressing is the real thing. It is He Who inspires joy. One is relieved of one’s duties, man to fast during Ramadan and to pray enabling one to enjoy the festival. Islam to Him. In sum, He guides us to fast. Yet is, however, the only faith that obliges there are those who possess the its followers to perform extra duty on the facilities and resources to fast but who day of festival. Nonetheless, this duty is do not do so. This is because Allah does not very burdensome. Rather, it accrues not inspire such a person to fast. A more blessings. It instructs the believers believer is obliged to celebrate Allah’s in ‘Self-restraint and decency. On ‘Id day praise for having provided him with the Muslims are obliged to offer two requisite resources and ability to fast. additional rak’ah of prayer. They are not Since there is nothing to prohibit one exempted from discharging their from fasting, it is imperative for one to religious duty on this day, as they have fast. The directive to celebrate Allah’s to offer extra prayer in between the praise is on account of the same - the compulsory Fajr and Zuhr Prayers. This ability granted by Him to fast. is the Islamic way of expressing It is part of the Sunnah that on gratitude to Allah. the day of ‘Id al-Fitr one should celebrate The Muslim community is thus Allah’s praise on one’s way to the consistently instructed in thanking Allah. mosque. On ‘Id al-Adha one should No other religious community is chant such praise aloud: “Allah is great. particular about this. The Muslims alone Allah is great. There is no god besides try to perform this. They discharge their Allah. Allah is great. All praise is for duty and thank Allah for enabling them Allah.” It is also part of the Sunnah that to do so. one should use two different routes for Other religious communities do going to the mosque to offer prayer. This not offer extra prayers or charity on their results in circulating Allah’s praise festival days. Rather, they enjoy life, throughout the whole town. The engrossed in eating and drinking. In inhabitants of the town will hence receive Islam, however, the focus is on giving - this message. While waiting for the ‘ld charity to the poor, gratitude to Allah and Prayer to commence, one should keep celebrating of Allah’s praise. This is on praising Him for His guidance and done in order to thank Allah for His this out of gratitude. For Allah has guidance. It expresses Muslims’ granted one the ability to fast. One will gratefulness to Him.  [ 8 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 The Universal Fraternization - S.M. Rabey Hasani Nadwi* Now with the arrival of Muslims of one basis . As a result thereof, their the tribe of the Quoraish in Madinah and racial desperateness got transformed their getting united with Aus and Khazraj, into propinquity and fraternity. Hazrat the moral and religious bond between Maulana Syed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi the two races of the populace of writes: Madinah, that is Aus and Khazraj, on the “This fraternization was the one hand, and the Muslims of the prelude to establishment of a Quoraish tribe, on the other, had, at missionary Ummat, that was the least, eliminated, to a great extent, the foundation of a unique-of-its-kind, prejudicial desperateness between Islamic and universal fraternity which these two races. Under the banner of was going to be raised for having a new Islam, both of them got united. Both of world order, say, a new world, evolved. them had now just one Mentor and one It was getting evolved to give the world Leader. And, thus, the Islamic order of the correct and specific creeds and life got substantially bolstered by it. It such pious objectives as would had, in addition, the Prophet’s (SAW) emancipate it from the desolation and sagacious, affectionate and affable disorder, to give it the bonds of Faith, guidance available to it. Thus, a force the real fraternity and unified that had its reigns in the Prophet’s campaigning. This bond of limited (SAW) hands, got evolved here. The brotherhood between Muhajirs and Muslims coming from Makkah, being Ansar thus proved to be the the members of the Ismailite race did not harbinger of a new life for the world of have the congenital kinship with Aus the humanity.” and Khazraj. Instead, they had deemed each other kind of aliens, nay, rivals, Hence, with the arrival of Islam in rather. To redeem this desperateness this city and its acceptance of the Islamic and estrangement, the Prophet (SAW) injunctions, its habitants got instructed took the measure that he (SAW) had into making themselves brothers to them formally fraternized. That is, he each other, and into adopting, having (SAW) had a covenant of their being given up the tribal predilections, the brothers, on the line of kinship that attitude of humanistic compassion and exists between the sanguine siblings, justice. Despite the tribal predilection, formally solemnized. It was on one-to- the feeling of fraternity got generated in them. They (Aus and Khazraj) had not * Rector, Nadwatul Ulama, Lucknow. only themselves become brothers to

[ 9 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 each other, but had made the people of appearance, we would, under his Makkah, too, their brothers. With the leadership, have our formal dominance arrival of the Prophet (SAW) there, a and supremacy attained over you. magnificent ambience of love, Even though their religion was the brotherhood, compassion and same as that of Musa (AS) and Musa commiseration was created there. (AS) was one of Allah Almighty’s chosen Treaty with the Jews of Madinah: Prophets, the practices of these Jews The Jewish tribes domiciled, as well as the Jews of other regions, besides the Arabs, in Madinah hailed, too, were not fully in conformity with their originally, from the Syrian region. They religion. They had even made had, having read the prediction of interpolations, as per their own sweet appearance of a Prophet in ‘some or will, in their Divine Book, Torah. And, on the other Arab region of the regions the strength of these interpolations, having date-palms’ in their scripture, having proclaimed some wrong deeds, had come over here and got settled. too, as the right ones, they would do act Because of their racial desperateness, as per their own free will. they were different in their mindset and Ultimately, owing to this sort of characteristics from Arabs. In terms of persistent contumacy on their part, Allah religion, too, they were distinct from Almighty had them proclaimed as the them. Thus, on religious and racial despised lot. They had, however, the grounds, they had an identity of their misconception that the forthcoming own, different from that of the original Prophet would only be from among-st inhabitants of this place. At the same them. For, quite for some time past, time, in terms of learning and economy, exactly so had been the case. Because they had supremacy over Arabs. Taking of their being descendants of Hazrat advantage of it, they drew political and Ibrahim (AS), they were having economic benefits there-from. However, benedictions made on them. It was their in terms of population and numerical incessant disregard of them that had strength, Arabs had an edge over them. made them the despised lot. Yet, out of Members of the Jewish community, their fallacy, they were still expectant of owing to their economic and academic having this last Prophet from among-st supremacy over Arabs, considered the them only. It was on the basis of some latter inferior to them. In the economic spatial denotations that some of their field, they would make a display of their family lines had, having come over to strength. Making threats on academic Madinah and its northern regions, got grounds, they would say that: our books settled there and were awaiting the contain this prediction that a Prophet is appearance of the Prophet. to appear in these quarters. On his

[ 10 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 But, when the Prophet (SAW) got concluded, there was no hindrance left raised from amongst the Arabs, instead in the way of making call towards Islam of them, they took umbrage. They and in adoption of the Islamic order and refused to accept him (SAW) as the the Islamic way of life in the city of Prophet. But, the Arabs of Madinah, on Madinah. the basis of what they had heard from Establishment of Islamic Social the Jews, found the news about his Order: (SAW) Prophecy, being in conformity with what the Jews have been telling Hence, the Prophet (SAW), having them. To them it appeared, rather, sort come over here and having the unity and of proof, too, of the veracity of his accord generated among its Prophecy. That was the reason that an inhabitants, had the social order of the atmosphere favorable to acceptance of Islamic way of life established here. Islam with convenience had already Under this order all the Muslims got been evolved in Madinah. Then, on the committed to the principle of leading Prophet’s (SAW) arrival in Madinah, the their lives in accordance with the Shariat Jews, seeing that the majority of under the subordination of one, single Madinah people had already joined him Ameer. An important issue in this order (SAW), kept their displeasure, due to was that the Muslims who had come the fear of this majority, to themselves. over from Makkah and the Muslims who On this end, however, the Prophet were residents of Madinah belonged to (SAW) had, thoroughly, taken in the different homelands and. different situation. He, therefore, thought it tribes. Muslims coming over from prudent to have a peace treaty Makkah had to have it done so, having concluded with the Jews so that no left behind all their belongings that they atmosphere of any sort of turmoil could had in their homeland as well as their be created within the populace of financial resources. They were Madinah. Since the Jews were in compelled to come over, empty- minority, they conceded to entering into handed, to this new place where it was the treaty by way of temporal not easy for them to make immediate expediency. In this treaty, provision was arrangements for their means of had for mutual Peaceful co-existence subsistence. Nevertheless, the Faith- between Arab Muslims and Jews. equipped life of both of them had Provision was also had in it for reached, thanks to the impact of the maintenance of religious and social Prophet’s (SAW) training and autonomy of each other. It was also education, such a level where whatever agreed upon that in case of threat from arrangement would have been outside, both the two sides would help proposed by him (SAW), would have each other. After having this treaty been conceded to by them. He (SAW), [ 11 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 therefore, proposed, in accordance level. That too, had, lastly, gotten with the norms of Islamic brotherhood hemmed in by hardships. It was due to and mutual cooperation, the solution of this that the Prophet (SAW) had to, fraternization between them: that the perforce, get migrated from Makkah. Muslims coming over from Makkah and And, because of the hounding and the residents of Madinah get into such harrowing by the Quoraish, a circuitous, a fraternal bond among-st them as roundabout route had to be taken, to makes, under it, every Madanite Muslim avoid getting caught by them, on journey fully associated with one Makkan towards Madinah. Muslim and becomes like a brother to Initiation of Azan (the call for the him. In this manner, those coming here prayer): on migration and their Madinite colleagues got joined together, and both As regards to worship, Namaz became, so to say, like the original was already made obligatory. It was residents, nay, brothers to each other. It offered in Makkah individually and, to had its impact on the economic some extent, surreptitiously. On arrival condition, too. One benefit of the in Madinah, this constraint was fraternization was that a kinship sort of removed. So, for the purpose of having bondage got established between the Namaz offered in congregation in Mohajirs and Ansar. Its other fall-out was the mosque, there was the need to give that a united, Islamic society of the entire a call to the people. To that end, giving populace of the city got constituted. On the call that was Azan got prescribed in the other hand, the Jewish population the very first year of Hijrah (migration). stood, under the treaty that was With the Namaz getting offered in the concluded with them, to be an ally of this regularized manner in congregation, society. And, thus, with this city, the need was felt to have it decided as to perfect atmosphere of adoption of what should be the way to give the call Islamic order of life and practice in to the people. Someone suggested to consonance with its objectives got have the information conveyed by created. The Prophet (SAW) had, thus, blowing the conch. Someone else the opportunity to set up the Islamic suggested something else. While all this social order which could not be had set mulling over was going on, one of the up in Makkah, because of the hostility companions came to him (SAW) and of the infidels there, their dominance narrated a dream that he had dreamt. and the tough conditions created by He stated that he saw someone making them there. It was only on the individual the announcement in such and such level that the Divine Commands were words. Saying so, he uttered the words in force there. That apart, the missionary of Azan (the announcement) within the work, too, was conducted on individual earshot of all those present. Such were [ 12 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 those words that on hearing them the towards Kaba happened to be on the Prophet (SAW) said that they were back. numinous and Divinely inspired and that But, he (SAW) yearned to have the Divine Inspiration takes place by means direction facing towards Ka’bat-ullah of dreams also. He (SAW) had, (Allah’s Ka’ba) adopted for Qibla. For, therefore, Hazrat Bilal (RAA) it was the progenitor of the Prophets, summoned and had the words of Azan Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), the one who had taught to him. Thus it was that the adopted Baitul-Maqdis as the mosque practice of Azan got started. and Qibla, himself, who had built Ka’ba Diversion of Qibla: and had proclaimed it to be the greatest Since the location of Masjid-e- centre of religion and worship. He had Nabavi happens to be between Baitul- prayed for it to be granted preeminence Maqdis and Harem mosque of Makkah, and magnificence. Before him, Hazrat there came up the issue of having the Adam (AS), too, had made it the place Qibla specified. For, in accordance to of worship. It had, on this basis, gotten previous Divine Shariats, Baitul-Maqdis defined as the first ever House of Allah had been the Qibla till then. The Prophet and had assumed the position of the (SAW) and the Muslims were bound to most central place of worship in the observe that very direction unless and world, as is stated by Allah Himself: until some new instruction was received. (Verily the first House set apart for Although, because of the sanctity of mankind was that at Bakka, blest and Kaba, they yearned to have it only as guidance to the worlds.) (Aal-e-lmran : their Qibla. For this very reason, 96) perhaps, whenever the Prophet (SAW) Thus, it was obvious that it offered prayers in the Harem mosque, deserved to be the Qibla. But, unless he (SAW), having adopted a place on and until the command from Allah was the Southern side of the Harem to stand, received to adopt it as Qibla, he (SAW) would face Northward. Thus, the could not act merely on his own volition direction of the both would be the same. as per his own wish. He could only give But such a posture was not possible to expression to his wish. Hence, his wish adopt here in Madinah; and no new was conceded to by Allah and the instruction had, as yet, arrived about command to adopt the holy House of Qibla. Hence, he (SAW) had kept Allah as Qibla was received in the adopting that very direction that was middle of the month of Shaban of the adopted by the Prophets who had year 2 of Hijrah. preceded him, that is the direction facing towards Baitul-Maqdis. In this This delay was, most probably, by posture, however, the direction facing way of an exercise for the Muslims in

[ 13 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 keeping their wish and opinion now been transferred to Hazrat suppressed for a while.That is why, Muhammad (SAW), the centrality that perhaps, the release of the command the Baitul-Maqdis had, too, got got delayed. Anyway, ultimately the transferred to Kaba. Kaba got declared as more exalted than Building up the Islamic Society: both the two mosques, that is Baitul- Maqdis mosque and the Prophet’s Owing to Madinah Munawwarah mosque, even. The merit of offering getting taken up as his abode by the prayers in it was declared to be Prophet (SAW), it was not only the equivalent to the merit of offering one Prophet’s mosque that had assumed lakh prayers elsewhere. The command importance but the entire city of Madinah received was: Munawarah, too, had earned prominence for this very reason. It was (Turn then thy face towards the here that the matters and affairs related sacred Mosque) to Muslims started getting conducted This command was received one from. Settlement of all their issues year and four months after his (SAW) related to their religious and social life arrival in Madinah. During this period , would be made from here and the he (SAW) had his prayers offered from instructions in their respect would get here in the direction facing toward issued from here. And, thus, the stage BaitulMaqdis. got set for the promulgation of Islamic This dispensation (the K’aba practical order. Divine instructions getting made the Qibla) was resented regarding religious, social and moral by the Jews since they held that it was issues started being received. And, only their own place of worship, Baitul- since, the Islamic Shariat was not Maqdis, which was the principal place culminated and climaxed with the arrival of worship. But Allah Almighty had made of the previous Prophets and that was the Prophet, Muhammad (SAW), so now going to take place with the arrival associated with Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), of the Prophet Mohammad (SAW), that the Shariats of both of them had instructions regarding the vast range of become one Shariat and the privelege various and diverse situations in life that the Banu Israil had by way of started, gradually, coming in, in order to inheritance from Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) have it perfected and culminated and got, after it was revoked from Banu to make it comprehensive and all- Israil, transferred to Muhammad (SAW). encompassing. Issues such as The factor of association with the K’aba specification of prayers to be offered, was common to both of them. And, as fasts to be observed, method and terms the legacy of religious guidance had of Azan, proscription of gambling and drinking got finalized. Instructions

[ 14 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 regarding various aspects of life, lives of Muslims they could be applied whether within the individual sphere of to them. And, thus, Islam qua religion- life or within the sphere of collectivity, cum-Shariat par excellence and perfect, also started coming in. Intended, on the all-around and all-inclusive got one hand, to bring reform to these preserved for fulfilling the future needs, aspects, full consideration was had in too, of the Muslims. these instructions of convenience and Suffah and the people of Suffah: ease, also. In addition, instructions regarding friendship with the friends, Subsequent to diversion of Qibla, compliance with the pacts made with when the Prophet’s mosque got diverted allies, assent to combat the intruders, towards Baitullah, the wall of the being considerate to the commonweal mosque on the side of the first Qibla and of the humanity, mutual relations among- the space adjacent to it, that was in the st the believers themselves and shape of a platform, got reserved for whatever issues could there get accommodating those members of the cropped up, kept, gradually and as and Muslim community who wanted to come when the situation demanded, being over and reside there for getting issued. These instructions would be acquainted with, and learning from the received through the verses of the holy Prophet (SAW), matters regarding the Quran as well as various other modes religion. Hence, the people started of Revelation made to him (SAW). Thus, staying there. The board for them was all the instructions pertaining to life, in arranged by the Prophet (SAW) himself accordance with whatever the demands like he did for his family members. And of the prevailing situations and the Prophet (SAW), magnanimous that circumstances were, would be received. he was and owing to the wont that he Thanks to this manner of having the had of going all-out to help the poor, instructions received, their practical would get himself, off and on, into great paradigms, too, used to be got distress. Situation would, sometimes, demonstrated to them. These come to such a pass as would leave no instructions were not thus given merely recourse but to put up with hunger and in their conceptual form. Instead, they starvation. But he (SAW) would endure were kept being expounded by means all that. The number of these theology of practical illustrations as well. Muslims students would sometimes go up to as would put them into practice and have high as seventy. But, that was how a them inculcated into minds and team of people well-versed in religion committed to their memories. They were got prepared. This place where these later got preserved in tomes so that people used to be put up was known by whenever and wherever situations the name of Suffah. It is this Suffah which similar to theirs would exist in future happened to be the first ever Madrasah [ 15 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 in Islam. It proved to be the first ever For 13 long years this trend of Madrasah instituted not among-st the events had persisted. And ultimately the Muslims only but among-st the Arabs homeland, too, had to be bidden adieu. also. It was given the name of Suffah, Another place was, however, procured that is: platform or podium. It is from this where an organism having substantial very place that the incessant trend of numerical strength got set up. acquiring knowledge of religious affairs Permission also got issued to the effect and Islamic instructions imparted by the that going on putting up with iniquities Prophet (SAW) had gotten initiated. on end was no more necessary. Force Subsequently, the Islamic Madrasas can be applied in order to defend kept on coming up and getting themselves and resist the onslaughts of established all over the world. the enemy. Patience and Endurance in Serving Consequent upon this permission, the Cause of the Islamic Mission: measures as were called for got started The persecution that the Prophet to be taken. Nevertheless, there were (SAW) and his followers had suffered also instructions to the effect that, in the during the life in Makkah, was in fact process of taking these measures, no inflicted upon them by their own kinsfolk such measures as were uncalled-for and compatriots. Being, as they did, should be taken. In case of operations generally from the same stock of family being necessary, consideration must be the former were not inferior to the latter had of the human values. Women and in valour, fervour and sense of honor. children should be treated with due care Had they wanted, they could have taken, and concern. Affability, commonweal to avenge themselves, such measures and peace-making should be the norms. as would have robbed them of their rest As a result thereof, the enmity of the and repose. Day and night, whenever enemy kept losing grounds while the they found an opportunity, they could message of Islam kept gaining them. have taken revenge from them. But, they The net result was that, in the Prophet’s were bound under the command that (SAW) life-time itself, the entire Arab they should keep themselves confined Peninsula had become proponent of the to quietly endure the sufferings, remain Prophet’s (SAW) teachings and had patient and be content with only itself subjugated to his (SAW) dominion. predicatory expostulations and Even the greatest of the great warriors exhortations. The Command that they of Makkah who had left no stones had was: unturned to have him stalled, even to have him murdered, rather, had, (Keep your hands withheld and ultimately, brought themselves under his establish the prayer). subjugation. 

[ 16 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 The Meaning Of Islam - Hammudah Abdalati The word Islam is derived from the Muhammad and therefore takes its Arabic root “SLM” which means, among name after the founder. All these other things, peace, purity, submission implications are seriously wrong or at and obedience. In the religious sense best misleading Islam is not just another the word Islam means submission to the “ism”. Nor do Muslims worship Will of God and obedience to His Law. Muhammad or look upon him the same The connection between the original way as Christians, Jews, Hindus, and the religious meanings of the word Marxists, etc., look upon their respective is strong and obvious. Only through leaders. The Muslims worship God submission to the Will of God and by alone. Muhammad was only a mortal obedience to His Law can one achieve being by God to teach the word of God true peace and enjoy lasting purity. and lead an exemplary life. He stands Some outsiders call our in history as the best model for man in religion”Mohammedanism” and piety and perfection. He is a living proof address the believers in Islam as of what man can be and of what he can “Mohammedans”. The Muslims both accomplish in the realm of excellence reject and protest the use of these and virtue. Moreover, the Muslims do not words. If our faith is classified as believe that Islam was founded by Mohammedanism and if we are called Muhammad, although it was restored by Mohammedans, there will be seriously him in the last stage of religious wrong implications. This misnomer evolution. The original founder of Islam implies that the religion takes its name is no other than God Himself, and the after a mortal being, namely, date of the founding of Islam goes back Muhammad and that Islam is no more to the age of Adam. Islam has existed than another “ism” just like Judaism, in one form or another all along from the Hinduism, Marxism, etc. Another wrong beginning and will continue to exist till implication of this misnomer is that the end of time. outsiders might think of the Muslims, The true name of the religion, then, whom they call Mohammedans, as is Islam and those who follow it are worshipers of Muhammad or as Muslims. Contrary to popular believers in him in the same way as misconceptions, Islam or submission to Christians, for example, believe in the Will of God, together with obedience Jesus. A further wrong implication is that to His Law, does not mean in any way the word Mohammedanism may loss of individual freedom or surrender mislead the outsider and make him to fatalism. Anyone who thinks or think that the religion was founded by believes so has certainly failed to [ 17 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 understand the true meaning of Islam tension, from fear and insecurity. It frees and the concept of God in Islam. The man from subjugation to false deities concept of God in Islam describes Him and low desires, and unfolds before him as the Most Merciful and Gracious, and the beautiful horizons of goodness and the Most Loving and most concerned excellence. with the well-being of man, and as Full Submission to the good Will of of Wisdom and care for His Creatures. God, together with obedience to His His Will, accordingly, is a Will of beneficial Law, is the best safeguard of Benevolence and Goodness, and peace and harmony. It enables man to whatever Law He prescribes must be make peace between himself and his in the best interest of mankind. fellow men on the one hand, and When the civilized people abide between the human community and by the laws of their countries, they are God on the other. It creates harmony considered sound citizens and honest among the elements of Nature. members of their respective societies. According to Islam, everything in the No responsible person would say that world, or every phenomenon other than such people lose their freedom by their man is administered by God-made obedience to the Law. No rational being Laws. This makes the entire physical would think or believe for a moment that world necessarily obedient to God and such law-abiding people are fatalists submissive to His Laws, which, in turn, and helpless. Similarly, the person who means that it is in a state of Islam, or it submits to the Will of God, which is a is Muslim. The physical world has no good Will, and obeys the Law of God , choice of its own. It has no voluntary which is the best Law, is a sound and course to follow on its own initiative but honest person. He is gaining protection obeys the Law of the Creator, the Law of his own rights, showing genuine of Islam or submission. Man alone is respect for the rights of others, and singled out as being endowed with enjoying a high degree of responsible, intelligence and the power of making creative freedom. Submission to the choices. And because man possesses good Will of God, therefore, does not the qualities of intelligence and choice take away or curtail individual freedom. he is invited to submit to the good Will On the contrary, it gives freedom of a of God and obey His Law. When he high degree in abundant measures. It does choose the course of submission frees the mind from superstitions and to the Law of God, he will be making fills it with truth. It frees the soul from sin harmony between himself and all the and wrong and quickens it with other elements of Nature, which are by goodness and purity. It frees the self from necessity obedient to God. He will be vanity and greed, from envy and consistent with the truth and in harmony

[ 18 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 with all the other elements of the Marcus Eliason reported from universe. But if he chooses Israeli-occupied Jordan that “The disobedience he will deviate from the Moslems,” among other things, “worship Right Path and will be inconsistent. Abraham as Ibrahim...” Besides, he will incur the displeasure It is incredible in this day and age, and punishment of the Law-Giver. in this small world of ours, to read in Because Islam means fresh print that the Muslims worship submission to the Good Will of God and Ibrahim. It is more incredible yet that this obedience to His Beneficial Law, and news comes from sources presumably because this is the essence of the knowledgeable and is passed on to a message of all God-chosen public entitled to know. messengers, a Muslim accepts all the For centuries, many Westerners prophets previous to Muhammad held and propagated the idea that the without discrimination. He believes that Muslims worshiped Muhammed, all those prophets of God and their whose religion was called faithful followers were Muslims, and that Mohammedanism and whose followers their religion was Islam, the only true were known in the West as universal religion of God (Qur’an, Mohammedans. Then it somehow 2:128-140; 3:78-85; 17;42-44; 31:22; became apparent to those Westerners 42: 13). that the Muslims worshiped Allah, a To sum up this discussion, it may “deity of sorts.” And now this new be helpful to reproduce my statement discovery that they worship Abraham as which appeared in the Observer Ibrahim. Dispatch (O.D.) of Utica on December The fact is that the Muslims never 4, 1972. The statement shows how worshiped Muhammad or any other much distortion and confusion there is human being. They have always in this regard. The partial overlapping believed that Muhammad was a mortal and repetition may be forgiven because like the numerous prophets before him, of the extreme sensitivity of the issue and it is the highest tribute to humanity and the need to reiterate the Islamic that a man could achieve the most point of view. exalted status of prophet-hood. A particular news item (O.D., Nov, The Muslims believe that 25) is alarming. It invites sympathy for Muhammad was the last, not the only the misinformed public and pity for many prophet, who reinforced and a school teacher or man of the pulpit. It immortalized the eternal message of calls upon every man of good will and God to mankind. This message was conscience to stand up to his moral revealed by God to many prophets of obligations. [ 19 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 different nations at different times, Law. The will of God is defined by the including Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Koran as good and compassionate, David, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad and His law as the most beneficent and (peace be upon them). What is more equitable. Any human being who so important is that the Muslims believe in submits and obeys is, therefore,a them without discrimination against any. Muslim in a moral state of Islam. It is in Because of their universal outlook this sense that the Koran calls Abraham and cosmopolitan orientation, the and all authentic prophets Muslims and Muslims sorrowfully consider it an designates their religions by one and unfortunate misnomer to call them the same title, namely Islam. Hence, the Mohammedans and their faith Muslim is not only a follower of Mohammedanism. The implications are Muhammad exclusively; he also follows distasteful and for good reasons. The Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and the rest Muslims do not think of themselves as of God’s messengers. a racial or ethnic group with any Finally, the word Allah in Islam exclusive monopolies. Their religion is simply but most emphatically means the not named after a man or place; it is One and only Eternal God, Creator of transcendent and atemporal. the universe, Lord of all lords, and King The proper name of the religion is of all kings. The only unforgivable sin in Islam and its followers are properly Islam is the belief in any deity besides called Muslims. In the religious context, or other than God. The most common the word Islam means submission to the daily prayer among Muslims is: “In the will of God and obedience to God’s name of God, the most compassionate, the most merciful.” 

Worth and Recompense It is related on the authority of Sahl bin Sa’ad that the Apostle of God said: “There is a special Gate of Paradise which is known as Rayyan (and) only those who observe Fasting will be allowed to enter through it on the Day of Resurrection. On that Day, it will be called aloud, ‘Where are the bondsmen who used to fast for the sake of God and endure the pangs of hunger and thirst?’ Such of the bondsmen will respond to the call and save them no one will be permitted to enter by this Gate. When they have entered Paradise through this Gate, it will be shut, (and), after it, no one will be able to enter by it.” - Bukhari and Muslim

[ 20 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 The Essentials Of An Islamic Community - Maryam Jameelah If we profess to be Muslims who of mind, he and his tiny band of followers value the integrity of our faith, we must in Medina would have given up their vigorously reassert our religious and cause as hopeless, deeming it cultural identity. It is not enough to impossible to fight against the greatest condemn the atheism of modern imperialistic powers of the time. Surely civilization and its institutions so the Battle of Badr would never have destructive to all we cherish. Instead we taken place since the poverty-stricken must always stress the positive and Muslims were so few in number that constructive values of the Islamic way they could barely muster an army of 300 of life and build them up as practical ill-equipped men on foot against more alternatives. Only after these alternatives than 3,000 well-armed Quraishis on are provided will it become possible to horseback. Do they forget that it was the permanently demolish alien influence. In “realists” who feared the destruction of so doing we shall have to engage in a the idols in the Kaaba because these desperate struggle with vested interests were the source of income not only of within our ranks who will spare no pains Mecca but of the whole of Arabia. Those to frustrate our efforts. They will who admire “practicality” must logically invariably scorn the course of action praise Mu‘awiya’s worldly triumph over suggested here as unworkable and the Hazrat Ali and consider Hazrat Hussain product of wishful thinking. They will point hot-headed indeed because his out that because of technological chances of winning at the Battle of progress, all parts of the world have Kerbala were almost nil. Indeed, the become so dependent upon each other distinguishing characteristic between that no people can remain aloof from the believer and the unbeliever is that modern civilization and hope to survive. while the unbeliever bases his actions They say that it is impossible for any upon opportunism and expediency, the government to function in the modern believer does what is right regardless world based on a Law revealed more of worldly consequences. than thirteen centuries ago. They insist We cannot attain an Islamic that the Shariah is a fossil and the society until we recognize the Khalifate no more than a museum supremacy of the Shariah. Ruler and piece. ruled alike are all equally subject to the It is highly questionable who put Divine Law, tyranny and despotism will “realism” and “practicality” before all find no place in an Islamic state. In order else have ever stopped to ponder that to derive full benefit from the Shariah, it were the Holy Prophet of the same turn must always be interpreted in a strict,

[ 21 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 literal sense and no concessions nor There is no doubt whatsoever that compromises whatsoever be made to Ijtihad is a basic and indispensable tool the so-called ‘’changing times”. of Islamic jurisprudence sanctioned no This immediately raises the less than by the Holy Prophet himself. question of Ijtihad (use of independent Thus Ijtihad can never be rejected on judgment in interpreting the Shariah) principle, but rather only its abuses versus Taqlid (or the reliance upon the condemned as interpreted and authority of the previous jurists). It has practiced today. Ijtihad is valid when : become the fashion now-a-days to (l) it is applied only where there are no blame the decadence, stagnation and specific injunctions of the Quran or decline of the Muslim world on Taqlid. Sunnah ; (2) it does not conflict with This popular but misleading belief must Quran or Sunnah ; (3) no sophistry is be exposed for the fallacy that it, is for used to obscure the true principles of Taqlid was the result of these the Quran and the Sunnah. It is glaringly unfortunate circumstances and not the evident that the modernists have cause. During the Crusades and the violated every one of these rules, Mongol invasions which destroyed so particularly the last. many centres of learning, the leading Any attempt to revise the Shariah jurists and theologians were far-sighted in the light of modern conditions is enough to realize that society would bound to destroy the last vestige of disintegrate into utter chaos if permanency and stability which a unqualified, ignorant people were free Muslim, instinctively and correctly to tamper with the Shariah as they associates with the concept of Divine pleased. The impact of modern Law. For if revision is necessary now, it Western civilization has created a will certainly become necessary a few similar situation of far more serious decades hence when conditions will proportions. Now-a-days Western have changed again and so on until the educated leaders with little or no Law of Islam will be entirely revised out appreciation of Islamic values, are of existence. If this were justified, what claiming the right of Ijtihad to mutilate right would we have to claim the Law- the Shariah beyond recognition. This Giver has conceived the Law of Islam they do by rejecting the Fiqh of the great as an eternal proposition? Would it not classical jurists as no longer applicable in that event be much more appropriate to the present day add by casting doubt to say that this Law instead of creating on the authenticity of Hadith in order to conditions is subservient to them and allow them the maximum freedom to that therefore it cannot be Divine Law. introduce Western innovations. This is Education is the most important what the modernizers today understand function of an Islamic society. A as Ijtihad. renaissance of Islam is impossible

[ 22 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 without popular support. It can never the present, we must revolutionize our hope to succeed unless the rising attitude in regard to Islamic history. Too generation understand and fully many of our educated elite regard the appreciate the value of our faith. How transmission of Greek philosophy by can this be accomplished? the Mu’tazilites (rationalists) to medieval First of all, we must recognize the Europe as the most important mosque as the only proper place for the contribution of Islamic civilization to education of our youth. Every mosque humanity. Such Hellenistic philosophers should also be a school. Secondly, the as al-Kindi, al- Farabi, Ibn Sina and Ibn study of Arabic must be made Rushd have been praised more than compulsory at all educational levels and they deserve. A truer perspective of given first priority. Every Muslim child Islamic history enables us to understand should learn not only to read and recite why the achievements of Umar ibn Abd but fully understand the meaning of the al Aziz, Salah-ud-din Ayubi and Alamgir original text of Qur’an in Arabic. Arabic Aurangzeb were so much greater. must be the medium of instruction and Instead of boasting of Islam’s Qur’an, instead of being just another contribution to Western civilization, we incidental subject, must be the focal must be aware of the fact that the point around which the entire curriculum transmission of Greek learning to revolves. All other subjects should be medieval Europe was quite coincidental taught in relation to Qur’an to avoid any and had nothing to do with Islam itself. sharp distinction between religious and Since Islam is of infallible Divine origin secular learning. In this way, the entire and therefore complete, self sufficient, educational curriculum will be and independent of man-made integrated harmoniously. The study of philosophy, it is futile to attempt to justify European languages, literature, its validity by a comparison with any philosophy and law should be confined other civilization, past or present. Hence to the universities, preferably on the the uselessness of trying to prove the graduate level. Under no circumstances greatness of Islamic civilization by should we expose our children to boasting of its contributions to medieval secularism because there is no deadlier Europe, for Islam exists independently poison to impressionable, immature for itself and not as subservient to other minds. On the other hand it, is essential cultures. that those in positions of authority and Although it is a religious duty for influence possess through familiarity our rulers in their personal capacity to with modern civilization in order to give their full moral support and effectively combat its influence. generous financial contributions for the In order to give our youth a clear maintenance and growth of our understanding of the past in relation to educational system, our schools should

[ 23 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 be freed from direct state control and of a man. No longer will they regard their allowed to flourish on an independent dignity as human beings dependent basis. Those who have wealth should upon competing with men in business be induced to contribute financially to and politics. Neither will they resent schools at all levels both through Zakat being required by law to dress modestly and voluntary charity. With our and conceal their bodies in public. An educational system supported Islamic society must insist on financially through Zakat, voluntary segregation of boys and girls after charity, wills and the Waqf foundations, puberty, ban immoral books, the it shall then be possible to make all publication of pictures in newspapers, education completely tuition-free from magazines, books and commercial the primary through the graduate advertising, forbid the sale of alcoholic university level. Although primary beverages and enforce the full penalties schools should be open to all children, of the Shariah against illicit sex. secondary and university education No poison is more deadly to should be limited to those youth who Islamic moral values than the modern possess sufficient interest and cinema industry. Therefore, it is intellectual capacity to profit by it. imperative to ban the importation of all Although parents should be given every foreign films and prohibit the production encouragement to send their children to of domestic ones. Cinema and school, they must not be forced by law television must be limited strictly to to do so because it is the father who educational purposes. must decide how his children are to be We must make every effort to reared—not the State. combat the evil of nationalism and An important function of an strengthen the bonds of the Ummah Islamic society is the protection of the from one end of the Muslim world to the family. Strong family ties of mutual other. If the different Muslim countries affection and responsibility are are unable to unite politically at once, indispensable for a healthy society. they can pave the way by eliminating Filial loyalty and respect and visa requirements, passports, tariffs consideration for old people must be and custom duties in order to promote emphasized and encouraged in every unrestricted freedom of commerce and possible way. The most effective means travel. of doing this is to put an end to the cult Minority groups living under of youth-worship. When women are Muslim rule must be allowed religious made to feel dignified and important in and cultural autonomy in self contained bearing the major responsibility for communities of their own and their rights preserving a wholesome home life, they scrupulously protected according to the will have no more desire to play the role laws of the Shariah.

[ 24 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 We will never gain vigour and powerful conquering neighbours tends vitality until we recognize the to imitate those neighbours as we see catastrophic consequences of imitating among the Spanish Muslims who a foreign culture and do everything imitate their Christian neighbours in possible to put an end to this. Let their dress and ornaments even to the anyone who doubts the crucial extent of having statues and pictures on importance of avoiding the adoption of the walls of their homes and shops. And Western dress and living habits, listen in this the careful observer will mark a to what the historian, Ibn Khaldun sign of inferiority. (1332—1406) had to say on this Here in this single paragraph, Ibn subject: Khaldun has described with superb The vanquished always seek to insight exactly what is wrong with us. The imitate their victors in their dress, remedy is obvious. If our pride in our faith insignia and other customs and usages. and its heritage is genuine, it must be This is because men are always expressed by our physical appearance. inclined to attribute perfection to those If we do not want to be like our enemies, who have defeated and subjugated we should not want to look like them them. Men do this either because the either. Certainly we have no right to call reverence they feel towards their ourselves Muslims if we are ashamed conquerors makes them see perfection to be identified as such. in them or because they refuse to admit Only a very poor psychologist will that their defeat could have been say that these things are merely outward brought about by ordinary causes and and therefore unimportant. Next to a hence they suppose that it is due to the man’s body, his clothes and his home perfection of the conquerors. Should are the nearest things to his soul and this belief persist long, it will change into have an incalculable influence upon it. It a profound conviction and will lead to was easy for his soul to conform to Islam the adoption of all the tenets of the in the surroundings which Islamic victors and the imitation of all their civilization provided for it, but now, for characteristics. This imitation may no good reason, that God-given come about either unconsciously or civilization has been pushed aside ; because of a mistaken belief that the therefore we find in most so-called victory of the conquerors was due not Islamic countries, men have shaved off to their superior solidarity and physical their beards, forsaken their turbans and strength but to the inferiority of the taken to wearing a dress which puts customs and beliefs of the conquered. many obstacles in the way of ablution Hence arises the delusion that such an and which makes the movements of the imitation will remove the causes of prayer look ugly and even ridiculous and defeat. In fact, every country which has as for their homes, there is nothing in

[ 25 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 them to make one remember God and from all forms of tyranny. It will be a world much to make one forget Him. One of where a man is judged by his character the outward tokens of that inward dignity and not by his worldly success. There of the Muslim is the turban. The Holy will be no place for racial discrimination Prophet praised the turban in many of or class hatred. Congregational prayer, his sayings just as he also enjoined Hajj, fasting and Zakat will create strong upon men to grow their beards. It can bonds of affection, trust and also be said that the loose, flowing responsibility between man and his garments such as worn by him and his fellow man. The prosperous will enjoy companions are the only true Islamic their wealth as a bounty from God in dress for this is the only kind of dress which the poor have rightful share which conforms to the movements of the assured by law. It will be a world without prayer. The Holy Prophet’s house in artificiality or deception. Women will not Medina was an extension of his mosque try to be like men nor will the old feel and for more than twelve hundred years, ashamed of their age. Since this world every Muslim house was as an will be recognized as only a temporary extension of the nearest mosque. Men abode, people will be preoccupied with took off their shoes to enter their homes eternal salvation and shun as evil all that ; the floors were strewn with ritually diverts them from the remembrance of purified mats or carpets ; they sat at God and the Hereafters. Night clubs, home as they would sit in the mosque dance halls, theaters, bars, saloons, and the ornaments on their walls were gambling casinos and brothels would all reminders of God—Divine Names, soon go bankrupt and forced to close verses from the Qur’an, sayings of the down for lack of business. Prophet. This is the essence of Islamic An Islamic society would not be civilization and there is absolutely no utopia, for perfection does not belong reason why any of the things I have to this world. Some of us will be tempted mentioned here should have been to break the Law but crime will be changed or why the Muslim home today limited to isolated individuals instead of should not still be as an extension of the a raging epidemic. There will be no mosque. Only in such surroundings as confusion in any mind as to what is right these can Islam truly flourish. and what is wrong. Yes, even in an What will the world be like under Islamic society human beings will suffer, Islamic rule ? for sorrow is as an inseparable part of When men recognize the this life as are its joys. There will be sovereignty of God and the supremacy pain, hunger, sickness and death. But of His Law, all false values will be despair and boredom will be absent. automatically swept away. It will be a Suicides will be unknown. Nobody will world where men are slaves of God and doubt the meaning or the purpose of not to each other. It would mean freedom life. [ 26 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 The Religious Practices Of Islam - S. Athar Husain SAID THE Prophet of Islam, "God For leading a virtuous life, a certain does not accept belief if it is not expressed mental outlook is necessary, and to foster in deed, and does not accept deed if it does and develop that outlook some devotional not conform to belief." and religious practices have been imposed Worship of God in all the manifold by Islam, namely: activities of human life is, according to (1) Daily prayers at stated hours; Islam, the very meaning of this life. Not that (2) Observance of fast for one month God has any need of our worship but it every year; enables us to conform to Divine Laws and to purify and perfect ourselves. It leads us (3) Zakat or regular payment of a portion to piety and performance of righteous of one's earnings deeds which are the only things that will (4) Haj or pilgrimage to Kaaba at least count in the Hereafter. once in one's life if one has the means "And whoever hopeth for the to do so. meeting with his Lord let him do righteous DAILY PRAYERS work, and make none sharer of the worship due unto his Lord." “Worship is the pillar cf religion" says the Prophet. (Q. 18 : 110) The five daily prayers were made Says the Qur’an: obligatory for Muslims on the occasion of "I have not created Jinn and Men but the ascension (mairaj) of the Prophet. For that they should worship Me." his followers he declared that the worship of a believer is his own ascension in which (Q. 51 : 56) he is raised into the presence of God. Its Here worship is not restricted to the purpose is to engender in the mind of man purely devotional practices but extends a living sense of his Creator to whom he over the whole practical life of man. has to render eventually an account of his Again the Qur’an enjoins: life. It is this primary sense of God in him which elevates the soul of man and "Oh people, worship thy Lord who energizes him morally to fulfil his role as hath created you and the people gone by vicegerent of God on earth. so that you may attain piety." (Q. 2 : 3) The spiritual significance of these "Surely Prayer preserveth from prayers have so aptly described by the lewdness and iniquity." (Q. 29 : 45) great mystic Shah Walliullah Dehlavi his

[ 27 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 book Hujjat allah al Balighah, Vol.1. consciousness—so low that it touches the “Know that one is sometimes ground in front of the object of reverence. transported, quick as lightning, to the Holy As a man can reach the top of his spiritual Precincts [of the Divine Presence), and evolution only gradually, it is evident that finds one’s self attached, with the greatest such an ascension must pass through all possible adherence, to the threshold of the three stages; and a perfect service of God. There descend on this person the worship would have three postures, Divine transfigurations [tajalli] which Standing up, Bowing down, and dominate his soul. He sees and feels Prostrating by laying the head on the things which the human tongue is ground in the presence of the Almighty; and incapable of describing. Once this state all this is performed for the necessary of light passes away, he returns to his evolution of the spirit so that one might feel previous condition, and find himself truly the sublimity of God and the tormented by the loss of such an ecstasy. humbleness of man." Thereupon he tries to regain that which Prayer is an aspiration of the human has escaped him, and adopts the spirit to be in touch with the Divine Spirit, condition of this lowly world which would the fountain head of purity, the possessor be nearest to a state of absorption in the of perfect attributes, and to seek His help knowledge of the Creator. This is a posture and guidance: of respect, of devotion, and of an almost "Thee do we serve and of Thee do direst conversation with God, which we seek help, posture is accompained by appropriate acts and words … Worship consists Guide us on the right path." essentially of three elements: (1) humility (Q. 1 : 4, 5) of heart [spirit] consequent on a feeling of the presence of the majesty and grandeur The material utilities of of God, (2) recognition of this superiority congregational prayers are also [of God] and humbleness [of man] by numerous. They enable the believers to means of appropriate words, and (3) meet one another five times a day on adoption by the organs of the body, of terms of perfect equality, to feel akinness postures of necessary reverence. ... To of purpose and unity of the community. show our honour to somebody we stand Removed from the distractions of worldly up, with a fullsome concentration of life the believer feels the sovereignty of attention, turning our faces towards him. God. He lives in a state of spiritual Even more respectful is the state when discipline and these prayers regulate his we bend and bow our heads in reverence life. The Prophet laid the greatest …. Still greater respect is displayed by emphasis on their regular observance with laying down the face—which reflects in the all humility of heart and concentration of highest degree, one's ego and self- mind. Said he, [ 28 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 "Pray as if thou seest thy Lord before prayers, and fear ye God; for it is He to thee, seest Him not, pray in the conviction whom ye shall be gathered." (Q. 6 : 72) that, God is, at any rate, seeing you." "O Believers! remember God with These prayers are no ritual but a frequent remembrance, and praise him soul elevating experience. morning and evening. He blesseth you and Should not man, the most exalted His angels intercede for you, that He may of creatures to whom all else in the bring you forth out of darkness into light; Universe has been made subservient, and Merciful is He to the Believers. Their express gratitude and glorify Him, to greeting on the day when they shall meet whom all Praise is due, when everything Him shall be "peace". And He hath got in the Universe glorifies Him? ready for them a noble recompense." "Has thou not seen that before God (Q. 33 : 41-43) are prostrate all things that are in the “O Believers! Observe your duty to heavens and on the earth, and the sun, Allah. And let every soul look to that which the moon, the stars, and the hills, and the it sendeth on before for the morrow. And trees and the beasts, and many of observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is mankind." (Q. 22 : 18) informed of what ye do. And be not ye as "Has thou not seen how all in the those who forgot Allah; therefore, He Heaven and on the earth uttereth the praise caused them to forget their own souls. of God?—the very birds as they spread Such are the evil-doers." (Q. 59 : 18, 19) their wings." "Every creature knoweth its FAST prayer and its praise, and God knoweth "O believers! a fast is prescribed to what they do." (Q. 24 : 41) you as it was prescribed to those before Even "the thunder hymneth His you, that ye may guard against evil—fast praise". (Q. 13 : 13) for a fixed number of days …… "And all in the Heavens and all on "Ramadhan is that [month] in which the Earth, each thing that moveth, and the the Qur’an was sent down as guidance to very angels, adore God, and are free from mankind, and to explain that guidance, and pride; to afford illumination [a criterion to They fear their Lord who is above distinguish between truth and untruth]. So, them, and do what they are bidden." every one of you who is in his home should set about the fast; but he who is sick or (Q. 16 : 50-51) upon a journey shall fast a like number of "Surely prayers at fixed times hath other days. God wisheth you ease, and been enjoined on the believers." wisheth not your discomfort, and that you fulfil the number of days, and that you "And observe ye the times of glorify God for His guidance, and that you [ 29 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 be thankful." (Q. 2 : 179-91) “Allah tasketh not a soul beyond its The nature of man presents a capability." (Q. 2 :286) paradox. Inherent in it are angelic qualities ZAKAT AND SADAQAT as well as baser urges. These baser "Observe prayer [salat] and pay the urges have to be kept under control so that legal impost [Zakat]." (Q. 2 : 43) man may not deviate from the path of piety. One month's fasting is a rigorous spiritual In the time of the Prophet and the exercise calculated to help man in this orthodox caliphs there was no tax on struggle. Fasting means not only Muslims other than Zakat. The payment abstaining from eating and drinking but of this tax to the Muslim State was made also control of passions and carnal an article of faith and one of the four desires, and the subordination of one's fundamental rites of the religion. It was the animal nature to reason and the spirit. state which ensured that the tax was spent Concerted efforts made over a period of on the purposes enumerated by the one month to lead a pious life of a very Quran: high standard fortify the will of the believer, 'The Sadaqat [taxes levied on lay down the pattern to be followed during Muslims] are only for the poor, and the the rest of the year and assist him in needy, and those who work [for these State following it. Along with the spiritual benefits revenues], and those whose hearts are to one derives from fasting, temporal be won, and for [freeing) the necks, and advantages in the matter of health, the heavily indebted, and in the path of discipline and development of will-power, God, and for the way-farers---a duty etc. are also great. The person who fasts imposed by God, and God is the Knower, realises for himself the pangs of thirst and the Wise." (Q. 9 : 60) hunger and is inclined to be more charitably disposed towards his unfortunate Even where there is no Muslim State brethren. it is the duty on every Muslim of age who has sufficient for his subsistence to Consistent with its rigour, the distribute Zakat for the aforesaid purposes. rewards of fasting are also immense. The Prophet declared that "Zakat was a Says the Prophet. religious duty and a Divine prescription, on "For every good deed, there is a par with belief in one God, the service of measure of reward but for a fast, says prayers, the fasting and the Haj. If belief is God, He himself is the reward." a spiritual duty, and prayer, fasting and Haj are bodily duties, the payment of Zakat is Thirty days fasting is not so difficult a fiscal duty." as some may be inclined to suppose. Those who think it is too taxing may well Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz used to remember the words:

[ 30 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 say; "Prayer carries us half way to God, it." (Q. 3 : 91) fasting brings us to the door of His palace! If a man gives alms to the poor, he and alms procure us admission." gives it as if to God as a sort of loan which The Qur’an employs several terms God will recompense in ample measure: to designate this tax: Zakat, Sadaqat, Haq "If ye lend God a generous loan, He (right). So great is the emphasis laid on will double it to you and will forgive you, its payment that in almost every verse of for God is all-thankful, all-Clemente" the Qur’an in which prayers have been enjoined upon the believers, they have been (Q. 64 : 17) directed to pay Zakat and Sadaqat. In the "The likeness of those who expend sight of God only those are pious who, their wealth for the cause of God is that of along with their belief in the oneness of a grain of corn which produceth seven God and observance of prayers, pay ears, and in each ear a hundred grains; Sadaqat, and are faithful in their contracts and God will multiply to whom He and show fortitude in adversity. Says the pleaseth: God is Liberal, knowing." Qur’an: (Q. 2 : 261) "There is no piety in turning your faces towards the east and the west, but Alms are not to be given in a he is pious who believeth in God, and the supercilious manner, hurting the dignity of last day, and the angels, and the scriptures the receiver or to show off one's and the prophets; who for the love of God philanthropy: disburseth his wealth to his kindred, and "A kind speech and forgiveness is to the orphans, and the needy, and the better than alms followed by injury. God is wayfarer, and those who ask, and for self-sufficient, clement. redeeming the captive, who observeth O ye who believe! make not your prayer, and payeth the legal alms, and who alms void by reproaches and injury, like are of those who are faithful to their him who spendeth his substance to be engagements when they have engaged in seen of men, and believeth not in God and them, and patient under ills and hardships, in the Last day. and in time of trouble—these are they who are just and these are they who fear the No profit from their works shall they Lord." (Q. 21 : 177) be able to gain." (Q. 2 : 263, 264) Giving of alms is a pre-requisite to The community is to be particularly attaining goodness: regardful of those who are destitute s and yet do not beg cut of self respect. "Ye shall never attain to goodness till ye give alms of that which ye love: and "Alms are for the poor who are whatever ye give, of a truth, God knoweth straitened for the cause of Allah, who cannot travel in the land [for trade]. The [ 31 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 unthinking man accounteth them wealthy even when one has not much for himself. because of their restraint. Thou shalt know Said the Prophet: them by their mark: They do not beg of “O Aisha! turn not the poor away men with importunity. And whatsoever [from thy door] without giving him good thing ye spend, lo! Allah knoweth it." something, although it be a date. O Aisha! (Q. 2 : 273) love the poor, and let them come near The almsgiver does not oblige thee; God will bring thee nearer to Himself anyone nor recompenses any gratitude on the day of Resurrection. in bestowing alms but in so doing only HAJ purifies his heart and seeks the pleasure “Lo! first sanctuary appointed for of God: mankind, was that in Becca [Mecca], a “Who giveth his wealth that he may blessed place, and a guidance to the grow [in goodness], and none hath with peoples. In it are evident signs, even the him any favour for reward, except as standing place of Abraham: and whoso seeking the Pleasure of his Lord Most entereth it is safe. And pilgrimage to the High. House [of Allah] is a duty unto Allah for He verily will be content." mankind, for him who is able to journey thither.” (Q. 3 : 96-7) (Q. 92: 18-20) It is obligatory on every adult Muslim, It was asked of the Prophet, "What man or woman, to go to Mecca to perform is the best alms giving?" Replied he: the pilgrimage at least once in his or her "That you give alms whilst you are life time. The obligation is imposed only in health and hope to be rich, and fear on the existence of certain favourable poverty; and put it not off to the time when conditions, viz: [the soul] shall reach your throat, and you (1) Ripeness of intelligence in the shall say, 'This is for such and such a one', pilgrim; when it is already to be his." (2) Enjoyment of perfect freedom and The Prophet said: liberty; “ ‘Which of you loves his heirs’ (3) Possession of necessary means to wealth better than his own’? His disciples enable the journey as well as to said ‘Oh Prophet of God! there is none of support the pilgrim’s family at home us whose wealth is not dearer to him than during his absence; his heirs.’ The Prophet said, ‘His wealth is what is gone before him, and what (4) Feasibility and practicability of the remains is the wealth of his heirs. journey. Giving of alms has been encouraged Some ceremonies, like slaughter of animals, are certainly observed during the [ 32 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 pilgrimage but the sacrifice of animals is join with them in all humility in the not a propitiatory sacrifice but is in glorification of God, to have one's commemoration of the sacrifice made by consciousness impressed by the full Abraham: significance of the Islamic ideals is to be "And for every nation have we privileged to participate in one of the most appointed a ritual, that they may mention soul-inspiring experiences that have ever the name of Allah over the beast of cattle been granted to human beings. To visit the that He hath given them for food; and your birth place of Islam, to tread the sacred God is one God, therefore surrender unto ground hallowed by the memories of Him.. Their flesh and blood reach not Allah, Muhammad's long toil and suffering in his but the devotion from you reacheth Him." struggle to call erring humanity back to God, is to relive those glorious years of (Q. 22 : 34, 37) sacrifice and martyrdom, is to have one's Haj is not a ceremonial on a grand soul kindled by that celestial fire which scale but its essential purpose is lighted up the whole Earth." remembrance of God: The social aspect of Haj is equally "And when ye have finished your striking. Without any distinction of race, holy rites remember God as ye remember language or birthplace, the pilgrims mix your own fathers. or with a yet more with one another in a spirit of fraternal intense remembrance." (Q. 2 : 196) equality, exchange views and compare experiences to unite their efforts for the Literally Haj means an effort. In common good and manifest most vividly essence it means a great effort for the world brotherhood of Muslims. As Sir assimilating oneself with the will of God. Thomas Arnold says: In gratitude to God and in obedience to His will, believers from all parts of the world "No stretch of religious genius could assemble in all humility to forget have conceived a better expedient for themselves and their mundane affairs, to impressing on the mind of the faithful a be transported to the Divine Presence and sense of their common life and their enrich the sense of God in their common brotherhood in the bond of faith." consciousness. Haj is, therefore, a sacred duty cast Describing her own experience of upon those who have got the means to the Haj, Lady Evelyn Cobbold has written discharge it. Exhorts the Qur’an: in her book Pilgrimage to Mecca: "So make provisions for yourselves "To be a member of that huge [before proceeding on the Haj]; Surely the congregation gathered together from the best provision is to ward off [evil]. four corners of the Earth, on this sacred Therefore, keep your duty unto Me, O men occasion and on this sacred spot, and to of understanding."

[ 33 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 Under Islamic Law, Why is A Woman’s Share of Inherited Wealth Half That of A Man’s? - Syed Mohammad Hamid ln the pre-Islam Arab society only century Arabia, it was a unique initiative sons bequeathed the property their as Prophet and Islam were taking a step fathers. But the Qur’an enjoined that the towards making women owner of daughters be given shares in property assets and resources they could never equivalent to half of what the sons imagine to own, possess, control, use, inherited from their fathers. It was a step spend and invest. Let us acknowledge in the then society where women the fact that women were being entitled themselves considered a property and to half of what their brothers were were handed down to the sons from the inheriting rather than their share was fathers. It had twin objectives: first to being halved. Viewed in this context, one recognize the identity of women as free cannot but admire this initiative. and independent human and second Now let us turn our attention empowering them financially. towards the women's role and the The Qur’an enjoined that the justification for the share of inheritance women be given shares in property from for women. Looking from the women's fathers, husbands and sons and even role in the society even what was childless brothers. The three verses that designated for them by Islam and the broadly describe the share of close Qur’an was not unjust. It was logically relatives are found in Chapter an-Nisaa, commensurate to their financial and (ref. verses 11, 12 and 176). In these economic responsibilities which were verses, Allah established the right of far less than the male heirs. Islam places children, parents and spouse to inherit the responsibility of sustenance and a specific share without leaving the maintenance of the family on men. It is matter to human judgment and for men to look after the wives, children emotions. The Islamic system of and parents. It is they who pay for their inheritance is a perfectly balanced food, clothing, shelter and education product of the Creator's knowledge of and even marriage. So women are human needs. exempted from any real life expenses Looked at from the today's compared to men. In such context, it might appear unjust if women circumstances if they receive half of are given just half of what a male heir what their male siblings receive, it could inherits from father. But if one were to be held more than their legitimate and consider the situation prevailing in 7th fair share and quite just and equitable. [ 34 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 So when we look at many roles of property, men were being asked to give women, they will be maintained as Meher (dowry) upon marriage to their daughters by their fathers, as wives by wives. their husbands and as mothers (if they Suppose someone died leaving a are widows) by their sons. Their son and a daughter. The son's shares financial liability being nil, what they of inheritance will be depleted when he were enjoined to receive was quite gives a dowry to his wife and supports substantial. his family, including his sister until she So the allegation of gender marries. Any additional income will have disparity or bias does not hold much to be earned through his work. However, water. All that it denotes is that Islam was his sister's share remains untouched, or trying to strike a balance between the might even increase if she invests it. financial rights and duties of men and When she marries, she will receive a women. While women could save and dowry from her husband and will be invest their assets and properties, the maintained by him, having no financial men were obligated to spend off their responsibilities whatsoever. Thus, a assets and incomes on their women and man might conclude that Islam has kids. Over and above the share in favoured women over men! 

Phrases Heavier than Seven Heavens and Seven Earths

The Prophet (S) says, “Moses said to Allah, ‘O Allah, teach me something with which I can remember Thee and praise Thee with it.” Allah said, “O Moses say “There is no God but Allah. Moses said, “O my Lord, all Thy slaves say this, I want such a thing which Thou makest specific to me (that is, tell me some such recitation) which Thou hast not told anyone else). Allah said, “O Moses, (listen) if all the seven heavens and all that they contain are placed in one pan of a balance and the rewards of the phrase ‘There is no God but Allah’ is placed in the other pan, this other pan will i prove heavier than the first.” - (Mishkaat)

[ 35 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 Maulana Syed Wali Rahmani (1943-2021) - Obaidur Rahman Nadwi Maulana Syed Wali Rahmani, a the banner of “Rahmani Program of Excellence”. distinguished Islamic scholar, an accomplished It is such a platform where students are well journalist, a prominent writer, Ameer-e-Shariat trained for various national competitive Bihar,Odisha and Jharkhand,Executive examinations. Every year more than one Member, Nadwatul Ulama, Rector Jamia hundred students are selected for JEE, NEET, Rahmani Munger, Founder of Rahmani 30, IIT and so on from this institution. No doubt, Patron Qhankah Rahmani Munger, General he accomplished Yeoman’s service for the poor Secretary All India Muslim Personal Law Board and downtrodden sections of the society. His passed away after a brief illness in Patna on outstanding contributions and achievements in April 3, 2021. He was son of Maulana Syed the cause of the community will always be Minnatullah Rahmani, founder All India Muslim remembered. Personal Law Board and grandson of Maulana As General Secretary of All India Muslim Syed Mohammad Ali Mungeri, founder of Personal Law Board, he played leading role in Nadwatul Ulama. upholding Board position and its rejuvenation. Born on June 5, 1943 at Munger, Bihar he He was Board’s spokesman and was always received primary education at Jamia Rahmani in the forefront in ascertaining a variety of Munger and later he joined Darul Uloom issues of the Board. Myriad issues of the Board Nadwatul Ulama and studied there from 1961 were precisely solved by him. to 1963. After that he graduated from Darul On his demise a condolence meeting was Uloom Deoband. Shortly after his graduation, held in Nadwa in which glowing tributes were he joined Weekly Naqeeb Phulwari Sharif paid to him. Rector Nadwatul Ulama and Patna and enhanced its standard and increased President All India Muslim Personal Law Board its circulation. He also served as a teacher in Maulana S.M. Rabey Hasani Nadwi said that Jamia Rahmani Munger from 1966 to 1977. the passing away of Maulana Rahmani is a Known for his extraordinary caliber, great loss to Muslim Ummah. His death caused boldness, straightforwardness, integrity and a great and unbridgeable vacuum. We often honesty. His good command over Islamic sought advice from him on various issues of Shariah and politics made him stand out among the Board. He also recalled his meetings and his contemporaries. He was a celebrated orator. discussions with him and acknowledged his His reformative addresses and scholarly scholarly brilliance. Maulana Saeedur Rahman speeches held audience spellbound. He was Azami Nadwi, Principal Darul Uloom Nadwatul also an accomplished writer. He authored Ulama and Maulana Nazrul Hafeez Azhari several books on different subjects. Nadwi HOD Department of Arabic Language It should be noted that Maulana Rahmani and Literature Nadwatul Ulama also addressed was not only a religious scholar but also a well- the gathering and spread light on various known politician. He had profound and deep aspects of Maulana Rahmani’s life and time. knowledge of politics. He served as a Member Maulana Rahmani is survived by two sons of the Bihar Legislative Council from1974 to and one daughter.Maulana Umrain Mahfooz 1996. He was also elected Deputy Chairman Rahmani, Secretary AIMPLB led the funeral in 1984 and in 1990. Maulana Rahmani played prayer. He was buried in his ancestral significant role in the field of education. He set graveyard.Thousands of his admirers from up Ramani 30. It is an Indian educational various parts of the country thronged to attend movement that started in 2008 in Patna under the last rites of the late Maulana Rahmani.

[ 36 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 Anees Chisti Passes Away - Abdul Bari Masoud

Well known educationist, intellectual, thinker personal loss. and author of several books, Professor Anees Talha, nephew of Anees Chishti, said that after Chishti has passed away in Pune at the age of the death of Maulana Wali Rahmani, he had gone 79. He was unsung hero of the community who to Lucknow to meet Maulana Rabay Hasani Nadvi. made tremendous contributions in the progress After returning from the trip, his health of the community in the country. He will be also deteriorated and on April 5, at around 5.30 pm, he remembered for his dawah works as he passed away. The personality of Anees Chishti translated Islamic literature into local Marathi was a person with various attributes. He was a language. He was a close confidant of late member of the Majlis-e-Shura of Darul Uloom Maulana Abul Hasan Nadvi who launched All India Nadwa tul Ulema, Lucknow and member of the, Tahreek e payam-e-insaaniyat with an aim to All India Muslim Personal Law Board. dispel misunderstandings about Islam. Chisti He was very close to Maulana Syed Abul was one the pillars of this movement. Hassan Ali Nadvi, a thinker of Islam, and he was According to Anees Chishti’s family, he first the General Secretary of the All India Tahreek e suffered a heart attack and then later normal payam-e-insaaniyat. infected by COVID-19. During his treatment at He was the author of many Urdu, Marathi and Azam campus Unani hospital Pune he took his English books. His books have been translated last breath and was buried on Monday, April 5, into various languages. He was a connoisseur after Isha prayers at Muhammad Jamia Hussaini of calligraphy, a teacher of calligraphy, an Islamic Masjid in the city. scholar, and an educator. Apart from Urdu, many As news of his demise spread, condolence of his books have been published in Marathi. messages flooded on social media. Many Mirza Abdul Qayyum Nadvi, a bookseller and important personalities expressed their grief and activist from Aurangabad, said that he had spoken sorrow who acknowledged the scholarly and to Anis Chishti two days before his death. More social services of Anees Chishti. than 53 of his books have been published. Anis Chisti was born on February 6, 1943 in Pune. Chishti was fluent in many languages. These His father Shakeel Ahmad was a freedom fighter. included Urdu, Marathi, Hindi, English, Arabic, He was educated in Pune and Sholapur. Pune is Persian and other languages. He was a very good considered the brain of Brahminical forces. man, a man of knowledge, a good teacher, a good In his condolence message Maulana Rabay writer, a credible writer, an eloquent speaker, a Hasani Nadwi said that Anis Chishti’s passing guest lecturer on the panel of high-ranking training away is the great loss to us. His personality was institutes. He has received numerous accolades a marvellous amalgamation of a teacher, orator, for his books on education, and books on Muslim writer, preacher and administrator par freedom fighters and other books. In many execellence. Expressing condolences on the countries, his Urdu and English language books demise of Anish Chishti, PA Inamdar are included in the Syllabus. administrator of Azam Campus Pune, said his He trained soldiers at the Indian Institute of demise is a great loss to the nation. He said that Education, College of Military Engineering Pune. Anees Chishti was recognized as an authority in He has delivered sermons and lectures on Islamic studies and science and literature. Islamic and scientific and literary topics in different Munawar Pir Bhai from Pune termed the parts of the country. He is survived by a daughter demise of Anis Chishti as a great loss of the and four brothers. Arguably, his demise made society and said that he was a very capable and the community further poorer as it was in the intelligent person. Traveled to many countries, shocked after Muslim Personal Law Board he had a keen eye on Islam and Allama Iqbal. General Secretary Maulana Mohammad Wali And he described the death of Anis Chishti as his Rahmani in Patna just two days before.  [ 37 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 A Pious Lady - Obaidur Rahman Nadwi Women play a constructive role proved herself a faithful and exemplary in every aspects of life. The concept of wife.She proved boon to him. She took society can not be perceived sans them. care of entire domestic activities.She The lap of the mother is the first school left no stone unturned to keep her of a child. The prophet Muhammad husband free for his academic, literary, (PBUH) manifests the importance of teaching, administrative and Dawah women as follows: “Heaven lies under jobs. She was an educated lady. She the feet of mothers”. “Women are the was fond of religious books and twin-halves of men.” The Holy Qur’an magazines. She was a regular says: “And of His signs is that He has subscriber of monthly magazine created wives for you from yourselves “Rizwan”, Lucknow. that you might find peace of mind in them On her demise various and He put between you love and condolence meetings were held in affection. He it is Who created you from which glowing tributes were paid to her. a single soul and of the same he made Besides, a host of persons sent his spouse, that he might find comfort condolence messages to Dr. Azami for in her. The Holy Qur’an further says:” expressing their grief to him. They your wives are as a garment to She is survived by two sons you,and as a garment to them. Hafiz Lutfur Rahman Azami and Dr. “According to Islam the world and all Ataur Rahman Azami Nadwi and six things in it are valuable but the most daughters. valuable thing in the world is a virtuous Maulana S.M. Rabey Hasani woman. Nadwi led the funeral prayer.She was Recently, we lost a pious and buried in Daliganj graveyard. A good God-fearing woman Aasia D/O number of teachers, students and elites Maulana Bashirullah Miftahi and wife of of the city were present at the funeral. Maulana Dr.Saeedur Rahman Azami May Allah forgive her shortcomings and Nadwi, principal Darul Uloom Nadwatul lapses and adorn her grave with Ulama, Lucknow.She passed away luminosity and refulgence and grant her after a brief illness in Lucknow on March an elevated position in Jannat al 26,2021. Firdaws. “To the righteous soul will be No doubt, she was a said , O thou soul, in complete rest and kindhearted, self-conscious, righteous, satisfaction! Come and well-pleasing generous and chaste woman. She unto Him! Enter thou, then, among My spent more than six decades with Dr. devotees! Yea, enter thou My Heaven.” Saeedur Rahman Azami Nadwi. She [ 38 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021 Around the World The Human Rights Watch Report Afghan president Ashraf Gandhi said his US-based HRW published a 213-page forces were “fully capable” of defending report that, it said, wasn’t aimed at Afghanistan. “The Islamic republic of comparing Israel with apartheid-era South Afghanistan respects the US decision, “ he Africa, but at assessing “whether specific tweeted. acts and policies” constitute apartheid New Law allows Putin to Return Power under international law. Israel sought to until 2036 MASCOW: maintain hegemony over Palestinians from Russian President Vladimir Putin gave Jordan River to Mediterranean Sea ,the final approval to legislation allowing him to report claims. According to HRW, its “report hold office for two additional six-year terms, concludes that Israel officials have giving himself the possibility to stay in power committed the crimes against humanity of until 2036. apartheid and persecution”, as defined The 68-year-old Russian leader, who under 1973 Apartheid Convention and has already been in power for more than 1998 Rome Statute. two decades, signed off on the bill , It’s time to End America’s Longest war: according to a copy posted on the JOE BIDEN government’s legal information portal. US President Joe Biden announced that Putin proposed the change last year as the remaining US troops will leave part of constitutional reforms that Russians Afghanistan by September 11, the 20th overwhelmingly backed in a vote in July. anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that took Lawmakers approved the new bill last them there in the hunt for Al Qaeda. month. He said American forces cannot stay on The legislation will allow Putin to run in in the hope of creating the ideal withdrawal presidential elections again after his current conditions and “it’s time to end America’s and second consecutive term expires in longest war”. 2024. The draw-down is not based on Putin was first elected president in 2000 conditions and will start before May 1, the and served two consecutive four-year earlier deadline negotiated by the Trump terms. His ally Dmitry Medvedev took his administration with the Taliban, a senior place in 2008, which critics saw as a way Biden administration official said. After around Russia’s limit on two consecutive September 11, US military presence in terms for presidents. Afghanistan will be limited to providing While in office, Medvedev signed off on protections to diplomats. legislation extending terms to six years “I am now the fourth American president starting with the next president. to preside over an American troop Putin then returned to the Kremlin in presence in Afghanistan. Two Republicans. 2012, winning re-election in 2018.  Two Democrats. I will not pass this (H.T.) responsibility to a fifth.” Biden said. [ 39 ] THE FRAGRANCE OF EAST, May 2021

OUR REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD

Britain : Mr. Akram Nadwi O.C.I.S.St. Cross College Oxford Ox 1 3 TU (UK)

Dubai : Mohammad Khalid Kanpuri P.O. Box No. 12772 Dubai U.A.E.

Pakistan : Mr. Ataullah Sector A-50, Near SAU Qrs. Karachi 31 (Pakistan)

Qatar : Dr. Aftab Alam Nadwi P.O. Box No. 1513 Doha, Qatar

Saudi Arabia : Mr. Zia Abdullah Nadwi Director Al Waha International School P.B.No. 12491 Jeddah, Pin-21473 (K.S.A.)

South Africa : Mr. M. Yahaya Sallo Nadwi P.O. Box No. 388 Vereninging, (South Africa)

U.S.A. : Dr. A. M. Siddiqui 98-Conklin Ave. Woodmere, New York 11598

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