General
Principles
A.) In its real
form and sense, Tabligh is an important type of worship of Allah (SWT) and it
is good a fortune of a high order to be engaged in it. It means to follow in
the footsteps of the Ambiya.
B.)Truly, as
the work is of a very superior stature, it must be based on equally high
principles, which should be strictly followed throughout. Each participant must
feel that it is he who needs to improve himself rather than think of reforming
others.
C. )During the
course of work and even away from it, he must try to behave as a perfect
Muslim, as a faithful slave of Allah (SWT), constantly obeying and following
the Divine commands of Shariah and always seeking Allah (SWT)‟s Mercy and
Pleasure. This is the basic requirement and the soul and foundation of the work
of Tabligh. Once it is deeply and firmly established in the hearts of workers,
the other principles, rules and practices, some of which are described below,
will become easy to follow:
Some Rules to be followed for Efficient work
1) As far as
possible, all expenses including travelling food etc. must be borne by each
individual himself and if he can afford it he may quietly assist those
companions who may be in need.
2) All fellow workers and companions in this
work must be given full respect, shown tolerance, cared for and encouraged at
all times by one another. This will prove a great blessing for the whole area
where the Jamaah may be working.
3)
Conversation, talks and discussions must be conducted in soft and convincing
tones, using simple and polite language. All types of displeasure with each
other must be avoided. The Ulama must be held in such high respect and esteem
as we usually display for the Quran and Hadith, because, it is through these
learned persons that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with the true knowledge and
understanding of Islam. Any disrespect towards them, however unimportant, may
amount to disrespect for Islam itself, which in turn may lead to the
displeasure of Allah (SWT) for the whole community.
4) Holidays and free moments must be spent
either in reading good religious books or in the company of pious and learned
companions. Through these channels one will be able to learn many essential
things about the faith of Islam, about Allah (SWT) and His Rasul (Sallallaho
Alaihi wassallam), with particular care and time given to the Tabligh work
itself, so that nothing unimportant, useless or senseless is spoken, discussed
or done.
5) To try to
earn an honest and pure living, to be most careful and economical in
expenditure and to constantly carry out every single duty, however big or
small, towards one's family, relations and friends.
6) No disputed
matters or points of secondary importance should be discussed at any time. The
total time must be given to bringing out the Oneness and supremacy of Allah
(SWT) and to restrict all talk to the main points of Tabligh, which are in real
sense, the basic principles to be followed by each and every Muslim at all
times.
7) Every
action, work and speech must be filled with sincerity and honesty of purpose,
for an act however small but done with this quality is bound to bring high
rewards and plenty of well being. On the other hand, an insincere act however
big, will not bear any worthwhile fruit or benefit, either in this life or in
the Akhirah. Sayyidina Muadh (RA) who was appointed as Governor of Yemen, asked
Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) to give him some special parting advice when
he was departing (to Yemen) and Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi wassallam) advised him
to be particularly honest and sincere in all matters of religion since little
done with sincerity is enough. There is yet another Hadith in the same
connection wherein it is stated that Allah (SWT) accepts only such actions and
deeds which are performed purely for His pleasure. In another place it is
stated that Allah (SWT) does not look at your face or at your property, but
only at your hearts and deeds. Therfore the crux of the matter is that the work
of Tabligh must be performed with all sincerity and honesty. No acting or
outward show is to be put on or staged. The degree of success and progress will
depend entirely on the depth of our sincerity.
