Assalamu-Alaikum,
I have been following from a far the sad but reparable controversies affecting the noble work of Dawat and Tableegh. I never ever expected this important branch of our Deen to be affected with controversies, disunity, and power related issues and non- adherence to principles and Shura.
From the little I know of the work or effort it was started by a humble, passionate but extremely knowledgeable and concerned human being by the name of Moulana ILyaas (RA). His main aim, mission, vision and concern was to save and increase the Imaan of the people.
It is a work that does not generate an income for the worker/daiee, it does not collect funds to sustain itself or fulfil its requirements or needs and nor is there any pre-requisite or knowledge required to get involved in the work.
It is self-funded by the passionate and sincere individual and hence it has become one of the fastest growing and one of the biggest movements around the world.
As someone who has not been really involved in the real work but as someone who visited Mewat, a historical region of Haryana and Rajasthan states in north-western India, stayed in Nizamuddeen for reasons other than the work and met and listened to the talks of some of the senior leaders like Moulana Muḥammad In'amul-Ḥasan Kandhlawi (RA), Moulana Sayed Ahmed Khan Saheb Muhaajire Madina (RA), Mufti Zainul Abedeen (RA), Moulana Ubiadullah (RA) and Moulana Omar Palanpuri (RA), just to name a few, I have personally seen the fruits of this work. My vision of these elders is still clear and firmly embedded in my mind.
Not out of pride or vanity (may Allah protect me) but I would like to mention that I am involved in many civil and political campaigns but what I see this work stands for and is achieving really makes me feel guilty of not doing the actual work on the ground. Insha Allah one day, with your Duas, Allah will give me the strength and Hidayaath to join and to do the work at grass roots level. Ameen.
Continued ….Part Two
Having said that and in this regard I would like to appeal for some rationality in thinking and soul searching for the greater good to take place amongst the main role players in this work of Tableegh and Dawat. It is so sad that the quest for power and self-aggrandisement has affected this spiritual and important branch of Deen. It seems the corruption, the greed for power, name and fame, lack of rule of law, narcissism and nepotism (to favour ones family, friends and well –wishers) has not only affected non-religious institutions or political organisations but also religious organisations and institutions. It is high time that our religious and spiritual leaders do some self-reflection and introspection and examine their intentions, vision and mission; if its contrary to the Quraan, Sunnah, ijmah of the scholars and our pious predecessors methodology – Please, in the Paak name of Allah correct it and continue doing the work otherwise step aside or take a step back and allow the different efforts (branches) to protect, teach and safeguard this great and noble Deen to continue and the efforts to establish the law of Allah to flourish.
Giving complete power to one person or placing too much power onto one person is detrimental for all including the power addict or control freak. All suffer from the harms of “absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In today’s time ABSOLUTE power tends to bring out the worst in people because they get used to getting everything they desire or want. People with too much power misuse their positions, titles and tend to become egotistic or selfish.
In history there are many glaring examples of the effects of the 19th century British politician Lord Acton’s claim that “absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
I conclude my appeal with a verse from the Quran and Hadith.
Allah mentions in the Quran,
“As for those who divide their religion and break up into sects, thou hast no part in them in the least: their affair is with God: He will in the end tell them the truth of all that they did” (6:159) and
Sayidina Muhammed (SAW) said
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his guest generously; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should unite the bond of kinship (i.e. keep good relation with his kith and kin); and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should talk what is good or keep quite (Bukharie).
Allah knows best. Desperately in need of Duas and forgiveness.Wass Salaam.