Ever since man discovered his intellectual capacity and thought beyond food, shelter and survival, he has questioned and been perplexed by the meaning of his existence. Is he governed by compulsion, or does he have a choice?
When one considers Islam as a faith, the common supposition is that Islam is a dogmatic faith governed by rules and compulsion that leave no place for individual choice or free will. However Quran mentions that, “there is no compulsion in deen,” so what solves this conundrum of contradictions?
Faith – deen – if observed closely, is a matter of the heart and emotions, related to a man’s psyche. What one does or doesn’t do, believes or rejects is his choice, there can be no compulsion. When one believes in something, he follows it, of his own free will, hence the truth of, “there is no compulsion in deen”.
Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA spoke about Misr after its conquest. The Qadi of Misr went off to sight the moon as he was accustomed to, to herald the new month. Maulana Qaid-Johar declared to be no longer required at state level according to Fatimid tradition. The Fatimid Imams were the sovereign rulers and could have enforced the practice of Fatimid traditions on the entire populace, but tolerance was practised instead, and Muslims of different denominations, as well as people of other faiths were allowed to live according to their beliefs.
When speaking about the restoration of Jame Anwar, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA spoke about how important it was to preserve these sites of heritage. Even if they were sites relevant to other peoples’ history, effort was expended on behalf of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA, for their preservation while Jame Anwar was restored. An important lesson in brotherhood was taught. Affectionately Syedna Taher Saifuddin RA, spoke about how he wished Mumineen to be, “wherever one goes, you (Mumineen) must be beloved of all; in such a manner that they await you with pleasure, just to see you.”
Indeed the barakat of Duat Mutlaqeen have to a degree, instilled such traits in Mumineen, and why would it not be so, as their Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS love and grace consistently stands reflected in their countenances.
May Allah grant our Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS an everlasting life, so that Mumineen till the day of judgement can bask in his reflected glory. Ameen
