18th ShehrAllah 1441 H
Surah al-Bayyinah is also known as Surah al-Qiyamah and Surah al-Bariyyah. In its first ayah, the word bayyinah, which means clear proof, alludes to Rasul Allah SA. Allah Taala states that it was due to the coming of Nabi Mohammed SA that people of other faiths embraced Islam.
In the 5th ayah, Allah Taala directs that all deeds be done with ikhlas. Maulana Imam Ahmed al-Mastur AS states that ikhlas means to carry out deeds and actions solely for the sake of Allah. There should not be any intention of reward or gratitude, in the manner in which parents raise their children, seeking no reward or gratitude.
In the same ayah, He adds that the people of the Abrahamic faiths have been directed to pray namaz and give zakat, establishing the fact that both were practiced prior to the advent of Islam. The Quran mentions both namaz and zakat together in 26 places in the Quran.
The 7th ayah is in praise of Amirul Mumineen Maulana Ali AS and his followers: ‘Indeed, those who believe and carry out good deeds – they are the superior of all creation’, an affirmation we recite daily in the azan.
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Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA made it clear, ‘when anything is sought through its correct channel, it is easily obtained. Anyone who attempts otherwise, however, will stray from the right path, stumble and fall’. The easiest path towards acquiring something is the path of mohabbat, as Imam AS states, ‘Faith is nothing but mohabbat’. Another meaning of deen is pathway.
Rasul Allah SA defines the clear path by stating, ‘I am the city of knowledge, Ali is its gateway, the one who seeks knowledge should come to the gateway’. Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mu’ayyad Shirazi RA states that when difficulties arise we turn towards the advice and guidance of Imam al-Zaman AS. Al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA undertook the construction of al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Hatim’s RA qubba mubaraka. During discussions in Kolkata regarding the logistics of the mausoleum construction, it was suggested to first build a road leading to Hutaib Mubarak so that it may facilitate the movement of the heavy materials required for the mausolum’s construction. However, Syedna Burhanuddin RA insisted that the mausoleum was to be constructed first. He then declared that the renewed mausoleum’s ‘blessings would make possible all other development’, including the construction of the road.
The exceptional conduct of Awliya Allah AS defines this pathway for us. Amirul Mumineen Maulana Ali AS states, ‘cheerfulness is the net of love’. We see how the radiant countenance of al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS draws Mumineen and people from all walks of life towards him.
Amirul Mumineen AS further states, ‘speak gently and you will be loved’. In 1408, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA graced Karachi for Ashara Mubaraka. Following Ashara Mubaraka, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA accompanied by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS travelled to Hyderabad where at that time property and inheritance related disputes prevailed. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin TUS would grace the shops of Mumineen with the intent of amicably resolving these matters. He would listen to their grievances, and finally with a broad smile, place his hands on their shoulders and state, ‘mohta bhai mohtu dil rakhe ane nahna bhai dil nahnu na kari le’. Long running disputes were solved in a matter of minutes.
In 1396, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA journeyed to Yemen for the inauguration of the road leading from Manakha to Hutaib Mubarak. Syedi Yusuf bhaisaheb Najmuddin QR did araz that this physical road has been constructed and Syedna Burhanuddin RA our pathway to the hereafter is amongst us.
The hardships that we face are brought upon us due to our sins. We then beseech Maula for his dua mubarak and guidance. Maula’s TUS loftiness is such that he knows the reasons behind this hardship and provides with the means that both ensure the forgiveness of our sins and dispel our difficulties. In these difficult times the numerous directives and guidance bestowed upon us my Syedna al-Dai al-Ajal TUS have proved to be the pathways to sanctuary for Mumineen all over the world. In addition, the manner in which Maula TUS has further brought the community together is one more vivid example of Imam’s AS words, ‘faith is naught but love’.
Despite three days of thirst and hunger, the shohada of Karbala looked towards Imam Husain AS for strength and guidance in doing battle. Such was the effulgence of Imam’s countenance and the effect of his words and dua mubarak that the 72 eagerly strode the pathway to shahadat and fought with such valour and determination that they will be remembered till the Day of Qiyamat.