Friday, March 13, 2009

Allama Niyaz Fatehpuri and his Faith - 11


IS RELIGION FROM GOD OR MAN-MADE?

Books and Documents 03 Mar 2009, NewAgeIslam.Com

The War Within Islam: Niyaz Fatehpuri’s Struggle Against The Fundamentalists by JUHI SHAHIN

Excerpts from a newly published book in Pakistan: The War Within Islam: Niyaz Fatehpuri’s Struggle Against The Fundamentalists

URL: http://www.newageislam.com/NewAgeIslamArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=1221

Late. Allama Niyaz Fatehpuri [1884-1966]

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Meraj Ziya wrote:

The way Mr. Mughal came out in support of Niyaz Fatehpuri article asking me to allow debate on the issue proves his scant regard on the issues which we have raised. He earlier said dead are dead on the issue of wasilah and in reply I quoted several verses from Holy Quran saying those who died in the way of Allah are not dead. He remained silent. [Meraj Ziya]

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Dear Meraj Sahab,

Where did I support Niaz Fatehpuri's view? Please provide evidence. I have written three posts challenging Niaz Fatehpuri's Thoughts and Ideology and that I did with Quran and Hadith while differing with Ms Juhi Shahin and Mr Sultan Shahin as well. My support wasn't not for Fatehpuri but Freedom of Expression of this website so that Fatehpuri's ideas and thoughts could be criticized and discussed openly through Quran and Hadith. Dear Meraj, mere chating slogan of Kaafir Kaafir wont do until and unless you beat these Ideologues on their own ground.

Regarding my silence on your "He earlier said dead are dead on the issue of wasilah and in reply I quoted several verses from Holy Quran saying those who died in the way of Allah are not dead", please do tell the readers and members of this website that you had received replies and there was no silence on any of your statement.

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Dear Meraj Sahab,

To refresh your memory.

Mughal,

I hate to call you by that word so no affront. I just quoted a verse

The Qur'an says:

"And say not of those who are slain in the Way of God: 'They are dead.' Nay, they are living, Though you perceive it not." (Qur'an 2:154)

and,

"Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay they live, finding their sustenance in the Presence of their Lord...."

Other passages can be found in 3:157-171, 22:58 and integrated into numerous other verses of the Qur'an.

and you did not reply to it. Sorry, you are too boring. [Meraj Ziya]

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Dear Meraj Sahab,

If you would have read my earlier posts on the Quranic Verses you quoted then wouldn't have raised the question above. By the way I have explained the context [Shaan-e-Nazool] and background of all the verses you quoted. Context and the background of 22:58 is as under:

Those who fled their homes for the cause of Allah and then were slain or died, Allah verily will provide for them a good provision. Lo! Allah, He verily is Best of all who make provision. [AL-HAJJ (THE PILGRIMAGE) Chapter 22 - Verse 58]

Waallatheena hajaroo fee sabeeli Allahi thumma qutiloo aw matoo layarzuqannahumu Allahu rizqan hasanan wainna Allaha lahuwa khayru alrraziqeena

Context and Details of the Verse above:

Allah tells us that those who migrate for the sake of Allah, seeking to earn His pleasure and that which is with Him, leaving behind their homelands, families and friends, leaving their countries for the sake of Allah and His Messenger to support His religion, then they are killed, i.e., in Jihad, or they die, i.e., they pass away without being involved in fighting, they will have earned an immense reward. As Allah says:

(And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant unto Allah and His Messenger, and death overtakes him, his reward is then surely incumbent upon Allah) ?4:100?surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them.) means, He will reward them from His bounty and provision in Paradise with that which will bring them joy.


(And verily, it is Allah Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision. Truly, He will make them enter an entrance with which they shall be well-pleased,) This means Paradise, as Allah says elsewhere:

(Then, if he be of those brought near (to Allah), rest and provision, and a Garden of Delights.) ?56:88-89?. Allah tells us that He will grant him rest and provision and a Garden of Delights, as He tells us here:

(surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them.) Then He says:

(Truly, He will make them enter an entrance with which they shall be well-pleased, and verily, Allah indeed is All-Knowing,) meaning, He is All-Knowing about those who migrate and strive in Jihad for His sake and who deserve that (reward).

(Most Forbearing,) means, He forgives and overlooks their sins, and He accepts as expiation for their sins, their migration (Hijrah) and their putting their trust in Him. Concerning those who are killed for the sake of Allah, whether they are Muhajirs (migrants) or otherwise, they are alive with their Lord and are being provided for, as Allah says:

(Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision) ?3:169?. There are many Hadiths on this topic, as stated previously. With regard to those who die for the sake of Allah, whether they are emigrants or not. This Ayah and the Sahih Hadiths guarantee that they will be well provided for and that Allah will show them kindness. Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Shurahbil bin As-Simt said: "We spent a long time besieging a stronghold in the land of the Romans. Salman Al-Farisi, may Allah be pleased with him, passed by me and said, `I heard the Messenger of Allah say:

(Whoever dies guarding the borders of Islam, Allah will give him a reward like that reward (of martyr) and will provide for him and keep him safe from trials. Recite, if you wish: (Those who emigrated in the cause of Allah and after that were killed or died, surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them. And verily, it is Allah Who indeed is the Best of those who make provision. Truly, He will make them enter an entrance with which they shall be well-pleased, and verily, Allah indeed is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing))'' He also recorded that `Abdur-Rahman bin Jahdam Al-Khawlani was with Fadalah bin `Ubayd when they accompanied with two funerals, at (an island of) sea one of whom had been struck by a catapult, and the other had passed away. Fadalah bin `Ubayd sat by the grave of the man who had passed away and someone said to him, "Are you neglecting the martyr and not sitting by his grave'' He said, "I would not mind which of these two graves Allah would resurrect me from, for Allah says:

(Those who emigrated in the cause of Allah and after that were killed or died, surely, Allah will provide a good provision for them.)'' And he recited these two Ayat, then said, "What should I seek, O you servant, if I were to enter an entrance to His pleasure, and be provided good provisions By Allah, I would not mind which of these two graves Allah would resurrect me from.''

(That is so. And whoever has retaliated with the like of that which he was made to suffer....) Muqatil bin Hayan and Ibn Jurayj mentioned that this was revealed about a skirmish in which the Companions encountered some of the idolators. The Muslims urged them not to fight during the Sacred Months, but the idolators insisted on fighting and initiated the aggression. So the Muslims fought them and Allah granted them victory.(Verily, Allah indeed is Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving.)

[Courtesy: Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

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Muighal saheb,

For your understanding if you can and dont see the world thru the tainted wahabi glass

The Qur'an says:

"And say not of those who are slain in the Way of God: 'They are dead.' Nay, they are living, Though you perceive it not." (Qur'an 2:154)

and,

"Think not of those who are slain in God's way as dead. Nay they live, finding their sustenance in the Presence of their Lord...."

Other passages can be found in 3:157-171, 22:58 and integrated into numerous other verses of the Qur'an. [Meraj Ziya]

Dear Meraj Sahab,

Dead mean dead.

Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, which indeed returned not unto them; [YA-SEEN (YA-SEEN) Chapter 36 - Verse 31]

Nobody can help what to talk of Dead. Those who are dead cannot do anything for the living from their Graves, Tombs, Shrines..

Shall I take (other) gods in place of Him when, if the Beneficent should wish me any harm, their intercession will avail me naught, nor can they save? [[YA-SEEN (YA-SEEN) Chapter 36 - Verse 23]


Please tell me where in the verses it is 'INSTRUCTED' to seek the help of those who are slained in the way of Allah, and that too after their death and burial in the graveyard.

Background and Context of the Quranic Verse mentioned by you.

And call not those who are slain in the way of Allah "dead." Nay, they are living, only ye perceive not. [AL-BAQARA (THE COW) Chapter 2 - Verse 154]

Wala taqooloo liman yuqtalu fee sabeeli Allahi amwatun bal ahyaon walakin la tashAAuroona

Allah's statement:

(And say not of those who are killed in the way of Allah, "They are dead.'' Nay, they are living,) indicates that the martyrs are alive and receiving their sustenance.

Muslim reported in his Sahih:

(The souls of the martyrs are inside green birds and move about in Paradise wherever they wish. Then, they take refuge in lamps that are hanging under the Throne (of Allah). Your Lord looked at them and asked them, `What do you wish for' They said, `What more could we wish for while You have favored us with what You have not favored any other of your creation' He repeated the question again. When they realize that they will be asked (until they answer), they said, `We wish that You send us back to the earthly life, so that we fight in Your cause until we are killed in Your cause again,' (because of what they enjoy of the rewards of martyrdom). The Lord then said, `I have written that they will not be returned to it (earthly life) again.)

Imam Ahmad reported that `Abdur-Rahman bin Ka`b bin Malik narrated from his father that Allah's Messenger said:

(The believer's soul is a bird that feeds on the trees of Paradise until Allah sends it back to its body when the person is resurrected.)

This Hadith includes all the believers in its general meaning. Thus, the fact that the Qur'an mentions the martyrs in particular in the above Ayah serves to honor, glorify and favor them (although the other believers share the rewards they enjoy).

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Other passages can be found in 3:157-171[Meraj Ziya]

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Background and Context of the Quranic Verse mentioned by you:

And what though ye be slain in Allah's way or die therein? Surely pardon from Allah and mercy are better than all that they amass. [AL-E-IMRAN (THE FAMILY OF 'IMRAN, THE HOUSE OF 'IMRAN) Chapter 3 - Verse 157]

Walain qutiltum fee sabeeli Allahi aw muttum lamaghfiratun mina Allahi warahmatun khayrun mimma yajmaAAoona

Indicating that death and martyrdom in Allah's cause are a means of earning Allah's mercy, forgiveness and pleasure. This, indeed, is better than remaining in this life with its short lived delights. Furthermore, whoever dies or is killed will return to Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored, and He will reward him if he has done good deeds, or will punish him for his evil deeds.

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Other passages can be found in 3:157-171[Meraj Ziya]

Background and Context of the Quranic Verse mentioned by you:

They rejoice because of favour from Allah and kindness, and that Allah wasteth not the wage of the believers. [[AL-E-IMRAN (THE FAMILY OF 'IMRAN, THE HOUSE OF 'IMRAN) Chapter 3 - Verse 171]

Yastabshiroona biniAAmatin mina Allahi wafadlin waanna Allaha la yudeeAAu ajra almumineena

Detailed Background:

Allah states that even though the martyrs were killed in this life, their souls are alive and receiving provisions in the Dwelling of Everlasting Life. In his Sahih, Muslim recorded that Masruq said, "We asked `Abdullah about this Ayah, (Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision.)

He said, `We asked the Messenger of Allah the same question and he said,

(Their souls are inside green birds that have lamps, which are hanging below the Throne (of Allah), and they wander about in Paradise wherever they wish. Then they return to those lamps. Allah looks at them and says, `Do you wish for anything' They say, `What more could we wish for, while we go wherever we wish in Paradise' Allah asked them this question thrice, and when they realize that He will keep asking them until they give an answer, they say, `O Lord! We wish that our souls be returned to our bodies so that we are killed in Your cause again.' Allah knew that they did not have any other wish, so they were left.)''' There are several other similar narrations from Anas and Abu Sa`id.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Anas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(No soul that has a good standing with Allah and dies would wish to go back to the life of this world, except for the martyr. He would like to be returned to this life so that he could be martyred again, for he tastes the honor achieved from martyrdom.) Muslim collected this Hadith

In addition, Imam Ahmad recorded that, Ibn `Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(When your brothers were killed in Uhud, Allah placed their souls inside green birds that tend to the rivers of Paradise and eat from its fruits. They then return to golden lamps hanging in the shade of the Throne. When they tasted the delight of their food, drink and dwelling, they said, `We wish that our brothers knew what Allah gave us so that they will not abandon Jihad or warfare.' Allah said, `I will convey the news for you.') Allah revealed these and the following Ayat,

(Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah. Nay, they are alive, with their Lord, and they have provision.)

Qatadah, Ar-Rabi` and Ad-Dahhak said that these Ayat were revealed about the martyrs of Uhud.

Abu Bakr Ibn Marduwyah recorded that Jabir bin `Abdullah said, "The Messenger of Allah looked at me one day and said, `O Jabir! Why do I see you sad' I said, `O Messenger of Allah! My father was martyred and left behind debts and children.' He said,

(Should I tell you that Allah never spoke to anyone except from behind a veil However, He spoke to your father directly. He said, `Ask Me and I will give you.' He said, `I ask that I am returned to life so that I am killed in Your cause again.' The Lord, Exalted He be, said, `I have spoken the word that they shall not be returned back to it (this life). ' He said, `O Lord! Then convey the news to those I left behind.') Allah revealed,

(Think not of those as dead who are killed in the way of Allah...)''

Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(The martyrs convene at the shore of a river close to the door of Paradise, in a green tent, where their provisions are brought to them from Paradise day and night.)

Ahmad and Ibn Jarir collected this Hadith, which has a good chain of narration. It appears that the martyrs are of different types, some of them wander in Paradise, and some remain close to this river by the door of Paradise. It is also possible that the river is where all the souls of the martyrs convene and where they are provided with their provision day and night, and Allah knows best. UImam Ahmad narrated a Hadith that contains good news for every believer that his soul will be wandering in Paradise, as well, eating from its fruits, enjoying its delights and happiness and tasting the honor that Allah has prepared in it for him. This Hadith has a unique, authentic chain of narration that includes three of the Four Imams. Imam Ahmad narrated this Hadith from Muhammad bin Idris Ash-Shafi`i who narrated it from Malik bin Anas Al-Asbuhi, from Az-Zuhri, from `Abdur-Rahman bin Ka`b bin Malik that his father said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(The soul of the believer becomes a bird that feeds on the trees of Paradise, until Allah sends him back to his body when He resurrects him.)

This Hadith states that the souls of the believers are in the shape of a bird in Paradise. As for the souls of martyrs, they are inside green birds, like the stars to the rest of the believing souls. We ask Allah the Most Generous that He makes us firm on the faith.

Allah's statement,

(They rejoice in what Allah has bestowed upon them) indicates that the martyrs who were killed in Allah's cause are alive with Allah, delighted because of the bounty and happiness they are enjoying. They are also awaiting their brethren, who will die in Allah's cause after them, for they will be meeting them soon. These martyrs do not have fear about the future or sorrow for what they left behind. We ask Allah to grant us Paradise. The Two Sahihs record from Anas, the story of the seventy Ansar Companions who were murdered at Bir Ma`unah in one night. In this Hadith, Anas reported that the Prophet used to supplicate to Allah in Qunut in prayer against those who killed them. Anas said, "A part of the Qur'an was revealed about them, but was later abrogated, `Convey to our people that we met Allah and He was pleased with us and made us pleased.'''

Allah said next,

(They rejoice in a grace and a bounty from Allah, and that Allah will not waste the reward of the believers) ?3:171?.

Muhammad bin Ishaq commented, "They were delighted and pleased because of Allah's promise that was fulfilled for them, and for the tremendous rewards they earned.'' `Abdur-Rahman bin Zayd bin Aslam said, "This Ayah encompasses all the believers, martyrs and otherwise. Rarely does Allah mention a bounty and a reward that He granted to the Prophets, without following that with what He has granted the believers after them.''

[Courtesy: Tafsir Ibn-e-Kathir]

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Amir Saheb.

Why do you get so agitated. I have shown you the graves of all whom you quoted [Meraj Ziya]

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Dear Meraj Sahab,

Nobody deny the lofty status of Prophets [PBUT], their Companions [May Allah be pleased with all of them] and Walis - Saints [May Allah have mercy on their souls] but please do tell all of us as to what those who are buried in these graves {even the Prophet Mohammad - PBUH] can give after their death and please tell us in the light of Quranic Verse below from a Quran which was transmitted to us when Holy Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] was alive:

Those unto whom they cry beside Allah created naught, but are themselves created. (They are) dead, not living. And they know not when they will be raised. [AN-NAHL (THE BEE) Chapter 16 Verse 20 and 21]

Lo! thou canst not make the dead to hear, nor canst thou make the deaf to hear the call when they have turned to flee; [AL-NAML (THE ANT, THE ANTS) Chapter 27 Verse 80]

Dear Meraj Sahab,

If you talk of "Beloved Islam" then the belief that dead Awliya - Saints can fulfil one’s needs or help at times of distress, and calling upon them for aid. Allah says:

Thy Lord hath decreed, that ye worship none save Him [AL-ISRA (ISRA', THE NIGHT JOURNEY, CHILDREN OF ISRAEL) Chapter 17 - Verse 23]

Similarly, people call upon dead Prophets, righteous people and others to intercede for them or to rescue them from some calamity, but Allah says

Is not He (best) Who answereth the wronged one when he crieth unto Him and removeth the evil, and hath made you viceroys of the earth? Is there any Allah beside Allah? Little do they reflect! [AL-NAML (THE ANT, THE ANTS) Chapter 27 - Verse 62]

Some of them call the names of a Sufi Sheiks or Alleged Walis - Saints when they stand up, or sit down, or stumble, or encounter problems or distress, so they might say “O Muhammad!” - Yaa Mohammad or or O Ali - Yaa Ali or - O Hussein - Yaa Hussein or O Jeelaani - Yaa Geelani - Yaa Ghaus Paak or call upon Yaa Sayyidah Zaynab but Allah says:

Verily those whom you call upon besides Allaah are slaves like you [AL-ARAF (THE HEIGHTS) Chapter 7 - Verse 194]

Some of those who worship graves walk around them as if in Tawaaf, and acknowledge their corner , or touch them, kiss them, wipe their faces with their dust, prostrate towards them when they see them, or stand before them in fear and humility, praying for whatever they need of healing from some disease, or for a child, or for help with some difficulty. Sometimes they call upon the occupant of the grave, saying “O my master, I have come to you from far away, so do not let me down.” But Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] said: “Whoever dies calling on someone else as a rival to Allaah, will enter Hell.” [Bukhari - same Bukhari whose alleged Tomb was shown by Mr Meraj].

Some of them shave their heads at the graves, and some have books with titles like The Rituals of Pilgrimage to Shrines, shrines referring to graves or tombs of Wali - Saints. Some of them believe that the Saints are running the affairs of the universe and that they have the power to benefit or harm but Allah says:

If Allah afflicteth thee with some hurt, there is none who can remove it save Him; and if He desireth good for thee, there is none who can repel His bounty. He striketh with it whom He will of his bondmen. He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. [YUNUS (JONAH) Chapter 10 - Verse 107]

It is also Shirk - polytheism to make a vow to any other than Allah, as is done by those who vow to bring candles or lights for the occupants of the graves.

REGARDING Shirk - Polytheism :

Lo! Allah forgiveth not that a partner should be ascribed unto Him. He forgiveth (all) save that to whom He will. Whoso ascribeth partners to Allah, he hath indeed invented a tremendous sin. [AN-NISA (WOMEN) Chapter 4 - Verse 48]

And (remember) when Luqman said unto his son, when he was exhorting him: O my dear son! Ascribe no partners unto Allah. Lo! to ascribe partners (unto Him) is a tremendous wrong [LUQMAN (LUQMAN) Chapter 31 - Verse 13]

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