The Distinctive Authority Bestowed Upon Nabi Kareem ﷺ in the Light of Ahadith A Discourse by Sayyidi Huzoor Muhad dith e Kabeer Hazrat Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi Translated into English Through the Blessings of Ghaus-ul-Waqt Huzoor Mufti-e-Azam Hind By a humble servant of Allah Muhammad Afthab Cassim al-qaadiri Razvi Noori Published FOR Free Distribution By : IMAM MUSTAFA RAZA RESEARCH CENTRE OVERPORT, DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA 1
All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical photocopying or otherwise without the prior permission of the Copyright Owner. Name: The Distinctive Authority Bestowed upon Nabi Kareem ﷺ in the Light of Ahadith A Discourse by Huzoor Muhad dith e Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi Translator: Muhammad Afthab Cassim al- Qaadiri Razvi Noori The Publishers Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre P.O. Box 70140, Overport, 4067 Durban, South Africa Offices 28 Clayton Road, Overport, Durban Tel/Fax: 031 2081045 Email: noori@noori.org Website: www.noori.org Contribute towards a noble cause: For those brothers and sisters who wish to contribute towards our humble efforts, our Banking Details are as follows: Name : Imam Mustafa Raza Research Centre Bank : Nedbank Acc No : 2034044606 Branch : Sydenham Code : 103409 Sponsor the Printing of a Book for Esaal e Sawaab Contact us if you wish to sponsor the printing of a book for the Esaale Sawaab of the marhooms in your family. Sponsor the printing of a book and send the sawaab to your marhoom family members. This is Sawaab-e-Jaariyah and a means of educating the Ummat. Knowledge is Power! 2
Compiler s Note All Praise is due to Almighty Allah, Durood and Salaams upon the Beloved Rasool ﷺ and upon his noble family and illustrious companions, and upon all the Ulama e Haq Ahle Sunnat wa Jama at and upon all those who follow those who follow the path of righteousness. Before you is the book The Distinctive Authority Bestowed upon Nabi Kareem ﷺ in the Light of Ahadith. This book is the translation of a discourse delivered by Huzoor Sayyidi Muhad dith e Kabeer Allama Zia ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi (Allah elevate his excellence). I had initially translated it as part of a bouquet of lectures by Huzoor Muhad dith e Kabeer but later decided to separate the lectures as individual books. In doing so, I have changed the format and style, for easier reading and better understanding. Those who read it, will In sha Allah be inspired by the knowledge, wisdom, acumen and amazing explanations presented by this Great Imam and Master of Hadith during his discourses. Huzoor Sayyidi Muhad dith e Kabeer is a library of sacred knowledge and a trove of wisdom and spiritualism. We make Dua that Allah blesses him with good health and long life through the Barkat of the Meelad of Nabi Kareem.ﷺ Aameen. Like all my other humble attempts, nothing would be possible without the special blessings of my Masha ikh, especially Huzoor Sayyidi Taajush Shariah and Huzoor Muhad dith e Kabeer (Allah raise their ranks), and the Duas of my beloved parents, and support of my family. 3
I would like to thank all those who have assisted in making this translation a success, especially to Hazrat Maulana Mohammed Shakeel Qadiri Ridawi (London), Brother Rukhsar Hussain Qaadiri Razvi Amjadi (Gloucester) and my beloved daughter. May Allah bless them all with the best reward for their efforts. Aameen I pray through the Wasila of Nabi Kareem Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallam that Almighty Allah will accept my humble attempt and afford me the blessing of translating more discourses of Huzoor Muhad dith e Kabeer into English. Aameen It must be noted that any errors found in this document or any other books attempted by me, should be attributed to my shortcoming in translating and not to Huzoor Muhad dith e Kabeer, or any of the other great scholars. Sag e Mufti e Azam Muhammad Afthab Cassim Qaadiri Razvi Noori 12 Rabi ul Awwal 1438 4
Words of Dua By Nabeera e Sadrush Shariah, My Beloved Ustadh Hazrat Allama Mufti Baha ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi I have just been shown and informed by Molana Faizan Al Mustafa Sahib that Mowlana Aftaab sahib has translated into the English language the detailed, and beautifully explained discourse by Allama Muhadith e Kabeer Sahib Qibla, on the Authority of The Beloved.ﷺ Prophet What can one say about the speeches, lectures and discourses of Allama Muhadith e Kabeer sahib Qibla. Whatever subject, whatever topic Allama sahib Qibla speaks about, it is such a speech that those listening are left astonished and in awe. May Allah Almighty accept this great effort, and make it a means for him in this world and the hereafter. May this work be accepted by those who understand the English language. Hazrat Allama Mufti Baha ul Mustafa Qaadiri Amjadi 5
Words of Inspiration By Hazrat Maulana Mohammed Shakeel Qadiri Ridawi (London, U.K.) All praise be to Allah Almighty and infinite blessings upon the best of all creation, the Most Beautiful, the Most Beloved Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam. Upon his Blessed family, his blessed children and upon his Blessed companions Radi Allahu Anhum Ajmaeen. I am extremely pleased to see that Hadrat Mowlana Aftaab Cassim Sahib Qibla has translated the blessed speech of Huzur Shahzaade Sadrush Shariah, Mumtaz Al Fuqahaa, Huzoor Muhadith e Kabeer Qibla on the Distinctive authority bestowed upon Nabi Kareem in the light of Ahadith Shareefah. This is indeed a great contribution and this is worthy of being congratulated. May Allah Almighty accept this translation for the sake of Huzoor Ghouth-e-paak Radi Allahu Anhu and may it be appreciated by the khaas o aam and May Allah Almighty make this translation successful. It is an inspiring discourse which increases our love for the Most Beloved Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam by giving us a glimpse of the Authority bestowed upon him. The great knowledge and beautiful explanations given by Huzoor Muhadith e Kabeer Qibla are inspiring and now available for easy understanding and easy reading for those who cannot understand the Urdu language. 6
May Allah almighty grant Mowlana Aftaab Cassim sahib Qibla the Towfeeq to be a means of propagation of the works and Maslak of Imaam Ahmed Raza Khan Radi Allahu Anhu which has been passed on to us by our Akaabireen such as Huzur Mujahide Ahlesunnat Hadrat Allama Syed Shah Turabul Haq Qadiri Alayhirrahmah, Huzoor Qazi Al Quzzaat Taajush Shariah Hadrat Mufti Akhtar Raza Khan Qibla and Huzur Mumtaz Al Fuqahaa Ameerul Momineen fil Hadith Allama Zia Al Mustafa Qibla whom throughout their lives have waged a war of words against those who have blasphemously tried to undermine the most exalted and glorious status of the Most beloved Sall'Allahu Alaihi Wasallam. May Allah Almighty reward Mowlana Aftaab Sahib Qibla in abundance. Taalibe Dua Faqeer Mohammed Shakeel Qadiri Ridawi 7
Online Launch On The Blessed Occasion of Meelad un Nabi ﷺ 12 TH Rabi ul Awwal 1438 From The Blessed City of Light Al Madinatul Munawwarah 8
Dedication This Translation Is Dedicated To Mujahid Ahle Sunnat Hazrat Allama Syed Shah Turab ul Haq Qaadiri Alaihir Rahma May Allah Bless Us All With Closeness To His Chosen Servants. Aameen 9
ا ل حم د ه ل ل االله وح دہ ر بال عا لم نا ل ذى ا ب د عالا ف لا والا ر ض ن وا ش د ا ن لا ا ل ا لا لا ي ك ل و وال ح قال مب نال ر زا ق ذ و ال ق وة ال مت ن وا ش دا ن س ي دن ا و مو لان ا م ح م دا عب دہ ا ل ذى ا فا ض ع لي نا ا ن وا رال داي ة و ر سو ل وا ص حاب ا ج م ع ن و ع لي نا م ع م ا ىي و م ال دي ن ا ل ذى ا ر س ل رح م ة لل ع لم ن وال ح ق وال يق ن و ص ى االله ع لي و ع ى ال ا ما بع د ف اع و ذ ب االله م ن ال شي طا ن ال ر جي م ب س م االله ال رح م ن ال رح ي م ا غ ن االله ورس و هل م ن ف ض هل Allah and His Beloved Rasool Granted them Prosperity, by His Grace [Surah Taubah (9), Verse 74] ص د قاالله ال ع ظي م و ص د ق ر سو ل ال ن ب ال ي م ع لي و ع ى ال وا ص حاب م لال تس ل ي م ا ف ض لال صلوة و ا ك 10
Let us commence by conveying Durood and Salaams in the Holy, Blessed and Merciful Court of Rasool e Akram, Noor-e-Mujas sam,ﷺ Haadi-e-Subul, Rahmat-e-Kul Sayyiduna Muhammad Mustafa with complete devotion and reverence. My dear friends and respected members of the Muslim community! Today, I have been given the opportunity of discussing the Authority and Special Powers of Discretion and Legislation that have been.ﷺ awarded to the Beloved Rasool ﷺ The subject about the authority and power of the Beloved Rasool is a subject that has been accepted by the entire Ummat e Muslima, right from the blessed era of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ till this present day. However, in this day and time, there are some people, who through their thinking and (so-called) ideology have shown and made apparent their (flawed) beliefs, wherein they merely regard the Beloved Rasool ﷺ an ordinary human being. In doing so, they have announced and proclaimed that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ is in no way different from all the other human beings, and they have declared, and he ﷺ has the same powers and same discretion as ordinary human beings possess. Whereas the true Aqida is that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ is the Most Exalted and Most Supreme (in Allah s creation) and that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ is the absolute representative of Almighty Allah. (All) this has been clearly proven and well established with evidence from the Holy Qur an and the Ahadith e Nabawia, as well as from the statements of the pious predecessors. 11
This exalted, unique and supreme authority and representation can only be true when the Divine Attributes of Almighty Allah are truly ﷺ manifested through the blessed personality of the Beloved Rasool (and undoubtedly it is), so you should not think that this Aqida (belief) was just something that was started by the Barelvis. I must say that the Holy Qur an has taught us this (belief) and the Beloved Rasool ﷺ reminded us about this belief, and this unbroken chain of firmly believing in this Aqida has reached us through the Sahaba-e-Kiraam and our blessed and pious predecessors. Today, I wish to expound on this subject in the light of the Ahadith of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ but before going deeper into this topic, I feel that in order to draw our minds and thoughts closer to this discussion, and to better understand your present state, I should present a preliminary discourse, so that my actual discussion may be well understood by you in a very simple manner. Let us recite Durood-e-Paak one more time so that our discussion may proceed further: ص ل ع ى س ي دن ا و م ا ل ل مو لان ا م ح مد و ب ار و س لم صلو ة و س لا ما ع لي ك ي ا ر سو ل االله ﷺ Respected audience! Who is there amongst us, whom Almighty Allah has not blessed with some physical power and strength (energy)? Are the manifestations of these powers and strengths not visible directly through our actions? 12
For example, Allah has blessed us with power in our hands, by which we may support someone who is falling, and yet with the very same hand and this very same strength, we can strangle someone. With this very same strength (i.e. ability) we can assist someone, and on the other hand with the same strength, we can cause oppression and transgressions. Similarly, Almighty Allah has blessed us with the power of speech, with which we can command what is right and prohibit what is wrong (evil), but yet with the same power, we even slander people and are vulgar towards them. We even use this same ability, to give Dua. Similarly, Almighty Allah has blessed us with other powers (abilities) which are not directly associated with our physical being, but a vast amount of such powerful things are all around us. If you ponder over this, then is it not true that there is an abundance of wealth all around us. These valuables and this wealth sometimes act as our strength and show of power. It also becomes a means of us attaining admiration and respect. In other words, if we have some money in our pockets, then we are able to be of assistance to the poor, the needy and the orphans. And if we have money in our pockets, then we can also gamble it away, go to the cinema, and deal in interest (usury). If we have this (same) money in our pockets, we may even be of assistance to the oppressed. Therefore, wealth and this money are also powers that have been given to man. Now tell me! Even though you possess all these powers, do you have any power or any authority in the issues of Deen (Religion)? 13
With your powers, you can do many things related to materialistic issues. Through these powers, you can assist people. On the one hand you have the ability to burn down the home of someone, yet on the other hand, you may put out the fire of someone s burning barn house. I would like for you to tell me if you can make any changes in the Deen by this power which you possess, or if you have any power in already decreed issues of Deen? Can you declare any Halaal to be Haraam? Can you declare any Mustahab (desirable/recommended action) to be Fard (obligatory)? Can you declare any Fard to be on the level of simply being permissible? All these are out of your power and your authority. No matter how authoritative you may be, and no matter how powerful a person may be in worldly matters, yet when it comes to the issues of Deen, he is helpless and powerless. I say, let us discuss (in more detail) the powers and authority of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ concerning worldly issues much later. 14
The Beloved Rasool ﷺ has such power and authority in the issues of Deen that the Holy Qur an announces: ا ف خ ذ وھ وم م ا الر ت ك م س ول و ا ن ه ك م ع وا ه ت ه ف ان ن And whatever the Beloved Rasool gives, take it, and whatever he forbids, abstain from it. [Surah Hashr (59), Verse 7] The power and the authority of the Beloved Nabi ﷺ is such that Almighty Allah did not say that, there is no significance in that which the Beloved Rasool ﷺ has commanded or forbidden. Allah is not saying that once I have given a command and it has been revealed to you it is the (only) final word, but Almighty Allah says directly that Whatever the Beloved Rasool ﷺ gives, take it, and whatever he forbids, abstain from it. From this, it has become evident that Almighty has sent His Beloved Rasool ﷺ as His Most Supreme and Absolute Representative. The Beloved Rasool ﷺ has been blessed with such unique authority, that he may declare Halaal whatever he wishes, and he ﷺ may declare Haraam whatever he ﷺ wishes. It is for this reason that it is evident in Bukhari Shareef and the other Books of Ahadith that during the Victory at Makkah (Fateh Makkah), the Beloved Rasool demonstrated his unique power and authority, by announcing that Allah has made Makkah a Haram (a place of sacredness). 15
ف ن صي د ہ ولا ي ل تق طل ق ط ت إ لا من ف ا ولا ي خ ت ى خلا ك ولا ي لا ع ض د شو قا لال ع با سي ا ر سو لاالله. إ لا الا ذ ف ن ل قي ن م ول ب يوت م. ف قا ل إ لا الا ذ ا. [Bukhari Vol.1, pg.216 Muslim Vol.1, pg.438/439] (In other words) Allah has made Makkah the Haram and even a single thorn here cannot be broken off, the trees here should not be cut down, and the grass here should not be pulled out, so Hazrat Sayyiduna Ab bas bin Abdul Mutallib, the cousin of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ stood up and said: ي ا ر سو لاالله. إ لا الا ذ ف ن ل قي ن م ول ب يوت م قا ل إ لا الا ذ [Abu Dawood Pg.76, Baab Tahreem Makkah] Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ Please permit us to cut Izkhir (a kind of lemon grass - Cymbopogon citratus) grass, since we use it for thatching our roofs, and when we lay our deceased to rest in their graves, then we place it over the planks, and it is also used by a goldsmith when he melts his gold. O Prophet of Allah!ﷺ Please permit the use of this. My Beloved Master ﷺ said, إ لا الا ذ إ لا الا ذ 16
(In other words) Yes, you have permission to cut Izkhir (a kind of lemon grass - Cymbopogon citratus). I grant you permission to cut Izkhir (a kind of lemon grass - Cymbopogon citratus). Take heed to this scenario. First, my Beloved Rasool ﷺ commands that no thorn should be broken; no tree should be cut off; no grass should be pulled out. In other words, it is forbidden to cut all wild growing trees, grass, and thorns, etc. there, but on the other hand when Hazrat Ab bas presented his request and sought permission to cut Izkhir (a kind of lemon grass - Cymbopogon citratus). My Beloved Rasool ﷺ did not say, that in this situation my authority has been taken away, my power and authority does not work on such issues, as this is the command of Allah. It is He who has made Makkah the Haram, it will only be permissible if He says it to be permissible otherwise not, but, my Beloved Master ﷺ said, Go! I am granting you the permission to cut Izkhir (a kind of grass - Cymbopogon citratus). From this, it has become evident that my Beloved Master ﷺ has been blessed with such unique authority and power of discretion by Almighty Allah in the issues of Halaal and Haraam that he may ﷺ may declare what he ﷺ declare what he wishes as Halaal and he wishes as Haraam. Recite Durood-e-Paak! ص ل ع ى س ي دن ا و م ا ل ل مو لان ا م ح مد و ب ار و س لم صلو ة و س لا ما ع لي ك ي ا ر سو ل االله ﷺ 17
ﷺ Now let us discuss this even further. Once, the Beloved Rasool announced that Hajj had become Fard (obligatory). Peruse Mishkaat Shareef Kitaabul Manaasik, Muslim Shareef Kitaabul Hajj, and Nasa i Shareef. There you will find this narration present where our Beloved Rasool ﷺ announced: ي اال نا س قد ضاالله ع لي ك مال ح ج ي اأ O, People! Verily Allah has made Hajj Fard upon you. [Sahih Muslim] In other words, Hajj has become Fard on a person who has the means to perform Hajj. When this announcement was made, a Sahabi of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ Hazrat Iqra bin Jaabis asks, ي ك ل عام (ﷺ (In other words, O Prophet of Allah Will we have to make Hajj every year? [Mishkaat Shareef Pg.221, Fasl Thaani, Kitaabul Manaasik, Muslim Shareef, Vol.1, Pg.432] (He was querying) As to whether it would be like other actions which are done annually, such as giving Zakaat every year or doing Qurbani every year, etc. He wanted to know if we would have to perform Hajj annually in the same manner. 18
My Beloved Master ﷺ says, لو قل ت عم ل و ج بت ىك ل س ن ة ما اس ت طع ت م و If I had to say yes, then it would have become compulsory upon you every year to perform Hajj, and you would not have had the strength (ability) to do this (i.e. perform Hajj every year). [Muslim Shareef Vol.1, Pg.432, Kitaabul Hajj] From this, it is very clear and well understood that on the one hand, my Master ﷺ is announcing that, O People! Allah has been made Hajj Fard upon you, yet on the other hand, he is saying that you queried about Hajj being Fard annually, so if I had to say yes to that, it would become Fard annually. From this, we may ascertain that it is indeed Almighty Allah Who made Hajj Fard upon us, but the term regarding it being Fard, in other words, whether it will be regarded as Fard annually, or just once in a lifetime is that authority and supreme discretion which has been granted to the Beloved Rasool.ﷺ It is for this reason that my Beloved Master ﷺ says that, If I had to say yes then it would have become Fard annually. He did not say that it will remain Fard like Allah has made it Fard, whether He has made it Fard once in a lifetime or yearly. It will simply remain as commanded. Rather, he ﷺ is directing our attention towards his words by showing us clearly that, Allah has blessed me with power and authority in the matters of Deen in this issue. 19
Thus, if you wish to know more information about these special powers and unique authority of The Beloved Rasool,ﷺ then you will find a very long list about this discussion. I would like to outline some noteworthy points at this juncture. From both the Ahadith which I have presented before you, I have proved very clearly that according to Hadith Shareef, the Beloved Rasool ﷺ has given comfort and ease for his Ummah on his behalf. However, I would also like to inform you regarding the fact that, not only did Almighty Allah grant the Beloved Rasool ﷺ such special powers of discretion, by which he may command something to be Fard, and it would be the same command for the entire Ummah, but he has also been blessed with such powers of discretion and such special authority, that he may give one command for one particular person in the Ummah, and another command for another person in the Ummah. My Beloved Nabi ﷺ has been blessed with the excellence of this special distinction, and this is because Almighty Allah sent down the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ granting him full and complete power and control in the matters of Deen. Let us continue further, you shall find the following narration of Hazrat Bara ibn Aazib in Bukhari, Muslim and the other Siha Sitta ﷺ (Six Authentic Books of Hadith). He says that the Beloved Rasool perform the Namaaz of Eid-ul-Adha and then delivered the Khutbah (sermon). 20
During the Khutbah he ﷺ said that all those who performed their Namaaz according to our way and then after Namaaz performed their Qurbani, then their Qurbani (sacrifice) has been performed correctly. (In other words), ف قد ت م سك وأ صا ب س ن ة ال مس ل م ن So, he slaughtered it (completed his Qurbani) at the correct time, and followed the tradition of the Muslims. [Bukhari Vol.2, Pg. 832] And he ﷺ then said that whosoever did Qurbani first and then performed his Namaaz afterward, ت ل ك شاة لح م (In other words), That meat is just like meat from an ordinary goat (not regarded as Qurbani). [Muslim Vol.2, Pg.154] Hazrat Sayyiduna Abu Burdah bin Niyyar immediately stood up and said, Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ I thought that today was a day of feasting from Allah and this is a day of blessing for us servants from Allah. It is for this reason that I performed my Qurbani before (Namaaz), and I have already distributed its meat to my hungry neighbours, and I have fed it to my family and my children, and I too have eaten of it already. After doing all this, I came here to perform the Namaaz. 21
My Beloved Rasool ﷺ says, O Abu Burdah ibn Niyyar! Your Qurbani has not been discharged. That meat was equivalent to that of any other goat. He says, Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ I do not have any other goat that will qualify for Qurbani except for a six-month-old baby goat which is very healthy, but it is only six-months-old? The Beloved Rasool ﷺ says, Go and sacrifice it (make Qurbani of it). Your Qurbani of it will be accepted, but if anyone else does Qurbani of an animal of that age, it will not be accepted. [Nasa i Shareef Vol.2, Pg.204 Muslim Shareef, Vol.2, Pg.154] Now take a glimpse at the mercy of my Nabi.ﷺ Look at his mercy, when he intends to bless someone. The one who is being blessed is not amongst the elder Sahaba, but when he ﷺ decided to bless him, he ﷺ blessed him with such uniqueness that if he wishes to make Qurbani of a six-month-old goat, he is being allowed to do so, but this uniqueness is only being granted to him, and this is not permissible for anyone else. From this, it has become clearly evident that Almighty Allah blessed the Beloved Rasool ﷺ with such authority and power of discretion that if he wishes, then he may command one ruling for one particular Ummati and a separate ruling for the rest of the Ummah. If any person, no matter how great a personality he may be, wishes to make Qurbani of a six-month-old animal, it will not be permitted, but this uniqueness was blessed to Hazrat Abu Burdah by the.ﷺ Beloved Rasool 22
Think for a moment, that if this is the authority and power that has been bestowed upon the Beloved Rasool ﷺ in the matters of Deen, what can be said regarding his power and authority on worldly issues? It is for this reason that we say that Almighty Allah has blessed His Beloved ﷺ with such power and authority, that the rest of the world is helpless and without any real authority in these issues. Almighty Allah is showing us that, if we wish to realise the power and authority of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ then we should observe the depths of his power and authority in matters of Deen, and then only will we understand the excellence and authority he has been blessed with in all other issues. Where you are helpless and have no say in such matters, there, the power and authority of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ are so powerful and great. What can be said about the excellence of his power and authority in cases where (even) you have been given certain powers and control? Send Salutations upon him! ص ل ع ى س ي دن ا و م ا ل ل مو لان ا م ح مد و ب ار و س لم صلو ة و س لا ما ع لي ك ي ا ر سو ل االله ﷺ Dear Friends! If we carefully examine the lives of the Companions of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ based on what has been shown to us by Almighty Allah, we will notice that whenever they (the blessed companions) were in need, or in difficulty, or when they faced any 23
calamity or hardship, or when they were ill, or when fighting the enemy, or when facing any other issue, they would immediately go to the Beloved Rasool ﷺ in order to have their needs fulfilled. (When they presented themselves before Nabi Kareem, ﷺ not once did the Beloved Rasool ﷺ object to them coming to him. He never objected by saying that, in the past, they took their requests before idols, and now they come to him with their requests. He did not compare this in any way to himself, by saying that even now you are coming to Ghairullah (other than Allah) for assistance. Never did my Master ﷺ say such words to his beloved companions, but rather, the Beloved Rasool ﷺ listened to them and fulfilled their needs, and in doing so, he helped them to strengthen their Aqida and to grant them steadfastness. It is for this reason that my Beloved Master ﷺ announced amongst his companions; ما أ ن ا قا سم واالله ع طي إ ن Verily I am the distributor (of the bounties of Allah) and Allah is The Giver. [Bukhari Vol.1, Pg.16 - Muslim Shareef - Mishkaat Shareef] 24
This means that indeed this Deen has been given (to you) by Almighty Allah, but without my hands, you shall never be able to attain the blessings of this Deen. It is for this reason that my Beloved Master ﷺ said, ما أ ن ا قا سم إ ن Verily, I am the Distributor. It is from this that we understand (the words of Aala Hazrat ): This is why the Sahaba-e-Kiraam brought the requests for their.ﷺ needs to the Court of the Beloved Rasool There is narration present in Bukhari Shareef, Volume.1, Kitaabul Ilm, which is reported on the authority of Hazrat Abu Hurairah and Imam Bukhari has also presented the same narration in Baabul Mu jazaat (Chapter of Miracles) in Bukhari Shareef as well. The Hadith is as follows; Hazrat Abu Hurairah says, I used to listen to the Ahadith of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ in abundance, but would forget all of what I heard. (In other words, Hazrat Abu Hurairah mentioned this (ﷺ predicament to the Beloved Rasool 25
My Master ﷺ did not say that you should use Khameera Abresham or Khameera Gau Zubaan (which are medicines for strengthening the memory), or go to any doctor for treatment. He did not ask him to see any specialist physician, but my Master ﷺ said, ا ب سط ر دا ء O Abu Hurairah! Spread out your shawl [Bukhari Shareef Vol.1, Kitaabul Manaaqib, Baab Sawaalul Mushrikeen Pg.514/515 Bukhari Shareef Vol.1, Kitaabul Ilm Pg.22] Hazrat Abu Hurairah (immediately adhered) and spread out his shawl. Why did Rasoolullah ﷺ command him to spread out his shawl? He ﷺ asked Hazrat Abu Hurairah to spread out his shawl as he was clearly informing him that, today I am going to give you so much that you will not be able to take it in your hands, or in your clothes or your little bag, thus you should spread out your shawl. Hence Hazrat Abu Hurairah spread out his shawl and my Beloved Master ﷺ held both his blessed hands together and then placed his (apparently) empty hands into the shawl of Abu Hurairah and said, ض م ا ى صد ر ي اا ب ا ري ر ة O Abu Hurairah! Gather it (your shawl) and clutch it to your chest. (Bukhari Shareef Vol.1, Kitaabul Manaaqib, Pg. 514 / 515) 26
Hazrat Abu Hurairah says, I clutched the shawl to my chest, and then a powerful transformation took place within my chest. ما سي ت شي ي ا ع ن سم ع ت ر سو لاالله ص ى االله علي وسلم In other words, (From that day right up to this very day) I have never forgotten anything that I have heard from the Beloved Rasool Pg.514/515] [Bukhari Shareef, Vol.1, Kitaabul Manaaqib,.ﷺ I will not translate this narration with the words, I have never forgotten any Hadith from that day on as this translation is incorrect, but I will translate it to mean, I have never forgotten.ﷺ anything that I have heard from The Beloved Rasool The reason for this is because the words of the Hadith are; ما سي ت بع د شي ي ا After that, I have never forgotten anything (which I have heard (ﷺ from the Beloved Rasool In other words, not only did he remember the Hadith that he heard from the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ but he never forgot anything related to the Beloved Rasool.ﷺ He never forgot a single word, or the eloquence, or the manner in which it was said. He remembered the slightest details and everything else (about what he heard). 27
This is the power and the excellence of the Beloved Rasool, ﷺ that not only is he ﷺ bestowing upon him (Abu Hurairah ) the wealth of knowledge but at the same time, he ﷺ is granting him an amazing power of memory. In doing so, Nabi ﷺ is openly displaying his power of giving, and his unique ability of being able to bless someone to the highest degree. Not only are we able to witness the special power which Almighty Allah has blessed our Beloved Rasool ﷺ with, but we area also able to observe the beauty of his ﷺ kindness and generosity. Visibly, it seemed as if there was nothing in the blessed hands of the Beloved Rasool.ﷺ Visibly, nothing was being put into the shawl of Hazrat Abu Hurairah, but Subhaan Allah, his ﷺ bountiful blessings are such that Hazrat Abu Hurairah is not saying, Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ There is nothing visible in your blessed hands, and neither is there anything in my shawl, so why should I clutch it to my chest? Why is Abu Hurairah not saying this? Hazrat Abu Hurairah is not saying this, because he is aware of the fact that it is not necessary for one to be able to (physically) see the blessings of The Beloved Rasool ﷺ to attain these blessings. (He knows) that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ can distribute visible blessings, and at the same time he ﷺ can also distribute hidden blessings. 28
Today people argue as to whether the Beloved Rasool ﷺ possesses knowledge of the Unseen (Ilm-e-Ghaib) or not. I will later discuss the issue of whether he ﷺ has knowledge of the unseen. Here you should observe whether he distributes Ghaib or not? Translator s Note In other words, leave alone him ﷺ having knowledge of Ghaib (unseen), he even has the power of distributing Ghaib. Thus, how will it be possible for him not to possess that which he is distributing.. Here, The Beloved Rasool ﷺ is distributing Ghaib, in other words. He is distributing unseen blessings, and Hazrat Abu Hurairah is gladly receiving these blessings. This is why we say: These are the blessings from the blessed hands of my Master.ﷺ (If you observe sincerely), you will notice vast seas of blessings flowing through his ﷺ blessed hands. This will revive your Imaan and strengthen your Aqida. 29
We should try to study the Ahadith with deeper insight, for only then will we truly understand (these blessings). In doing so, we will also learn about the manner in which our Nabi ﷺ generously distributed his blessings. There is a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Ali which Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah, and Tirmizi, etc. have recorded. He says that the Beloved ﷺ sent him as the Qazi and Justice to Yemen, and he ﷺ Rasool commanded him to go there to resolve the issues of the people and to give judgment in their cases. Hazrat Ali says, Ya Rasool Allah man, I am a very young!ﷺ و ا ى لاا ع ل م كث ر م نال ق ضا ء I am not very well versed in the intricacies of the duties of a judge and (issues relating to the passing of judgment). [Ibn Majah Pg.167 Abu Dawood Kitaabul Qada, Pg.504] (He further said: Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ Why am I being given this position when I do not possess the necessary qualification and experience for this responsibility?). In other words, he is requesting that this position is granted to someone who has adequate experience which is required to fulfil the duties of Qaza correctly. 30
The Beloved Rasool ﷺ did not say, O Ali! Since you claim that you are not qualified enough for this position, this position should be taken away from you and given to someone with more experience. Rather, my Beloved Master ﷺ struck the chest of Hazrat Ali with his blessed hand by saying, قل ب م ا د ا ل ل O Allah, grant him guidance (in other words strengthen his heart with confidence). [Abu Dawood Kitaabul Qada, Pg.504] Hazrat Ali says: ف ما ش كك ت بع د ي ق ضاء ب ن اث ن ن After that day (i.e. right up to this very day), I have never had any doubt or uncertainty in judging between two people (on any case that has been presented to me). [Ibn Majah, Pg.167] In reality, when my Beloved Master ﷺ struck the chest of Hazrat Ali, the sea of knowledge began to rise in the depths of his heart. This, is the generosity of the Beloved Rasool, and the manner in which he distributes blessings. Allahu Akbar! 31
This is why we say At this stage, I would like to make a very important point (which you should take heed to). We too while teaching our students sometimes give them a light smack or two, and sometimes even strike them (lightly) when they do not know their lesson. The result of this is that most often you will find that they (the students) tend even to forget the things which they already know. However, (in the case of Hazrat Ali ) we can observe the excellence of the Beloved Rasool.ﷺ He struck the chest of Hazrat Ali just once, and in doing so, the Beloved Rasool ﷺ taught Hazrat Ali that which he had not known, and that which he had already known, was refreshed. Hazrat Ali says, ف ما ش كك ت بع د ي ق ضاء ب ن اث ن ن After that day (i.e. right up to this very day), I have never had any doubt or uncertainty in judging between two people (on any case that has been presented to me). 32
Hazrat Ali was blessed with such a vast wealth of knowledge concerning the Judiciary, through the blessed hands of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ that all the Companions of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ had complete faith in his decisions because the Beloved Rasool ﷺ had granted him a unique position in the issues of Judiciary. When Ameer ul Mo mineen Hazrat Umar-e-Farouk would face any complex judicial matters and Hazrat Ali was not be present, he would ask for refuge in Allah. (as mentioned in the Hadith below). ك ا نع مر ب ن ال خ طا بي ت ع وذ ب االله م ن مع ض لة لي س ف ي ا ا ب و ح س ن [Tareekh ul Khulafa, Pg.171] From this, it is evident that even Hazrat Umar-e-Farouk knew well, that the special uniqueness and position in issues of the Judiciary which were blessed to Hazrat Ali through the blessed hands of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ granted him distinction amongst the Sahaba-e-Kiraam, in this field. Think about this for a moment. This is being said by that Ameer ul Mo mineen Hazrat Umar-e-Farouk whose authority and wisdom is even respected and honoured to this very day. 33
Not only is he respected by Muslims and not only are his visions and ideas regarded as being ingenious by Muslims, but even those who opposed him accepted this. This statement of Hazrat Umar-e-Farouk is acknowledging the special excellence that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ bestowed upon Hazrat Ali. In other words, he is acknowledging the excellence bestowed upon Hazrat Ali in matters of the judiciary. Let us all once again recite Durood Shareef! ص ل ع ى س ي دن ا و م ا ل ل مو لان ا م ح مد و ب ار و س لم صلو ة و س لا ما ع لي ك ي ا ر سو ل االله ﷺ Many Companions of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ received such blessed gifts and favours of knowledge from his ﷺ exalted Court. I would now like to present to you various narrations, to prove how the Beloved Rasool ﷺ distributed different types of blessings amongst his beloved companions. For this, I will present an incident narrated in Bukhari Shareef, Kitaabul Maghazi. (It is reported that) During the battle of Khandaq (Battle of the Trench), the Beloved Rasool ﷺ commanded the Sahaba-e-Kiraam to dig a trench around the city of Madina. The Sahaba e Kiraam were engrossed in fulfilling this command and commenced digging the trench around Madina Shareef. Hazrat Sayyiduna Jabir says that they encountered a broad, massive pillar of rock while digging the trench. This pillar of rock became a hindrance in digging the trench. 34
All the Sahaba-e-Kiraam worked together and attempted to break this huge pillar of rock, but their efforts yielded no success. Finally, (they became exhausted) and presented themselves before the Beloved Rasool.ﷺ They said, Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ A huge pillar of rock is hindering us from digging the trench. If we do not break it, the kuffar will use it as a bridge and enter the city of Madina. We have all tried to break this pillar, but it has been in vain. We cannot seem to find any way to conquer this situation and break the pillar. Take heed! The Beloved Rasool ﷺ did not say to them; I am a human just like you. If all of you could not break the pillar, how do you expect me to do this? Rather, my Master ﷺ stands up and then says, Show me where that huge pillar of rock is? On arriving at the trench, My Master ﷺ observed the pillar of rock. Hazrat Jabir says that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ went close to the rock pillar and then took a shovel in his blessed hand and struck the huge rock once. Now let us observe how Hazrat Jabir explains this incident. He says, ف ا خ ذال م ع و ل ف ب ف عا د كث ي باا ي ل ا و ا ي م ف قل تي ا ر سو لاالله اÒ ذ ن يا ىال ب ي ت ف قل ت لام رأ ى رأ ي تب ال ن ب ص ى االله علي و سلم شي ي ا ذل ك صب ر ما ك ا ن ي Rasoolullah ﷺ took hold of the shovel and then struck the huge pillar of rock once, and the entire pillar of rock turned to dust. So I 35
said, Ya Rasool Allah!ﷺ Please allow me permission to go home? (After this permission was granted, I went home and), I said to my wife, I saw Rasoolullah ﷺ in a condition which I cannot bear. [Bukhari Shareef, Book of Military Expeditions] From this, it is clearly understood that the strength and the immense power in the shoulders (blessed hands) of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ was unique in every way, because the strength of all the companions put together, could not do any damage to the huge pillar. Where the power and strength of all the companions put together reached its ultimate, there, the Beloved Rasool ﷺ comes forth in his perfect splendour, and with his action announces that my power and strength starts where the strength of everyone else reaches its peak, failing to go any further. Another important point to take note of concerning this miraculous act performed by The Beloved Rasool,ﷺ is that even if we (you and I) have to strike a rock or a brick with any tool, then you will only find the dust of that particular strike, or you will find the pieces of that thing, in the area of the point of impact. You will not find it scattered all over. It will be found wherever the point of impact was. However, here, the tool used by my Beloved Rasool ﷺ only struck one particular point, but the entire pillar turned to dust. From this, it is proven that the striking of The Beloved Rasool ﷺ was not based on the point of its impact, but it was based on his intention. His one strike destroyed whatever he had intended to destroy, and it did not only affect the point of impact. In other words, all his actions are 36
based on whatever he intends to happen. He is indeed the one holding true power and authority. Hazrat Jabir further says, When the Beloved Rasool ﷺ raised the tool (to strike the rock), he raised his blessed hands causing his shawl (sheet) which was covering him to lift up as well. In other words, the moment he raised his blessed hands, the Chaadar (shawl/sheet) immediately moved, and the blessed stomach section of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ became visible. Hazrat Jabir observed ﷺ that due to having not eaten (for three days) the Beloved Rasool had stones tied on his blessed stomach. Hazrat Jabir says, When I saw this, ف لم ا ص ب ر ع ي ف I could not bear the thought of this in my heart [Bukhari Vol.2 Kitaabul Maghazi, Ghazwatul Khandaq, Pg.588] In other words, he says that he could not bear to see that the Beloved Master ﷺ is without food, yet all of them had eaten a full stomach of food. He says that he became completely restless and rushed home and said to his wife; د من ء ل ع ن (In other words) Do you have anything available (at home)? 37
His wife responded by saying that there was not much to eat in the house, except for one Seer (i.e. measure of weight slightly less than a kilogram) of barley and a six-month-old (female) baby goat. She mentioned that except this, there was nothing else that could be prepared, to invite people to a feast. He says to her, رأ ي تب ال ن ب ص ى االله علي و سلم شي ي ا ما ك ا ن ي ذ ل ك صب ر (By Allah!), I saw Nabi ﷺ in a condition which I cannot bear. [Bukhari, Vol.2, Kitaabul Maghazi, Ghazwatul Khandaq, Pg.588] Today the Beloved Rasool ﷺ has a stone tied on his blessed stomach due to hunger. Today I desire that we should invite Rasool ﷺ for a meal (to our home). His wife reminded him that this was all she had at home as a meal. Hazrat Jabir said to her, You grind the flour, while I make the goat Zibah (slaughter it). She immediately began grinding the flour, and Hazrat Jabir went out and sacrificed the animal. He cut the meat into cubes and gave it to his wife. He asked her to prepare the meal very swiftly. He said, Let me go to the battlefield and bring the Beloved Rasool ﷺ over to our house. Just as Hazrat Jabir was on his way out, his wife said, You are going there, yet there are many Sahaba-e-Kiraam present there, both the Muhajireen and the Ansaar. If you present the invitation aloud, then all of them will attend, and the Beloved Rasool ﷺ may 38
also ask them to join him. You should thus be discreet with the invitation. She said; ف قا لت لا ف ضح ب ر سو لاالله ص ىااللهعلي وسلم وب من م ع Do not cause me to be humiliated before the Beloved Rasool ﷺ and those who are with him [Bukhari Vol.2 Kitaabul Maghazi, Ghazwatul Khandaq, Pg.589] Translator s Note In other words, she was worried that if the food was less, then they will wonder as to why they were invited to a meal, whereas they did not have sufficient provisions to feed all of them.. It is for this reason that she advised him to present the invitation very discreetly. On the one hand was the advice of his wife, and on the other hand, he knew that the food was not sufficient to feed ﷺ many people. He thus very discreetly went to the Beloved Rasool and said, I have arranged for very little food. Please come with me. When the Beloved Rasool ﷺ heard this, he announced, ي ا أ ل ال خن د ق إ ن جاب را قد ص ن ع سو را ف ى لا ب ك م O people of the trench! Jabir has invited us to a meal. Come, let us all go. (i.e. he has prepared a meal for us) [Bukhari Vol.2, Pg.589] 39
ى Subhaan Allah! Now Hazrat Jabir was surprised. He began to think that on the one hand, his wife would be upset with him and on the hand, the food that had been prepared was not sufficient to feed so many people. He felt anxious and restless. This restlessness could.ﷺ not be hidden from the blessed sight of the Beloved Rasool Subhaan Allah! This is our Nabi ﷺ who says, ا ي ا را ك ممن و را ء ظ ر ى ك ماا را كم ا ما ي I can see you from behind me just as I can see you front in front of me. [Bukhari Vol.1, Pg. 102] This is our Beloved Nabi ﷺ who says, ش وع ك م خ ر ك وع ك م ع ي خ لاي ا ما (Let it be known)! Your condition while you are in Ruku is not hidden from me. Let alone your Ruku, Even the sincerity of your hearts is not hidden from me. [Muslim, Vol.1, Pg.180] That Nabi who is aware of the hidden thought of our hearts, will he not be aware of the restlessness in Jabir s heart? 40
Certainly he is aware! It is for this reason that my Master ﷺ says, Rush towards your house. Do not put the roti (bread) onto the fire (to cook) until such time that I reach your home and until that time, do not remove the pot of meat from the stove (fire). Hazrat Jabir rushes home, but instead of passing the message of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ he says to his wife that we are in a situation today, جا ء ل قد ر سو ل االله ص ى االله علي وسلم ب ا ل م ا جر ي ن والا صار Rasoolullah ﷺ is on his way here with all the Muhajireen and the Ansaar. [Bukhari Vol.2 Kitaabul Maghazi, Ghazwatul Khandaq, Pg.589] He asks about what should be done. His wife becomes very upset with him and reminds him about what she had advised him before he left. She says, Did you present the invitation aloud? He replied in the negative, saying that he had very discreetly and silently invited only the Beloved Rasool ﷺ and that he had also mentioned that there was only very little food that had been prepared. He mentions that I did however say, ر جل أ و ر جلا ن م ع ك و And you may bring one or two people with you (if you wish). [Bukhari, Vol.2, Kitaabul Maghazi, Ghazwatul Khandaq, Pg.589] 41
In other words, he had mentioned that there was not enough to provide for many people. His wife then asked, If you had made this so clear, then how is it possible that so many people are still on their way? He replied by saying, What could I have done? I mentioned to the Beloved Rasool ﷺ that he should come over with one or two persons and then the Beloved Rasool ﷺ announced that all the people of Khandaq are invited over for a meal to our home. The wife of Hazrat Jabir on hearing this responded by saying that if the Master of the blessings of both worlds ﷺ invited all of them for a meal, then what is there to be concerned about. She says to Hazrat Jabir ; you invited the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ so you should feed him. Rasool ﷺ invited all the Sahaba-e-Kiraam so that he will feed them. We have absolutely nothing to worry about. Look at the Aqida of a lady of Madina regarding the power and the authority of the Beloved Rasool.ﷺ Look at the Aqida of the wife of a Sahabi in this regard. Look at how much faith she has regarding the power, authority, and blessing of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ and on the other hand listen to the Aqida of a wahabi of Delhi who says, Those who are known as Muhammad and Ali have no power over anything (Allah Forbid). Think about this for a moment! That was the Aqida of a Sahabi, and this is the Aqida of a wahabi. I am not attacking anyone (without reason), but I will not stop myself from saying; It all has to do with 42
Muqaddar (destiny) and Naseeb (good or bad fortune) of every individual. In other words, some walk on the path of the Sahabi while others are on the path of the wahabi. So, I was initially saying that we should carefully observe the power.ﷺ and authority that has been bestowed upon the Beloved Rasool On the one hand, the strength of his blessed arms are such that all the Sahaba-e-Kiraam are not able to break the huge rock pillar with all their strength put together, yet my Master ﷺ completely shattered the pillar to dust. And on the other hand is this blessing and power of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ that a small amount of flour and some meat is being used to feed a massive amount of people. Hazrat Jabir says that the Beloved Rasool ﷺ brought all the Sahaba-e-Kiraam with him to my home. He did not sit down, but my Master ﷺ said, Show me where the dough has been kept and where the pot of meat is? I took the Beloved Rasool ﷺ into the house. The Beloved Rasool ﷺ came near the dough took some of his Lu aab-e- Dahan (Sacred Saliva) and put it into the dough. He then said, O Jabir! Let them knead it thoroughly once again. Why did the Beloved Rasool ﷺ command for the dough to be kneaded again? It was so that the Barkat (blessings) of the Holy Saliva of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ could be thoroughly mixed with the dough. The Beloved Rasool ﷺ then asked where the pot of meat was kept. He went there and then took his Lu aab-e-dahan and placed it in the pot of meat. He commanded Jabir to cover both and keep it 43
hidden. He said, Whenever there is a need to dish out the food, it should be dished out, but no one should look inside the pots to see how much is left and how much has been used. It should be distributed without looking inside the pot. Hazrat Jabir says that he did as the Beloved Rasool ﷺ had ﷺ commanded. He also mentions that the Beloved Rasool commanded that he should summon all the local women to come over and help with preparing the rotis. ﷺ It is clear that the Barkat of the Holy Saliva of the Beloved Rasool was so great that the flour in the home of Hazrat Jabir was just so much that without the Holy Saliva of The Beloved Rasool,ﷺ his wife would have been able to prepare it in just a few minutes, but after the Holy Saliva of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ was mixed into it, all the women of the locality were being summoned to assist in cooking it. The Barkat was so great that all of them would have to work together to prepare the rotis (bread). I say, the reality of the Barkat of the saliva of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ is so great that even if all the women of Madina had to get together, they would never been able to finish all that dough, for the Barkat of the Holy Saliva of the Beloved Rasool ﷺ cannot come to an end. 44
Now, the Sahaba-e-Kiraam sat down in large numbers, one group at a time. The hot rotis were served to all of them, and each one of them ate his stomach s full. Finally, all the Ansaar and Muhajir Sahaba-e- Kiraam finished eating their fill. ق ي ة ب ب ق وا و ح ت شب ع Hazrat Jabir says that all the Sahaba-e-Kiraam had eaten from it, and this food was also distributed in the locality. The following day everyone partook in it again, and once again the food was distributed in the locality. Again, on the third day, everyone ate from it, and the food was distributed amongst those in the locality. He says, The food was still not coming to an end. We ate and the Sahaba also ate. At this juncture, let us deliberate for a moment. If we prepare the dough in our homes to make roti, then the same dough cannot be kept out until the next day. It becomes sour in taste and changes occur in it, causing a bad odour to emanate from it. Similarly, food which is left out becomes stale (or bad) and is not suitable for consumption. But, look at the greatness in the Barkat of the Lu aabe-dahan of the Beloved Rasool,ﷺ that the same food is kept out, but is not becoming stale. It remains fresh as if it has just been prepared. Every morsel seems to have a more delicious taste than the last. 45