Thursday, January 29, 2009

Honorary Turban Award Winner: Tayyib Rajab Erdoghan

Ghayrah is an Arabic word that has many simultaneous meanings; at once it is honor, courage, fierceness and loyalty. It is that human quality which is enraged when someone's mother is insulted which inspires him to bust a whup on someone bigger and stronger than him, who otherwise would have trashed him in a fight (Note, I do not encourage violence of any type, especially when said violence is in infraction of the law...).

It is interesting that one of the mashayikh, while trying to explain what it means in English, paused and lamented: "It is difficult to explain what ghayrah means, because.... no one here has it." It is telling that one of the most cutting insults that one can use against a person in many countries is to say that they have no ghayrah (Farsi, Urdu, Pashto, Punjabi: Be-ghayrat).

Well, unfortunately many muslims have lost their ghayrah for what Allah and his messenger, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them. Such a state, although it is far from overcoming the Muslims, has definately become the status quo of our elite ruling classes, and especially the persons of our rulers.

But this post is not a negative one. I will not impugn the sad state of affairs in Muslim countries and the fact that their rulers more resemble proxy colonial governers than government for the people, by the people, of the people.

No rather today we honor one person, who for a moment, at least, acted like a man. A person who despite being clean shaven and wearing a suit at the time, is receiving an honorary turban for breaking the trend of Muslim rulers en vogue today, and not acting like a total be-ghayrat.

Talking crap about Israel is nothing new among Muslim leaders. In fact, it is usually what they do to fire up a crowd and score some cheap votes by making empty gestures of solidarity with the Palestinians at the expense of the the very real blood they shed daily. However, it takes guts to say that to the face of the sitting Israeli president, who unlike most Israeli presidents, wields some political clout. And all of that too, in a world economic summit!

I have pasted the story below, and you can follow this link to see the video too:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/davos/7859417.stm

May God, Who watches over all of us, give our people the chance to repent unto Him and walk the path of righteousness once more...

Turkish PM storms off in Gaza row

Advertisement

Turkey PM storms off in Gaza row

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stormed off the stage at the World Economic Forum in Davos after an argument with Israel's president.

Mr Erdogan clashed with Shimon Peres in a discussion on the recent fighting in the Gaza Strip, telling him: "You are killing people."

Mr Peres said Mr Erdogan would have done the same had rockets hit Istanbul.

Mr Erdogan accused the moderator of not allowing him to speak and said he did not think he would return to Davos.

He was cut off as he attempted to reply to a passionate defence of Israel's actions made by Mr Peres.

Turkey is one of the few Muslim countries to have dealings with Israel, but relations have been under strain since the Islamist-rooted AK Party was elected to power in 2002.

"I do not think I will be coming back to Davos after this because you do not let me speak," Mr Erdogan shouted before marching off the stage in front of Mr Peres, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and an elite audience of ministers and international officials.

He criticised the moderator for cutting him short on the grounds that the debate had gone over time.

Mr Peres had told the audience Israel was forced on to the offensive against Hamas by thousands of rockets and mortars fired into Israel.

"The tragedy of Gaza is not Israel, it is Hamas," the Israeli leader said. "They created a dictatorship. A very dangerous one."

More than 1,300 Palestinians and 14 Israelis were killed during the three-week conflict which began on 27 December.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Mawlana Mazhar Nanotawi

Assalamu'alaykum


A shining star from the constellation of the 'ulama` and `awliya`. Our sanads connect us to such people, despite our unworthiness... It is a mercy of Allah, which he bestows on those whom he wills.


They had nothing but their sincerity. They had everything.


Humza

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi[1]

(1238-1302 /1823-1885)

By Abu Unaysah

Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar ibn Lutf ‘Ali ibn Muhammad Hasan al-Siddiqi al-Hanafi Nanautwi (1238/1823)—the righteous imam, ‘arif (knower of Allah) and mujahid—was amongst the leading scholars of fiqh, hadith, and tasawwuf in his time.

A descendant of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), he was born in Nanautah, a village in the district of Saharanpur (UP, India). He initially studied under his father with whom he completed the memorization of the Qur’an (hifz). He then travelled to Delhi, where he studied under Shaykh Sadr al-Din Dehlawi, Shaykh Rashid al-Din, the teacher of many shaykhs Mawlana Mamluk al-‘Ali Nanautwi, Mawlana Ahmad ‘Ali Saharanpuri and Shah ‘Abd al-Ghani Dehlawi. He studied some books of hadith from the renowned scholar of hadith Shah Muhammad Ishaq Dehlawi, the great grandson of Shah Wali Allah Dehlawi and successor of Shah ‘Abd al-‘Aziz Dehlawi.

After studying in Delhi, Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi occupied himself in correcting manuscripts (tashih) at the publishing house of Nawlkashur. Later he taught Islamic sciences at Ajmer College, and then at Agra College.

The Battle Of Shamli

In 1273/1857, Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar fought against the British in the Battle of Shamli under the leadership of Haji Imdad Allah Muhajir Makki, and alongside senior scholars such as Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi, Hafiz Damin Shahid, Mawlana Rahmat Allah Kiranwi and his own younger brother Mawlana Muhammad Munir Nanautwi. It was in this battle that he sustained serious wounds.

Mufti Mahmud Hasan Gangohi relates:

‘‘It was the habit of Mawlana Mazhar Nanautwi that he would often lick his upper lip. Someone once asked him the reason for this, but the respected Mawlana did not inform him. When this person insisted, Mawlana remarked, ‘When the battle against the British took place at Shamli, and the Muslims were being attacked, some of my comrades were dying and my leg was also hit by a bullet (due to which it became paralysed). In this state, I saw Hurs (damsels of Paradise) with glasses in their hands. The glasses were filled with a special type of drink that they were giving to those of my fallen comrades who were dying and had no chance of surviving. As this was happening, one of the damsels came towards me. She had just placed a glass against my mouth when another damsel took hold of her hands, pulled them away [from me] and said, ‘‘he is not among those who are to pass away.” A very small amount of this drink fell on my upper lip, the [sweet] taste of which remains till today. This is why I have this habit [of licking my upper lip.]’ [2]

After the battle was over, Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar went into hiding at Bareilly. Once a general amnesty was declared, he emerged from hiding and thereafter began teaching at his home.

Teaching The Islamic Sciences

Many students studied fiqh, usul (principles of Islamic Law), kalam (scholastic theology), mantiq (Classical Logic), Arabic grammar and other related sciences from him.

In Shawwal 1283/February 1867, he was appointed headteacher at a madrasah founded in Saharanpur by Mawlana Sa‘adat ‘Ali Saharanpuri, the well-known jurist (faqih), who was a participant of the 1273/1857 jihad and a devoted follower of Shah Ahmad ibn ‘Irfan Barelwi—the martyr of Balakot.[3] When this madrasah progressed and an exclusive building was established for it, it was named Mazahir ‘Ulum in Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar’s honour. He exerted his efforts in teaching the Quran and Sunnah (hadith), and in disseminating knowledge and the Islamic sciences. He was also involved with the administration of Mazahir ‘Ulum at every level and taught there until the end of his life.

He had many outstanding students; most prominent amongst them was the eminent hadith scholar Mawlana Khalil Ahmad Saharanpuri. Mawlana Muhammad Qasim Nanautwi, founder of the renowned Islamic seminary, Dar al-‘Ulum Deoband, also studied some primary books under him.

He also assisted in completing Ghayat al-Awtar, the Urdu translation of Imam ‘Ala’ al-Din al-Haskafi’s Durr al-Mukhtar, as stated in its introduction by Mawlana Muhammad Ahsan Nanautwi.[4]

His Characteristics And The Spiritual Path

He treaded the path of tasawwuf under the guidance of Shaykh al-Sunnah Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, who granted him permission (ijazah) to initiate others into the path. This despite him being older than his beloved shaykh.

Mawlana Qari Muhammad Tayyib Qasimi relates from his father, Mawlana Muhammad Ahmad:

‘‘Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi once saw Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi and Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi in a dream, sitting on a throne. Mawlana (who was older than the two shaykhs) relayed the dream in a letter to Haji Imdad Allah in which he also requested him to accept his bay‘ah (pledge of purification). In reply, Haji Imdad Allah interpreted the dream by instructing him to give bay‘ah to either one of the two [shaykhs]. Therefore, Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar brought the letter to Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi and requested him to accept his bay‘ah. Embarrassed, Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi replied, ‘Accept my bay‘ah instead!’ Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar remarked, ‘Here, this is the letter [of Haji Imdad Allah] and this is the instruction.’ Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi then said, ‘Let me give you some sound advice. Proceed to Gangoh.’ Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar went there. At first, Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi also declined. He, however, later accepted bay‘ah.’’ [5]

Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi would express his embarrassment at the love, respect and veneration afforded to him by Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi. Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi was a person of great insight (basirat). The respect he showed his shaykh due to his eminence and lofty rank, and the love he felt for him, was natural for him as a disciple. However, Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi was unable to disregard his disciple’s seniority in age and felt obliged to act according to the blessed words of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), ‘‘He who does not have mercy on our young, and does not respect our elders is not of us.’’ (Tirmidhi)

Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi was also granted ijazah in tasawwuf by Shaykh al-‘Ulama’ Haji Imdad Allah Muhajir Makki, in whose heart he held a special place, as indicated in his letters (maktubat).

Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi was from amongst the ascetic and righteous ‘ulama; he would be referred to in matters of fiqh. He was an erudite scholar of the rational (ma‘qul), literary (lughawi), and Islamic sciences, who embodied Shari‘ah and Tariqah. He would habitually use perfume when reciting the Quran in Tarawih prayers. He would refrain from affectation (takalluf) and was an awe-inspiring person; very few people would have the courage to speak in his presence. He was known for his simplicity, humbleness, piety, intelligence and wisdom.

Mawlana Sayyid Abu ‘l-Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi wrote of him:

‘‘He was a scholar of deep learning, who had mastery over the [Islamic] sciences. He gave bay‘ah to Imam Rashid Ahmad Ibn Hidayah Ahmad Gangohi, who granted him ijazah. He would recite the Qur’an often, would be constantly engaged in the remembrance of Allah, and his tongue would remain moist with [the utterance of] Ism al-Dhat (Allah). He remained aloof from affectation, was an ascetic of an austere nature, dignified and was awe-inspiring.’’ [6]

Shaykh al-Hadith Mawlana Muhammad Zakariyya writes in Tarikh-e-Mazahir ‘Ulum (History of Mazahir ‘Ulum):

‘‘Mawlana Mazhar Nanautwi had very close relationships with Mawlana Muhammad Qasim Nanautwi and Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi. Despite being senior in age to Mawlana Gangohi, he was from amongst his deputies (khalifahs) and beloved servants. In fact he was an ardent lover of Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi and was extremely devoted to him. He had great understanding of fiqh and hadith. He was an Allah-fearing, pious, soft-natured and virtuous saint. ’’[7]

Journeys on Hajj

His first Hajj—in which Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi and Mawlana Ya‘qub Nanautwi accompanied him—was performed in 1277/1861. He performed his second Hajj in 1294/1877 in the company of his shaykh Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi, Mawlana Ya‘qub Nanautwi, Mawlana Shah Rafi‘ al-Din, Shaykh al-Hind Mawlana Mahmud al-Hasan and others.

Famous Brothers

He had two brothers, both younger than him, who were accomplished scholars. The youngest, Mawlana Muhammad Munir Nanautwi, was a student of Shah ‘Abd al-Ghani Dehlawi and served as a principle of Dar al-‘Ulum Deoband for a short period. He also actively fought alongside senior ‘ulama in the battle of Shamli in 1273/1857. His academic works include an Urdu translation of Imam Ghazali’s Minhaj al-‘Abidin. He had a very close relationship with Hujjat al-Islam Mawlana Qasim Nanautwi and was particularly known for his knowledge, piety, honesty and integrity.

The elder of the two, Mawlana Muhammad Ahsan Nanautwi, was a prominent Hanafi jurist who translated a number of classical works. Unfortunately, in contrast to his brothers, elders and companions, Mawlana Muhammad Ahsan Nanautwi actively opposed the jihad of 1273/1857. Due to this, under duress of the local populace, he was forced to leave Bareilly, his town of residence. He returned later after the war ended. There, aided by his two brothers, Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar and Mawlana Muhammad Munir, he established a publishing house called Matba‘-e-Siddiqiyyah.[8] His translations include Imam Ghazali’s Ihya’ ‘Ulum al-Din. He translated and annotated Imam Nasafi’s Kanz al-Daqa’iq. He also annotated Shah Wali Allah Dehlawi’s Izalat al-Khifa’ ‘an Khilafat al-Khulafa’ and his magnus opus Hujjat Allah al-Balighah. These were all first published by Matba‘-e-Siddiqiyyah.

His teachers included Mawlana Mamluk al-‘Ali Nanautwi and the renowned hadith scholar Shah ‘Abd al-Ghani Dehlawi.

Final Illness And Death

Mawlana Muhammad Mazhar Nanautwi passed away at the age of sixty-four (Islamic years) after Maghrib prayers on the evening of Monday 24th Dhu ‘l-Hijjah 1302/October 1885. During his final illness, he would often touch his forehead searching for traces of sweat, as according to the prophetic hadith it is a sign of a believer’s death. When his death was near and he began sweating from his forehead, his face lit up with joy. He was not survived by any children.

May Allah enlighten his resting place. May Allah shower His mercy upon him and grant him, his teachers and students the highest stations in Paradise. Amin.


[1] Adapted from Al-I‘lam bi man fi Tarikh al-Hind min al-A‘lam also known as Nuzhat al-Khawatir, Akabir ‘Ulama’-e-Deoband, Hadrat Mawlana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi awr unke Khulafa’, Awjaz al-Masalik ila Mu’atta Imam Malik, Tadhkirat al-Rashid, and Tarikh Dar al-‘Ulum Deoband.

[2] Malfuzat Faqih al-Ummat (Karachi: Dar al-Huda, September 2005 ed.) Vol 3, p. 264-265 by Mufti Muhammad Faruq Mirathi.

[3] One of the greatest spiritual guides of the Indian sub-continent in the last few centuries. He is popularly known as Sayyid Ahmad Shahid,

[4] See Ghayat al-Awtar (Karachi: H M Sa‘eed Company, 1398 AH ed.) Vol 1, p.10

[5] Arwah-e-Thalathah, also known as Hikayat-e-Awliya’ (Karachi: Darul Isha‘at, December 2001 ed.) p. 227-228.

[6] Al-I‘lam bi man fi Tarikh al-Hind min al-A‘lam also known as Nuzhat al-Khawatir (Idara Ta’lifat-e-Ashrafia, 1413/1993) Vol 7, p. 480 by Mawlana ‘Abd al-Hayy al-Hasani Nadwi & Mawlana Abu ‘l-Hasan ‘Ali Nadwi.

[7] Akabir ‘Ulama’-e-Deoband (Lahore: Idara Islamiat, Ramadhan 1419/January 1999 ed.) p.37-38 by Hafiz Sayyid Muhammad Akbar Shah Bukhari.

[8] See footnote in ‘Ulama’-e-Hind ka Shandar Madi (Karachi: Maktabah Rashidia, 1406/1986 ed.) p.306 by Mawlana Sayyid Muhammad Miyan.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Muslims and Jews

I was graciously invited by the Jewish Day school to speak to an 8th grade class about various theological questions and how they are conceived of by Muslims... Firstly, Jewish kids are very smart and witty (when you compare then to the kids I went to public school with). Secondly, private school kids ask alot of questions. Thirdly, I must must admit that I generally enjoy meeting with conscientious and thoughtful people from those who are trying to be good Christians and Jews... Its always interesting. Please enjoy the email feedback received by someone who helped set this meeting up, from the students who attended my short talk...

Humza

PS: I was also asked about why all religious people have beards. I told them that the beauty of a man is in his beard. I said the cheetah is the fastest animal around, but why is he not the King of the Jungle? What makes the lion special [imagine at this point, Humza smugly running his hands through his luxurious black barba].

PPS: I also educated the young Israelites about a fact that their forefather Rabbis knew before them. That is that all [or at least alot of] the real Rabbis and, heck, cool people in general wear turbans (it helped that there was, right behind me, a big artist's rendering of the Rabbi Musa bin Maimun, aka, Rambam to the Rabbis, and aka, Maimonides to Reneissance Europe, wearing a turban that would put any sardarji in his place).
-------------------------------------------------------------
Mrs. XYZ Judaics Teacher Writes:

Dear ABC [The Muslim who arranged my talk]

I wanted to write to you to thank you again for organizing our God Talk visit at JDS. Yesterday, Imam Humza came (...) and we had a wonderful discussion with him and the 8th graders. It was a great discussion and I wanted to thank him again. Please pass on my gratitude and a few quotes from the responses of the students. This was an important event that has already contributed to Shalom, Salaam in our world.

Here are some of the responses:

“This shows me that I shouldn’t judge a nation on the actions of a few crazed people. If only because we are Jews, we know how it feels to be a victim of prejudice. People quickly judge a situation before truly understanding it. But maybe if we all took the time to understand what type of people Muslims are, we wouldn’t cower in fear of a man on the same airplane wearing a turban. Maybe if we took the time to understand every situation we encounter we might be able to control our actions better.”

“I really enjoyed this God Talk speaker because as well as being very interesting, it taught me to be a little less judgmental.”

Another student wrote, “… made me realize something, not all Germans were Nazis, not all Americans are obese, not all musicians lead messed up lives .. not all Muslims are terrorists..”

I am truly grateful to you and Imam Humza for making such a huge difference in the lives of my students and teaching them to love and respect all people. They learned an important lesson that will help the Children of Israel and the Children of Ishmael learn to live in pleace together..

Shalom Aleichem,