(12) Essay

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

(By Qalam Mahmoodulbari mahmoodulbari342@gmail.com 8292552391)

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“Warning the Ummah about the appearance of Shirk and Bid'ah, appealing to the Barelvi scholars for reform”

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Respected scholars, Mashaikh, Zakireen, Tablighi brothers, people of knowledge and religion!

السلام علیکم ورحمۃ اللہ وبرکاته

This humble request is presented at your feet from a helpless and insignificant servant who appreciates your knowledge, sacrifice, and service to the religion, and is picking up the pen with the hope that you will listen carefully to this humble person and consider it in the interest of the Ummah.

In recent days, a bitter truth has been coming to the fore repeatedly, which is necessary to mention, so that we can reflect on it and correct our ranks. It is with regret that I have to say that in some places, Bid'ah, Shirk, customary movements, and the ignorance of the public have started to distort the face of religion. These movements are not only among the public but sometimes their leaders and claimants also appear to be involved in it, which is a serious threat to our faith, belief, and Sharia.

Some Bid'ah and Shirk acts that

In recent days, some such phenomena are becoming common among the public which are distorting the pure face of religion. Like:

1. The reprehensible attempt to include Bid'ah in the religion in the name of Milad-un-Nabi prayer"

Although the person concerned has retracted. But it is necessary to clarify the Sharia to the public.

2. Uroos, Sandal, and other outward ceremonies – In the name of religion, the public is being entangled in such things which are neither related to faith nor to Sharia.

3. Un-Islamic manifestations in processions – On the occasion of the twelfth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, going on the roads wearing clothes like Ihram in some places, making insulting movements through specific flags, chanting meaningless slogans – all this is an act of distancing the public from religion.

Also, in the procession of the same twelfth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, a scene came to the fore which made the heart very sad. There was a large crowd, the roads were echoing with songs and slogans, and everyone's attention was on the procession. In the midst of it, a girl was waving a specific flag in front of everyone, in a soft manner, moving it vaguely around her feet. No shame, no fear of God, no fear of respect for religion—but an exhibition, an act that is making fun of religion and creating misunderstandings in the hearts of the public.

. This exhibition takes the public away from the truth of religion and draws them towards Shirk and Bid'ah, and distorts the face of religion. When people see this scene, their understanding of religion becomes weak, and Bid'ah is taken as a trivial act.

It is the responsibility of the scholars to strongly deny such Shirk manifestations, inform the public in the light of the Quran and Hadith, and tell the Ummah that the path of religion is Tawhid, humility in worship, and acting according to the Sunnah, not exhibition, imitation, and Bid'ah.

4. Exaggeration in shrines and other gatherings – Pushing people towards Shirk by associating inappropriate relationships with Allah, the Prophet, the Companions, and the Awliya.

These are just a few examples, otherwise you can see for yourself on social media to what extent attempts are being made to mislead the Ummah.

The purpose is not to support Shirk but to save the Ummah from misguidance

I want to make it clear that the purpose of this writing is not to defame any sect or make fun of scholars. I know that most of you scholars strongly oppose this, and many scholars have also explained it. Your hard work, preaching, and reform efforts are commendable, but unfortunately, sometimes their voice is criticized or limited to local circles.

Due to the ignorance of the public, the promotion of the media, and the arbitrary actions of some individuals, Shirk and Bid'ah are becoming common, and responding to it is no longer the job of one individual or one institution. At this time, there is a need for a strong, reasoned, unanimous, and clear voice, which can give correct education to the Ummah and expose Bid'ah.

Allama Sheikh Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi (may Allah have mercy on him) has declared Bid'ah as a deviation from religion in his book Fatawa Razavia and said:

"Avoid introducing Bid'ah into the religion, every new work that is against the Sharia is rejected and causes misguidance."

Our and your predecessors have emphasized that it is necessary to protect the public from Shirk and Bid'ah, whether it is the beneficial teaching of Milad or the preaching of Seerat, but it is necessary to stay away from the works that are not included in the religion.

Many senior scholars have clearly stated:

"Explain to the public with gentleness, but do not justify Bid'ah, and when necessary, deny it with knowledge and evidence."

, Humble request to scholars,

1. Take a strong stand

Your position is to guide the Ummah. If you openly oppose Shirk and Bid'ah, the public will listen to you and your respect will increase.

2. Issue clear Fatwas and statements

At this time, there is a need for you to jointly issue a formal Fatwa or statement in which these movements are declared as explicit Shirk, Bid'ah, and misguidance so that the correct teachings of Sharia can reach the public.

3. Organize articles, videos, programs, and gatherings for the sole purpose of opposing today's increasing Shirk and Bid'ah...: for the purpose of reform.

4. Be active on social media

Today's field is media. If scholars do not come into this field, ignorant people will take advantage of it and make fun of religion.

5. Come together and give the message of reform

No individual can win this war alone, so the unity of all of you is necessary.

It is possible that some circles may say that we are reforming in our place, we do Nikair, or our scholars talk. First, explain to the people of your sect, so I would like to humbly say that Shirk and vile acts are not limited to one sect or school of thought, but it is a Fitna that is harming the faith of the Muslim Ummah. It is clear in the Quran and Sunnah that it is the responsibility of every Muslim to stop Shirk, Bid'ah, and misguidance from everywhere, whether it is in their close circle or far away.

It is the duty of all of us to keep the religion pure, and whenever the face of religion appears to be distorted, deny it, and not limit it to our circle. Softness or silence in this can put the Ummah in more danger, so everyone should stand together against this Fitna.”

Yes, you are reforming in your place and it is your right

But when a large part of the Ummah is moving towards misguidance, individual effort is not enough

At this time, remaining silent or disinterested can become signs of the Ummah's doomsday

This is a time of testing. If you remain silent, Bid'ah will flourish, the faith of the public will weaken, and the face of religion will be distorted. If you strongly raise the flag of reform, not only will the Ummah be safe but your position will also be elevated.

The Ummah will fully benefit from your knowledge, sacrifice, and service. It is your responsibility to show the public the true face of religion and this is the right time for it.

. In short.

I am a humble servant who looks at your service with appreciation and humbly requests you to unite for the betterment of the Ummah, raise the flag of reform, cut the roots of Shirk and Bid'ah, and convey the true face of religion to the public.

May Allah grant you knowledge, wisdom, steadfastness, and the passion to serve the Ummah.

آمین ثم آمین۔

والسلام علیکم و رحمت اللہ و برکاتہ .