IS CONSULTATION REALLY REQUIRED BEFORE COMMITTING TO UNITY?

EID UL FITR

Friday 15 June 2018 (1 Shawaal 1439)

by Mowlana Syed Aftab Haider

at the Ahlul Bait (a.s) Masjid, Ottery, Cape Town

Once again, Alhamdu Lillah, we are in this auspicious day of Eid, as-Saeed, al-Fitr, al-Mubarak. First of all, I would like to make dua that may Almighty Allah (SWT) accept all of our Ibadah, our humble efforts of dua, fasting, recitation of the Holy Quran and other deeds in this past great month of Ramadaan.

May Almighty Allah (SWT) count us amongst those who emerged from this month of Ramadaan as the successful ones ie. those who emerged while they have been freed from the fire and the pollution from sins, Insha Allah.

EID UL FITR IS THE RETURN TO OUR PURE NATURE

We are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr, meaning the Eid of nature. The reason is that we have now completed the one month of spiritual cleansing, through fasting during the day and keeping the nights alive with our Zikr (remembrance of Almighty Allah (SWT)), Dua (supplication), Nawafil (recommended salaah) and recitation of the Holy Quran.

We pursued those special duas and Ibadah during the nights of Qadr to cleanse ourselves and purify our souls to return to our pure nature ie. Fitrah. Today we are celebrating that cleanliness and purity of fitrah. Eid means to return and fitrah means nature. Today is the day to return to our pure nature, clean from all the pollution of the nafs and soul from the pollution and dirt of the desires, jealousies, frauds, deceptions, you name it…

We conducted this process (over the month of Ramadaan) to emerge clean.

We are also celebrating what we call Eid of Shukr today. We want to express our gratitude to Almighty Allah (SWT) who has provided us in this lifetime once again, this opportunity to be enjoying and benefitting from this great month of Ramadaan.

We are expressing our greatest Shukr to You, Allah (SWT), for the greatest of your blessings which visited us in the form of the holy month of Ramadaan, and we greet this month of Ramadaan in the manner that the 4^th Imam of Ahlul Bait (a.s), Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s), greets. He says:

Farewell and salaam to you, o month that was the best of the months

Salaam on you, o month, which was the best of friends, the Eid of Auliya of Allah (SWT)

We celebrate Eid today after completing Ramadaan, and Auliya (friends) of Allah (SWT) celebrate Eid with the arrival of Ramadaan! Indeed we are grateful to Almighty Allah (SWT). Indeed, today is Eid of duas (supplication) and receiving rewards. Today is the day we implore from Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant us whatever we did in our small humble manner. We look at Your Mercy, Your Favours and Your Compassion, Your Grace, Your Courtesy, oh Allah (SWT). We are not looking at the size of our deeds.

EID CELEBRATIONS ARE ONLY REAL IF IT INCLUDES SHARING

Earlier we read the best of duas in the Salaah of Eid, and the penultimate verse of the dua is as follows:

“O Allah: I pray to You for the best of all that for which Your righteous servants have prayed You”

It is also very importantly, the Eid of happiness, joy and to rejoice. Indeed, without any doubt, it is a time to enjoy. Again, we read in the beautiful dua in the Salaah of Eid, which is recorded from the Ahlul Bait (a.s):

“I beseech You in the name of this day, which You have decided to be feast for the Muslims”

There is no doubt that today is a feast, but no happiness, rejoice, pleasure, feast or celebration in Islam is complete without sharing! Therefore, this Eid of feast, happiness and rejoice is the Eid of happiness and celebration while we share this celebration with others.

We cannot be happy, nor can we enjoy or rejoice without sharing this happiness and joy with others, especially with those who are less privileged, and those who are enduring challenges in their lives. Therefore, as soon as the crescent moon of Eid ul Fitr is sighted, Zakat of Fitrah becomes compulsory. Sharing becomes compulsory. Yes, the time of celebration and enjoyment is there, but before we can feast, we need to think of those who do not have anything and share with those who are in difficult situations. We need to share this joy and happiness with others. So, this is the Eid of sharing, the feast with the spirit of sharing – EID UL FITR!

RAMADAAN WAS THE SPIRITUAL TRAINING CAMP

We hope and pray for Almighty Allah (SWT) to accept our A’maal and duas. May Allah (SWT) grant us the Taufiq to protect what we have achieved in this great month of Ramadaan.

I always say, and I would like to repeat, that Sayyed ibn Tawus, the great mystic (Arif) says that the spiritual calendar starts with Ramadaan. He explains that capital is needed before anyone can start a business. It is a very long journey for a spiritual person who wants to move towards Allah (SWT). This person also requires capital and the month of Ramadaan is the month to accumulate that spiritual capital.

We have now accumulated that spiritual capital which we need to sustain ourselves on for the remainder of the year, until Ramadaan dawns upon us again next year. We should guard against it all being spent today on Eid!

Mowla Amir al Mu’mineen Ali ibn abi Talib (a.s) amazingly says that every day when we do not commit sin is an Eid. Such days are days of celebration and joy, but there can be no joy and no happiness when we commit sin and break the limits. Insha Allah, may Almighty Allah (SWT) grant us the Taufiq to protect this greatest wealth and capital of Taqwa and spiritually which we acquired from this great month of Ramadaan.

EID UL FITR IS THE CELEBRATION OF UNITY

Respected brothers and sisters, indeed, this is the day of Eid, and I mentioned that it is the Eid of Fitrah, Eid of Shukr (gratitude), Eid of sharing and the Eid of Return and receiving rewards. It is also the Eid of Unity!

The 8^th Imam of Ahlul Bait (a.s), Imam Ali ibn Musa al Ridha (a.s) beautifully says that Eid is a day of unity. It is a day to give thanks and reaffirm our faith in His favours and praise. Eid is the first day when eating and drinking is once again permitted during daylight hours. So he says that for the seekers of truth, Eid ul Fitr is the fresh day of the year. It is the Eid of unity and very importantly reaffirming our commitment to Almighty Allah (SWT).

Again, I would like to draw your attention this dua of the hands which we read in the Eid Salaah.

“I beseech You in the name of this day, which You have decided to be feast for the Muslims”

“And to be the safety and increasing honor, dignity and source of increased power for Muhammad (SAWA)”

O Allah (SWT) this is the day of Eid. The day of Eid is the day to express ourselves and show our power. What is the Takbiraat which ushers in the day of Eid? What does it mean? We hear it from every corner of the world. This is the expression and announcement of our strong presence. The slogan of the Ummah of Islam as united. This is the day of Eid!

THIS RAMADAAN WAS A GREAT TEST TO REFLECT UPON

Indeed, this Eid has even greater significance for us people of South Africa, in the context of the Eid of Unity and the Eid of the manifestation of a united Ummah. Of course, challenges are there on a global level, but I would rather like to focus on the local issues in this Khutbah.

Or course, we cannot forget Palestine. We cannot how people are celebrating Eid in Yemen. We cannot forget Kashmir. We cannot forget our brothers who are behind bars in our own continent, in Nigeria, and their oppressed leader, Shaikh Ibrahim Zakzaky. May Allah (SWT) bring him back from the prison of these despots from the Nigerian army.

As I said, this Ramadaan was a great test for ourselves as well. Just before the start of Ramadaan, we faced a tragedy which shook the whole country beyond the borders of religion and faith. More than anybody, it shook the very pillars of the Muslim community in South Africa.

We lost one young in the Masjid which was named on Sayed as-Shuhada, Imam Hussain (a.s). We once again offer our heartfelt condolences with the family of our martyr Abbas, and how his parents, his wife and small kids must be feeling today. They are experiencing their first Eid without their father, husband, son, brother and friend present. This was a sad day in the history of South Africa.

THE BLOOD OF OUR MARTYR REVIVED THE CONCERTED DRIVE FOR UNITY

At the same time, the blood of this Shaheed (martyr) created amazing cracks in the so-called establishments of our community. It provided an opportunity from the leadership to people on the grassroots to rethink and review their approach to people who they may differ with on something, but agree with on so many other matters.

It brought an opportunity for the whole Ummah to review their approach on how to deal with differences of theology, and differences in performing rituals and so forth. This opportunity was indeed a great opportunity, Alhamdu Lillah. There is no doubt about it. A great awakening took place, from the leadership level to the masses at grassroots level.

I am not here to comment on the sincerity of this awakening or review or reproach. That is in the hands of Almighty Allah (SWT). However, at the same time, some repressive and reversing elements, or counter-revolutionaries also started working very hard to reverse the achievements from this awakening, because they realise that they are losing. They’ve realised that their campaign of hate and discrimination, provocation and disunity, and their satanic goals, aims and agendas are going down the drain.

So they tried their best to come up with extremely foolish and illogical justification for their previous actions. Therefore, there were honourable people in our community, and the broader South African Muslim community, who already initiated their campaign against hate, discord and sectarianism, under the name of the Cape Accord.

THOSE WITH DEVIOUS INTENT CONTINUE TO EXPOSE THEIR REPUGNANT OBJECTIVES

These people took a new power as a result of this situation. They got new energy and revived, calling the community to endorse and accept the values and principles of this beautiful Cape Accord.

Again, the same sinister elements started their activities to repress the amazing success of this call and acceptance and endorsement of this call of unity, compassion, Rahmatullil Aalamin, the call of the Quran and this call of the Prophetic message. They have used everything, from intimidation, blackmailing, deception, lying and fraudulent tricks. They left nothing behind in trying to bring this accord down and bring down the people behind this accord.

They brought the question that there was no consultation in this process. What consultation??? This call of unity which is a divine call, as cited in verse 103 of Surah Aale Imraan (chapter 3 of the Holy Quran):

“And hold fast by the covenant of Allah all together and be not disunited”

Does this Quranic command require consultation? What consultation is possible on the ideals which the Holy Quran and Prophetic Sunnah have established and the Ummah has consensus on? Are we going to consult about the Quranic command on whether we must be together or not? Does not promoting hate require consultation?

THE CAPE ACCORD HAS DESTROYED THE AGENDA OF THOSE WANTING DISUNITY

They came up with ideas that this Cape Accord is Kufr and against the Quran, but I was searching and searching in all their speeches, statements, comments and social media posts but I could not find one statement where they could point on one of these points in the Cape Accord to say that it is against the Quran, Shariah, Sunnah and Hadith, etc.

Nobody has provided the smallest of evidence because they cannot. There is nothing in this Cape Accord other than very, very broad spectrum principles which does not affect anybody.

It does not say that Sunni must become Shia or vice versa. It does not promote for the merging of Mathahib, nor does it deny differences of theological schools of thought. It does not deny diversity, nor does it deny the right to differ. It also does not deny the right of being critical about each other and educating about each other’s differences.

Its only statement was that do not use these differences to promote hate and violence. It only promotes respect, etiquettes and the manner of differing with each other. It only provided respect, dignity and good reputation for the Muslim community in the broader South African society.

However, these sinister forces did what they did. With intimidation, they were able to blackmail certain organisations, leaving them with no option other than to withdraw.

WHERE IS THE PRACTICAL TAQWA OF THOSE WANTING TO DESTROY THE CAPE ACCORD?

I really cannot understand how this reconciles. In the month of Ramadaan, while fasting during the day and standing in Salaah of Taraweeh at night, reading the Holy Quran and duas, but at the same time they are not afraid to lie when attacking on people personally and indulging in their personal lives. Then also fabricating stories and knowing full well that it is utter lies and there is no factual reality or substance. They simply decided that it is fine for every Haraam to become Halaal in order to eliminate their enemy and opposition, and achieve their goals! Even in the month of Ramadaan!

This was their approach – to make every Haraam, Halaal for this purpose and to declare Kufr on anybody and everybody! It does not matter to make Salaah batil (invalid) anywhere, and to declare mosques as temples. First, this mosque was declared a temple, but now we see many mosques joining this union of “Muslim temples”. We are no longer alone by the way, as there are now all of a sudden other big temples in Cape Town!

What is really going on with this Ummah??? How irresponsible! Hate also has a limit! Where is the Taqwa? Where is the fear of Allah (SWT)? These people did not think twice about opposing their enemy through lying and deception. They always refer to us as believing in Taqiya and we deceive people, while they have just done the worst to justify their aims by accusing people and creating fitna about the people, promoting disunity amongst the people.

What is this??? Which Quran, which Sunnah, and which protection of the Sahaba is this? Who of the Sahaba (ridwaanullahi alayhim) promoted this type of Islam. Which Sahabi (companion of Rasulullah (SAWA)) has this character and this type of approach towards the enemies? Sahaba differed, but did they differ the way we see today? I challenge any of our Muslim brothers adopting this approach. I am referring to them as our Muslim brothers. We do not call them Kafir or out of the fold of Islam.

TRAGEDY OF MALMESBURY IS THE WORST END TO RAMADAAN

Against the backdrop of all of this, we witnessed another tragedy in Malmesbury. Again inside the mosque! Again, innocent blood has been spilled. The sanctity of the mosque, which is the house of Allah (SWT), has been undermined. We do not exactly know the reason, nor do I want to judge, neither for the Durban issue, but the incident itself is a wake-up call. What is happening and where are we standing today??? What has gone wrong with us?

We are concerned about our school, sect, fiqh, madhhab, without concern for Islam at all! Today, after these 2 incidents, the Durban one before Ramadaan and the Malmesbury one at the end of Ramadaan, together with the media-hype and exposure it has generated, it begs the question about what image about Islam is this presenting to the broader community of South Africa?

I raised this question in my personal meeting with the religious leadership in Natal. The Muslim population in South Africa does not exceed 3–4%. 96–97% of South Africa is not Muslim, and what do they know about Shia and Sunni? What do they know about Salafi, Wahhabi, Deobandi, Barelvi, etc? Muslims themselves do not know these distinctions, so what about non-Muslims??

What they do know is that Muslims are fighting amongst themselves and killing each other! Islam has a problem and such a strong element of violence in addressing their differences. Who is responsible for conveying this message to the whole of South Africa and regional, and in fact, global level?

This is a community which has a history of harmony, compassion and peaceful co-existence along with other religions. The chairman of the Masjid in Malmesbury said that this Masjid is in an area where very few Muslims reside. 99% of the population of this area are non-Muslims, mainly Christians. He beautifully said that Muslims have the best of relations and co-operations with everyone in the area. Now what message are we giving?

This is our history and then we have this situation where some media have printed that differences amongst the clerics or religious leadership of the Muslim community is creating such great tensions in the country and in the Muslim community. This is the message and unfortunately this reporting is not wrong and we need to face up to the way that it is unfortunately.

We never thought of the message and image of Islam! I can carry on and on.

EID REMINDS US TO REMEMBER THE OPPRESSED

Indeed, Eid is celebration, and a day of joy and happiness, but we have to also feel sad on this day for those who are suffering and for those who suffered throughout history. Our 5^th Imam of Ahlul Bait (a.s), Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s) reminds us that we should not forget the injustice committed against the Ahlul Bait (a.s), while we are celebrating Eid.

This is the principle. We are supposed to remember the injustice committed against all the oppressed in history and around the world. We are supposed to remember this during our enjoyment.

Let us commit ourselves to stop the campaign of hate and disunity and join together, hand in hand, to promote love and compassion, and commitment to one united Ummah of Rasulullah (SAWA). Our hate and resistance should be focussed towards our enemies who have decided to wipe us out. They want to destroy us and are smiling on us when they see us fighting with each other.

O Allah (SWT), this is the day of asking for gifts and rewards. Again, referring back to the dua we read in the Salaah of Eid, we say “O Allah (SWT) we came to ask for our gift as the Ummah of Rasulullah (SAWA).” Give us the gift of unity, compassion, love and respect for each other.