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Minaz-zulumaati Ilan-noor

(From darkness into light)

(Al-Qur’aan)

By:  Allamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi

Translated by:  S.G.Khawajah

DEDICATION:

T o every true lover of the Mercy unto the Worlds, The Light Personified, The Elevated Intercessor Saiyyidina Muhammad Mustafa (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallam).

Kaukab

(Ghufira Lahu)

Banda-e-Parwurdigaaram Ummat-e-Ahmad Nabee Doust Daar-e-Chaar Yaaram Taab 'e Aulaad-e- 'Alee Mazhab-e-Hanfiyah Daaram Millat-e-Hazrat Khaleel Khaak Paa 'e Ghaus-e-A 'zam Zer-e-Saayah Har Walee

Of the Bondsmen of my Rabb I am and of the ummat of Prophet Ahmad

(Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

All four friends* (of the Prophet) I hold dear and I am of the slaves to the progeny of 'Alee**

(Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum).

Of the Hanfiyyah creed I am and belong to the millet of Hazrat Khaleel ul Laah Ibraaheem, (Alaihis-Salaam).

Dust from under the feet of Ghaus-e-A'zam***

(Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu)

I am, and under the protection of every friend of Al-Laah

(Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum).

* Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat 'Umar, Hazrat 'Usmaan, Hazrat 'Alec (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum).

** Hazrat Imaam Hasan, Hazrat Imaam Husain (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhuma).

*** Hazrat Shaikh Saiyyid 'Abdul Qaadir Jeelaanee (Radiyal Laahu Anhu

INTRODUCTION

It must have been a blessed and beautiful moment when the great preacher of Islaam. The incomparable orator of the world of Islaam and the embodiment of love for the Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee' Okarvi ('Alaihir-Rahmatu War-Ridwaan), had set foot on the soil of South Africa in 1976, and the environs of the entire region had been filled with the remembrance of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). Made in his inspiring and magical tone and voice. Never, before him or after him, had eyes seen such a many splendour personality nor ears heard such a spellbinding speaker. It was as though like what the poet has said,

"His name is on everybody's lips and everybody is madly in love with him".

Hazrat Maulana Okarvi ('Alaihi Rahmatul Baari) paid a second visit to South Africa in 1979-80, and the welcome accorded to him here was a sight to see. He was invited to far-flung areas of the country. Several meetings would be held in one day and people would come to them in west numbers. Wherever he lived, whatever place he went to, his personality indelibly imprinted itself on every heart.

The special traits, which the Bountiful Creator had endowed him with, are not given to everyone. During the course of 40 years of striving after truth he made more than 18000 inspiring speeches, a world record so far. His memory is unforgettable. Our benefactor and spiritual guide, Maulana Okarvi, left this mortal world for his heavenly abode on the morning of the 24th of April, 1984, while engaged in sending Durood and Salaam to his beloved Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). In-naa Lil-Laahi Wa ln-naa llaihi Raaji'oon (To Al-Laah we belong and to Him we return).

The news of his sudden departure brought tears to the eyes of an unaccountably vast number of people and the Sunni Musalmaans of South Africa were stunned. The passing away of this commander of the caravan of the Ahle Sunnat was no ordinary tragedy. He was the greatest asset of the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamna’at; he was an honour to the world of Ahle Sunnat.

Even his opponents were forced to accept his greatness and his steadfastness. His very name used to send tremors through the chambers of falsehood. Ghulaam Khan, a Wahaabi aalim of Rawalpindi (Pakistan). Openly admitted, "had a great personality like Maulana Okarvi been present in the fold of Deoband. All Pakistanis would have embraced the creed", and the saying of Allamah Sayyid Ahmad Sa'eed Kaazimi, an Imaam of the Ahle Sunnat, that because of his special traits, "Maulana Okarvi was envied by all the world," is a true testimony to his greatness.

After him, other 'Ulama from Pakistan and India began to come to South Africa but none of them was able to leave the imprint of his footsteps like he had done. The magic of the attractive style, the bewitching sonorousness, the mode of address which went right to the heart, and the sweetness of tone, the awesome of personality, the simplicity, the softness and the vastness and the depth of his speech; all were exclusive to Maulana Okarvi. Whatever problem it was that he had not unraveled and whatever aspect it was that went unexplained by him! He was, undoubtedly, a model to be followed.

Eyes were searching for some one like him to reopen the chapter left unfinished by him. Ears were thirsting to hear somebody with his-traits, with a glimpse of him. Nobody can be a replacement of somebody else, and Maulana Okarvi was, even otherwise, an incomparable saint.

Haaji Yoosuf Husain Mansoor, a resident of South African city of Piet Retief, was very near to, and a great admirer of, my revered Hazrat Maulana Okarvi. His son, Haashim Mansoor, was madly in love with him. He had heard Hazrat Maulana Okarvi repeating this sentence: "You have seen me. You should see and hear Kaukab."

Everybody knew that "Kaukab" was the eldest son of Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shafee' Okarvi ('Alaihir-Rahmatu war-Ridwaan), Yet nobody had as yet seen him and everybody wanted to invite him to South Africa. Who knew that he would come here when our revered Hazrat would be no more in this world? Finally, Haashim Mansoor somehow succeeded in making him come to South Africa and we, then, had an opportunity to see Hazrat Allamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi and felt satisfied that the revered Maulana Okarvi had left us a true and worthy successor. Hazrat Maulana Okarvi must have prayed for him to prove worthy of his name.

Hakeem Miyan Nawaab Deen Sharqpuri of Raiwind: Who died this year at the age of over 100 years, a disciple of Sher-e-Rabbaani Hazrat Miyan Sher Muhammad Sharqpuri (Rahmatul Laahi 'Alaihi), has said that "when Allamah Kaukab Noorani was born, Hazrat Maulana Okarvi had informed him that "light had come into his house". Hazrat Sher-e-Rabbaani Miyan Sher Muhammad Sharqpuri (Rahmatul Laahi 'Alaihi) is the personality who had one year before the birth of Hazrat Maulana Okarvi given this glad tiding to Maulana Okarvi's father, Haaji Karam Ilaahi Sahib, "Karam Ilaahi! More streams of light will flow. Streams of Al-Laah's grace will flow".

The world has already witnessed the phenomenon that all his life Hazrat Maulana Okarvi, who was born due to the glad tidings of a prefect saint, spread light in all directions and dispelled darkness all around. Allamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi is the second manifestation of Hazrat Sher-e-Rabbaani's glad tidings.

The silence, which had been prevailing since the passing away of Hazrat Maulana Okarvi finally, yielded to the pleasing and magical voice of Allamah Kaukab Okarvi.

Allamah Kaukab started a new era in South Africa; within a few days he revived his great father's mission, rendered revolutionary services to the cause of Islaam and to upholding the truth of the Ahle Sunnat creed. On coming here, he worked indefatigably and followed in the traditions of his revered father of remaining in the midst of people and books, of addressing several gatherings daily and engaging in the same devotion and contemplation, but with a freshness all it own.

In five years, from 1987 to 1991, Allamah Okarvi was invited here Six times. During this period, he visited Swaziland, Botswana, Babutuswana, Mozambique, Mauritius, Re-union, and Zimbabwe etc.; authored eight books, which were also translated into English. The series of remembrance-gatherings spread, the Sunnat of reciting Durood Shareef in mosques before and after Azaan was revived; the practice of holding Ieed-e-Meelaad-un-Nabi (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) in many an area of these countries was for the first time inaugurated. Branches of Maulana Okarvi Academy Al-A'lami were established; madaaris (religious schools) were set up. Thousands of workers were trained to serve the creed of the Ahle Sunnat, many a people embraced Islaam; and, for the first time ever, the holding of ten-day Muharram commemorative meetings came into vogue in South Africa's Transvaal province.

Allamah Okarvi has to his credit another important and memorable achievement in South Africa. On Friday, the 16th December, 1988, he personally went to Mia's Farm, and delivered to the leaders of the Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi group an invitation to a Munuazirah (debate) and Mubaahilah (a meeting of contending persons or parties invoking curses of Al-Laah on those who deny the truth). On the recognised principle of establishing the truth and exposing the falsehood. He wanted an atmosphere of peace and amity to prevail amongst the Muslim minority population of South Africa. He had brought with him a whole chest of old and new books by the 'Ulama of Deoband. So that the beliefs and the acts, about which the leaders of the Wahaabi-Tableeghi group had spread the epidemic of being called polytheistic and innovative, could be proved to be right according to the Qur'aan and the Sunnat through books written by the 'Ulama of Deoband themselves. And thus the Muslims in this country could be rid of these controversies and all may live in peace and amity.

For three years running this invitation of Allamah Okarvi was repeatedly published in the newspaper "Sunday Times Extra". Allamah Okarvi had set only four topics for debate, which were also conveyed to the scholars of the Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi school through. A communication besides being published in newspapers. But the self-proclaimed "right-guided" 'Ulama of the Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi school did not have the guts to face Allamah Okarvi and, so, failed to prove that they were right as they had been claiming.

In August, 1991, after exhausting all arguments with them, Allamah Okarvi got his final notice published in the same newspaper and made it clear that now people of the Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi school were confirmed hypocrites and without any foundation.

The Musalmaans of South Africa will forever remember the favours done to them by Allamah Okarvi. By exposing the true facts about these self-proclaimed righteous people and by letting facts be known to them he saved many a simple Musalmaan from going astray.

Al-Laah be praised! The very name of Allamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi has become a symbol of the truth and a naked sword for every falsehood throughout South Africa. May the Almighty Al-Laah preserve the determination and the steadfastness of this true lover of His beloved Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), and may He make him a great and benefiting asset for the Islamic Millat! Aameen.

For the edification of the populous, Allamah Okarvi has given facts so that people might know as to where and why do Sunnis differ with Deobandi-Wahaabi-ism, what are its causes and what is the solution to it. The book before me, "Deoband to Bareilly: (the Truth)", will give you details about all this. In fact, it may be called a revolutionary book. Through this, you will also come to know who are the people who have been redeemed.

This book "Deoband to Bareilly (the Truth)" by Allamah Okarvi was first published in South Africa in 1988. Since then, its three more editions have been published and distributed gratis. It has been translated into five important languages.

In the meantime, Allamah Okarvi's expanded book called "White and Black" has been published, which gives all the details which make plain to everyone the reality about Deobandi-Wahaabi-ism. "White and Black" carries, along with considerable explanation of the points raised in the book "Deoband to Bareilly", excerpts from books written by the 'Ulama of Deoband giving glimpses of their pornographic writings.

Before the publication of the 4th edition of "Deoband to Bareilly", Allamah Okarvi had made some additions and corrections in it in order to make it still more valuable. The late Janab Sagheer Mallal first translated it into English. A young poet and writer of Karachi After corrections and additions to it. It has been translated afresh by respected Saiyyid Ghulaam Khawajah, a progeny of Mahboob-e-Subhaani Hazrat Saiyyidina Ghaus-e-A'zam (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu), And a distinguished English scholar and journalist of Pakistan, who has already translated five books by Allamah Kaukab Noorani Okarvi.

I am confident that after going through it readers will realise that this writing must reach the hands of every Musalmaan in order to enable him to reform his beliefs and ideologies and not to fall a victim to any deviation.

Despite limited resources, Maulana Okarvi Academy Al, A’lami, South Africa, is busy in serving Islaam and the Islamic Millat, and it requests you to cooperate with it and pray for it. May Al-Laah grant us the ability to be steadfast on truth!

I realise that I have been standing between Allamah Okarvi and yourself, but it is my hope that despite my intrusion your eagerness to go through it has only increased, not diminished.

1992

Muhammad Bana

Shafi'ee Qaudiri,

P.O. Box 340,

Durban-4000

(South Africa)

Al-Laahu Rabbu Muhammadin Salla 'Alaihi Wa Sallama

Allah Subhaanahu is the Creator and Nourisher of Saiyyidina Muhammad

(Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), and sends peace and salutations to him).

PRELUDE

To tell the truth. I am a mere seeker after knowledge in the fields of religion, spirituality, and scholarship. The smattering of knowledge of letters and words and of the ways to use them well that has come to me is mostly because of my environment and because of my kind parents, paternal grandfather, maternal grandmother and teachers and divines. These revered and respected personalities have guided my understanding at every stage of my life.

Since my childhood, I have been somehow involved with book and pen, Madrisah and maktab, religious and spiritual discussion and observation. I have already lived three decades of my life, and I am conscious that I have yet to cross deep oceans while life is very ephemeral, very undependable. All the same, what with my own desire and longing for it and the determination to achieve it, what with the kindness of my elders and the prayers of my associates, I have every hope that I will, 'Insha Al-Laah, be crowned with success.

Before also, I was greatly distressed by the thought but it much increased in intensity when lately I visited African countries. I witnessed the strange phenomenon among the adherents of Islaam living in my own homeland and far away from the homeland that they are after their own apron. Why point accusing fingers at others. Even the so-called wayfarers of the road to Madinah, the preachers claiming to disseminate truth and truthfulness, and the self-proclaimed standard-bearers of peace and security, are, by their tongues and pens and deeds, putting to shame their own Millat and group, their own mosque and pulpit.

My heart bleeds when I speak of the tragedy of wasting our energies in mutual recriminations and mutual tussles. What a pity that controversy and difference centers round our own center and axis! The Islamic faith cannot be comprehended without the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), yet we are differing on interpreting and explaining and praising the great and glorious personality of the Prophet himself (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

It is my leemaan (faith) that my Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is like a mirror. He is a mercy unto the worlds, a light personified and a great intercessor (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). He conferred humanness upon men who used to be worse than beasts, and by his excellence of character changed hates into loves. The teachings and training of this holy and noble Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) raised those who walked in the dust behind the cattle to be the leaders of mankind. Yet, the fact is that I have not found a believer in any other faith saying so many contradictory things about the founder of his faith, things, which may be categorized as disrespectful, insolent and foulmouthed. Perhaps, people of any other Millat have not tolerated such an attitude as we ingrates have tolerated for our perfect guide and greatest benefactor (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

It is most incomprehensible for me why those who make the blessed personality of their Prophet, with whom Prophethood has come to an end, the butt of criticism and of belittling. And are so firm in their thoughts and beliefs and do not like the magnificent Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) of Al-Laah Subhaanahu and do not like to honour and respect him, insist on being called the followers of such a Prophet.

In having faith in the Prophet of Al-Laah Subhaanahu and in following his deeds and sayings we are not to be guided by our self-made rules and principles but by the guidance provided by the Qur'aan and the Sunnat. Our relationship with the Prophet is not like that with a philosopher, a thinker, a teacher, or as between a ruler and the ruled, between a king and his subjects, between a conqueror and the conquered and between a master and his slave (under duress). But as between a guide and a wayfarer, a Prophet and his follower, and, above all, between a beloved and a lover. Intense love is the basis of our relationship with the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). He is our master, and our slavery has not been bought or purchased but is a voluntary one. This relationship is that of intense love, although he is also our conqueror, our ruler, our king and our greatest teacher. A Mu’mins love teaches him love and respect, and when it is a question of love it is insolence even to look towards the beloved what to speak of lifting a finger at him. It is a matter of bowing down to him totally. A gentleman, the station of him who is the beloved of Al-Laah Subhaanahu Himself is something very different. How excellent, indeed, is that station!

"Ishq se Ho Jaa'e Mumkin He Wagarnah 'Aql se

Keya Muqaam-e-Mustafa He Faislah Dushwaar He.''

(It is possible to do so through love, otherwise with intellect It is difficult to determine the station of beloved Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

People tell me: "Let them say whatever they may wish to say, let them talk whatever nonsense they may wish to utter. But you should maintain silence, and only talk of unity. Let it be whatever is happening. Man has set foot on the moon and these Maulvees are still quarreling over the sighting of the moon". People tell me. "Talk of modernity, make Deen (religion) a bit modern. Introduce new tunes and change old ways. This is the age of speed and of travelling at speed. Why are you still enmeshed in old problems, old controversies?"

The times have, of course, changed, but not to the extent that man has become independent of man and the fire of honour and defence of honour and vanity and egotism in him have been extinguished.

This ever-growing addition of new and still newer things, this construction of cities with high-rise buildings, this superiority of machine and technology, this grandeur, all of this is, indeed, very amazing. Man has much deviated and greatly strayed. His eyes are dazzled by the splendour of new lights. But has man also changed? Has he begun to walk on his head?

Listening to the fulmination’s and intrigues of the Mul-laas against their beloved (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) the word honour seems to have lost all its meaning. If such statements were to be made about the ancestors, the family traditions and customs and practices of these very people they are sure to be inclined to pick up a fight. If someone's loved one were to be upbraided by some one else he would not go to a Muftee (an expounder of Muslim law) to obtain a fatwa (religious verdict) or to a Qaazi (judge) to inquire about the law in this regard. He himself would pick up a dagger and give no quarter to that insolent, foul-mouthed person.

Such is the case with relationship founded on the basis of ordinary relationship of blood and social lives. But it is an altogether different matter when the matter concerns a Prophet, and that, too, the Prophet of the Prophets (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam). The relationship between a Prophet and his follower is altogether different from any worldly relationship. The matter-concerns the heart, not of mind. This is a relationship of spirit, of spirituality, of truth, of security and of love. How can an ardent follower of the Prophet remain silent over insolent utterances against his beloved? This is the greatest torment. It has been the way of the ingrates for a long, long time and, lately, it has perhaps become much more severe.

This is not a case of opposition for the sake of opposition. To be different is something different; to be in opposition is something altogether different. The basis of all these accusations and differences is the intellect of these wretched people. But what is human intellect? How well the poet of the East, late Allamah Muhammad Iqbaal, has put it:

"Guzar Jaa 'Aql Se Aage ke yeh Noor Chiroagh-e-Ranh

He Manazil Naheen He"

(Pass over intellect because this light only Illumines the path but is not the destination).

With the passage of time, human intellect has attained to great heights. Because of its marvels, man is, today, flying in the skies like birds.

Man has endowed himself with wings. He has, in a manner of speaking, created men of iron (robots) who work with greater diligence and with greater alacrity. His voice has now attained such volume that a man speaking at the North Pole can be heard at the South Pole. Man's most wondrous achievement is that distances have shrunk. Man has shortened the world, eastwise, westwise, northwise and southwise. He can breakfast in the east and take his midday meal in the west. But with all this power and sway man is today still helpless, still limited, and still insignificant. He has wiped out epidemics from the face of the earth, but is still powerless over death. He has brought nature under his sway but is still unable to control storms, typhoons and volcanoes. Man's intellect has not yet been able to solve the problem why lines on one man's palm are not the same as on another man's. This is only a small matter. The most wondrous thing is this universe itself: this earth, this moon, these stars, these rivers, these mountains, these planets, this mystery of morning and evening, this changing of seasons, this rainbow, this milky way, this flood of colour and light. What are they, why are they, and for whom are they meant?

Death and life and this system of the universe is beyond man's intellectual grasp. Almighty Al-Laah has, of course, endowed man with intellect, but not to an unlimited extent. Those who crossed their limits got much more involved. The eye can see only as much as it has been allowed to; the mind can think only as much as it can bear; beyond that, his veins would burst.

Intellect is not the goal. Had it been so, man would have reached his destination after the passing away of thousands of generations. Intellect may be the way, never the destination. As the poet has said:

"Shaayed 'Usay 'lshq Bhee Na Samjhe Jis Karb Me 'Aql Mubtilaa He"

(Perhaps even love cannot comprehend the anguish which intellect undergoes.)

Intellect must undergo anguish, for intellect is of little worth. It begins to pant after unrevealing seven vistas. Love is a destination by itself. Love is the excellence of man and this universe is a mere illusion for the lover. The lover is a universe unto himself. Love is the reality; it is the way, it is the destination; and it is the elixir of life and eternal. Intellect is the beginning; love is the ultimate. Intellect represents quantity; love represents quality. Love is quality; love is the culminating point. Intellect is doubt; love is certainty. In short, intellect is sometimes denial and sometimes affirmation; love is affirmation through and through. Intellect is a dream; love is its interpretation. Intellect is a mirage; love is a reality; (Intellect does not mean insolence, slander, accusation and abuse). Ask Hazrat Bayazeed Bistaami (May Al-Laah have mercy on him) about the station of love. It is said that "his soul flies in the world of souls for 70 thousand years and even then says that the limit of the excellence of the holy Prophet Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) cannot be fathomed."

We the moderns recognise the Master of Madinah not through intellect but through love. Faith is love. Accusations and differences are the products of intellect. Love does not behave like this. Love is total obedience and assent. Love does not think; it sees the glory and the beauty of the beloved. It hears the command and obeys it. It is fascinated by every act of the beloved. It is part of its beloved's existence, its shadow, and its reflection.

Our Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is the last Master sent to this earth by Almighty Al-Laah. He is the Prophet to men, to angels' to jinns, to houries and to ghilmaan. He is the Prophet to mountains and to dales, to water and to earth. The True Creator sends Durood and Salaam to him, swears by his locks and his face, calls obedience to him as obedience to Himself and allegiance to him as allegiance to Himself, his hand as His own hand and following him as following Himself, gives the good news of Paradise to his slaves and warns those who deny him with the tortures of Hell.

"Deoband to Bareilly" is the narrative of the journey of darkness to light, of imperfect intellect to true love. This very essence of faith, this love of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is the distinctive feature of the Bareilvis. They say:

"Me tuo Maalik Hee Kahoon Ga Keh Ho Maalik Ke Habeeb

Ya'nee Mahboob-o-Muhib Me Naheen Meraa Terra"

(I will go on calling you master, for you are the beloved of the Master.

Between the loved and the lover there is no question of shin and mine).

On the other hand, the way of Deoband is unbridled intellect. They say: "The sort of knowledge which is with the Prophet of Al-Laah (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is also with animals" (May Al-Laah protect us)

Comparison and competition is only for those who are concerned with intellect. The message of this dust form under the feet of the progeny of the Prophet is an invitation to love. The standard set by intellect itself does not tolerate equality between the ignoramus and the knowledgeable, so how can equality between the Prophet and his followers be accepted. The followers and the Prophet both are humans but this Prophet is such a human who is incomparable and uncompared. He is unique and singular than all others. Nobody is equal to him, nor can reach his station. The Creator Himself says about His Prophet: "He does not move his lips with his own volition. His lips move only when a revelation (wah 'y) from Me descends upon him". The Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) in his own truthful tongue himself says: "I am not like you (Lustu Misalakum)."

When the Qur'aan asks the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) to declare "I am a man like you", it is meant to be a symbolic expression. If it were to mean equality in humanness then Prophethood also should be denied. For it is not given to every man to have all the qualities and characteristics and excellences so necessary for Divine revelations to descend on him, or for the conferment upon him of the status of Prophethood. This Qur’aanic passage may be interpreted by intellect in various ways, but, in truth, it should be interpreted only in this way: man should not, like the Christians do, take the Prophet of Al-Laah for Al-Laah Himself (after seeing him perform excellences and wondrous deeds). The Prophet has appeared in the garb of man; he is in no sense Al-Laah.

I ask these people of intellect that if they insist on equality with the Prophet then they should show even one glimpse of the human traits of the Mustafa. To claim equality with the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), to call the Prophet to be a mere man, is, to my mind rank insolence and infidelity. The Holy Qur'aan itself tells us that calling the Prophet a man like ourselves is the way of the infidels. No where in the Qur'aan and Hadeeth there is a command that the Prophet should be called a man like ourselves. In fact, it is said very clearly in the Qur'aan that we should never call the Prophet in the same way as we do one another.

I feel somewhat relieved of a heavy burden of debt, which I had been carrying me for a long time. But I have still to do much in this connection, for I do not know how many aspects have been left out. Take it as the first installment. The rest I will, Insha Al-Laah, do in stages.

I have tried to answer the votaries of intellect in their own language, in the language of arguments and proofs, of logic and ratiocination. As for myself, the answer to all questions lies in love and in love alone.

'Aql qurbaan kun ba peshe Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

"(Discard intellect in your approach to Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam)."

But this is a matter of love, and those who can see only what is obvious cannot understand it.

The doors of this faqeer are open for all those who, on reading this book, find something, which has to be explained. Reference of every book and testimony for every reference has been given. These books are generally available. To slander or falsely accuse somebody is not the way of a Mu 'min. We all have to get to the meezaan (scales) one day. If you keep this in view, all your judgments will be on the basis of equity and justice. Otherwise can the destination of the grave be far away?

Kaukab-e-Noorani Ra Ahmad Shafee'

(May Muhammad Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam be the intercessor on behalf of

Kaukab Noorani Okarvi (Ghufira Lahu)

Al-Laahu Rab-bu Muhammadin Sallal Alaihi Wa Salaam

(Al-Laah Subhaanahu is the Nourisher of (Saiyyidina) Muhammad

(Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) (And) sends peace and blessings upon him.)

The mercy to the worlds, the light personified, the blessed intercessor, the holy Prophet Saiy-yidina Muhammad Mustafa (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) has said: "He who recites the Kalimah Taiy-yibah, i.e. Laa Ilaaha Il-lal Laahu Muhammadur Rasoolul Laah

(Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), will enter Paradise". This blessed saying is perfectly true, because it has been said by the most truthful tongue of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam).

No doubt whatsoever can be entertained in respect of this tongue. This is the tongue, which has given to mankind recognition of the True Sovereign, the Almighty Al-Laah. Anyone reciting this Kalimah Taiyyibah comes into the Deen (religion) of Islaam. It is incumbent upon such a person to have total belief in this Kalimah and to act upto it in all respects.

Anyone denying even one of the absolutes from among the essentials of the Deen (religion) after having recited the Kalimah would be governed by a special logic instead of the ordinary logic, for to be a Mu’mins it is absolutely necessary to fully believe in all the essentials of the Faith, and to deny even one of the essentials is sufficient to make him an infidel, like when the Qadiani-Mirza'i-Ahmadi-Lahori people denied the finality of Prophethood and they went out of the pale of the Faith.

Obviously; to believe in the finality of Prophethood, that is, to believe that the holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is the last Prophet of Al-Laah, is a belief not an act, and since Ieemaan (Faith) means having correct beliefs, no man can truthfully lay claim to be a man of Faith even though he might be reciting Kalimah Taiyyibah, saying Salaat (prayer) and keeping Saum (fast). When the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) departed from this world, some of the tribes refused to pay Zakaat (alms). Although they did not refuse to say Namaaz or to keep fast yet the caliph of the holy Prophet, Hazrat Saiyyidina Abu Bakr Sid-deeq (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu) waged a holy war against them for the sake of Al-Laah. A person denying the essentials of the Faith after having accepted Islaam, and not repenting it, is, in Islamic terminology, an apostate and the punishment to be inflicted on him is death. The principle is that he who defies the law is called a traitor and a rebel, and in every law in force in the world the punishment of a traitor and a rebel is death.

These days, many people holding wrong beliefs, strut about as self-appointed monopolists of Faith and Islaam although they might appear to be reciting the Holy Qur'aan and saying Namaaz and keeping the fast. People with knowledge of the Sunnat know it full well that the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) had called out the names of many of those who recited the Kalimah and said their Namaaz, and ordered them to be expelled from his masjid (mosque).

The Qur'aan and the Ahaadeeth have called such people hypocrisies (Munuafiq). Al-Laah Subhaanahu has specifically said about them:

"Wa Minan-Naasi Maien-Yaqoolu Aaman-naa Bil Laahi Wa Bil Yaumil Aakhiri Wa Maa Hum Bi Mu'mineen."

(People who might say that we believe in the Almighty Al-Laah and the Doomsday are the people who are not at all Mu’mins).

And He has also explained why this is so: "Fee Quloobihim Maradun" ("There is a disease in their hearts").

Surely, the disease referred to did not relate to palpitation or a wrong condition of the heartbeat. The disease was that their real ideology, that is beliefs, was not right. Although those people had been reciting the Kalimah and saying Namaaz, but the Divine Verdict is that they are not Mu'min (believers).

That the disease is in their hearts means that an evil resides in their hearts. Al-Laah Himself says: "I have inscribed Ieemaan on the hearts of men." If a Mu’mins Ieemaan is inscribed on the heart, then the infidel's infidelity and hypocrisy is also inscribed on the heart. This means that belief is the name of a firm belief embedded in the heart and Al-Laah's Aayat (Verse) clearly indicates that he whose belief is not correct has a diseased heart and he cannot be a Mu'min, no matter how regular he might be in saying Namaaz and keeping the fast. .

Men and women who can read and hear, specially the youths, get very frustrated at this stage, because there are many factions amongst Musalmaans and each faction tries to prove itself to be in the right on the basis of the Qur'aan and the Sunnat and its opponents to be in the wrong; the 'Ulama (scholars) of each faction sport beard; appear to be committed Namaaz and fasting; study the Qur'aan and the Ahaadeeth; seem to be brazenly giving arguments in favour of their own standpoint to the best of their knowledge. We who hear and read them are at a loss as to who to consider to be in the right and who to be in the wrong. Consequently, as a result of this confusion, they have ceased listening to Maulvees and some of them have ceased to frequent- Masaajld (mosques) and some have altogether discarded them.

In reply, let me tell them in all honesty and with fear of Al-Laah in my heart that there is no doubt those person are really much perturbed because of the contradictory statements of the generality of the Maulvees. Since people in general are not fully conversant with religious knowledge so they cannot distinguish between truth and falsehood, between right and wrong, and, not being aware of the real facts, they get frustrated. The people are at fault, in that they do not acquire religious knowledge and truth along with other worldly knowledge although it is incumbent upon every Musalmaan to know the basic things about Faith and religion. Those calling themselves Maulvees are at fault, for they do not tell the truth to people and do not acquit themselves of their responsibilities and obligations honestly and truthfully.

They have, perhaps, forgotten that, after all, they have to depart from this mortal world and go to their dark and dreary graves and to account for their beliefs and acts before Almighty Al-Laah on the Day of Judgement. They have, perhaps, also forgotten that it is easy to deceive people by presenting wrong things as right, but it is impossible to present wrong as right before Al-Laah. Such people should remember that they would be, more than others, judged as more liable to go to Hell and suffer Divine torment for teaching wrong beliefs and acts.

They must not forget that the rule that people showing the way to righteousness would receive reward equivalent to the combined reward of those engaging themselves in that righteousness also applies to those who teach wrong things and give wrong training and, thus, as much sin and as much torment will be on them as the combined sins and torments of those holding wrong ideas and doing wrong acts. A person who stands in awe of Al-Laah all the time and keeps himself reminded of death saves himself from all wrong thinking and all wrong acts. A man erring by mistake should at once repent. A person who does not stand in awe of Al-Laah is very wicked. Only he is wise, indeed, who always stands in awe of Al-Laah.

Dear readers! The Divine Command given in the Qur'aan is that the Holy Book is an admonition only to those who stand in awe of Al-Laah and are not disobedient. Such people have been called pious (Muttaqee). It is also said in the Qur'aan: "Yudil-lu Bihi Kaseeran-Wa Yahdee Bihi Kaseera".

(Many people will be led astray by the Qur'aan and many people will receive guidance from it).

In this Command, becoming strayed is mentioned first. So it is proved that every one who recites the Qur'aan is not the one who is guided. This does not, however, at all means that the Qur'aan leads people astray. This only means that such people do not understand words and meanings of the Qur'aan as had been originally intended, rather they give importance to their personal opinion and change the meaning of the Qur'aan on the basis of their defective knowledge and, thus, pave the way to their own ruination and destruction.

Consequently, in the Fazaa'il-i-Qur'aan section of the TabIeeghi Nisaab (re-named Fazaa'il-i-A'maal) compiled by Sheikh Muhammad Zakariya Sahib the following blessed Hadeeth is mentioned. He writes: "The following saying of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) is related by Hazrat 'Umar: 'Almighty Al-Laah raises many people in ranks because of this Book, i.e. the Holy Qur'aan, and it also demeans and debases many people'."

After quoting this hadeeth (which is mentioned in Saheeh Muslim Shareef), Muhammad Zakariya Sahib writes: "This is also proved by the Aayaat of the Qur'aan Shareef. At one place, it says that it demeans many people and raises many in ranks. Because of it, the Almighty Al-Laah gives guidance to many people and leads many people astray. In another place, it says

'Wanu naz-zilu Minal Qur'aani Maa Huwa Shifaa'un-Wa Rahmatul Lil Mu'mineena Walaa Yazeedaz-Zaalimeena Il-laa Khasaara'

(And We have sent down the Qur'aan as a guide and a mercy to those who believe and as a Book which increases the harm and the hurt of the transgressors).

"According to a saying of the holy Prophet, 'many from among the Qaaris (those reciting the Holy Qur'aan) of this Um-mat will be hypocrites'. Some divines have been quoted, in Ihya, as having said that Angels pray for mercy upon one who begins reciting a chapter (Soorah) of the Holy Qur'aan until he finishes it; and the Angels also curse another person from beginning to end when he recites it.

"Some 'Ulama have been quoted as saying that a man recites (the Qur'aan) and curses himself and he is not even aware of it. One repeatedly reads in the Qur'aan,

Alaa La'natul Laahi 'Alaz-Zaalimeen'

(Beware that the curse of Al-Laah is upon transgressors)

and becomes covered by the curse. Again, he reads in the Qur'aan,

'La'natul Laahi 'Alal Kaazibeen'

(Curse of Al-Laah be upon liars),

and being a liar himself becomes afflicted by it." (Fazaa'il-i-Qur'aan, page 13).

Going through the above writing, you must have yourselves realized that the Qur'aan is not a cure and a mercy for everybody. In fact, it is such that it increases the hurt and the torment of many people.

Similarly, when people do not mend themselves after reading, and repeatedly reading, the Qur'aan, themselves become responsible for causing increases in their hurt and torment. Take the case of a person who tells lies, and it is already mentioned in the Qur'aan that liars are cursed, and, that too, by Al-Laah Himself.

If such a person does not truly repent and prays to Al-Laah for forgiveness for being a liar and does not rectify his fault, he is giving evidence of his being a cursed person from the Qur'aan itself. Thus, his reading the Qur'aan is not benefiting him.

Tell me, whether he is being benefited by the Qur'aan or earning loss. You will surely say that he is earning loss for himself. He can derive benefits only if he gets rid of his wrong ways and shortcomings and mends himself. Similarly, the Qur'aan mentions about the curse of Al-Laah descending upon transgressors, and if a transgressor does not truly repent for being a transgressor, he, also, is confirming his being a cursed person by reading the Qur'aan and is increasing his loss by the Qur'aan.

The Qur'aan does not cause hurt to him, for the Qur'aan only tells clearly that the transgressor is cursed and this is said by way of a warning so that a transgressor might save himself from Al-Laah's curse. If the transgressing person does not mend himself even after this then he surely deserves Al-Laah's wrath.

Just reflect why the Divine Aayat says that the Qur'aan increases the hurt of the transgressor (zaalim) and Al-Laah's curse is on transgressors. This is so because the infidels do not read the Qur'aan and only persons who read the Qur'aan are those who claim to have Faith. It is, thus, proved that many of those who call themselves Musalmaans are, indeed, transgressors and Al-Laah's curse is on transgressors.

Dear readers! What is transgression (Zulm)? What is called transgression? What is the sign of transgression? The sign of transgression is, Wad'ush-Shaie'i Fee Ghaieri Mahal-lihi, that is putting a thing at a wrong place. Put in simple words, it means punishing "B" for the theft committed by "A"; blaming somebody else for doing a bad act; calling right as wrong and wrong as right; making alterations in Al-Laah's Words and Commands; changing meanings at one's own whims; to make additions or subtractions in it; to apply an Aayat to somebody else instead of him for whom it is intended; all this is called transgression, and anybody doing so is a transgressor.

There is a blessed Hadeeth contained in Bukhaari Shareef. Saiyyidina Abdul-Laah (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu), son of Hazrat Saiyyidina 'Umar Faarooq (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu) says: "The worst among the creations of Al-Laah are those who apply to Musalmaans Aayaat meant for the infidels and the apostates

This was the practice of the Khaarijees and the hypocrites during the days of the companions. Today also this is the practice of hundreds of Mul-laas. They apply Aayaat meant for the idols and the apostates to the Prophets, the friends of Al-Laah, and the faithful. Listeners and readers do not know the occasion when and for whom an Aayat descended. They hear such Aayat from those calling themselves Maulvees and are misled because of their own ignorance. But they are to be really pitied who call themselves Maulvees and consider themselves authorities on religion although they have committed such serious mistakes and have misled the people.

Hazrat 'Abdul-Laah (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu) has counted such people among the Khawaarij. According to him, people indulging in such acts and those who follow the Khawaarij and the hypocrites are the worst of the creations.

I appeal to those youths of the Muslim Um-mah who are distancing themselves from spirituality and the spirit of Islaam because of nonsensical utterances by such Mul-laas. Al-Laah has blessed them with robust commonsense and they should think and reflect for themselves.

They are, perhaps, under the impression that the whole controversy is about the division of loaves and fishes. This is absolutely wrong. The rule should be kept in view that a thing is known by its opposite

Tu'raful Ashyaa'u Bi Azdaadiha. For example, night makes us realise the splendour of day, foul smell tells of the reality of fragrance, and the Deen-selling Mul-laas make us aware of the vitalising presence of 'Ulamaa-i-Haq (right-guided scholars). Would you say that truth is like falsehood? Never. So, they should believe that this is the real controversy.

They will, surely, want to know what is true and what is false, who is in the right and who is in the wrong, who are the right-guided 'Ulama and who are those who are upon falsehood. In all honesty, with fear of Al-Laah and full responsibility, this servant of Deen and mil-lat submits before you the following. Please pay attention.

Ameerul Mu Mu'mineen Saiyyidina 'Umar Faarooq (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu) has said: "The holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) has informed us about everything, from the beginning of the creation to the entering into Paradise of the people of Paradise and the entering into Hell of the people of Hell."— (Bukhaari Shareef).

This blessed Hadeeth tells us that the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) had, with the grace of Al-Laah, knowledge of all' things, from the beginning to the end. Consequently, the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) has said: "My Um-mat will be divided into 73 factions, one of which will go to Heaven and 72 will go to Hell." On being asked by his companions (Ridwaanul Laahi 'Alaihim Ajma'een) as to which would be the group which would go to Heaven, the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said: "It would be the Naajiyah (the group which has attained to redemption) which would be largest group and it would follow my way and the way of my companions." (Tirmizee, Abu Daawood, Ibne Maajah).

It is also mentioned in Ibne Maajah, one of the six famous authentic books of Ahaadeeth, that Hazrat Anas bin Maalik (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu) related that he heard the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) say: "My Um-mat would never unite on a deviation.' when you see differences (in the Um-mat), you should hold fast to the largest group."

These Ahaadeeth make it clear to us that one of the groups into which Um-mat-e-Muhammadi ('Alaa Saahibhas-Salaatu Was-Salaam) would be divided would be the largest group and we have been ordered to totally adhere to this group, for the simple reason that it alone would be deserving of Heaven and all the rest would be deserving of Hell.

The holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) has done us a great favour, by informing us of the signs of the group which would be redeemed (Naajiyah). Otherwise every faction would have claimed itself to be Naajiyah. It is thus clear that Naajiyah group is not a separate faction and adhering to its beliefs and disseminating them can in no case be dubbed as indulging in factionalism.

Readers may, perhaps, say that despite this clear saying of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) every faction calls itself Naajiyah. In reply, let me say that no claimant can be truthful about his claim unless he produces valid arguments in support of his claim and unless he proves the truth of his claim through the Qur'aan and the Sunnat.

The holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) has clarified that the Naajiyah group would be the largest and the noblest group and has urged us to associate with it and has also told us about its signs: it would be following his way and the way of his companions (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum)

On the basis of these very sayings of the holy Prophet ('Alaa Saahibahas Salaatu Was-Salaam), the Naajiyah group is called 'Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamna’at', or, in one word, "Sun-pee" (that is the- group whose beliefs and acts conform to the way of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and of his companions (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum).

After having been introduced to the Naajiyah group, they should get all doubts removed from their minds, doubts which may arise about

1. The Hadeeth telling us that there would be 73 factions whereas in fact there are many more factions in the Um-mat;

2. Many from amongst the present-day factions claim to belong to the Ahle Sunnat although the "Ahle Sunnat" will be only one group;

3. The Hadeeth mentions "when you see differences", but the question is what differences are meant since every faction came into existence because of some differences and it is also a fact that there are differences within every faction.

Now, here are answers to these questions. Basically, there are only 73 factions in the Um-mat, 72 of them Hell-bound, and one Paradise bound. Every faction in the Hell-bound faction as well as in the Paradise-bound group is called by a different name and thus people get the impression that the total number is much more. This should be better understood by reference to the root of a tree and its many branches and many other small branches that keep sprouting from the branches, yet the large number of branches do not necessarily mean that there are many roots also. Like there are many families within one tribe and every family has many individuals, so also if out of the roots of 72 irreligious and strayed factions grow thousands of small and big branches and if the 72 Hell-bound tribes produce many families and hundreds of individuals, then this would not mean that the roots and the tribes are also vast in numbers.

By the 72 Hell-bound factions are meant those factions whose foundations contain irreligiousness, apostasy, infidelity and impiety. It is also known to all that branches exist because of the roots, that is to say that no branch can exist after being cut off from its root. The 72 roots which are themselves rotten cannot produce good branches, and all the factions that are the branches of these rotten roots, whatever be their number' would still be the original 72.

We should now try to understand the state of affairs with the Naajiyah group. Placed into its root is the spirit of Islaam and faith and guidance and mercy, and, so, all the branches sprouting from this one root have the same effect as the root itself. Let me explain it further. All four of the creeds (mazaahib) of Sharee'at Hanafee, Shaafi'ee, Maalikee and Hanmbalee—and the four orders of Tareeqat (spiritual orders of Islaam) Naqshbandee, Qaudiree, Chishtee and Suhrwardee and, among the further branches of Sharee 'at, Ash 'aree, and Maatureedee, and, among those of Tareeqat, Saabiree, Nizaamee, Ashrafee, Shaazlee, Rifaa'ee, Mujad-didee etc. All of these belong to the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamna’at and the Naajiyah group. All of these have only one root and one foundation and there is no fundamental difference among them based on infidelity and faith and guidance and deviation from the right path.

This characteristic is exclusive to people of this very Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama'at. Except for them, pronounced and persistent differences on principles exist among all other factions

As regards the phenomenon of many factions asserting that they are the Ahle Sunnat, it is submitted that such assertions cannot be justified unless people making such claims are proved to be having the same beliefs and doing the same acts as those of the Ahle Sunnat.

There is no faction other than the true Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamaat which can prove its truthfulness through the Qur'aan and the Sunnat and whose beliefs and acts are exactly in accordance with those of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and his companions (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhu).

Even after the lapse of 1400 years, continuation of beliefs and acts of the Ahle Sunnat Wa Jamna’at in complete accord with the Qur'aan and the Sunnat is proved, while all other factions are newly created and all their beliefs and acts are, in essence, not derived from the Qur'aan and the Sunnat. These factions have contributed to their own deviation and ruination by distorting the real meaning of the Qur'aan and the Sunnat.

It is not these people's lot to have guidance and mercy; their lot is to earn loss in this world and in the Hereafter. But the largest group of the Ahle-Sunnat and the Naajiyah group have been given the good news of the mercy and blessing of Al-Laah being upon them on account of their being slaves to the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) and his companions (Radiyal Laahu 'Anhum). It is these who have been guided in the right path, and it is incumbent upon us to remain wholly associated with them.

The "difference" mentioned in the blessed Hadeeth does not at all mean a superficial difference but one which is based on principle, a difference which relates to infidelity and faith and guidance and deviation from the right path.

Before explaining the "difference" which is mentioned in Hadeeth Shareef it is best to know that there are two types of differences.

1. (Usoolee) based on principles, and

2. (Furoo'ee) based on non-essentials.

Shar'ee commands and orders have been laid down. The difference based on principles or on non-essentials in which there is clear difference of kufr (infidelity) and leemaan (faith), and guidance and deviation makes a person liable to go to Hell.

It should also be noted that there are two kinds of persons in the Um-mat of the holy Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam), i.e.

1. (Um-mat-i-Ijaabat), the Um-mat of acceptance and

2. (Um-mat-i-Daiwat), the Um-mat of invitation.

The Um-mat of acceptance is that which comprises persons who are steadfast on the faith. But those groups, which follow deviation and falsehood, come in the category of the Um-mat of invitation.

But some of such factions have not been declared absolute kuf-faar (infidels), since although their beliefs and ideologies are different no clear distinction of kufr (infidelity) and Ieemaan (faith) is found in them.

All the same, it is settled that he in whom there is a distinction of kufr and Ieemaan should be counted in the factions who will go to Hell.

The Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi faction is also among those rearing their heads in the Um-mat who not only wish to be called Ahle Sunnat (Sun-pee) but is also engaged in getting all the other factions declared as apostate and innovative and false.

Our dispute with the Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi faction is not at all superficial and just for the sake of stirring up a dispute. It is based on principles, on basic things. You surely would like to know the things on which we differ. So just read on, and tell me, with Almighty Al-Laah and His beloved Prophet (Sallal Laahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) as witness, if you can accept these things. Can people with such beliefs be called Muslims or Ahle Sunnat?

Beliefs of the Deobandi-Wahaabi-Tableeghi group: *

*For details of the exact texts of these forty writings by the Deobandi-Wahaabi 'Ulama and their own Fataawa on them please see my book "White and Black"—Kaukab.