{سبيل السلام في إبقاء المقا}
“Way
to Peace[is] Keeping the “Maqam”[Ibrahim] in its Place”.
Translated
by: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz
August 27, 2015
Salamu Alaikum folks, as we look forward to the month of
Zul-hijjah, the last month of our hijrah calendar that leads to the
commencement of the annual ritual of hajj, the fifth and final pillar of Islam,
our this week’s discourse will dwell on reflection from one of the most
interesting and insightful books of Maulana Shehu Barhama Kaolack(out of 75
books he wrote). History has it that, in 1964, when the scholars and
intellectuals in Mecca had an argument regarding the relocating of {{ مقام إبراهيم }} , the “ Standing Place of Ibrahim”, within the Haram Masjid
premises(where his real footprint is still intact inside), with some vehemently
and vigorously advising of keeping it, while others were fiercely and
ferociously advocating for relocating it. The {{رابطة العالم
الإسلامي}}, World
Muslim League, which is headquartered in Saudi, where it was founded sent a
message to Maulana Sheikh Ibrahim Anyas in Kaolack, who was a founding member
and the then Vice-Chairman, seeking his view on the controversy. Answering
their question, Sheikh took only few days and came out with this great
masterpiece book enitled,
{{ سبيل السلام في إبقاء المقام }}
, “Way to Peace[is] Keeping the “Maqam”[Ibrahim] in
its Place”. He interspersed it with a broad repertoire of Quranic verses and
authenticated Ahadith of the Prophet[PBUH]. And crowned it with his own
intellectual analysis addressing the issue of controversy. He submitted it to
three of his leading Arab students, who were all from the great "العلوي",
"Al-Alawi" family, who were bearing the DNA of the
Prophet(PBUH) to review and they all wrote “التقاريظ” or eulogies in a poetic form, praising his excellent
and exceptional effort. When he finally sent it to the {{رابطة العالم
الإسلامي}},World Muslim
League(WML) those in favor of relocating “Maqam Ibrahim” were presented with
the book, and they convincingly changed their mind upon reading. And by virtue
of what it entails of valuable information, the WML, published this book and
distributed it globally. What an awesome and amazing intellectual contribution
made by our beloved Shehu Barhama to the Islamic world! Below is a five page
excerpt i translated. I copied and pasted below those pages for the benefit of
those readers who can read and understand Arabic.
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CHAPTER TWO
In Research On this Topic:(Way to Peace Lies in
Keeping Maqamu[Ibrahim in its Place])
First- We have noticed from the above discourse culled
from authenticated sources that, Umar May Allah be pleased with him did not
move the “Maqam” solely due to the increasing number of pilgrims and
congestion, but he explored and detected its original position according to
most narrations and transferred it back, after a flood came and moved it away
from its original location.
Second- It is in some ancient books that, this place
was where the house of Ibrahim, May Allah be pleased with him located. And it
makes sense, since there is no evidence that proves otherwise. So “Maqamu”
Ibrahim, based on this fact was the room[house] that he used to stand and place
bricks or blocks sometimes, until he remained in it and so on. And if the
“Hajar” or “Stone” is relocated, there will remain to us doubt as to whether
this place is in Mecca that validates the existence of “Maqam” Ibrahim or not?
Third-“Maqam” in Arabic language refers to as “Hajar”
or “Stone” and on its location. And this position remains the position of the
“Stone”, and remained since then being referred to as, “Maqamu Ibrahim”, before
the revelation of the verse(about it) and after it and until it took tens of
centuries, or at least fourteen centuries , if we assume it was during the era
of Ibrahim or the era of the Prophet[PBUH] and the era of Abu Bakri or Umar, or
in the era of Umar only. Hence, the best[decision] is keeping it until Allah
inherits the earth and what is on it, and He is the best of Inheritors.
Fourth-The Prophet avoided[refused] to destroyed
“Ka’bah” that was built by the Quraish, and they had limited certain nitches or
nooks[that one faces to make Salat], due to what is expected of disapproval
from people’s minds, based on what is arranged regarding keeping the place,
because it is considered harmful to the religion[of Islam]. That is when the
ignorant perform their prayer in K’abah and it will be invalid. Then the
authorities will be discomforted in many instances. Even until, the Imams of
the mosque[will be affected] when they drive them out. And this is the view[always].
So keeping the “Maqam”, which will consequently not result in invalidating
salat[prayer] is better.
Fifth- It is possible to expand the premises of
“Tawaf” without moving the “Maqam”. So it is possible to demolish the
structure[built] on the well of Zam Zam, since it does not go against the rule
of the Shariah as far as I know, and same applies to moving the minbar or
podium. The meaning of cleansing that was commanded in the verse[regarding
K’abah] is referring to cleaning. And cleansing it away from idols, and what
relates to that from all shirk[polytheism] or whatever seems similar to it. And
it does not address in one way or another moving the “Maqam”. And Imam Malik
enjoined pilgrims against[it]when they intended to demolish it. And he made his
renowned statement[regarding that]. Hence keeping these sanctified place as it
were, is more preferable in the heart of Muslims and it is their right[to see
it in its natural state].
Sixth- Supposedly[as we know], Umar Bunul Khatab, May
Allah be pleased with him was the one who had moved the “Maqam” to its present
place. So we have a bolster and a frontrunner in the person of Umar, as we were
commanded to obey him by the one who crafted the Shariah[Islamic law]. The
crafter of the Shariah is [the Prophet], peace and blessings of Allah be upon
him had commanded us to follow him in any issue that had no verse[from the
Qur’an] on it, as it will come in conclusion. Hence, whatever was done by Umar
is like what was done by the Prophet[PBUH]: “What the Prophet brought to you
take it and what he warned you against it avoid it.” [Qur’anic verse]
Seventh- The Islamic Ummah[society] has since
fourteenth centuries unanimously agreed to adopt this exact place as a place of
worship. And the Ummah would not universally agree on misguidance.
Eighth – If opinions vary with argumentative point
viewpoints, it is obligatory to return to the origin. And the origin in keeping
the “Maqam” in this place since fourteen centuries ago at least. Or thousands
of years if we assume that its place today was its same place during the era of
Ibrahim, may the peace of Allah be upon him and so on.
Ninth- Allah the Almighty had placed preference on
certain issues over the others. And that is also in persons, and times and
places: Like the holy mosque[in Mecca], the mosque of the Prophet[PBUH] in
Madinah and the Al-Aqsah mosque in Jerusalem. And even preferring some of the
nooks or corners of the [holy] house with what is not found in others nooks or
corners. In fact, we know that the entire[holy mosque] as a preference over
other mosaues. It is known that the mosque which is available today part of it
used to be “Daru Nadwah”, or "House of Symposium or Assembly". Or the
house of Abi Jahal, for example. And do we have to equate between this and the
“Musalah” or place of worship? which had remained a “Musalah” for the Prophets
and the Righteous for long time and so on. Besides, each one has preference to
other mosques. So it should be understood.
Tenth- If we were to agree that the “Maqam” is attached
or close to Ka’abah, then Umar moved it due to the teaming crowd of pilgrims
making ”Tawaf”, we will observe that, condition in the time of Umar, May Allah
be pleased with him was different from this time, where the “Maqam” was
attached to the [holy] house, and the congestion behind it—it will sometimes
hinder people making “Tawaf” greatly, unlike what will happen if the premises
of “Tawaf” is expanded while keeping the “Maqam”. Because at a point, it is
possible for the pilgrims to make “Tawaf” in front of it and behind it, in
spite of huge congestion. And nothing prohibits being in “Tawaf” and “Maqam”
between the one performing the tawaf and the house, since making “Tawaf” inside
the mosque is right, even behind a wall.
Eleventh-There is a question here that imposes itself,
which is: If we agree that Umar was the one who had placed the “Maqam” at its
present place, and the entire sahabah[companions of the Prophet] had agreed
upon it, and action of Umar is a proof, and the consensus of the sahabah is a proof,
then should the action of anyone apart from Umar be measured and the consensus
of Scholars is not contrary to his action?
Hafiz Ibn Hajar said in Fath[AlBary].”To say that, the
consensus of the sahabah is a proof is stronger than to say the consensus of
the people of Madinah is a proof, and for the people of Madinah among those who
came after the sahabah when they agree on something, it means what is said on
it is stronger than what was said on another, unless a “marfuh” nas or text
contradicts it.”
Twelfth-Scholars and leaders must always treat and
talk to the public according to the level of their mentality, and help them to
revere the sanctified house of Allah.((Whoever respect the ritual house of
Allah, that(act) is part of the piety of the hearts.)) And in fact, keeping
Ka’abah and “Maqam” is part of what points to the sort of respect and reverence
that people have for them.
Thirteen-If we assume that keeping the “Maqam” is
wrong, then in my opinion, it is a lesser mistake than the error of relocating
it. Because, if we keep it there, we keep the act of Umar, the responsibility
will not be on our shoulders, and if we relocate it mistakenly, then we have
gone contrary to the Sunnah, and contradiction(of sunnah) is most serious sin:
((Those who act contrary to the command of Allah must beware[warn] of a spell
or curse to attack them or a severe torment will befall them.)). So this will
be enough. It is enough work for the author. Allah Almighty knows best and the
best judge and he is the custodian of success.
Translated by: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz
Māshā'allāh, may Allāh bless u brother and Shehu Barhama
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