RISALATAN FII AT-TASAWWUF (TWO MESSAGES IN SUFISM)

RISALATAN FII AT-TASAWWUF

"TWO MESSAGES IN TASAWWUF"

Authored By:
His Eminence Sheikh Shariff Ibrahim Saleh Al-Husseiny
Chairman of the Fatwah Institute of Nigeria and Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Council of Nigeria

Translated By: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz, New York

Salamu Alaikum Jama'ah, this is the first excerpt translation from the book of Maulana Sheikh Sharif Ibrahim Saleh Alhusainy (who possesses the DNA sample of the Prophet s.a.w, from the genetic root of Imamu Hussein). One of the former legendary students of Maulana Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, which his eminent and humble student, my role model and mentor, Sheikh Professor Doctor Ibrahim Maqari(also posseing DNA sample of the Prophet s.a.w) assigned me to be translating so they can be posting on the website of his eminence Sheikh Sharif.

You can log on to www.tazkiyah.org.ng to read more and you will find some of my excerpt translations of Baye's books posted on it.

They both came from Zaria in northern Nigeria. And i posted with the Arabic version for those who can read and understand Arabic language.

يالها من ثمرات الروحية...ولا غرابة فقد قيل: كيف ماكان المربي يكون المربى.

What a book full of spiritual fruits...it is no wonder it was said that: A trainee turns to be like how the trainer is.

"TWO MESSAGES IN TASAWWUF"

[MYSTICISM]

Volume One

Why the Need for (Tajdeed) or Revival in the Islamic(Tasawwuf) Mysticism

{A paper presented at the 21th International Conference for the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs which was organized by the Ministry of Endowment of the Arabic Republic of Egypt

From the Period 1108 of Rabi’ul Awwal 1430 of Hijrah Calendar, March 2009 in Cairo}

Authored By:

His Eminence Sheikh Shariff Ibrahim Saleh Al-Husseiny

Chairman of the Fatwah Institute of Nigeria and Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Council of Nigeria

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Definition of Tasawwuf[Mysticism]

(Tasawwuf) Mysticism in reality is a phrase referring to (self) purification which was mentioned repeatedly in the Quranic verses.

Allah Exalted and Almighty says: (He(Allah) was the One who sent to the unlettered(people) a messenger among them reading to them his verses and signs and purifying them and teaching them the Book[Al-Qur’an] and wisdom[Hadith] even they were in manifest delusion.” {Jum’ah[Friday]: 2}

And Allah Almighty says: (Our Lord send among them a messenger from them reciting to them your verses and teaching them the Book[Al-Qur’an] and wisdom[Hadith] and purify them You are the Powerful and Wise.” {Al-Baqarah[Heifer]: 129}

So the purification referred to here and in other verses imply by the otherworldly scholar as spiritual nurturing. Or cleansing of the heart and self-centered charity.

Allah Exalted and Almighty says: (Those who have purified it have prospered and those who have interpolate it have been disappointed) {Al-Shams[The Sun]: 9-10}

So self-purification is cleansing and shaping it to be eligible for communicating to the Truth[Allah] and eligible also for the entry into the presence of the Truth[Allah], the Exalted and Almighty in all conditions.

So Mysticism is a terminology about a complete and comprehensive methodology that impacts the heart with the reinforcement of the best values and principles in its manifestation and deportment.

So Mysticism is sub-divided into three things which made up the meaning of the religion of Islam with its exclusive real meaning. So whenever we observe Islam from the point of view of its doctrine and worship and adherence to the right path, we find it different from what is referred by the terminology of Islam when we divide this meaning into sections, so that Islam [submission] would have its meaning, Eeman[faith] would have its meaning and Ihsan[kindness] would have its meaning.

And it significant this section is on kindness. And kindness means true devotion to worship inwardly and outwardly, and worship is the direct reason for creating the creatures. So there is nothing (that exist) unless it worships Allah and its worship is “tasbeeh”(praise and invocation). And there is nothing in the heaven and the earth without making (sujud) prostration (to Allah). And their prostration is their worship.

Allah Exalted and Almighty said: (There is nothing (that exist) unless it praises and invokes Him (Allah) but you do not understand their invocation He is the most Patient and most Forgiven).{Al-Isra[Ascension]: 44}.

And He says: (Don’t you see that all thing in heaven and earth – the sun, the moon, the stars; the hills, the trees, the animals; and a great number among mankind bow down in worship to Allah? But a great number (also) such as are fit for Punishment: and such as Allah shall disgrace – none can raise to honor: for Allah carries out all that He wills). {Hajj [Pilgrimage]:18}.

So Allah created jinn or demons and mankind to worship Him. And He says: (I did not create the (jinn) demon and mankind but to worship Me).{Al-Zaariyaat[Earthquake]:56}.

And He said: (And worship your Lord until certainty [death] comes to you). {Al-Hijir[Rocky Track]: 99}.

And He said: (Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him and be kind to your parents, kinfolks[families], orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way farer (you meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah does not love the arrogant, the vain). {Al-Nissa[Women]:36}

And He said: (And they were not commanded but to worship Allah with sincere devotion being true (in faith) to establish regular prayer and to practice regular charity; and that is the religion right and straight). {Al-Bayyinah [Clear Evidence:5}.

(And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you "Muslims" before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give (zakah) poor tax and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector; and Excellent is the Protector, and Excellent is the Helper. {Al-hajj [Pilgrimage]: 78-77}.

All these verses strengthen that worship is a basic pillar in the course of human journey in his relationship with his Lord.

And worship with its rightful meaning is to surrender your face spiritually and mentally with submission and humbleness for the sake of Allah Almighty that coupled with love and magnification and reverence. And scholars have interpreted it as a universal name to everything that Allah Almighty loves and pleases with it of utterances, deeds, and situations.

And it is either inwardly or outwardly.

And the first type of that(is): The two affirmative phrases [believe in Allah and his Prophet{PBUH} as his messenger], prayer, fasting, poor tax, pilgrimage, migration, making effort, and commanding what is right and prohibiting what is evil, righteousness in utterances, that constitutes truthfulness in absolute statement.

And showing the rightful information about the rule of the Shariah [Islamic Law]. And rendering the affirmative on its face. And giving fatwa or judicial ruling in rightful statements if the person is the type who seeks [advice] ruling. And truthfulness in speech and statement if he is a judge or a governor. And the delivery of trust [back to the owner], and parental obedience, rightful kinship relations.

And kindness to people generally and exclusively, orphans and poor and the wayfarers, and kings, human or animal. Same applies to neighbors, relatives, and fulfilling promise, guarding the tongue from backbiting, gossip, lies, slander, falsehood in all its manifestations, showing-off, argument, mockery, contempt, insults and innuendos.

So distancing one’s self from all these things is part and parcel of what is referred to us manifest worship. Same applies to clearing armful object away from a Muslim by avoiding infringement upon his dignity, his blood, his wealth, unless it is with his heart desire, and fighting the stubborn and hypocrites those who are demeaning the rules of the Shariah with the Qur’an. And preaching and prayer and the Qur’an as a means of getting closer to Allah with his word, the triumph of the oppressed, deterrence of the oppressor, coming all out with the truthful word with hindrance or without elusion, preaching in the name of Allah with wisdom and good sermon as well as argument with the best approach upon an insightful and complete way for emulating the messenger of Allah [PBUH].

All these mood of worship and the secret of kindness in it is for a man to control it in a situation where he witnesses being with Allah as if he sees Allah when he abused it or he undoubtedly believes that Allah Exalted and Almighty sees him. And there is no third position in the scene of servitude for the sake of man. Since it is a must to worship Allah as if you see Him, if you do not see Him He sees you. And part of the greatest acts of worship is to curb one ‘self from hurting the people of qiblah [religious leaders]..

But as for worship in its real and accurate sense that arranges another hidden meaning. It is the second type of worship which is:

A universal name to make behaviors upright.

And its focus is righteousness of the heart and its health and safety by its enlightenment with believe in Allah and His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and Predestination - good or bad, fear and fright of Allah, hope in Him, reliance on Him, and satisfaction and submission to Him in his entire decision, trepidation of Him, aspiration of Him, true love for His sake, for the sake of His messenger, believers, religion of Islam with fidelity, absolute relationship with Him, which does not give room for turning towards anyone apart from the Truthful and Almighty[Allah].

And these acts and what resembles it is the manifest and hidden act of worship, and it is incumbent on a Muslim to seek knowledge relating to it and the manifest (fiqh) jurisprudence that encompasses all that.

And this is the meaning that we indicated in worship. It is what the Ahlul Sunnah Al Jama’ah among the fuqahah[ scholars of jurisprudence], and hadith scholars and sincere sufis[mystics], and the hidden knowledge, and the knowledge of kindness, and finally they arrived at a compromising stand to name it: (Al-Tasawwuf ), [Mysticism].

And in order to define and describe a man as (sufi or mystic), he needs to be steadfast on the methodology of this Islamic shariah [law] inwardly and outwardly in manifestation, and behavior wise. And from here one of them {sufis} says: (Every hidden thing that is revoked by an apparent in shariah is invalid).

To be continued next week....

Translated By: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz, New York

TAWSI‘AT AL-‘ILM WA‘L ‘IRFAAN LIL-SHUYUUKH WA SHUBAAN (EXPANSION OF KNOWLEDGE & INTELLECTUALISM FOR THE SHAYKHS & YOUTH)

"توسعة العلم والعرفان للشيوخ والشبان"

Tawsi‘at al-‘ilm wa‘l ‘irfaan lil-Shuyuukh wa Shubaan

"Expansion of Knowledge & Intellectualism for the Shuyukh & Youth"

By: Sheikh Ibrahim Niass

Translated and Analyzed by: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz

Excerpt from the book, "Expanding Knowledge and intellectualism for the Sheikhs and Youth"

Author: Sheikh Ibrahim Anyas Alkaolacki

"I was in Congo in the past months, one of the ministers of state was talking and saying, he does not believe in the Sheikhs now, because the Sheikh that was in Khartoum, Sadique Al-Mahdi was killed like this, and he was a great Sheikh. I asked him, "Are you a Christian?" He said: "Yes". I then said to him, "Your lord Issah(Jesus) was killed (as they believe). Your lord was killed and you worry about a Sheikh that was killed. Then he said, "This Sheikh knows how to answer and counter(argument)very well."
Allahu Akbar, just imagine the logical answer given him by the ever intellectual Shehu Barhama!
Translated by Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz

September 2, 2015

Salamu Alaikum folks, this is a two page excerpt from the book:

{توسعة العلم والعرفان للشيوخ والشبان}

"Expanding Knowledge & Intellectualism for the Sheikhs & Youth". It is one of numerous lectures delivered by Maulana Sheikh Ibrahim Anyas in Kano, Northern Nigeria, in the fifties. It was compiled and converted in a book form. One of his 75 books.

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TALE

They were used to be trained with stories. Most of the time what I tell the youth, telling them, I say to them: If no Muslim children would remain but only their blocked-headed or ignorant ones, then the enemy of Islam would twist and turn you how they wish. You heard story that I narrated to you yesterday regarding a Christian who was saying he does not believe in religious leaders because they were killed. I said to him, your lord was killed.

THIS IS ANOTHER TALE

Abubakar Al-Baqillani-A monk came to him at an assembly of his students, while he was teaching. He wanted to mock or make fan of Islam. And told him: Which of the wives of the Prophet that traveled with him and linger or left behind him and remained with a man and things were said on it? Which of the wives of your Prophet? Abubakar Al-Baqillani said: Should I answer you with the Qur’an or with the mind? He said: Answer me with the mind not with the Qur’an. He told him: Imagine two women were falsely accused with fornication. One of them delivered a baby and the other did not deliver, which of them is more likely to me charged or accused? And he said the one which gave birth is more likely to be charged. He said Maryam(the mother of Jesus/Issah) was accused of fornication and she came with a baby and Aisha(the wife of the Prophet) was accused but she never gave birth. He then said: Do not answer me with your sense answer me with the Qur’an. He said: As for the Qur’an, it had exonerated together. And he said that is the truth.

I said to the young ones: So if he had not gotten a scholar who knows the answer, he would have mess and make mockery of Islam as he wishes. This is why it is important for the youth to learn their religion very well.

Islam always clarifies what is for the interest of the creation[human] regarding issues pertaining to their deen, as well as their worldly affairs, their organizations, and their businesses. And everything small or big. And they are accusing Islam as it dwells on backwardness, and this is false. For they know nothing about Islam. They judge Islam in absentia for what the enemies say. And this is an explicit injustice and unfairness. If they had embraced the religion and researched until they understood and passed judgement on it, we would have accepted this judgement. But they have judged Islam while they were far away from it.

Islam is to believe in Allah and establish the command of Allah and stay away from what He prohibits. After this, you can approach whatever issue you wish, Islam would not oppose you on that. So then, Islam does not depend of retardation or lagging behind. So base on this, I advice you to learn your religion and also learn the worldly affairs[secular knowledge] until you will be like them in everything, while you holding fast to your faith. It is only on this that you can confront and challenge them.

So stop being lazy, and it is very important to strive and endeavor to work in any job that will earn you means of livelihood, until you become strong. If you become strong then you are liberated and free to practice your religion to confront you enemies.

And I ask Allah to bless our youth and inspire them and grant them beneficial knowledge and working according to it. So as to rise up for the service of this religion and remain(steadfast) for this faith.

I stress that the youth have honor and dignity, because the leaders of the nation is part of the youth.

May Allah help us and you all. Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.

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Folks, the message is very crystal clear. As if Maulana Shehu Barhama knows the future generation ahead would be reluctant to seek knowledge that will help them defend the deen, as we can see happening now.

Secondly, he advised us to do any kind of job to enable us make ends meet. This would make us less attracted to sakawa scam and boaka ritual to make quick money.

Translated by: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz

October 23, 2015

Assalamu Alaikum and Jum'ah Mubarak. Folks our this week's translation series is culled from one of the great masterpiece of Maulana Shehu Barhama Kaolack. It was a muhadarah/lectures he had delivered for two straight days(first day for the Shuyuk and the next day for the Youth) at the forecourt of the Palace of the great Amir of Kano in northern Nigeria in the early fifties. In attendance were the then Amir of Kano himself, his cabinet members (sub-chiefs), dignitaries, ministers of state, prominent scholars and devoted murids. It was complied in the form of a book among his 75 books, entitled:

"توسعة العلم والعرفان للشيوخ والشبان"

"Expansion of Knowledge & Intellectualism for the Shuyuk & Youth".

It is so amazing how sheikh interwoven these first four pages with logical and scientific analysis which is bound to make any none believer or an atheist far athinking about his idiocy and stupidity regarding an 'ideology' of the none existence of Allah.

It also crystallizes the real position of Maulana Sheikh Ibrahim Niass regarding the reality of "Haqiqah". So it is necessary for us to shed off any blindfolded arguments or views of wilayah that habours some shroud of shirk by some sufi 'scholars' that seems to contradict the stands of Sheikh Ibrahim Niass, because he was known to be called:

"قاموس الحقيقة والشريعة".

"Compendium of Haqiqah and Shariah.", by virtue of his exceptional and extra-ordinary zeal and enthusiasm to follow the Shariah (Qur'an & Sunnah), where he would echo and re-echo the common stands of Abal Abass, Alqutubul Rabbani Wal 'Aariful Samadaani, Wal-Sharifful Hassani Al-Sheikh Ahmadal Tijjani, that:

"إذا سمعتم عني شيئا فزنوه بميزان الشرع فاءن وافق فاعملوا به وإن خالف فاتركوه."

"If you heard something from me weigh it on the scale of the Sharia, if it coincides, live by it and if it contradicts leave it." So any Sheikh that claims wilayah and contradicts the Shariah with elements of shirk is not worth following.

Sheikh wrote regarding himself in his Deewan(book of poetry praising the Prophet(PBUH):

"إذا سار خير الناس سرت وراءه

وإن حل يوما فالمسير بعيد"

If the best of mankind(the Prophet) walks i walk behind him

And where he stops(i also stop), because the destination is far."

This as well indicates Sheikh's unflinching desire to follow the Sunnah of his beloved and our beloved Prophet (PBUH).

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In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful

Praise be upon the Greatest Prophet(PBUH)

We start from the beginning by talking about Eeman[Faith]

Faith is believe in Allah alone. And it is the highest priority in every affairs. And any person who is blessed to belief in Allah alone and does not associate partners with him, he is the one who is successful in this world and also successful in the hereafter. As for the non-believers and anyone who to took to deviation and atheism, trying to negate the existence of Allah Almighty, and giving people doubt about the presence of the creator Almighty.

The creation from the beginning to the end are in two groups. One group for the merciful[Allah] and the another group for the devil[satan]. And I advise whoever doubts the existence of Allah or cause people to doubt it, to doubt about his existence before anything.

This man sees himself in existence, strong and capable of doing anything. And he doubts about the existence of the creator, then who is this man? He who was created from a sperm, then a leech, then a chew-like object, and he was created a small baby. After which he became a strong adult[youth], then after which he became an old or aged person. After which he would die, and nothing would prevent him from that and can never escape that.

When a man is born, he is bound to be young. First, a young person has no sense[to know his left from right] and no strength. And he does not possess anything and cannot think about anything: This is the beginning of every person. Scholars, Kings, Strongmen, Soldiers and leaders of nations, all went through this.

After this[process], the person would become a strong being, acting the way he wants. And after that he would return as an old man as he used to be young, he returns as he started. And after this, he must die as well: Mankind is like this, with what man speaks, and with what he ceases to speak and sometimes with what he talks frequently?

A man sometimes loses his eyesight, with what he hears and with what he does not hear? Then he would become rich sometimes and poor sometimes, healthy sometimes and sick sometimes, alive sometimes and dead sometimes. Why this? This is part of the[involuntary] actions of man.

Even if mankind is the one acting by himself, that would not happen to him(on his on will). If the affairs[of creation and action] is in his own hands, if he sees himself strong, rich and capable of[doing what he wishes] he would be like that.

But mankind, after he becomes strong and youthful, with black hair and handsome or pretty face, he must return to the white/gray hair one day. And why? he became weak after he used to be strong, and after that, he must die. Mankind from the beginning of creation to our present day have returned to different world not this world. And that world as compared to this one is like a baby in its mother’s womb.

And the person who becomes intelligent and knowledgeable acting the way he wishes and those who left for the hereafter none of them have returned. They are in two parts. One part have earned what they wanted, and they have from the pleasures what an eye has never seen, an ear has never heard and it has never been imagined in a man’s heart.

If they were ordered to returned to this world, they would not have accepted it and would decline it. And among them there are those who have returned to a locked prison[Hell fire], even if he could be able to return to the world to believe in Allah and do good deeds, he would have returned, but alas, he cannot.

And this world that there are children of mankind, they are like the owners of this world. This is a creature created by Allah, they have the world and what is in it. Allah Almighty says[in the Qur’an]: “He[Allah] created for you all what is in the earth.” All this is for the children of Adam[Mankind].

But what Allah created on the surface of the earth is a lot. This is human, this is animal, and these are beasts[and monsters] and these are birds and these are fish from the oceans. All these are creations of Allah Almighty. None is more wonderful than the other.

None is more convincing as a proof over the other regarding the ability of the maker. The inventor of all these things is Allah Almighty. And he had sent messengers to teach them about Allah Almighty from Adam to our Prophet Muhammad[PBUH]. All of them had called the creation to believe in Allah and refrain from [shirk] associating partners with Allah Almighty.

Until the [da’awah] propagation of this Prophet[PBUH] reached us and we believed in Allah. And praise be to Allah. So believe in Allah without associating partners is the way to happiness. And shirk (associating partners with) Him is more hidden from swarming [crowded] ants on endocrine rock, in the darkest part of the night.

There are clear shirk and hidden shirk and the most hidden shirk.

And the one who practices hidden shirk associates partner with Allah and worships anyone apart from Allah, as the Christians are doing. They worship Issah[Jesus] or [his] picture, this is a clear shirk.

And the hidden shirk is for the one who worships Allah in Islam and shows off and wants their praise and being arrogant upon His servants. He does things not for the sake of Allah, but for people to see him and talk about it(May Allah help us to fight the shaitan who misleads people to do that).

And the most hidden shirk is for the one who see other[creatures] than Allah. And in reality, there is nothing[significant and worthy of worship] than Allah.

It was because of this that I say: He who doubts about the existence of Allah, I advise him to doubt about his own existence first. And [now talking further on] the clear shirks, hidden shirk and most hidden shirk, with the clear shirk, Allah does not accept the worship of the one who does it. And with the hidden shirk, Allah does not accept it from his heart.[Because] he does not accept a shirk-related work. And a shirk-related heart is not accepted by Allah.

And Allah says in the Qur’an[Those who believed in Allah alone and have never associated partners with Him they are the successful ones and they are the fortunate ones.” The great blessings Allah bestowed is belief in Allah Almighty. Mankind may be an intellectual, and intellect [knowledge] is the key [that unlocks] faith or belief. He who is not a believer in Allah would never be a knowledgeable person in our religion.

He who wants to be a Waliyi[being in good standing with Allah] and does not have faith[in Allah], he would never be one. He who is not a believer and is not ‘Aarif[who knows Allah according how he should know Him], and he does not become a leader nor a prophet, nor a messenger, and he who is not a believer would not enter Jannah when he dies.

Translated and Analyzed by: Husseini Yushau BabalWaiz

 

SABEELU SALAAM FII IBQAA’I L MAQAAM (WAY TO PEACE[IS] KEEPING THE “MAQAM”[IBRAHIM] IN ITS PLACE)

{سبيل السلام في إبقاء المقا}

“Way to Peace[is] Keeping the “Maqam”[Ibrahim] in its Place”.

One of the most interesting and insightful books of Maulana Shehu Barhama Kaolack

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