MUSLIM DEGENERATION AND ITS ONLY REMEDY

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

In its real form and sense, “Tabligh” is the most important type of worship of Allah Ta'ala and it amounts to a blessing of very high order. It literally means to follow in the footsteps of the Prophets. truly, as the work is of a very superior character, it must be based on equally high principles, which ought to be strictly followed throughout. Each participant must feel that it is he who needs to improve himself rather than thinking of reforming others. During the course of work and, even away from it, he must try to behave as a perfect Muslim, as a faithful slave of Allah Ta’ala, constantly obeying and following the Divine commands of  “Shariat” and always seeking Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and pleasure. This is the basic requirement and the soul and foundation of the work of “Tabligh”. Once it is deeply and firmly embedded in the hearts of workers, the other principles, rules and practices, some of which are narrated below, will become easy to follow:
(1) As far as possible, all expenses, including travelling, food etc., must be borne by each individual himself and , if he can afford, he may quietly assist those companions who may be in need.
(2) All fellow workers and companions in this work must be given full respect, shown tolerance, be cared for and encouraged at all times by one another. Such participation will prove a great blessing for the whole area where the “jamaat” may be working.
(3) Conversations, talks and discussions must be conducted in soft and persuasive tones, using simple and polite language. All types of displeasure with each other must be avoided. The “ulema-e-karam” (scholars of Muslim scripture) must be held in high respect and esteem as we usually display for the “Holy Quran” and “Hadis” , because, it is through these learned personages that Allah Ta’ala has blessed us with the true knowledge of Islam and enlightenment. Any disrespect towards them, however insignificant, may amount to contempt of Islam itself, which in turn may provoke the wrath of Allah Ta’ala for the whole community.
(4) Leisure and free moments must be spent either in reading good religious books or in the company of pious and learned companions; by this means one will be able to learn many right things about the faith of Islam, about Allah Ta’ala and His apostle. Particular care must be taken of the time given to the “Tabligh” work itself, that nothing unimportant, useless or senseless is uttered, discussed or done.
(5) To endeavour to earn an honest and pure living, to be most careful and frugal in expenditure, and to constantly observe every single obligation, however big or small, towards one’s family relations and acquaintances.
(6) No controversial matters or points of secondary importance be discussed at any time. The total time must be devoted to bringing out the Divinity, Oneness and Omnipotence of Allah Ta’ala and to confine all talk to the main points of “Tabligh”, which are in real sense the basic principles to be followed by each and every Muslim at all times.
(6) Every action, work and speech must be fused with sincerity and honesty of purpose, for and act, however small, but imbued with this quality is destined to bring high rewards and plenty of well-being. On the other hand, an insincere act, however big, will not bear any worthwhile fruit or benefit, either in this life or in the hereafter. Hadhrat Mu’az (Radi) Allaho anho), who was appointed as Governor of Yemen, begged the Holy Prophet (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to give him some special advice. The Holy Prophet (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was pleased to say, “Be meticulously honest and sincere in matters of religion: a little done with sincerity is enough”. There is yet another “Hadis” in the same connection, “Allah Ta’ala accepts only such actions and deeds which are performed purely for His pleasure and accord”. In another place it is mentioned “Allah Ta’ala does not look at your face nor at your property,but only at your hearts and deeds”. So the crux of the matter is that the work of “Tabligh” must be performed with all sincerity and honesty. No show or outward appearance is to be put on. The depth of success and progress will depend entirely on the depth of our sincerity.

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