Who Is A Proper Moulana? (Part 2)

(Continued from part 1. Link to Part 1: http://custodiansofthehaq.co.za/who-is-a-proper-moulana-part-1/)

Ml Ashraf Ali Thanwi further explains who is a proper and true Moulana:

“A Moulana is an Aalim who practises upon his knowledge. You may call him Sufi if you wish. We do not regard a person who does not practise on his knowledge to be a Moulana. Merely being able to speak the Arabic language does not qualify one to be a Moulana. In Egypt and Beirut you will find Christians fluently speaking the Arabic language. So, must we take them to be Ulama in our Deen?”

Comment: Take note that for an Aalim to be a proper Aalim, he needs to practise upon his knowledge. Otherwise, Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi and other Akaabireen do not regard a non-practising Aalim to be a proper Moulana / Mufti.

It is indeed imperative for an Aalim to practise upon what he has learnt. Many a times, with the Fadhl of Allah Paak, we have the honour of meeting great Ulama. When asking them for advise, they advise on many things. However, what they do stress on repeatedly is that we make Amal upon what one learns (of Deeni knowledge), even if it (what one may have learnt) is a little.

At times we find a Moulana to be extremely highly qualified, having many certificates on different qualifications etc. to his name, however, the ‘darkness’ (Zulmat) of his involvement in futile activities, and at times even sinful activities, is discerned on his face. 

Some of these ‘Ulama’ run after a ball in the name of soccer, or hit a ball with a bat in the name of cricket, some keep their Topis off their heads and only Salaah time wear the Topi, some pose for photos and selfies, some crave for a huge ‘following’ on social media, some watch YouTube and are involved in many other such futile and sinful activities. 

Regarding such ‘Ulama’, according to Ml Thanwi, they are not even considered as Ulama because they are not behaving as Ulama, neither are they practising upon the knowledge they have.

Their knowledge is merely restricted to the Kitaabs and pages. The Noor of the knowledge has not come into their life. Their knowledge has no form, nor any shape. The form and shape of an Aalim’s knowledge is Amal. So, even if knowledge is little but it has Amal, this knowledge is in actual fact beneficial and valuable compared to having plenty of knowledge but no Amal.   

When an Aalim behaves in a manner which is inappropriate (in Deen and as an Aalim), then he strips himself off the title/s his name may have. Be it a Mufti or Moulana, when he goes openly, happily and without any real excuse and reason against a Law / Sunnah etc. of Deen, then he’s title is stripped off his name. He no more remains a proper and trustworthy Aalim.

From the above important Naseehat of Moulana Thanwi, one will understand how important it is for Ulama to practise upon their knowledge. What then may be said when we see the sad and utterly lamentable state of the modern ‘Ulama’ of today who are openly and happily violating the Sacred Laws of the Deen on the airwaves as well as on Haraam TV stations dubbed Satanically as ‘Islamic’ stations. 

With what audacity do the modern ‘Ulama’ openly violate so many Laws of the Shari’at? Insha Allah, a conscious Muslim whose Imaan, Qabr and Aakhirat are among his priorities, will understand that for Ulama to go on-air and speak / interview / sing Nazams in the name of a Nazam show etc., answer calls of strange women – some who are young and speak in soft and alluring tones is totally unbefitting and Haraam. If this is the case with radio stations, what to speak about Haraam TV stations which are dubbed as ‘Islamic’? 

Perhaps this will not be palatable to many, since it is a bitter capsule to gulp. But the Haq is like that. The Haq, in the face of Baatil (wrong / sin) is bitter. Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said, “Speak the Haq even if it may be bitter.” Therefore, this comment of ours is directed to those Muslims who, as we said, are concerned of the welfare of their Imaan, Qabr and Aakhirat. For those to whom this is unpalatable, we make Du’a that Allah Ta’ala opens their minds and grants them vision to see the reality in the Light of the Deen.  

We leave you with the following wonderful quote:

Admonishing an Aalim, Hazrat Ali Khawwaas Rahmatullah alaih said: “O my Friend! Consider Amr Bil Ma’roof Nahy Anil Munkar (commanding righteousness and prohibiting evil) to be incumbent on you. This is the Zakaat of Ilm (Knowledge of the Deen). Allah Ta’ala revealed to Nabi Dawood Alaihis salaam: “When the Ulama abandon Amr Bil Ma’roof Nahy Anil Munkar, their awe will vanish from the hearts of the people. Then people of low morals will become fearsome… … …(Explaining those who fear Allah Ta’ala, Allah Ta’ala said further)Most fortunate are they who honour Me and refrain from gazing at Ghair Mahaareem (the opposite gender who are Haraam to look / speak etc. at) because they fear Me.”

May Allah Ta’ala give us an understanding as to who the Ulama-e-Haq and practising Ulama are, Aameen.

(To be continued, Insha Allah)