The latter part of this Muslim nation
will not be rectified except through that which rectified its early
part, just as the people of knowledge and Eemaan stated—amongst Imaam
Maalik Ibn Anas [The Imaam of Daarul Hijra (Madeenah) in his time; the
well-known scholar of sound understanding and piety–and the people of
knowledge reported this (statement) during and after his era, and they
all agreed with it; that: ”The latter part of this Muslim nation will
not be rectified except by way of that which rectified its earlier
part.” This means that what rectified its earlier part was adherence to
the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His noble Messenger
(sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), and it is what will rectify its latter
part until the Day of Judgement.
The one who wishes for the
rectification of the Islamic society or the other societies in this
worldly life through other than the path, ways and practical steps that
rectified those who have preceded, then such a person is mistaken and
has spoken untruth. There is no path (to rectification) other than this
path (of the Messenger and his companions). Rather the path to
rectifying the people and establishing them upon the straight path is
(only) the path that was followed by our Prophet
(sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) and his noble companions, and then those
who follow them exactly in righteousness till this era of ours. And
that is:
(a) To give close attention to the Great Qur’aan and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah–calling the people to both of them.
(b)Acquiring understanding of both of them and disseminating both of them amongst the people with knowledge and clear sightedness.
(c)Making clear what
these two fundamental affairs convey of rulings with regards to the
basis of the sound creed and the views which the Islamic society is
obligated to accept, and clarifying the forbidden affairs which the
Islamic society is obligated to be cautious of.
(d)And to clarify the
limits imposed by Allah and His Messenger, so that they are not
approached, as He (The Mighty and Majestic) said: [ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ
اللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا] ”These are the limits (set) by Allah, so
approach them not.” [Soorah Al-Baqarah: Ayah 187]. And these limits
are the unlawful affairs, which Allaah has forbidden to be approached,
and through which sins are committed; just as Allaah forbade mankind
from going beyond the limits He has imposed for His slaves in acts of
worship and rulings of the religion.
The first affair carried out by the
Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), and the first foundation he
established was the call to single out Allaah in worship and to worship
Him (The Most High) sincerely. This is the first affair and the first
fundamental he spoke about, proclaimed and adhered to. He called the
people to single out Allaah in worship and guided them to its details.
The statement clarifying this is: [لا إله إلا الله] ‘’None has the right
to be worshipped except Allaah.’’ This is the firm foundation alongside
the testimony [محمدا رسول الله ] ”Muhammad is the Messenger of
Allaah.” These two important fundamentals and foundations are the basis
of Islaam and the basis for the rectification of this Ummah. [Source: ‘Awaamil Islaah Al-Mujtama’a’ pages 6-10…slightly paraphrased and abridged]
To be continued….In-shaa-Allaah
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