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LOUD ZIKR in the Masjid & Elsewhere & Reply to MUFTI ELIAS

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

<strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> & <strong>Elsewhere</strong> & <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong><br />

<strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

by<br />

Moulana Abdun Nabi Hamidi<br />

"Who is more unjust than he who prevents <strong>the</strong> Name of Allah from be<strong>in</strong>g mentioned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mosques of<br />

Allah?" (Surah Baqarah:114)<br />

FOREWORD<br />

On <strong>the</strong> 12th of May 1999 a friend brought me a leaflet written by Mufti A.H. Elias. In this leaflet, an attempt was<br />

made <strong>to</strong> suggest that loud Zikr is Haraam and an evil Bid’at. In a polite manner, I removed all doubts and<br />

misunderstand<strong>in</strong>gs which were made by Mufti Elias by writ<strong>in</strong>g a pamphlet. About five months later, an organisation<br />

called "International Islamic Research Institute" published a book entitled "Impermissibility of Loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong>"<br />

<strong>in</strong> reply <strong>to</strong> my pamphlet. To my surprise, <strong>the</strong> book did not display <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> author and, fur<strong>the</strong>rmore nobody<br />

seemed <strong>to</strong> have heard about this "Institute". Upon read<strong>in</strong>g this book, I concluded that <strong>the</strong> writer of this book was a<br />

Deobandi Aalim. In fact, <strong>the</strong> compilation of this book was through <strong>the</strong> collective effort of Deobandi Ulama as <strong>the</strong><br />

name of <strong>the</strong> organisation suggests. Its quite clear that <strong>the</strong> authors are not sure about <strong>the</strong> au<strong>the</strong>nticity of <strong>the</strong>ir proofs<br />

and understand<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>the</strong> names of <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama are ommitted. The resultant is that <strong>the</strong> entire Deobandi<br />

Ulama has <strong>to</strong> be addressed. The reader will notice that <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have showered me with abusive<br />

languages on several times <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir book, which is evident of <strong>the</strong>ir level of politeness.<br />

Mujaahid-e-Ahle Sunnat, Hazrat Sheikh Sa’eed Ali Chobdat, has shown great devotion <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Maslak (teach<strong>in</strong>gs) of <strong>the</strong><br />

Ahlus Sunnah, and is always prepared <strong>to</strong> serve <strong>the</strong> Maslak of <strong>the</strong> Ahlus Sunnah for <strong>the</strong> sake of Allah with complete<br />

s<strong>in</strong>cerity. May Allah Ta’ala bless every Sunni Aalim and Murshid (Peer) with <strong>the</strong> Imaan of serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Deen, which<br />

Allah Ta’ala has kept <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sheikh’s heart. With <strong>the</strong> Sheikh’s encouragement and support, I will proceed with my<br />

reply and for this onus, I am very grateful <strong>to</strong> him.May Allah Ta’ala, <strong>in</strong> His Inf<strong>in</strong>ite Mercy, grant him <strong>the</strong> best reward<br />

that is befitt<strong>in</strong>g for his efforts.<br />

The learned Hazrat Mufti Naseem Ashraf Habibi (Habibi Darul Ifta), Hazrat Moulana Ismail Peerbhai (of Estcourt) and<br />

Br. M. Y. Abdul Karrim from <strong>the</strong> Imam Ahmed Raza Academy (Durban) have provided me with <strong>the</strong> Islamic literature<br />

that was required for compil<strong>in</strong>g my treatise. I am grateful <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m and pray that Allah Ta’ala grant <strong>the</strong>m success <strong>in</strong><br />

both <strong>the</strong> worlds. Aameen. Br. Yunus Abdul Karrim has offered a very significant service <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen by do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

typesett<strong>in</strong>g of this book. My dear Shaheed Patel, Omar Patel and Shafee Shaikh have assisted me <strong>in</strong> correct<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

grammatical errors and proof read<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> book. May Allah Ta’ala reward <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> abundance and <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

enthusiasm <strong>in</strong> Deen-e-Islam.<br />

I appeal <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> reader <strong>to</strong> make Du’a for me that I must rema<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> service of <strong>the</strong> Deen at all times, Insha-Allah, and<br />

may Allah Ta’ala assist me <strong>to</strong> do good deeds and make me steadfast and consistent <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> service of <strong>the</strong> Deen.<br />

Aameen.<br />

Faqir Abdun Nabi Hamidi<br />

Imam of Sultan Bahu Jumma <strong>Masjid</strong>, Mayfair. Johannesburg<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

9 Sha’baan 1420, 18/11/1999<br />

PREFACE<br />

Praise be <strong>to</strong> Allah, Lord of <strong>the</strong> Worlds, Peace and Bless<strong>in</strong>gs upon His Prophet and Messenger Muhammad (sallal laahu<br />

alaihi wasallam), his Family and Companions. This treatise is a v<strong>in</strong>dication of <strong>the</strong> permissibility of loud Zikr. This is an<br />

answer <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> booklet entitled "Impermissibility of Loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong>" written by a certa<strong>in</strong> organisation named<br />

"International Islamic Research Institute". That <strong>the</strong> booklet is written or authored by those who affiliate <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />

with <strong>the</strong> Deobandi School of Thought is made certa<strong>in</strong> as it is a reply <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>gs of Moulana Abdun Nabi Hamidi<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st a pamphlet by Mufti A.H. Elias <strong>in</strong> which an attempt was made <strong>to</strong> suggest that loud Zikr is Haraam and an evil<br />

Bid’ah. Brief mention is also made aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> celebration of Maulud-un Nabi, <strong>in</strong> response <strong>to</strong> a booklet written by<br />

Moulana Abdun Nabi Hamidi titled, "Yes Meelad Celebration is commendable".<br />

Dhikr of Allah is <strong>the</strong> most excellent act of Allah’s servants and is stressed over and over aga<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran. Dhikr<br />

is <strong>the</strong> most praiseworthy act <strong>to</strong> earn <strong>the</strong> Pleasure of Allah, <strong>the</strong> most effective weapon <strong>to</strong> overcome <strong>the</strong> enemy and <strong>the</strong><br />

most deserv<strong>in</strong>g of deeds <strong>in</strong> reward. It is <strong>the</strong> flag of Islam, <strong>the</strong> polish of <strong>the</strong> heart, <strong>the</strong> essence of <strong>the</strong> science of faith,<br />

<strong>the</strong> immunization aga<strong>in</strong>st hypocrisy, <strong>the</strong> head of worship and <strong>the</strong> key of all success. Dhikr is someth<strong>in</strong>g of tremendous<br />

importance. There is no restriction of <strong>the</strong> modality, frequency or tim<strong>in</strong>g of Dhikr whatsoever. The restriction on<br />

modality perta<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong> certa<strong>in</strong> obliga<strong>to</strong>ry facts which are not <strong>the</strong> issue here, such as Salaah. The Shari’ah is clear and<br />

everyone knows what <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>to</strong> do. Indeed, <strong>the</strong> Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that <strong>the</strong> people of<br />

Paradise will only regret one th<strong>in</strong>g, not hav<strong>in</strong>g made enough Dhikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> world. Are those who are mak<strong>in</strong>g up reasons<br />

<strong>to</strong> discourage o<strong>the</strong>rs from mak<strong>in</strong>g Dhikr, whe<strong>the</strong>r loud or silent, not afraid of Allah <strong>in</strong> this tremendous matter?<br />

We have come <strong>to</strong> a time <strong>in</strong> which we hear of <strong>to</strong>o much compla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong> remembrance of <strong>the</strong> Prophet’s (sallal<br />

laahu alaihi wasallam) birthday, loud Dhikr be<strong>in</strong>g Haraam and a deviation and many o<strong>the</strong>r matters. We are liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a<br />

time when <strong>the</strong> enemies of Islam are destroy<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Ummah of <strong>the</strong> Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from with<strong>in</strong><br />

and without, without show<strong>in</strong>g any mercy. Almighty Allah is order<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Believers: "Hold fast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rope of Allah and<br />

do not separate". (Al-Imraan:103) Yet, <strong>in</strong> this time, more than any o<strong>the</strong>r time, we are f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong> attacks of our<br />

enemies are not <strong>the</strong> only cause of our suffer<strong>in</strong>g. With<strong>in</strong> our own home, <strong>the</strong> Ummah is be<strong>in</strong>g attacked and harmed<br />

deeply by <strong>the</strong> people. They are not happy <strong>to</strong> fight <strong>the</strong> enemies of Islam, but <strong>in</strong>stead f<strong>in</strong>d it necessary <strong>to</strong> fight Muslims<br />

and <strong>the</strong> community of Believers throughout <strong>the</strong> Muslim world. They have noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> do except <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d alleged faults<br />

with <strong>the</strong> beliefs of o<strong>the</strong>r Muslims. They take great pa<strong>in</strong>s <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d anyth<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>the</strong>ir scholars might consider doubtful as<br />

an excuse <strong>to</strong> deride and denigrate <strong>the</strong> faith of Muslims, call<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m names like "Bidati", "Mushriks", "Qabar Pujaris",<br />

etc.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> book, "Impermissibility of Loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong>", <strong>the</strong> author(s) accuse those who recite loud Zikr <strong>in</strong>dividually<br />

or collectively as a deviation and an act of Bid’ah. They object because it is loud and <strong>the</strong>y claim that it should be<br />

silent. F<strong>in</strong>ally, <strong>the</strong>y accuse those who perform loud Dhikr of <strong>in</strong>novation and misguidance. In it <strong>the</strong>y have not even<br />

spared <strong>the</strong>ir own Ulama who perform loud Dhikr, especially those who are runn<strong>in</strong>g Sufi Khanqahs under <strong>the</strong> direction<br />

of <strong>the</strong>ir Sheikhs. It is regrettable, nay even tragic, that not one of <strong>the</strong>ir Ulama attached <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>se Sufi Khanqahs<br />

(affiliated <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deobandi School of Thought) have picked up <strong>the</strong> pen <strong>in</strong> defence of loud Dhikr which perform <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

Khanqahs. Perhaps, <strong>the</strong>y feel it is not worth <strong>the</strong>ir energy be<strong>in</strong>g wasted <strong>to</strong> reply <strong>to</strong> such views from amongst <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />

school of thought. Not writ<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> defense will result <strong>in</strong> a direct assault on <strong>the</strong> concept of Dhikr as a whole and <strong>the</strong><br />

consequent impact that <strong>the</strong>se types of books will have on <strong>the</strong> general public.<br />

But we should have no doubt that <strong>the</strong>se types of publications have a significance which goes beyond <strong>the</strong> immediate<br />

author(s) of this booklet and that <strong>the</strong>se types of publications are noth<strong>in</strong>g less than <strong>the</strong> crystallization of a general<br />

hostility which cannot be ignored. S<strong>in</strong>ce most people are apt <strong>to</strong> be irritated by what <strong>the</strong>y do not understand, any critic<br />

of this type, however crude and un<strong>in</strong>telligent his arguments may be, can be almost certa<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>day that his writ<strong>in</strong>gs will<br />

awaken a chorus of agreement from a large portion of <strong>the</strong> unsuspect<strong>in</strong>g community, not only those who are antireligious,<br />

but also and perhaps above all, from a certa<strong>in</strong> class of Believers. This is <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>herent danger <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

ma<strong>in</strong>stream thought of <strong>the</strong> Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat.<br />

What is <strong>the</strong> position of <strong>the</strong> Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat on <strong>the</strong>se po<strong>in</strong>ts of objection (regard<strong>in</strong>g loud Dhikr)? It is with this<br />

thought <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d that this treatise has been written - <strong>to</strong> protect <strong>the</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong> Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat regard<strong>in</strong>g<br />

this issue. We would like <strong>to</strong> add that this treatise was not written <strong>to</strong> cause division and discord, but ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> end <strong>the</strong><br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

arguments revolv<strong>in</strong>g around this <strong>to</strong>pic. Let everyone follow his heart and let us unify ourselves and keep Allah’s Order<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran <strong>to</strong> "Hold fast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Rope of Allah and do not separate".<br />

Moulana Abdun Nabi Hamidi should be congratulated for tak<strong>in</strong>g up this challenge and responsibility <strong>in</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>g this<br />

treatise. In it, he has left no doubt as <strong>the</strong> permissibility of loud Dhikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> and elsewhere.<br />

Let us pray for Heavenly support for a better Islamic world <strong>in</strong> which everyone can f<strong>in</strong>d a place for himself or herself,<br />

based on <strong>the</strong> accepted schools of thought and <strong>the</strong> Ijtihad of scholars.<br />

Faqir Saeed Ally Sarwari Qaderi<br />

17 January 2000<br />

All Praises are due <strong>to</strong> Allah Ta’ala, Choicest bless<strong>in</strong>gs and Salutations upon Allah’s beloved Prophet<br />

Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam), his noble family and illustrious companions<br />

(Radhi Allahu Anhum)<br />

PROOFS FROM THE HOLY QURAN ABOUT <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong><br />

The permissibility of <strong>the</strong> recitation of both loud and soft Zikr is proven with Shar’i proofs. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly, <strong>the</strong> recitation of<br />

soft Zikr is recommended <strong>in</strong> some conditions, and similarly, <strong>the</strong> recitation of loud Zikr is recommended <strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs. The<br />

discussions <strong>in</strong> this book on Zikr are based on Jahr Motawassat (medium loudness). The quotations which state that<br />

loud Zikr is Makrooh or Haraam <strong>in</strong> fact refers <strong>to</strong> Jahr Mufrat (excessive loudness), or it is attributed <strong>to</strong> Zikr which is<br />

performed <strong>to</strong> "show off". This type of Zikr (<strong>to</strong> "show off") is not part of our discussion. The recitation of <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr,<br />

which we are defend<strong>in</strong>g, is that Zikr which is read with a medium <strong>to</strong>ne of voice.<br />

Allah Ta’ala says <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran: "Then when you have completed <strong>the</strong> acts of Hajj, remember Allah as you used <strong>to</strong><br />

remember your fa<strong>the</strong>rs". (Surah al-Baqarah: 200)<br />

Mufassireen (Commenta<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran) say that <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> era of ignorance, it was <strong>the</strong> practice of <strong>the</strong> Kufaar, that<br />

when <strong>the</strong>y completed <strong>the</strong>ir Hajj, <strong>the</strong>y would stand <strong>in</strong> front of <strong>the</strong> Ka’bah and praise <strong>the</strong>ir forefa<strong>the</strong>rs. In this Ayah,<br />

Allah Ta’ala says that <strong>the</strong>y should mention Allah Ta’ala <strong>in</strong>stead of mention<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir forefa<strong>the</strong>rs. Therefore, it is<br />

understandable that this Zikr, which is performed has <strong>to</strong> be loud so that people will be able <strong>to</strong> listen <strong>to</strong> it.<br />

Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi (radi Allahu anhu) says: "Undoubtedly, loud Zikr is permissible. One of its proofs<br />

is <strong>the</strong> say<strong>in</strong>g of Allah Ta’ala, ‘Remember Allah as you used <strong>to</strong> remember your forefa<strong>the</strong>rs’". (Ash’atul Lam’aat, Vol. 2,<br />

pg. 278)<br />

Allah Ta’ala says <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran: "Then, when you have f<strong>in</strong>ished your prayer, remember Allah stand<strong>in</strong>g, sitt<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

ly<strong>in</strong>g on your sides". (Surah an-Nisa: 103)<br />

Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) says <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> commentary of this Ayah: "One should make Allah’s Zikr<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> day and at night, <strong>in</strong> water and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> dry, when travell<strong>in</strong>g and when at home, <strong>in</strong> poverty and <strong>in</strong> prosperity,<br />

<strong>in</strong> sickness and <strong>in</strong> health, with softness and with loudness". (Tafseeraat-e-Ahmedia by Mullah Jeewan, pg. 207; Durre<br />

Mansoor by Imam Suyutwi Ash Shafi’I, Vol. 2, pg. 214; Ihya ul Uloom by Imam Ghazzali, Vol. 1, pg. 301)<br />

Allah Ta’ala says <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran: "Remember Me, I shall remember you". (Surah al-Baqarah: 152)<br />

In this Ayah, Allah Ta’ala has commanded <strong>the</strong> performance of Zikr. Allah Ta’ala did not mention any conditions with<br />

regard <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> loudness or softness <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> recitation of Zikr. Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ciples of Fiqh Hanafi, unconditional<br />

statements should be left as general statements and should not be made conditional. Therefore, scholars like Imam<br />

Jalalludd<strong>in</strong> Suyutwi, Sulaimaan Jumal, Khaz<strong>in</strong>, and Hafiz Ibn Kaseer (radi Allahu anhum) have quoted <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Hadith-e-Qudsi <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> commentary of this Ayah: "When he (My servant) remembers Me <strong>in</strong> his heart, I remember him<br />

personally; and when he remembers Me <strong>in</strong> an assembly, I remember him <strong>in</strong> an assembly better than his".<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

This Hadith-e-Qudsi endorses <strong>the</strong> recitation of both loud and soft Zikrs. Allama Sulaimaan Jumal (radi Allahu anhu)<br />

says under <strong>the</strong> commentary of <strong>the</strong> very same Ayah that, "When he remembers Me <strong>in</strong> his heart" it means that one<br />

should remember Allah alone even if <strong>the</strong> Zikr is loud.<br />

PROOFS FROM HADITH SHAREEF ON <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong><br />

Hadith 1: Bukhari and Muslim have reported from Abdullah Ibn Abbas. "Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) said<br />

that he used <strong>to</strong> know that <strong>the</strong> beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has completed his Salaah when he heard<br />

<strong>the</strong> Takbeer". (Mishkaat, pg. 88)<br />

Expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g this Hadith Shareef, Sheikh Abdul Haq Mohaddith Dehlawi (radi Allahu anhu) says: "The Ulama have said<br />

that <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of ‘Takbeer’ <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> above Hadith is unconditional Zikr, as it is recorded <strong>in</strong> Bukhari and Muslim<br />

reported by Ibn Abbas that loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> time of beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was well-known. Ibn<br />

Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) said that ‘I used <strong>to</strong> know that Salaah was completed when I used <strong>to</strong> hear <strong>the</strong> Zikr be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

recited aloud’". (Ash’atul Lam’aat; Vol. 1, pg. 418)<br />

Question: Is this Hadith not Mansookh (cancelled)? Regard<strong>in</strong>g this Hadith, Hazrat Imam Shafi’i (radi Allahu anhu)<br />

has said <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g: "In my th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> narration of Ibn Abbas about loud Takbeer was for a short period of time<br />

<strong>to</strong> educate <strong>the</strong> people about Takbeer". (Kitaabul Umm, Vol. 1, pg. 110)<br />

Answer: Hazrat Imam Shafi’i (radi Allahu anhu) did not say that this Hadith Shareef is Mansookh (cancelled). He<br />

said, "In my th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g ..." Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Usul of Hadith, a Hadith cannot be regarded as Mansookh just because of<br />

someone’s th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. Imam Shafi’i himself says that if one f<strong>in</strong>ds any of his say<strong>in</strong>gs aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> Hadith, <strong>the</strong>n one should<br />

throw it on <strong>the</strong> wall. How <strong>the</strong>n can we regard a practice of <strong>the</strong> period of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) as<br />

Mansookh just because of <strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g of Hazrat Imam Shafi’i (radi Allahu anhu)?<br />

Hadith 2: In Sahih Muslim, it is reported from Abdullah Ibn Zubair (radi Allahu anhu): "When <strong>the</strong> beloved Rasool<br />

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) uttered <strong>the</strong> Salutation at <strong>the</strong> end of his Salaah, he used <strong>to</strong> say ‘LA ILAHA ILLALLAHO<br />

WAHDA HU LA SHARIKA LAHU’ aloud" (Mishkaat, pg. 88)<br />

Comment<strong>in</strong>g on this Hadith Shareef, Sheikh Abdul Haq Mohaddith Dehlawi (radi Allahu anhu) says: "This Hadith is<br />

categorical proof that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used <strong>to</strong> perform loud Zikr". (Ash’atul Lam’aat, Vol. 1,<br />

pg. 419)<br />

Hadith 3: Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) reports that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said that Allah Ta’ala<br />

says: "I am close <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> thoughts of My servant. When he remembers Me I am with him. When he remembers Me <strong>in</strong><br />

his heart, I remember him personally, and when he remembers Me <strong>in</strong> an assembly, I remember him <strong>in</strong> an assembly<br />

better than his". (Bukhari; Muslim; Mishkaat, pg. 196)<br />

Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi (radi Allahu anhu) writes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> commentary of this Hadith: "There is proof <strong>in</strong><br />

this Hadith for loud Zikr". (Ash’atul Lam’aat, Vol. 2, pg. 180)<br />

Allama Qastalaani (radi Allahu anhu) writes under <strong>the</strong> commentary of "Zakrani fi Mala’<strong>in</strong>": "If My servant remembers<br />

me aloud <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> assembly". (Irshaadus Saari, Vol. 10, pg. 310, India pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />

Allama Khairudd<strong>in</strong> Ramli (radi Allahu anhu) writes: "Zikr, which is performed <strong>in</strong> an assembly, has <strong>to</strong> be loud Zikr".<br />

(Fatawa Khairia, Vol. 2, pg. 181)<br />

Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi writes: "Allama Ramli writes <strong>in</strong> Fatawa Khairia that <strong>the</strong>re are Ahadith which demand loud<br />

Zikr, for example, ‘If My servant remembers me <strong>in</strong> an assembly, I will remember him <strong>in</strong> an assembly better than his’".<br />

(Imdaadul Fatawa, Vol. 4, pg. 44)<br />

Sheikh Anwar Shah Kashmiri Deobandi writes under <strong>the</strong> commentary of this Hadith: "In this Hadith, <strong>the</strong>re is no proof<br />

of soft Zikr’s Afdaliyyat (excellence) over loud Zikr". (Faizul Baari, Vol. 4, pg. 518)<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Hadith 4: Hazrat Abu Qatadah (radi Allahu anhu) reports that on one even<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) went out. He passed by Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) and found him recit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran <strong>in</strong> a<br />

very low <strong>to</strong>ne and found Hazrat Umar’s (radi Allahu anhu) recital <strong>to</strong> be loud. The next morn<strong>in</strong>g, as <strong>the</strong>y ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> company of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) <strong>the</strong> Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) questioned <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

practice. Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) replied: "Ya Rasoolallah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), I have atta<strong>in</strong>ed my<br />

satisfaction. Whom I desired should hear my recitation, has Heard me". Hazrat Umar (radi Allahu anhu) said, "I was<br />

awaken<strong>in</strong>g those who were asleep and I was caus<strong>in</strong>g Shaytaan <strong>to</strong> flee". The beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) <strong>to</strong>ld Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) <strong>to</strong> recite louder and <strong>to</strong>ld Hazrat Umar (radi Allahu anhu) that he<br />

should lower his <strong>to</strong>ne <strong>to</strong> some extent. (Mishkaat, pg. 107, reported by Abu Dawood and Tirmizi)<br />

It is <strong>in</strong>herrant from this Hadith that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) guided Hazrat Umar (radi Allahu anhu)<br />

from excessive loudness <strong>to</strong> medium loudness, and he guided Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) from softness <strong>to</strong><br />

loudness.<br />

To prevent excessiveness we have only mentioned four Ahadith. Prov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> excellence of loud Zikr, Allama Suyutwi<br />

(radi Allahu anhu) has recorded 25 Ahadith <strong>in</strong> his book "Natijatul Fikr" and Moulana Abdul Hai Lakhnowi (radi Allahu<br />

anhu) has recorded 48 Ahadith <strong>in</strong> his book "Sabahatul Fikr". Those who are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>to</strong> broaden <strong>the</strong>ir knowledge on<br />

this <strong>to</strong>pic should study <strong>the</strong> above mentioned books.<br />

The Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

Before we even come <strong>to</strong> a rebuttal of <strong>the</strong> academic arguments of Molvi Hamidi, we wish <strong>to</strong> br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> your attention a<br />

clear-cut statement of SHIRK made by him. In <strong>the</strong> conclusion of his pamphlet he states "Allah and His Rosool<br />

(sallollahu alaihi wasallam) know best" In <strong>the</strong> English language, <strong>the</strong> word "best" is <strong>the</strong> highest degree of comparison,<br />

for <strong>the</strong> words, "good', and "better". If we consider <strong>the</strong> Arabic language, <strong>the</strong> word "best" is equated <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Arabic word<br />

"A' lamu", which is also a word used as a degree of comparison. However, if <strong>the</strong> word "A' lamu" is used without <strong>the</strong><br />

word "M<strong>in</strong>" or, if it does not show possession, <strong>the</strong>n it denotes 'Superlative degree'. Hence, logically we conclude that<br />

<strong>the</strong> word "best" and its Arabic counterpart "A' lamu', are words used <strong>to</strong> show <strong>the</strong> highest form of excellence. In<br />

context of Molvi Hamidi's statement, he is 'attribut<strong>in</strong>g excellent and Perfect knowledge <strong>to</strong> Allah Ta'ala AND Nabi<br />

(salallahu alaihi wasallam). Even <strong>the</strong> very basic lessons <strong>in</strong> Aqaaid (Islamic Beliefs) teach us that Perfect and Absolute<br />

Knowledge is attributed <strong>to</strong> ALLAH TA'ALA ONLY. We wholeheartedly accept that Nabi Muhammed (salallahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) is <strong>the</strong> very best of Allah Ta'aala’s creations, however, his knowledge is limited <strong>to</strong> only that which Allah<br />

Ta'ala has taught him. Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasallam) himself said that on <strong>the</strong> day of Qiyaamah, he will be granted<br />

<strong>the</strong> honour by Allah Ta'ala, Most-High, <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>tercede on behalf of <strong>the</strong> creation, and that he (salallahu alaihi wasallam)<br />

will say such praises that he does not know of (<strong>in</strong> this life) - i.e. Allah Ta'ala will <strong>in</strong>stil <strong>in</strong> him new words of praise. This<br />

proves that Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasallam)'s knowledge is limited. Regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> "Huroofe Muqatta'at' <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Qur'aan<br />

Shareef, like "Alif Laam Meem", "Yaseen" etc. The mean<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong>se words are ONLY KNOWN TO ALLAH TA'ALA.<br />

This also proves that Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasallam)'s knowledge is limited.<br />

How <strong>the</strong>n can Molvi Hamidi (who proficies <strong>to</strong> be an Aalim) say that Rasool (salallahu alaihi wasallam) knows best? Is<br />

this not clear-cut Shirk (i.e. ascrib<strong>in</strong>g partnership <strong>to</strong> Allah Ta'ala <strong>in</strong> His Div<strong>in</strong>e Qualities)? Were not <strong>the</strong> Christians led<br />

astray and cursed because <strong>the</strong>y did <strong>the</strong> self-some th<strong>in</strong>g of equat<strong>in</strong>g Hadhrat Isaa (alaihi salaam) <strong>to</strong> Allah Ta'ala?<br />

One may refer <strong>to</strong> any authoritative and reliable Kitaab of Taf seer, Fiqh or Fatwa and one will note <strong>the</strong> words:<br />

"Wallaahu A' lamu" (And Allah Ta'ala knows best). In fact Shaami is replete with <strong>the</strong>se words. Nowhere, will one f<strong>in</strong>d<br />

such words as mentioned by Molvi Hamidi <strong>in</strong> his pamphlet, except, of course from his cohorts of similar th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g. This<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> corrupt beliefs of this deviant sect - <strong>the</strong> 'Sunnis'.<br />

After look<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> above quotation, one will see that <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have passed a Fatwa of Shirk upon me.<br />

Insha-Allah, I will, with reference <strong>to</strong> Prophetic Traditions, prove <strong>the</strong>ir Fatwa as <strong>in</strong>correct. This would, <strong>the</strong>refore, mean<br />

that <strong>the</strong> Fatwa passed by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulema would not only uniquely apply <strong>to</strong> me, but it would also apply <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his illustrious Companions (radi Allahu anhum).<br />

One will be as<strong>to</strong>nished at <strong>the</strong> ignorance of <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulema that I have <strong>to</strong> present <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g two Ahadith<br />

which will prove beyond a shadow of doubt that <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama are wrong. The under-mentioned Ahadith (one<br />

of which is <strong>the</strong> first Hadith of Mishkaat and Muslim Shareef, respectively) will prove that it is <strong>in</strong>deed <strong>the</strong> Sunnah of <strong>the</strong><br />

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Sahabah Ikraam (radi Allahu anhum) <strong>to</strong> say: "Allah and his Rasool know best". Not only is it <strong>the</strong> Sunnah of <strong>the</strong><br />

Sahabah Ikraam <strong>to</strong> utter <strong>the</strong> above phrase, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) never refuted this statement<br />

when he heard it. Therefore, this means that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) approved <strong>the</strong> statement. The<br />

Messenger’s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) task is <strong>to</strong> establish good and forbid evil. Could it <strong>the</strong>n be possible that<br />

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) heard "Shirkia statements" and still rema<strong>in</strong>ed silent? (Reader’s should note<br />

well that if a person passes a Fatwa of Kufr on someone else and if <strong>the</strong> accused is proven <strong>to</strong> be <strong>in</strong>nocent, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />

same Fatwa would apply <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> accuser, that is, he becomes a Kaafir.)<br />

First Hadith: Hazrat Umar Ibn Khattab (radi Allahu anhu) said: One day, as we were sitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> company of Allah’s<br />

Messenger (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) <strong>the</strong>re appeared before us, all of a sudden, a man (dressed) <strong>in</strong> extremely<br />

white clo<strong>the</strong>s with extremely black hair. There seemed <strong>to</strong> be no sign of fatigue caused by journey on him and none<br />

amongst us ever knew him. At last, he sat near <strong>the</strong> Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He placed his knees upon<br />

<strong>the</strong> Prophet’s (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) knees and placed his palms on his thighs and said: "O Muhammad, <strong>in</strong>form<br />

me about Islam". He (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) said: "Islam requires that you testify that <strong>the</strong>re is no god but Allah and that<br />

Muhammad is His Messenger and, that you establish prayer and pay Zakaah, observe fast dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> month of<br />

Ramadaan and perform pilgrimage <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> house (Ka’bah) if you have <strong>the</strong> means". He said: "You have <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong> truth".<br />

What was amaz<strong>in</strong>g about him was that he would ask a question and <strong>the</strong>n he himself would testify it <strong>to</strong> be true. He<br />

said: "Inform me about Imaan". He (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) said: "You must affirm your faith <strong>in</strong> Allah, His Angels, His<br />

Books, His Messengers, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hereafter, and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Div<strong>in</strong>e Decree <strong>to</strong> good and evil". He said: "You have <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong><br />

truth". He asked aga<strong>in</strong>: "Inform me about Ihsaan". He (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) said: "Ihsaan is that you worship Allah as if<br />

you are see<strong>in</strong>g Him, (perceive) that He is <strong>in</strong> fact See<strong>in</strong>g you". He said: "Inform me about (<strong>the</strong> Last) Hour". He (<strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Prophet) said: "The one who has been <strong>in</strong>quired about <strong>the</strong> Qiyamah does not know more than <strong>the</strong> one who is<br />

<strong>in</strong>quir<strong>in</strong>g (it means you know just as myself)". He (<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>quirer) said: "Tell me some of it’s <strong>in</strong>dications". He (<strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Prophet) said: "Slave-girls will give birth <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir mistress, and you f<strong>in</strong>d bare-footed, destitute, shepherds exult<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />

build<strong>in</strong>gs (palaces)". Then he (<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>quirer) made his way, but I stayed with him (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) for a long time.<br />

He <strong>the</strong>n asked me: "Umar, do you know about this <strong>in</strong>quirer?" I said: "ALLAHO WA RASOOLO HU A’LAMU - Allah and<br />

His Messenger know best". He (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) said: "He was Gabriel, he came <strong>to</strong> you <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>struct you on your<br />

religion". (Sahih Muslim, Kitaabul Imaan, Hadith no. 1; Mishkaat, Kitaabul Imaan, Section 1, Hadith no. 1)<br />

Second Hadith: Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) reported that a deputation of <strong>the</strong> tribe of Abdul Qais came <strong>to</strong> Allah’s<br />

Messenger (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Allah’s Messenger (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Who are <strong>the</strong> people,<br />

or of whom is <strong>the</strong> deputation (constituted)". They said: "(The deputation) of Rabi’a". He (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) said:<br />

"Welcome <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> people or <strong>the</strong> deputation that you have come <strong>to</strong> us without feel<strong>in</strong>g any shame or sense of disgrace".<br />

They said: "Allah’s Messenger, we do not f<strong>in</strong>d it possible for ourselves <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> you but <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sacred months - (for)<br />

between us and you <strong>the</strong>re is a tribe of unbelievers called Mudar. Give us a decisive command which we may tell <strong>to</strong><br />

those beh<strong>in</strong>d us and which may entitle us <strong>to</strong> get <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> Paradise", and <strong>the</strong>y also asked him about dr<strong>in</strong>ks. He commanded<br />

<strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> observe four th<strong>in</strong>gs and prohibited <strong>the</strong>m (from four th<strong>in</strong>gs). He commanded <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> affirm faith <strong>in</strong> Allah, <strong>the</strong><br />

One. He said: "Do you know what it means <strong>to</strong> have faith <strong>in</strong> Allah?" They said: "ALLAHO WA RASOOLO HU A’LAMU -<br />

Allah and his Messenger know best". (Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 43; Mishkaat, Hadith No. 17)<br />

Three po<strong>in</strong>ts are derived from <strong>the</strong> above two Ahadith. They are:<br />

1. It is <strong>in</strong>deed <strong>the</strong> Sunnah of <strong>the</strong> Sahabah Ikraam (radi Allahu anhum) <strong>to</strong> say, "Allah and his Rasool know best".<br />

Those who say "Allah and his Rasool know best" are follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> footsteps of <strong>the</strong> Sahabah Ikraam (radi<br />

Allahu anhum) and are <strong>the</strong> true and real Sunnis. Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Those who<br />

follow my footsteps and <strong>the</strong> footsteps of my Sahabah are <strong>the</strong> only Jama’at which will achieve salvation". Those<br />

who put on a façade and claim <strong>to</strong> be "Sunnis" <strong>in</strong> order <strong>to</strong> deceive <strong>the</strong> people have now been exposed and have<br />

also proven that <strong>the</strong>y oppose <strong>the</strong> way of <strong>the</strong> illustrious Sahabah Ikraam (radi Allahu anhum) by say<strong>in</strong>g that it is<br />

Shirk <strong>to</strong> say "Allah and his Rasool know best".<br />

2. If it were Shirk <strong>to</strong> say "Allah and his Rasool know best" <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> logic that follows would be that <strong>the</strong> whole<br />

Ummah of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) himself,<br />

would become Mushriks (Allah forbid!). The reason for say<strong>in</strong>g this is that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) heard this sentence from <strong>the</strong> Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum) and did not show any disagreement with<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. To agree with Shirk is <strong>in</strong> itself Shirk. It would imply that if <strong>the</strong> Sahabah Ikraam (radi Allahu anhum)<br />

uttered this "Shirkia sentence" <strong>the</strong>n all those people who learnt, read, heard, and taught <strong>the</strong>se Ahadith would<br />

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have become Mushriks (Allah forbid!). It would also imply that even those who believed <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> correctness of<br />

<strong>the</strong>se Ahadith would also have become Mushriks. I question <strong>the</strong> Ulama of Deoband: "Do you believe <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

correctness of <strong>the</strong>se Ahadith of Bukhari and Muslim Shareef?" If <strong>the</strong> answer is "yes" <strong>the</strong>n you would become<br />

Mushriks accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> your own Fatwa. If your answer is "no" <strong>the</strong>n we would know that your association with<br />

Hadith is merely Taqiyyah ("holy lie"). This, <strong>in</strong> fact, is part of <strong>the</strong> Shi’a Mazhab and not <strong>in</strong> any way a Sunni<br />

belief.<br />

3. Deobandi Ulama have said <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a very boast<strong>in</strong>g fashion: "Nowhere, will one f<strong>in</strong>d such words as<br />

mentioned by Molvi Hamidi <strong>in</strong> his pamphlet, except, of course, from his cohorts of similar th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g". (pg. 3)<br />

Alhamdulillah, we have proven, with reference <strong>to</strong> Prophetic Traditions, that <strong>the</strong> Fatwa passed by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulema<br />

is noth<strong>in</strong>g but an attempt <strong>to</strong> split <strong>the</strong> Ummah. We have now removed any doubt that may have existed <strong>in</strong> one’s. We<br />

are also honoured that our "cohorts of similar th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g" are <strong>the</strong> Sahabah Ikraam (radi Allahu anhum).<br />

HUROOFE MUQATTE'AAT<br />

Deobandi Ulama wrote <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g with regard <strong>to</strong> Huroofe Muqatte'aat: "Regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> 'Huroofe Muqatta'aat' <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Quran Shareef, like 'Alif Laam Meem''Yaseen' etc. <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>se words are only known <strong>to</strong> Allah Ta'ala. This<br />

also proves that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s knowledge is limited".<br />

Readers, please note that this is not <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion of any au<strong>the</strong>ntic scholar of Islam. No reference has been provided <strong>to</strong><br />

support this belief. While <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> Ummah does not share this op<strong>in</strong>ion, this is only <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Deobandi<br />

Ulama. This argument is based <strong>to</strong>tally on ignorance.<br />

In response <strong>to</strong> this, we are go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> quote references from two very au<strong>the</strong>ntic books which <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have<br />

also quoted with pride <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir booklet, "Impermissibility of Loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong>". These books are "Tafseer Roohul<br />

Ma'aani" and "Noorul Anwaar".<br />

QUOTATIONS FROM "NOORUL ANWAAR"<br />

Hazrat Hafiz Shaikh Ahmad (radi Allahu anhu) known as "Mulla Jeewan" (passed away <strong>in</strong> 1130 A.H) writes: "We do<br />

not know <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Mutashaabehaat (words whose mean<strong>in</strong>g is unclear), (Huroofe Muqatte'aat are also from <strong>the</strong><br />

Mutashaabehaat) before Qiyamah, and after Qiyamah <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>se words will be unveiled <strong>to</strong> everyone Insha-<br />

Allah. This is what is said <strong>in</strong> regard <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Ummah. As far as Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is concerned, he<br />

knows <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong>se words, o<strong>the</strong>rwise, <strong>the</strong> benefit of address<strong>in</strong>g will be null and void. Just as it would be<br />

mean<strong>in</strong>gless address<strong>in</strong>g an Arab <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Z<strong>in</strong>ji language (an African language)".<br />

Hazrat Mulla Jeewan (radi Allahu anhu) writes fur<strong>the</strong>r after a few l<strong>in</strong>es, that: "Surely <strong>the</strong>se (Mutashaabehaat) are <strong>the</strong><br />

secrets between Allah and His Rasool. No one else knows <strong>the</strong>se secrets besides Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam)". (Noorul Anwaar, pg. 93, H. M.Saeed Company, Karachi pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />

QUOTATIONS FROM TAFSEER ROOHUL MA"AANI<br />

Allama Abul Fazl Shahaabudd<strong>in</strong> As Sayyad Mahmood Al Aaloosi Al Baghdadi (radi Allahu anhu), who passed away <strong>in</strong><br />

1270 A.H, writes under <strong>the</strong> commentary of "Alif Laam Meem", <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g letters of Surah Baqarah: "And <strong>the</strong><br />

argument which is presented earlier 'that if <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Muqatte'aat is unknown <strong>the</strong>n this will be a mean<strong>in</strong>gless<br />

address<strong>in</strong>g'. We say that if it means that all <strong>the</strong> people know <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Huroofe Muqatte'aat, this we do not<br />

accept. If it means that <strong>the</strong> person addressed knows <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Horoofe Muqatte'aat, <strong>in</strong> this case who is<br />

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), no Believer has any doubt <strong>in</strong> it". (Tafseer Roohul Ma'aani, Vol. 1, pg. 100,<br />

101, Darul Fikr, Beirut pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />

The Deobandi Ulama should now worry about <strong>the</strong>ir Imaan and see whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>y fall <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> category of Believers or<br />

not, because accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Allama Mahmood Aaloosi (radi Allahu anhu), a Believer cannot possess any doubt <strong>in</strong> this<br />

issue. The Deobandi Ulama not only have doubt but <strong>the</strong>y openly refute that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)<br />

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knows <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Houroofe Muqatte'aat.<br />

Note: In some of <strong>the</strong> Tafseer books, with regards <strong>to</strong> Huroofe Muqatte'aat, it is written that Allah Ta'ala best knows its<br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g. Some people use <strong>the</strong>se commentary books and argue that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) does<br />

not know its mean<strong>in</strong>g. We say <strong>in</strong> response <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> argument that "Allah knows best" does not mean that Allah Ta'ala<br />

did not teach it <strong>to</strong> his beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Insha-Allah, one will not f<strong>in</strong>d any au<strong>the</strong>ntic<br />

Tafseer book which states that Allah Ta'ala did not teach <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Huroofe Muqatte'aat <strong>to</strong> his beloved Rasool<br />

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).<br />

PRAISES OF ALLAH TA'ALA ON THE DAY OF QIYAMAH<br />

The Deobandi Ulama argued aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> knowledge of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g word:<br />

"He (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will say such praises that he does not know of (<strong>in</strong> this life) B i.e. Allah Ta'ala will<br />

<strong>in</strong>stil <strong>in</strong> him new words of praise. This proves that Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)'s knowledge is limited".<br />

There are two answers <strong>to</strong> this statement:<br />

1. This <strong>in</strong>cident is not aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> I'lme Ghaib of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) because <strong>the</strong> Attributes<br />

of Allah Ta'ala are not <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cidents of this world, and <strong>the</strong> knowledge of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) circumferences <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cidents of this world and not <strong>the</strong> Attributes of Allah Ta'ala. Therefore, this<br />

argument is not aga<strong>in</strong>st what we believe.<br />

2. We do not say that <strong>the</strong> knowledge of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is unlimited. Allah Ta'ala gave<br />

<strong>the</strong> knowledge of <strong>the</strong> entire creation <strong>to</strong> his beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). The entire creation is<br />

limited, <strong>the</strong>refore, it is unders<strong>to</strong>od that <strong>the</strong> knowledge of creation is also limited. Hence, we agree that <strong>the</strong><br />

Nabi's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) knowledge is limited <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire creation. Allah's Knowledge is unlimited,<br />

thus <strong>the</strong>re is no comparison <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> limited knowledge of Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and <strong>the</strong> unlimited<br />

Knowledge of Allah. Therefore, <strong>to</strong> say that <strong>the</strong> Ahle Sunnah Wal Jama'at proves that <strong>the</strong> knowledge of<br />

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is equal <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Knowledge of Allah Ta'ala, is a sheer lie and a baseless<br />

accusation.<br />

The Deobandi Ulama, regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> "challenge" at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong>ir pamphlet, where <strong>the</strong>y say: "Those who ask for<br />

proof regard<strong>in</strong>g Meelad, Faatiha, Urs and Salaami etc. should try ano<strong>the</strong>r approach. Can <strong>the</strong>y prove which Fardh,<br />

Waajib or Sunnah has been violated by <strong>the</strong>se practice?' This is an old trick, i.e. avoid <strong>the</strong> question and waylay <strong>the</strong><br />

issue by ask<strong>in</strong>g ano<strong>the</strong>r one. It stands <strong>to</strong> reason that if a person <strong>in</strong>novates someth<strong>in</strong>g new <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen and claims it<br />

<strong>to</strong> be part of <strong>the</strong> Deen, which was unheard of from <strong>the</strong> predecessors, <strong>the</strong>n he must produce proof <strong>to</strong> substantiate his<br />

claim. The kitaabs of Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence) are replete with proofs for every Mas'ala (rul<strong>in</strong>g), fur<strong>the</strong>r prov<strong>in</strong>g<br />

that any part of <strong>the</strong> Deen must be substantiated.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> Shariah of Islam, <strong>the</strong>re are four sources of proof: The Qur'aan Shareef, Sunnat, Ijma (consensus of <strong>the</strong><br />

Sahabah, Tabi'een and <strong>the</strong> pious predecessors) and Qiyaas (Analogy based on sound pr<strong>in</strong>ciples). To date <strong>the</strong> Sunni<br />

sect has not yet been able <strong>to</strong> prove any of <strong>the</strong>ir evil Bid'as (<strong>in</strong>novations) from any source. Everyone still has <strong>the</strong> right<br />

<strong>to</strong> ask: "What is your proof regard<strong>in</strong>g Meelad, Urs, etc.<br />

Never<strong>the</strong>less, we say, at your Meelad and Urs functions, Salaat is discarded by many of <strong>the</strong> participants, because of<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir participation (those who attend can bear testimony <strong>to</strong> this). Shar'i Hijaab, which is Waajib, is openly violated. All<br />

<strong>the</strong>se functions are not proven from <strong>the</strong> Sunnat of Nabi (salallahu alaihi wasallam) and his illustrious Sahabah (radi<br />

Allahu anhum). There you have it, a Fardh and Waajib duty is be<strong>in</strong>g discarded and an anti-Sunnah act is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

perpetrated". (Page 3)<br />

We say <strong>in</strong> response <strong>to</strong> this that, Alhamdulillah, we do not "beat around <strong>the</strong> bush" so <strong>to</strong> speak. We show <strong>the</strong> people<br />

<strong>the</strong> straight forward and correct way of f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> truth. It is <strong>the</strong> basic rule of Shari'ah that "every th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> its Asal<br />

(orig<strong>in</strong>) is Mubah (permissible) until <strong>the</strong>re is any Shar'i proof aga<strong>in</strong>st it". (Tafseer Ahmadia, page13; Tafseer Kabeer,<br />

Vol. 4, pg. 201; Mosallamus Suboot, pg. 21; Mirqaat, Vol. 263; Ash'atul Lam'aat, Vol. 3, pg. 479; Talveeh, pg. 302)<br />

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The Deobandi Ulama regard Meelad, Urs, etc. as Haraam practices, so it is <strong>the</strong>ir responsibility <strong>to</strong> furnish categorical<br />

Shar'i proofs which prohibit Meelaad and Urs. They ask us: "What is your proof regard<strong>in</strong>g Meelad, Urs etc?" Our reply<br />

<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m is that our ma<strong>in</strong> proof for Meelad, Urs, etc. is that no proof exists aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong>se practices <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Shari'ah.<br />

(N.B. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g is Ja'iz or permissible unless proven o<strong>the</strong>rwise with categorical Shar'i proofs).<br />

"Can one f<strong>in</strong>d a s<strong>in</strong>gle verse of <strong>the</strong> Quran or Hadith, which says that Meelad or Urs, etc. is prohibited?" On <strong>the</strong> same<br />

<strong>to</strong>ken, one has <strong>the</strong> right <strong>to</strong> question <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama, "What is your proof for Ijtima, Gusht, Shabguzaari and <strong>the</strong><br />

present form of 'Tableegh' etc.?" We suggest that whatever answers that you will give <strong>to</strong> defend yourself, you should<br />

take <strong>the</strong> same answer from our side and apply it for <strong>the</strong> basis Meelad, Urs, etc. be<strong>in</strong>g permissible.<br />

When all else fails, use <strong>the</strong> word "Bid'ate Sai'yya" (an evil <strong>in</strong>novation)! This is an old trick used by <strong>the</strong> Deobandis. If<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g does not comply with <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>in</strong>novations (i.e. Ijtima, Gusht, Shabguzaari, etc.) <strong>the</strong>n it is a Bid'ah <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />

and <strong>the</strong>y attempt <strong>to</strong> make that which is Ja'iz or Mubah, Haraam. They use <strong>the</strong> excuse that it was not practiced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

time of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), <strong>the</strong> Sahabah and <strong>the</strong> Tabi'een (radi Allahu anhum), etc. even<br />

though <strong>the</strong>y <strong>the</strong>mselves do many th<strong>in</strong>gs which were not practiced <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> time of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam), <strong>the</strong> Sahabah and <strong>the</strong> Tabi'een (radi Allahu anhum). They <strong>the</strong>mselves not only engage <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>in</strong> such<br />

activities, but <strong>the</strong>y also regard such activities as be<strong>in</strong>g part of <strong>the</strong> Deen.<br />

For <strong>the</strong> benefit of <strong>the</strong> readers we would like <strong>to</strong> present a detailed explanation of what "Bid'ate Sa'iyya" really is.<br />

THE TRUE MEANING OF "BID'AT-E-SAI'YYA"<br />

"Bid'at-e-Sai'yya" is that action which was not <strong>in</strong> practice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> blessed age of <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) and which contradicts <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran and <strong>the</strong> Sunnah. Bid'at-e-Sai'yya can be Makruh Tanzihi or Makruh<br />

Tahrimi or even Haraam.<br />

The first volume of "Ashi'atul Lam'aat" (Babul I'tisaam) speaks about Bid'at Hasana and Bid'at Sai'yya<br />

under <strong>the</strong> Hadith: "Every Bid'ah is mislead<strong>in</strong>g". It says that any Bid'ah which is <strong>in</strong> accordance with <strong>the</strong> Quranic Law<br />

and <strong>the</strong> Sunnah and has been deduced by analogy (through Qiyas) from <strong>the</strong> Quran or Sunnah is Bid'at-e-Hasana and<br />

that which is <strong>in</strong> contrast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> above def<strong>in</strong>ition is Bid'at-e-Sai'yya.<br />

A Hadith <strong>in</strong> "Miskhat" under Babul-I'lm says: "He who sets a good precedent <strong>in</strong> Islam, <strong>the</strong>re is reward for him<br />

for this (act of goodness). There is also reward for him who acts accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> it subsequently without any deduction<br />

from <strong>the</strong>ir rewards. He who sets <strong>in</strong> Islam an evil precedent <strong>the</strong>re is upon him <strong>the</strong> burden of that, and <strong>the</strong>re is also<br />

burden upon him who acts upon it subsequently without any deduction from <strong>the</strong>ir burdens."<br />

From this Hadith we learn that <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>troduce a foundation for a good act <strong>in</strong> Islam which is <strong>in</strong> accordance with <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Quran and Sunnah will generate rewards and <strong>to</strong> do vice versa will <strong>in</strong>cur punishment.<br />

It is mentioned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> preface of "Fatawa Shaami" under Faza'il Imam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu):<br />

"The scholars say that <strong>the</strong>se Ahadith are amongst <strong>the</strong> rules of Islam. That is, whoever <strong>in</strong>troduces a bad way <strong>in</strong> Islam,<br />

he will be burdened for <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>s of all those who act upon it and, whoever <strong>in</strong>troduces a nice way, he will be rewarded<br />

for all those who act upon it till <strong>the</strong> Day of Judgement".<br />

An offensive Bid'at is that which contradicts <strong>the</strong> Sunnah. "Mishkaat" (Babul I'tisaam) says: "Whoever<br />

<strong>in</strong>troduces someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> our religion, which is not of it (i.e. not <strong>in</strong> accordance with it) is rejected".<br />

The book "Ashi'atul Lam'aat" (by Sheikh Abdul Haq Dehlawi) under <strong>the</strong> commentary of <strong>the</strong> same Hadith<br />

says, "It means, that th<strong>in</strong>g which is not <strong>in</strong> accordance with Islam or which will change <strong>the</strong> religion".<br />

A Hadith <strong>in</strong> "Miskhat" (Babul I'tisaam) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> third section says, "People do not <strong>in</strong>troduce a Bid'ah unless a<br />

Sunnat of its k<strong>in</strong>d is erased from amongst <strong>the</strong>m, so <strong>to</strong> hold on <strong>to</strong> a Sunnat is better than <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g a Bid'at".<br />

Under <strong>the</strong> commentary of this Hadith, <strong>the</strong> book "Ashi'atul Lam'aat" says, "So, if by <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g a Bid'ath, a<br />

Sunnat is removed from among <strong>the</strong> people, <strong>the</strong>n surely hold<strong>in</strong>g fast <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sunnat will lead <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> annihilation of every<br />

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Bid'at". (If a Sunnah is not affected by <strong>in</strong>troduc<strong>in</strong>g a Bid'ah, <strong>the</strong>n this k<strong>in</strong>d of Bid'ah is not discouraged by Shari'ah)<br />

NOTE: It is through this Hadith and it's commentary that we learn that an offensive Bid'ah is that which will eradicate<br />

a Sunnat. So <strong>to</strong> hold ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gs of Moulood Shareef where<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is praised<br />

is not Bid'ah because no Sunnat has been erased because of it. Likewise, you may compare o<strong>the</strong>r th<strong>in</strong>gs like Fatiha,<br />

Khatam Shareef, Isaale Sawaab, etc. with this pr<strong>in</strong>ciple, and see for yourself if <strong>the</strong>y are Bid'ahs or not. The difference<br />

between an offensive Bid'ah and appreciable Bid'ah should be well unders<strong>to</strong>od because this is where many get<br />

confused.<br />

The Deobandi Ulama wrote: "Never<strong>the</strong>less, we say, at your Meelaad and Urs functions, Salaat is discarded by<br />

many of <strong>the</strong> participants, because of <strong>the</strong>ir participation (those who attend can bear testimony <strong>to</strong> this). Shar'ee Hijaab,<br />

which is Wajib, is openly violated. All <strong>the</strong>se functions are not proven from <strong>the</strong> Sunnat of Nabi (sallallaho alaihi wa<br />

sallam) and his illustrious Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum). There you have it, a Fardh and Waajib duty is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

discarded and an anti-Sunnah act is be<strong>in</strong>g perpetrated".<br />

Readers, if you carefully read our treatise at <strong>the</strong> end of this book, which was written <strong>in</strong> reply <strong>to</strong> Mufti A. H. Elias, you<br />

will f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g l<strong>in</strong>es: "In fact, <strong>the</strong> Bid'ah which is condemned <strong>in</strong> Hadith is that Bid'ah which is oppos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

Deen. Therefore, Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> commentary of a Hadith: 'Whoever <strong>in</strong>vents an<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ion <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen, which is not from <strong>the</strong> Deen, that op<strong>in</strong>ion is rejected', mean<strong>in</strong>g that which opposes <strong>the</strong> Deen or<br />

changes <strong>the</strong> Deen". (Ashatul Lamaat, Babul I'tisaam).<br />

From <strong>the</strong> above explanation, we understand that someth<strong>in</strong>g that has not been mentioned has no basis for it <strong>to</strong> be<br />

considered Haraam or a bad Bid'ah! In fact, <strong>the</strong> rul<strong>in</strong>g of it be<strong>in</strong>g Haraam or a bad Bid'ah will only be justified if it is<br />

opposes <strong>the</strong> Shari'ah or changes it, for example, if it removes any Fardh, Wajib or Sunnah and take its place.<br />

This, which is mentioned above, is exactly what we mean when we ask: "Can <strong>the</strong>y prove which Fardh, Wajib or<br />

Sunnat has been violated by <strong>the</strong>se practices?" If people start believ<strong>in</strong>g that Meelad, Urs, etc. is <strong>the</strong> substitute for<br />

Salaah or any o<strong>the</strong>r Wajib or Sunnah practice, <strong>the</strong>n we <strong>to</strong>o believe that this is a violation and a change <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen. If<br />

people believe that <strong>the</strong>y are no longer duty-bound for certa<strong>in</strong> Fardh, Waajib or Sunnah actions because of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

participation <strong>in</strong> Meelaad, Urs, etc, <strong>the</strong>n this <strong>to</strong>o is a violation and a change <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen. People who do not perform<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir Salaah or do not act on any o<strong>the</strong>r Fardh, Waajib or Sunnah actions know that <strong>the</strong>y will be accountable for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

actions. One cannot make a function Haraam because <strong>in</strong>dividuals are not practic<strong>in</strong>g on that which is Fardh, Waajib or<br />

Sunnah. Do you really th<strong>in</strong>k that Muslims would believe that <strong>the</strong>y are no longer duty-bound for certa<strong>in</strong> Fard, Waajib or<br />

Sunnah practices? Can it really be possible for a Muslim <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d a replacement for Salaah (one of <strong>the</strong> fundermentals of<br />

Islam)? Or is this just your attempt <strong>to</strong> discredit o<strong>the</strong>r Muslims because <strong>the</strong>y are express<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir love for <strong>the</strong>ir Beloved<br />

Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)!<br />

This is an assumption and a false accusation that <strong>the</strong> Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'at do not read Salaah and ladies do not<br />

wear Shar'i Hijaab <strong>in</strong> Meelad functions. We have answered all <strong>the</strong>se lies <strong>in</strong> our book "YES! MEELAD CELEBRATION IS<br />

COMMENDABLE". Readers are requested <strong>to</strong> refer <strong>to</strong> this book, and Insha-Allah, you will f<strong>in</strong>d satisfac<strong>to</strong>ry answers <strong>to</strong> all<br />

<strong>the</strong> false accusations.<br />

Deobandi Ulama writes:<br />

<strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> IS HARAAM<br />

The follow<strong>in</strong>g is reported <strong>in</strong> "Shaami", which is an authoritative Hanafi Fiqh Kitaab: "It is recorded <strong>in</strong><br />

Fataawa Qaadhi Khaan that <strong>to</strong> recite Zikr aloud is HARAAM, because Hadhrat Ibn Mas'ood (radi Allahu anhu) ejected<br />

a qroup of people from <strong>the</strong> Musjid as <strong>the</strong>y were recit<strong>in</strong>g La Ilaha Illallahu and Durood aloud. And he (Ibn Mas'ood)<br />

remarked: I conclude that you are only BID'ATEES". (pg. 4)<br />

The Deobandi Ulama have quoted <strong>the</strong> statement of "Fatawa Bazazia" from "Fatawa Shaami" and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

have conveniently digested <strong>the</strong> portion which was before and after it. Now, we present <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al quotation of<br />

"Shaami". Please read <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al quotation and pay compliments <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> dishonesty of <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama.<br />

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Allama Shaami (radi Allahu anhu) writes: "I say <strong>the</strong>re is severe uneas<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> statement of Bazazia. Firstly<br />

he quoted from Fatawa Qazi Khan that loud Zikr is Haraam, because it is proven from a correct narration that Hazrat<br />

Ibn Mas’ood (radi Allahu anhu) ejected a group of people from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y were recit<strong>in</strong>g Kalimah and Durood<br />

aloud. And he (Ibn Mas’ood) said that ‘I conclude you are only Bid’atees’.<br />

"Then after that, Allama Bazazi said: ‘It is proven from a correct narration that Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) <strong>to</strong>ld those Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum) who were mak<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr, ‘Have mercy upon yourselves; you are<br />

not call<strong>in</strong>g upon that Be<strong>in</strong>g Who is deaf or absent. You are call<strong>in</strong>g upon that Be<strong>in</strong>g Who is All- Hear<strong>in</strong>g and close by,<br />

and He is with you". There is a possibility <strong>in</strong> this Hadith that maybe Rasoolullah s<strong>to</strong>pped <strong>the</strong>m <strong>in</strong> such a time when<br />

<strong>the</strong>re was no Maslihat (expedience) <strong>in</strong> loudness, because it is proven that this was said at <strong>the</strong> occasion of war. Maybe<br />

loudness of <strong>the</strong> voice could have caused harm, and war is a deception. For this reason it is s<strong>to</strong>pped <strong>to</strong> r<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> bell<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g war. To make loud Zikr is permissible <strong>in</strong> any case, as it happens <strong>in</strong> Azaan, Juma Khutbah and Haj". (Quotation<br />

of Bazazia ended) Allama Khairudd<strong>in</strong> Ramli has discussed this issue <strong>in</strong> Fatawa Kharia and hhas said: ‘Whatever is<br />

mentioned <strong>in</strong> Fatawa Qazi Khan, implies harmful loudness’. And he (Allama Ramli) said: ‘There are several Ahadith<br />

which demand loudness, and <strong>the</strong>re are several o<strong>the</strong>r Ahadith which demand softness, and <strong>the</strong> Tatbeeq (liken<strong>in</strong>g) <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>se Ahadith will be <strong>in</strong> this way, that <strong>the</strong> loudness and softness changes accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> state of <strong>the</strong> people and <strong>the</strong><br />

time. When <strong>the</strong>re is fear of show<strong>in</strong>g off and fear of <strong>in</strong>terference <strong>in</strong> someone’s Salaah or sleep, <strong>the</strong>n softness is<br />

preferable. When this fear is not <strong>the</strong>re <strong>the</strong>n loudness is preferable, because listeners benefit from it, it awakens <strong>the</strong><br />

heart of <strong>the</strong> Zaakir (one who makes Zikr), it directs his bra<strong>in</strong> <strong>to</strong>ward th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, it directs his listen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>wards Zikr, and<br />

it takes <strong>the</strong> sleep away and <strong>in</strong>creases his pleasure’" (Fatawa Shaami, Vol. 5, pg. 350)<br />

Dear readers, this is <strong>the</strong> complete quotation of "Fatawa Shaami", which <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama presented as <strong>the</strong>ir proof<br />

for loud Zikr be<strong>in</strong>g Bid’ah and Haraam. By omitt<strong>in</strong>g parts of <strong>the</strong> quotation from beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> end, <strong>the</strong>y have made an<br />

unsuccessful attempt <strong>to</strong> achieve <strong>the</strong>ir objective. How could <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama th<strong>in</strong>k that <strong>the</strong>ir dis<strong>to</strong>rtion would not<br />

be unveiled? Do <strong>the</strong>y th<strong>in</strong>k that no one has access <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> pages of "Fatawa Shaami"? "Fatawa Shaami" is not a scarce<br />

book. It is readily available. A weak attempt <strong>to</strong> fool <strong>the</strong> people. Never<strong>the</strong>less, with <strong>the</strong> full quotation of "Fatawa<br />

Shaami" it is obvious that accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> "Fatawa Bazazia", "Fatawa Kharia" and "Fatawa Shaami" loud Zikr is<br />

permissible unanimously. If <strong>the</strong>re is no fear of show off and caus<strong>in</strong>g harm <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musallies <strong>the</strong>n loud Zikr is even<br />

better than soft Zikr.<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

MOLVI HAMIDI'S ONE-LEGGED EXPLANATION<br />

In his pamphlet, Molvi Hamidi quotes from Tafseer Roohul Bayaan and Khaz<strong>in</strong>, that <strong>the</strong> Aayaat quoted by Mufti Elias<br />

Saheb <strong>in</strong> substantiation of soft Zikr, actually refer <strong>to</strong> Qiraat <strong>in</strong> Salaat. The two Aayaat are: "And remember your Lord<br />

(make Zikr) <strong>in</strong> your heart with humility and fear, without rais<strong>in</strong>g your voices. " (Surah A’raaf)<br />

"Call out <strong>to</strong> your Lord with humility and silently. Surely HE does not like <strong>the</strong> transgressors". (Surah A 'raaf)<br />

In reply <strong>to</strong> this we quote from two Tafseer kitaabs which are not only completely accepted throughout <strong>the</strong> Muslim<br />

world, but <strong>the</strong>y are amongst <strong>the</strong> most au<strong>the</strong>ntic Tafseer kitaabs. (Incidently, <strong>the</strong>y are not even written by Deoband<br />

Ulama).<br />

TAFSEER IBN KATHEER states: "Allah Ta'ala is guid<strong>in</strong>g His servants regard<strong>in</strong>g those Du'as that <strong>the</strong>y make<br />

regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir worldly and Aakhirah needs. Allah Ta'ala says: ‘Call un<strong>to</strong> your Rabb with humility and softly’. It is said<br />

that <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>se words are: ‘<strong>to</strong> be docile, humble, soft, silently and quietly’. NO MENTION IS MADE TO<br />

SALAAT, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> way Molvi Hamidi's Tafseers do. In fact, under <strong>the</strong> Tafseer of <strong>the</strong> Aayat 205 of Surah A'raaf, it is<br />

stated <strong>in</strong> Tafseer Ibn Ka<strong>the</strong>er: "This (Aayat) refers <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> era before <strong>the</strong> five times daily Salaat was orda<strong>in</strong>ed on <strong>the</strong><br />

occasion of Israa' (Me'raaj), this is a Macci Aayat..<br />

TAFSEER BAIDHAWI, which is also a widely accepted and au<strong>the</strong>ntic Tafseer kitaab, throughout <strong>the</strong> Muslim World,<br />

states with reference <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> above Aayaat (55, Surah A’raaf):"That is with humility and softness, because ‘Surely,<br />

softness (<strong>in</strong> du’aa and Zikr) is a sign of s<strong>in</strong>cerity".<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Regard<strong>in</strong>g Aayat 205, Surah A’raf, it is stated <strong>in</strong> Baidhawi: "The Aayat ‘And remember your Rabb <strong>in</strong> your<br />

hearts’ is general <strong>in</strong> so far as Zikr is concerned, <strong>in</strong> Qiraat, du’aa and o<strong>the</strong>rs besides <strong>the</strong>se, or it applies <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Muqtadi,<br />

that he should make soft Qiraat after <strong>the</strong> Imaam has completed his Qiraat as is <strong>the</strong> Mazhab of Imaam Shaafi<br />

(rahmatullahi alaihi)". [Refer Tafseer Baidhawi, pages 342 and 373, vol.1 B Pr<strong>in</strong>ted by Daarul Kutubul Ilmia- Beirut,<br />

Lebanon]<br />

Here also we see that Imaam Baidhawi (who passed away 791 A.H.), does not mention <strong>the</strong> specific reference <strong>to</strong><br />

Salaat regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se Aayaat. In fact he also proves from <strong>the</strong>se Aayaat that general du’aa and Zikr are referred <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>se Aayaat.<br />

Deobandi Ulama quoted <strong>the</strong> commentary of <strong>the</strong> Ayah "WAZKUR RABBAKA FEE NAFSEKA TADARRO’AOW WA<br />

KHEEFATAOW WA DOONAL JAHRE MINAL QOWL". To make this commentary of <strong>the</strong> Ayah exclusive with <strong>the</strong> disputed<br />

issue of Zikr is far from <strong>the</strong> truth. Mufassireen of <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran have referred <strong>to</strong> Zikr here as general Zikr.<br />

"Tafseer Baidhawi", which <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have so proudly presented, expla<strong>in</strong>s this Ayah as general <strong>in</strong> so far<br />

as Zikr, Qiraat, etc. is concerned. "Tafseer Baidhawi" does not make any specific mention of whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> recitation is<br />

<strong>in</strong> or out of Salaah or whe<strong>the</strong>r it is loud or soft. How can <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama make it exclusive <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr? Some of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Mufassereen (eg. "Roohul Bayaan" and "Khaaz<strong>in</strong>") have made it exclusive <strong>to</strong> Salaah. If accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> you <strong>the</strong>re is<br />

prohibition of Zikr here generally <strong>the</strong>n this does not rema<strong>in</strong> exclusive with <strong>the</strong> disputed Zikr (loud Zikr) only.<br />

The demand of Taqwa and honesty is this that <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama should give <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Bid’ah and Haraam on<br />

loud recitation of <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran. S<strong>to</strong>p <strong>the</strong> assemblies of Wa’iz because those ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gs are not empty of Zikrullah.<br />

S<strong>to</strong>p <strong>the</strong> Jahri (with loudness) Salaah as well. If this commentary of <strong>the</strong> Ayah is not aga<strong>in</strong>st Wa’iz, recitation of <strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Quran and Jahri Salaahs, how could it <strong>the</strong>n be aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> disputed issue of Zikr (loud Zikr)? All <strong>the</strong>se are<br />

members of general Zikr. Is it not <strong>the</strong> highest degree of hypocrisy that you have completely turned a bl<strong>in</strong>d eye <strong>to</strong><br />

those members of Zikr, which are an assurance <strong>to</strong> protect your job of Imaamat and Khitabat? As Imams you get some<br />

type of remuneration for practic<strong>in</strong>g certa<strong>in</strong> types of loud Zikr (Wa’iz, loud recitation <strong>in</strong> Salaah, etc) and if <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr<br />

does not <strong>in</strong>crease your <strong>in</strong>come <strong>the</strong>n you term it as Bid’ah and Haraam!<br />

Two references of Tafseer books are given by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulema, and none of <strong>the</strong> books give any <strong>in</strong>dication that<br />

loud Zikr is Bid’ah or Haraam (as is <strong>the</strong> claim of <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulema). Nei<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong>se books have refuted <strong>the</strong><br />

say<strong>in</strong>gs of o<strong>the</strong>r Mufassireen who said that Zikr, which is meant here, is <strong>the</strong> Qiraat of <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Salaah.<br />

Alhamdulillah our claim that, accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> some great Mufassireen, <strong>the</strong> Zikr <strong>in</strong> this Ayah refers <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> recitation of <strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Quran by <strong>the</strong> Muqtadi <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Salaah rema<strong>in</strong>s unchallenged.<br />

The Tafseer of Hazrat Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu)regard<strong>in</strong>g this Ayah: "Allama Khaz<strong>in</strong> writes <strong>the</strong> Tafseer of<br />

Ibn Abbas: ‘Ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) says that <strong>in</strong> this Ayah Zikr means recit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Quran <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Salaah".<br />

(Tafseer Khaz<strong>in</strong>, Vol. 2, pg. 160)<br />

The Leader of <strong>the</strong> Wahabi sect, Nawab Siddiq Hasan Bhopaali, writes: "It is said that this Ayah is exclusive<br />

with <strong>the</strong> recital of <strong>the</strong> Quran". (Tafseer Fathul Bayaan, Vol. 3, pg. 420)<br />

We ask <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama: if this Ayah is aga<strong>in</strong>st loudness <strong>in</strong> general, <strong>the</strong>n why don’t <strong>the</strong>y declare that <strong>to</strong> read <strong>the</strong><br />

Holy Quran aloud <strong>in</strong> Salaah is also Bid’ah and Haraam? Why are <strong>the</strong>y corrupt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Salaahs of <strong>the</strong> people by<br />

committ<strong>in</strong>g Bid’ahs <strong>in</strong> read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Qiraat aloud, which is also a part of general Zikr?<br />

Even if this Ayah is taken as a reference <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> disputed issue of loud Zikr, it is still not aga<strong>in</strong>st that Zikr which is<br />

recited with a middle <strong>to</strong>ne of voice.<br />

Imam Fakhrudd<strong>in</strong> Raazi (radi Allahu anhu) writes: "The mean<strong>in</strong>g of this Ayah is that Zikr should be done with<br />

a medium <strong>to</strong>ne of voice. As Allah Ta’ala says ‘Don’t recite loud and soft <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Salaah and follow <strong>the</strong> middle way’".<br />

(Tafseer Kabeer, Vol. 4, pg. 344)<br />

Hafiz Ibn Kaseer (radi Allahu anhu) writes: "The Mustahab (recommended) way of Zikr is that it should not be<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fashion of call<strong>in</strong>g (shout<strong>in</strong>g) nor should it be with excessive loudness". (Tafseer Ibn Kaseer, Vol. 4, pg. 284)<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

It is obvious from <strong>the</strong> Tafseer of Ibn Kaseer that <strong>the</strong> loudness itself is not prohibited <strong>in</strong> this Ayah, but excessive<br />

loudness is be<strong>in</strong>g prohibited here. If someone is perform<strong>in</strong>g Zikr with excessive loudness it will not be an evil Bid’ah or<br />

Haraam as <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama claim, but it will be aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> Mustahab (recommended way) only. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly <strong>the</strong><br />

Mustahab way is <strong>to</strong> recite <strong>the</strong> Zikr with medium loudness.This is what we say and believe.<br />

A MU’MIN’S CHALLENGE<br />

I challenge <strong>the</strong> whole Deobandi fraternity <strong>to</strong> show us a s<strong>in</strong>gle Ayah of <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran, which clearly states that <strong>to</strong><br />

make loud Zikr collectively <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> is Haraam. We say, Insha-Allah, <strong>the</strong>y will never f<strong>in</strong>d a clear Ayah or Hadith <strong>in</strong><br />

this regard till <strong>the</strong> Day of Qiyamah.<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

Imaam Abu Hanifah said that our discussion is not regard<strong>in</strong>g normal Zikr, because this is, at all times a preferred and<br />

encouraged act. In fact our discussion is regard<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr, and loud Zikr is Bid'a, because Allah Ta'aala says that we<br />

should call un<strong>to</strong> Him with humility and softly, except on those occasions which <strong>the</strong> Shariah has allowed. Hence,<br />

regard<strong>in</strong>g those exceptions, which have conflict<strong>in</strong>g proofs, we use logical reason<strong>in</strong>g, and practice upon <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al (i.e<br />

what has been conclusively proven). This is <strong>the</strong> precautionary course of action, as here <strong>the</strong> proofs are conclusive. This<br />

much also becomes clear (from this discussion), that <strong>the</strong>re is no basis for those who prefer <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong><br />

Saahiba<strong>in</strong> (Imaams Abu Yusuf and Muhammed) (rahmatullahi alaihima) <strong>in</strong> this matter. [Ghani'atul Mustamli, page<br />

531-2 pr<strong>in</strong>ted by 'Rahirnia', Deoband].<br />

Readers, please look at <strong>the</strong> sentence below that <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama quote and note <strong>the</strong> Fatwa that follows written<br />

by Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi.<br />

"There is no basis for those who prefer <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Saahiba<strong>in</strong> (Imam Abu Yousuf and Imam Muhammad)<br />

(rahmatullah alaihima) <strong>in</strong> this matter".<br />

Fatwa of Gangohi Sahib:<br />

"Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah Alai) loud Zikr is Makrooh (undesirable), unless <strong>the</strong> loudness of <strong>the</strong> Zikr<br />

is proven with Nass (categorical order of statement) <strong>in</strong> that occasion. The rest of <strong>the</strong> Jurists, Muhaddi<strong>the</strong>en and<br />

Saheba<strong>in</strong> (Imam Abu Yousuf and Imam Muhammad) regard it as permissible. The way of our Mashaa’ikh (spiritual<br />

leaders) is <strong>the</strong> Mazhab of <strong>the</strong> Sahiba<strong>in</strong> (rahmatullah alaihima)". (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 252, published by Saeed<br />

Company, Karachi, Pakistan)<br />

Two very important po<strong>in</strong>ts are extracted from <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Moulana Gangohi. These are:-<br />

1. Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi has based his Fatwa on <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Sahiba<strong>in</strong>, and <strong>to</strong>day’s Deobandi<br />

Ulama say that <strong>the</strong>re is no basis for those who prefer <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Sahiba<strong>in</strong>. This means that "Fatawa<br />

Rashidia" is based on unacceptable and unpopular op<strong>in</strong>ions. Why <strong>the</strong>n do <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama not announce<br />

that "Fatawa Rashidia" is an unreliable book and should be discarded?<br />

2. We ask <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama: if it is Bid’ah <strong>to</strong> make loud Zikr accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu<br />

anhu), are <strong>the</strong> Sahiba<strong>in</strong>, Muahadddi<strong>the</strong>en, spiritual leaders of Deoband, Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangoohi and<br />

<strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> Jurists Bid’atis or not?<br />

The Deobandi Ulama wrote what suited <strong>the</strong>ir desire and hid what did not suite <strong>the</strong>m. They quoted one of <strong>the</strong> say<strong>in</strong>gs<br />

of Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) from <strong>the</strong> book of Allama Halbi Hanafi and ignored <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r say<strong>in</strong>g, which is<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>ed by Allama Halbi Hanafi.<br />

Allama Halbi Hanafi writes:<br />

"On <strong>the</strong> day of Eid-ul-Adha it is unanimously (Imam Abu Hanifah and Sahiba<strong>in</strong> have no dispute) permissible <strong>to</strong> say<br />

loud Takbeers on <strong>the</strong> way <strong>to</strong> Eid Gah. Imam Abu Hanifah said that on <strong>the</strong> day of Eid-ul-Fitr <strong>the</strong>re should not be<br />

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loudness <strong>in</strong> Takbeers, and <strong>the</strong> Sahiba<strong>in</strong> said that <strong>the</strong>re should be loudness. There is, however, ano<strong>the</strong>r narration from<br />

Imam Abu Hanifah which agrees with <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ions of <strong>the</strong> Sahiba<strong>in</strong> with reference <strong>to</strong> Jahr (loudness) on <strong>the</strong> day of<br />

Eid-ul-Fitr as well". (Kabeeri, pg. 566)<br />

S<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong>re are two narrations from Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu), why <strong>the</strong>n do <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama take only<br />

one narration and not <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r, and make <strong>the</strong> entire Ummah, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir spiritual leaders, Bid’atis and s<strong>in</strong>ners?<br />

Allama Ibn Aabedeen Shaami (radi Allahu anhu) writes:<br />

"Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah Takbeers will not be recited aloud on <strong>the</strong> day of Eid-ul-Fitr, and accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />

Sahiba<strong>in</strong> Takbeers will be recited aloud. This difference is only <strong>in</strong> Afzaliyyat (excellence), that is, accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam<br />

Abu Hanifah it is better not <strong>to</strong> recite <strong>the</strong> Takbeers aloud on <strong>the</strong> day of Eid-ul-Fitr), and <strong>the</strong> Karahat (undesirability) is<br />

not reported from ei<strong>the</strong>r side". (Fatawa Shaami, Vol. 1, pg. 778)<br />

It is now clear that loudness <strong>in</strong> Takbeers is proven without Karahat (undesirability) and it is also proven that loudness<br />

is permissible. The Deobandi Ulama <strong>in</strong>sist on call<strong>in</strong>g this act Bid’ah and Haraam. Who has now deviated from <strong>the</strong><br />

Hanafi Mazhab. Is it us or <strong>the</strong>m?<br />

We would like <strong>to</strong> present ano<strong>the</strong>r reference from "Shaami". Allama Shaami Hanafi writes: "Qohstani has reported two<br />

narrations from Imam Abu Hanifah. One should make Zikr soft.One should make Zikr aloud as is <strong>the</strong> say<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong><br />

Sahiba<strong>in</strong>. He (Qohstani) said that <strong>the</strong> second say<strong>in</strong>g is correct as Abu Bakr Razi has said. The same th<strong>in</strong>g (one should<br />

make Zikr aloud is <strong>the</strong> correct say<strong>in</strong>g) is mentioned <strong>in</strong> "Nahr" (name of a book). It is mentioned <strong>in</strong> "Huliyah" (name of<br />

a book) that <strong>the</strong>re is a difference <strong>in</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion on Eid-ul-Fitr. Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> one narration, Imam Abu Hanifah said that<br />

<strong>the</strong>re should be loudness <strong>in</strong> Takbeers. The Sahiba<strong>in</strong> are of <strong>the</strong> same op<strong>in</strong>ion, and it is also <strong>the</strong> choice of Tahaawi.<br />

There is ano<strong>the</strong>r narration from Imam Abu Hanifah on soft Takbeers as well". (Shaami, Vol. 1, pg. 778)<br />

From <strong>the</strong> above quotation of "Shaami" it is proven that accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> correct say<strong>in</strong>g, Imam Abu Hanifah (radi<br />

Allahu anhu) believed <strong>in</strong> loud Zikr as it is mentioned with <strong>the</strong> reference of Qohstani. Sahiba<strong>in</strong>, Imam Abu Ja’far<br />

Tahaawi, Abu Bakr Razi, author of "Nahr", author of "Hulyah" and Qohstaani all believed <strong>in</strong> loud Zikr. We now ask <strong>the</strong><br />

Deobandi Ulama: Is your Fatwa of Haraam and Bid’ah upon us only or some share of it is aslo bes<strong>to</strong>wed upon Imam<br />

Abu Hanifah and upon <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> above mentioned Jurists (radi Allahu anhum) as well? Please answer carefully.<br />

QUESTION<br />

We agree that it is permissible and proven that one can say Takbeers aloud on <strong>the</strong> day of Eid-ul-Adha and Eid-ul-Fitr,<br />

and this is <strong>the</strong> favourite op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Jurists of <strong>the</strong> Hanafi Mazhab. What about <strong>the</strong> quotation of some of <strong>the</strong> Hanafi<br />

scholars who say that accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu), <strong>to</strong> say Takbeers aloud <strong>in</strong> Eid-ul-Fitr is<br />

Bid’ah?<br />

Bid’ah has two mean<strong>in</strong>gs:<br />

ANSWER<br />

1. Technical mean<strong>in</strong>g: anyth<strong>in</strong>g which is not proven from Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and opposes or<br />

changes <strong>the</strong> Shari’ah, and people have taken it as part of <strong>the</strong> Deen. This is an evil and offensive Bid’ah.<br />

2. Literal mean<strong>in</strong>g: some th<strong>in</strong>g new or novel regardless of whe<strong>the</strong>r it has any orig<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> Shari’ah or not. In this<br />

occasion, Jurists do not mean evil Bid’ah by <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> word Bid’ah, because evil Bid’ah is that which<br />

opposes <strong>the</strong> Shari’ah of <strong>the</strong> beloved Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and loud Takbeer is proven from<br />

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) himself. Therefore, it is proven that <strong>the</strong> use of <strong>the</strong> word Bid’ah here is<br />

<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> literal mean<strong>in</strong>g (new th<strong>in</strong>g) and not <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> technical mean<strong>in</strong>g (evil <strong>in</strong>novation).<br />

When we go for our daily Salaah,we do not recite <strong>the</strong> Takbeers, <strong>the</strong>refore it is regarded as a new th<strong>in</strong>g. On Eid-ul-<br />

Adha, <strong>the</strong> recitation of Takbeers are proven with Sunnat, <strong>the</strong>refore Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) ordered <strong>the</strong><br />

loudness. For Eid-ul-Fitr <strong>the</strong>re are two say<strong>in</strong>gs of Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu). One is for loudness and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

is for softness. Jurists have expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> reason for "INNAL JAHRA BIZ<strong>ZIKR</strong>E BIDATUN" or It is bid’ah <strong>to</strong> make loud<br />

Zikr. They say that <strong>to</strong> recite Takbeer aloud is a novel way and is not proven on this occasion, <strong>the</strong>refore softness is<br />

better here. This is <strong>the</strong> explanation given by <strong>the</strong> Jurists for Imam Abu Hanifah’s (radi Allahu anhu) say<strong>in</strong>g that soft<br />

Zikr is Bid’ah.<br />

So, for those who deny <strong>the</strong> recitation of loud Zikr, <strong>the</strong>re is no proof <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir argument. Qohstaani and Tahaawi have<br />

said that <strong>the</strong> correct say<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> this issue is that Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) is also <strong>in</strong> favour of loud Zikr on<br />

Eid-ul-Fitr, <strong>the</strong>refore it is proven that <strong>the</strong> word Bid’at here is used <strong>in</strong> its literal mean<strong>in</strong>g and not <strong>in</strong> its technical<br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

NOTE: There are several o<strong>the</strong>r quotations given by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama from <strong>the</strong> books of Hanafi scholars, which<br />

prove that loud Zikr is Bid’ah (<strong>in</strong> its literal mean<strong>in</strong>g), and soft Zikr is better and preferred. There is a consensus of<br />

op<strong>in</strong>ion of <strong>the</strong> Ulama that soft Zikr is preferred or <strong>the</strong> D’ua should be made softly, etc. We say that none of <strong>the</strong>se<br />

quotations give any <strong>in</strong>dication that loud Zikr is an evil Bid’ah or Haraam as <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama claim. The claim made<br />

and <strong>the</strong> proofs that are provided by Deobandi Ulama do not correspond, and <strong>the</strong>refore all <strong>the</strong>se arguments are not<br />

aga<strong>in</strong>st our practices. Our belief <strong>in</strong> regard <strong>to</strong> Zikr is that both loud and soft Zikrs are permissible. To <strong>the</strong> Deobandi<br />

Ulama we say, you are responsible <strong>to</strong> give proofs aga<strong>in</strong>st what we believe. If you cannot furnish any proof <strong>the</strong>n do as<br />

<strong>the</strong> learned do and rema<strong>in</strong> silent.<br />

Deobandi Ulama write on page 12 <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir booklet: "In those <strong>in</strong>stances where <strong>the</strong> Fuqaha (Islamic jurists) have stated<br />

someth<strong>in</strong>g as Bid’a, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>in</strong>tend Bid’a Sayyi’a (evil Bid’a)"..<br />

The Deobandi Ulama have failed <strong>to</strong> provide any reference or proof for this claim. An evil Bid’ah is, no doubt, Haraam,<br />

But <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama made an attempt <strong>to</strong> prove someth<strong>in</strong>g as be<strong>in</strong>g Haraam without any proof. In fact, <strong>in</strong> Shari’ah<br />

even a Makrooh act (undesirable act) cannot be proven without categorical proofs let alone a Haraam act (unlawful<br />

act). Allama Shaami (radi Allahu anhu) writes: "No act can be regarded as Makrooh without a proper prohibition,<br />

because Karaahat (undesirability) is <strong>the</strong> Hukm (rul<strong>in</strong>g) of Shari’ah, and a categorical proof is required for it". (Fatawa<br />

Shaami, Vol. 1, pg.684)<br />

PROOF OF <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> FROM IMAM ABU HANIFAH ON OCCASIONS OTHER THAN<br />

THE PRESCRIBED ONES<br />

In reality, Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) himself has not clarified at any place that loud Zikr is Bid’ah<br />

unconditionally. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly, accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> one say<strong>in</strong>g he regarded loudness <strong>in</strong> Eid-ul-Fitr as Bid’ah, and he <strong>in</strong>structed<br />

that Takbeers of Tashreeq should be for two days <strong>in</strong>stead of five days. Due <strong>to</strong> this some of <strong>the</strong> Jurists unders<strong>to</strong>od<br />

that Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) only allows loud Zikr where <strong>the</strong> loudness is proven from Rasoolullah (sallal<br />

laahu alaihi wasallam), and regards <strong>the</strong> loudness as Makrooh and Bid’ah on o<strong>the</strong>r occasions. The matter is not like<br />

that <strong>in</strong> reality. In fact, Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) believes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> permissibility of loud Zikr generally. The<br />

maximum that can be said here is that where loudness is not proven from Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)<br />

Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) does not regard <strong>the</strong> loudness as Sunnah on that occasion. This is <strong>in</strong>deed<br />

correct, but someth<strong>in</strong>g that is not be<strong>in</strong>g Sunnah does not necessarily mean that it is not permissible.<br />

Our statement is backed with <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g quotation of "Raddul Mukhtaar": "It is said <strong>in</strong> ‘Mujtaba’ (name of a book)<br />

that Imam Abu Hanifah was asked, ‘Should <strong>the</strong> people of Kufa and o<strong>the</strong>r places recite Takbeers <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> and<br />

bazaars dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> days of Tashreeq?’ He replied, ‘Yes’".(Raddul Mukhtaar, Vol. 1, pg. 787) (Remember: Takbeers are<br />

recited aloud dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> days of Tashreeq)<br />

It is obvious from <strong>the</strong> above statement that Imam Abu Hanifah regards loud Zikr as be<strong>in</strong>g permissible Alal Omoom<br />

(generally), o<strong>the</strong>rwise he should have not given permission unconditionally.<br />

In fur<strong>the</strong>r support of our argument we present <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi:<br />

Question: Is it that loud Zikr is proven from Quran and Sunnat or have <strong>the</strong> Sufis prescribed it on <strong>the</strong>ir own accord?<br />

Zaid says loud Zikr is Bid’ah accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah. Amar says that if loud Zikr is Bid’ah, <strong>the</strong>n why do <strong>the</strong><br />

many great Hanafi Ulama permit loud Zikr?<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Answer: "Both loud and soft Zikrs are permissible accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Hadith. Imam Abu Hanifah has regarded loud Zikr as<br />

Bid’ah only <strong>in</strong> that condition where <strong>the</strong>re is an occasion of Zikr and <strong>the</strong> loudness is not proven by <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet<br />

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). For example, Zikr while go<strong>in</strong>g for Eid-ul-Fitr. He (Imam Abu Hanifah) did not s<strong>to</strong>p loud<br />

Zikr unconditionally. Zikr is correct <strong>in</strong> whichever way it may be". (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 251, M. H. Saeed Company<br />

Karachi, Pakistan)<br />

The above Fatwa by Moulana Gangohi is very clear <strong>in</strong> its mean<strong>in</strong>g. "Qotbe Aalam", as he is regarded by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi<br />

fraternity, has written with decisive words that, accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu), loud Zikr is not<br />

s<strong>to</strong>pped unconditionally. He (Moulana Gangohi) said that Zikr is correct ei<strong>the</strong>r way, that is loud or soft. If <strong>the</strong><br />

Deobandi Ulama give any importance <strong>to</strong> this Fatwa of Gangohi Sahib <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y must at least rule a l<strong>in</strong>e of cancellation<br />

through one-third of <strong>the</strong>ir booklet "Impermissibility of loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid" because one-third of this booklet is<br />

based on <strong>the</strong> impermissibility of loud Zikr accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah.<br />

IMAM ABU HANIFAH AND SALARY<br />

Abadah B<strong>in</strong> Saamit (radi Allahu anhu) reports that he taught <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran <strong>to</strong> some of <strong>the</strong> Ashaabe Suffah. One of<br />

<strong>the</strong>m gave him a bow as a gift. Abadah B<strong>in</strong> Saamit (radi Allahu anhu) thought that he would use this bow <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Path<br />

of Allah <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> time of war. When he asked Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) about it. Rasoolullah (sallal laahu<br />

alaihi wasallam) replied, "If you want <strong>to</strong> wear <strong>the</strong> collar of Hell around your neck, <strong>the</strong>n accept this bow". Abu Dawood<br />

and Ibn Majah have reported this Hadith. Hakim has recorded this Hadith <strong>in</strong> "Mustadrak". This Hadith is reported with<br />

correct narrations. (With <strong>the</strong> reference of Rasaile Ibn Aabedeen Shaami, Vol. 1, pg.154)<br />

In ano<strong>the</strong>r Hadith, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Recite <strong>the</strong> Quran and do not make <strong>the</strong> Quran a<br />

bus<strong>in</strong>ess, do not oppress it, do not exaggerate (Ghluww) on it and do not earn <strong>in</strong> abundance because of it". (Rasail<br />

Ibn Aabedeen Shaami, Vol. 1, pg. 154)<br />

After study<strong>in</strong>g Ahadith, we see that Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) has given <strong>the</strong> rul<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>to</strong> take salary for<br />

teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran, Darse Hadith, Imamat and Khitabat is Haraam. A person would have no refuge from <strong>the</strong><br />

Saheba<strong>in</strong> here, because <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>in</strong> agreement with Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu anhu) on this issue.<br />

Allamah Shaami writes: "To take a salary for teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Quran, Hadith, Azaan, and Imamat is permissible accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>to</strong> later Ulama, even though it is aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> unanimous Maslak (way) of Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Abu Yousuf and<br />

Imam Mohammad. They regard <strong>the</strong> accept<strong>in</strong>g of salaries for <strong>the</strong> above mentioned jobs as Haraam". (Rasail Ibn<br />

Aabedeen Shaami, Vol. 2, pg. 126)<br />

Dear readers, it is clear that accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> correct Ahadith it is prohibited <strong>to</strong> take a salary for teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran.<br />

Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Abu Yousuf, Imam Mohammad and all <strong>the</strong> early Jurists (radi Allahu anhum) have regarded<br />

it as Haraam <strong>to</strong> take a salary for teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran, mak<strong>in</strong>g Imamat, etc.<br />

If we talk about <strong>the</strong> general permissibility of loud Zikr accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> one say<strong>in</strong>g of Imam Abu Hanifah (radi Allahu<br />

anhu) and accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> say<strong>in</strong>g of Saheba<strong>in</strong>, we are "out of <strong>the</strong> Hanafi Mazhab and we are Bid’atis". In <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

enthusiasm of be<strong>in</strong>g paid a salary (for Imamat duties, etc.), The Deobandi Ulama are openly go<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> Sahih<br />

Ahadith and all <strong>the</strong> early-recognised Hanafi Imams, and yet <strong>the</strong>y still rema<strong>in</strong> as Hanafi and non- Bid’atis. Subhan-<br />

Allah! What criteria do <strong>the</strong>y use?<br />

Despite <strong>the</strong> fact that Imam Abu Hanifah and <strong>the</strong> Saheba<strong>in</strong> (radi Allahu anhum) have prohibited tak<strong>in</strong>g salaries for<br />

certa<strong>in</strong> Islamic duties, it is permissible <strong>to</strong> take salary accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of latter scholars. If we say that it is<br />

generally permissible <strong>to</strong> make Zikr aloud despite Imam Abu Hanifah’s prohibition (accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> one say<strong>in</strong>g), and if we<br />

practice upon <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> Hanafi Imams and Saheba<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> this regard, <strong>the</strong>n "our ‘s<strong>in</strong>’ is<br />

unforgivable" (accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama)..<br />

Deobandi Ulama write: "Abu Ya’ala reports from Hadhrat Aisha (Radhiallahu anha), that she said, Nabi (sallallahu<br />

alaihi wasallam) said: ‘The best Zikr is (that) soft Zikr, which even <strong>the</strong> Angels of protection (i.e. Kiraam<strong>in</strong> and<br />

Kaatibeen) cannot hear, it will be multiplied seventy times, on <strong>the</strong> day of Qiyaamah’". [Tafseer-e-Mazhari, page 410,<br />

vol. 3]<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

This is <strong>the</strong> version of Qaadhi Thanaawullah or Abu Ya’la. Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Dehlwi (radi Allahu anhum)<br />

reports this Hadith <strong>in</strong> different words. He writes: "The Zikr which <strong>the</strong> Angels of protection hear is multiplied seventy<br />

times compared <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Zikr <strong>the</strong>y cannot hear". (Fatawa Azizia, Vol. 1, pg. 17)<br />

This Hadith is ano<strong>the</strong>r proof of loud Zikr. It is proven that even <strong>in</strong> this quotation of "Tafseer Mazhari" <strong>the</strong>re is no proof<br />

<strong>to</strong> substantiate <strong>the</strong> claim of Deobandi Ulama that loud Zikr is Haraam.<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

Regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Fatwa presented by Molvi Hamidi, as mentioned earlier, is <strong>the</strong> trait of <strong>the</strong> "Sunni" bida’tees. He<br />

presented <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaihi) <strong>in</strong> an extremely mislead<strong>in</strong>g and<br />

<strong>in</strong>complete fashion. The correct Fatwa of Hadhrat Moulana Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaihi) is presented <strong>in</strong> context<br />

hereunder:<br />

Question: Is loud Zikr accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hanafi Mazhab permissible or impermissible?<br />

Answer: "There is a difference <strong>in</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion with regard <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> books of Hanfi Fiqh. Some regard it as<br />

Makrooh, on such occasions where it is not warranted, while o<strong>the</strong>rs regard it as Jaa’iz and this is <strong>the</strong> preferred option.<br />

It would not be beneficial <strong>to</strong> seek <strong>the</strong> proof for this, as <strong>the</strong>re is a difference of op<strong>in</strong>ion, so who can draw an op<strong>in</strong>ion<br />

from here? However, <strong>the</strong> proof (for loud Zikr) is this, that Allah Ta’ala says: ‘Remember your Rabb <strong>in</strong> your heart, with<br />

humility and softly, and do not be loud.’ The words ‘do not be loud’ also refer <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr, but of a lower <strong>in</strong>tensity.<br />

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Have mercy upon your souls’".<br />

In <strong>the</strong> above text, Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaihi) refers <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> difference of op<strong>in</strong>ion amoungst<br />

<strong>the</strong> Hanafi Ulema, and he also clarifies this po<strong>in</strong>t that <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr which is proven (by some) from this Aayat is (not<br />

very loud nor medium pitch <strong>in</strong> loudness), <strong>in</strong> fact it is that loudness which is of <strong>the</strong> lowest <strong>in</strong>tensity.<br />

The renowned Imaam Abul Hasan Ubaidullah b<strong>in</strong> Husse<strong>in</strong> Karghi Hanafi (rahmatullahi alaihi) (passed away 340 A.H.)<br />

states: "The lowest (<strong>in</strong>tensity of) Loud Zikr, is such that one can hear himself". [Hidaya, page 98, vol. 1]<br />

N0TE: WHEREVER THERE APPEARS A PERMISSIBILITY OF <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> FROM THE TEXTS OF MOULANA RASHID<br />

AHMED GANG0HI (rahmatullahi alaihi), WE NOTE FROM HIS OWN CLARIFICATIONS THAT HE IS REFERRING TO THE<br />

LOWEST PITCH OF <strong>LOUD</strong>NESS. WHOEVER WISHES TO INTERPRET HIS FATWAS TO THE CONTRARY (I.E. GENERAL<br />

<strong>LOUD</strong>NESS), THEN THIS IS THE RESULT OF THEIR OWN IMPRUDENCE, AND IS DONE TO SUIT THEIR OWN WHIMS,<br />

WHICH IS NOT EVEN WORTH THE CONSIDERATION OF THE TRUE KNOWLEDGEABLE ONES. <strong>MUFTI</strong> GANG0HI<br />

(rahmatullahi alaihi) HAS ALSO, IN THIS WAY RECONCILED THE (SLIGHT) DIFFERENCE OF OPINION BETWEEN THE<br />

FUQAHA." [Page 15, Impermissibility of loud Zikr]<br />

Deobandi Ulama have falsly accused me of be<strong>in</strong>g mislead<strong>in</strong>g by say<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g: "He has presented <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of<br />

Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi <strong>in</strong> an extremely mislead<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>complete fashion".<br />

They fur<strong>the</strong>r write on page 4 of <strong>the</strong>ir booklet, "Impermissibility of loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong>": "It is surpris<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> note that<br />

an old and already worn-out trick of Bareilvis is used, that is <strong>to</strong> quote statement out of context and quote only portion<br />

of a text and leave out <strong>the</strong> rest".<br />

In gentleman’s language, I will only say <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g with regards <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> accusation: If <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama can<br />

prove that I have presented <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Moulana Gangohi <strong>in</strong> a "mislead<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>complete fashion" <strong>in</strong> reply <strong>to</strong> Mufti<br />

Ilias’s pamphlet, I am prepared <strong>to</strong> apologise publicly. Now, <strong>the</strong> ball is <strong>in</strong> your court. If <strong>the</strong>y cannot furnish proofs for<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir claim, <strong>the</strong>n it would be clearly evident that <strong>the</strong>y are <strong>the</strong> mislead<strong>in</strong>g ones.<br />

A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF DISHONEST, DECEPTIVE AND COWARDLY BEHAVIOUR<br />

The Deobandi Ulama have presented <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Moulana Gangohi, and have aga<strong>in</strong> digested <strong>the</strong> last few sentences<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Fatwa. Those sentences are completely <strong>in</strong> our favour and are aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong>ir claim, <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong>y have omitted<br />

<strong>the</strong>m. By do<strong>in</strong>g so <strong>the</strong>y have proven how "honest" and "brave" <strong>the</strong>y are.<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Dear readers, we would like <strong>to</strong> present <strong>the</strong> complete Fatwa, which <strong>in</strong>cludes those sentences that <strong>the</strong> "honest" Ulama<br />

have deliberately omitted. To make it easy for <strong>the</strong> readers <strong>to</strong> understand I will underl<strong>in</strong>e those sentences.<br />

Fatwa<br />

"There is a difference <strong>in</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ion with regard <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> books of Hanafi Fiqh. Some regard it as Makrooh, on<br />

such occasions where it is not warranted, while o<strong>the</strong>rs regard it as Ja’iz, and this is <strong>the</strong> preferred option. It would not<br />

be beneficial <strong>to</strong> seek <strong>the</strong> proof for this as <strong>the</strong>re is a difference of op<strong>in</strong>ion, so who can draw an op<strong>in</strong>ion from here?<br />

However, <strong>the</strong> proof (for loud Zikr) is this, that Allah Ta’ala says: ‘Remember your Rabb <strong>in</strong> your heart, with humility<br />

and softly, and do not be loud’. The words ‘do not be loud’ also refer <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr, but of a lower <strong>in</strong>tensity. Rasoolullah<br />

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Have mercy upon your souls...’ This also <strong>in</strong>cludes loud Zikr where Rifq (mildness)<br />

is advised and Galo Phaarna (Shriek) is s<strong>to</strong>pped. There are many Mutlaq (unconditional) verses of <strong>the</strong> Quran and <strong>the</strong><br />

Hadi<strong>the</strong>s, which denote <strong>the</strong> permissibility (of loudness)." (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 252, H.M.Saeed Company, Karachi<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>t)<br />

Two very important po<strong>in</strong>ts are proven from <strong>the</strong>se underl<strong>in</strong>ed sentences of "Fatawa Rashidia". These are:<br />

1. Shriek<strong>in</strong>g is s<strong>to</strong>pped <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Zikr, not general loudness. This is an undisputed issue. This was <strong>the</strong> po<strong>in</strong>t that <strong>the</strong><br />

Deobandi Ulama wanted <strong>to</strong> hide, but <strong>the</strong>y failed aga<strong>in</strong>, and<br />

2. Moulana Gangohi means "medium loudness" by <strong>the</strong> word "lower <strong>in</strong>tensity" because he has mentioned it <strong>in</strong><br />

contrast <strong>to</strong> shriek<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The Deobandi Ulema are guilty of <strong>the</strong> same crime that <strong>the</strong>y have falsely accused me of comitt<strong>in</strong>g. A thief always<br />

regards everyone else as thieves!<br />

DISCUSSION ON THE LOWEST INTENSITY OF <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong><br />

The Deobandi Ulama wrote <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lowest <strong>in</strong>tensity of loud Zikr:<br />

"The renowned Imam Abul Hasan Ubaidullah B<strong>in</strong> Hussa<strong>in</strong> Karkhi Hanfi (rahmatullah Alai) (passed away 340 A.H)<br />

states: <strong>the</strong> lowest (<strong>in</strong>tensity of) loud Zikr, is such that one can hear himself. (Hidaya, page 98, vol. 1)"<br />

We checked page 98 of "Hidaya" but failed <strong>to</strong> f<strong>in</strong>d this quotation. The quotation which is presented by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi<br />

Ulama is on page 117 of "Hidaya" (Maktabah Shirkate Ilmiah, Multan pr<strong>in</strong>t) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> section of Qiraat (recitation of <strong>the</strong><br />

Quran <strong>in</strong> Salaah). Recitation of <strong>the</strong> Holy Quran <strong>in</strong> Salaah has got noth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> do with <strong>the</strong> disputed subject of loud Zikr.<br />

Once aga<strong>in</strong>, <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have failed <strong>to</strong> conv<strong>in</strong>ce us that loud Zikr is Haraam.<br />

Even if one has <strong>to</strong> understand <strong>the</strong> quotation of Imaam Karkhi as quoted by <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama above, it becomes<br />

relatively clear that <strong>the</strong> lowest <strong>in</strong>tensity refers <strong>to</strong> softest <strong>to</strong>ne which is permissible. This would <strong>the</strong>n mean that specific<br />

restriction is imposed upon softness, while none has been imposed on loud recitals. Therefore, <strong>in</strong> our op<strong>in</strong>ion, <strong>the</strong><br />

readers of this article can clearly identify that <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama, who ascribe recognition <strong>to</strong> Moulana Gangohi, are<br />

poor students who <strong>in</strong>tentionally <strong>in</strong>terpret <strong>the</strong>ir leader’s teach<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> order <strong>to</strong> satisfy <strong>the</strong>ir malicious agenda and not <strong>the</strong><br />

Shariah..<br />

We have proven above us<strong>in</strong>g strong Qra<strong>in</strong> (circumstantial evidence) that Gangohi Sahib means "medium pitch <strong>in</strong><br />

loudness" by <strong>the</strong> word "Adna Jahr or lower <strong>in</strong>tensity" because he uses lower <strong>in</strong>tensity <strong>in</strong> contrast <strong>to</strong> shriek<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Therefore, <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have tried <strong>to</strong> deceive <strong>the</strong> readers by translat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> word "Adna Jahr" as "softness".<br />

PROOF OF MEDIUM <strong>LOUD</strong>NESS FROM GANGOHI SAHIB<br />

Gangohi Sahib writes <strong>in</strong> "Fatawa Rashidia":<br />

Question: What is <strong>the</strong> rul<strong>in</strong>g accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Muhaddi<strong>the</strong>en and <strong>the</strong> Four Jurists (Imams) about loud Zikr, loud Dua’ and<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

loud Durood, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> loudness is gentle or severe, is it permissible or not?<br />

Answer: "Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifah (rahmatullah alai) loud Zikr is Makrooh (undesirable) unless <strong>the</strong> loudness<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Zikr is proven with <strong>the</strong> Nass (categorical order of statement) <strong>in</strong> this occasion. The rest of <strong>the</strong> jurists,<br />

Muhaddeseen and Saheba<strong>in</strong> (Imam Abu Yousuf and Imam Muhammad) regard it as permissible. The way of life of<br />

our spiritual leaders is <strong>the</strong> Mazhab of Saheba<strong>in</strong> (R.A)". (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 252, H. M. Saeed Company, Karachi)<br />

Gangohi Sahib has made this po<strong>in</strong>t very clear that loud Zikr is permissible, whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> loudness is light or severe.<br />

Leave alone <strong>the</strong> medium pitch <strong>in</strong> loudness, Gangohi Sahib has <strong>in</strong> fact also proven that severe loudness <strong>in</strong> Zikr is<br />

permissible. How can <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama still th<strong>in</strong>k that <strong>the</strong> word Jahr (loudness) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fatwa of Gangohi Sahib is<br />

attributed <strong>to</strong> soft Zikr when he (Gangohi Sahib) answers a question on <strong>the</strong> permissibility of light or severe loudness<br />

with regard <strong>to</strong> Zikr?<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r Fatwa of Gangohi Sahib<br />

Question: When recit<strong>in</strong>g Zikr aloud, how hard can one strike on one’s heart with <strong>the</strong> word Allah? Can <strong>the</strong> strike be so<br />

severe that one loses his voice?<br />

Answer: "Such Shiddat (severity) is unnecessary". (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 252-3, H. M. Saeed Company, Karachi)<br />

It means that Zikr should be recited with a loud <strong>to</strong>ne of voice, but <strong>the</strong> loudness must not be so severe that <strong>the</strong> person<br />

loses his voice. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, <strong>the</strong>re should not be excessive loudness, <strong>in</strong>stead medium loudness.<br />

Ano<strong>the</strong>r Fatwa of Gangohi Sahib<br />

Question: Through Zikr, <strong>the</strong> idea is created <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart that everyone will regard me as a pious person. What is <strong>the</strong><br />

remedy <strong>to</strong> remove this boastfulness? Nowadays, my voice is lost. If <strong>in</strong>structed, can I start recit<strong>in</strong>g Zikr softly until such<br />

time that my voice returns, <strong>the</strong>n I will recite Zikr aloud?<br />

Answer: "If <strong>the</strong> Zikr is be<strong>in</strong>g recited for <strong>the</strong> purpose of public attention, <strong>the</strong>n recite ‘La Howla’ <strong>to</strong> remedy that.<br />

However, it is not suitable <strong>to</strong> discard loudness for that reason. Certa<strong>in</strong>ly for <strong>the</strong> reason of sickness it is suitable <strong>to</strong><br />

abandon loudness and adopt softness till <strong>the</strong> sickness is gone". (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 251, H.M. Saeed Company,<br />

Karachi)<br />

We learn from <strong>the</strong> above answer of Gangohi Sahib that he used <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>struct his Mureeds <strong>to</strong> recite with such severe<br />

loudness that <strong>the</strong>y used <strong>to</strong> lose <strong>the</strong>ir voice. Despite <strong>the</strong> fear of boastfulness, he still used <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>struct <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> recite<br />

loud Zikr. Is it still correct <strong>to</strong> say that wherever Moulana Gangohi used <strong>the</strong> word Jahr (loudness), it means softness of<br />

<strong>the</strong> Zikr?<br />

THE FEAR OF SHOWING OFF CANNOT BE THE REASON FOR ABANDONING <strong>LOUD</strong>NESS<br />

Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi writes with reference <strong>to</strong> Moulana Gangohi’s Malfoozaat (say<strong>in</strong>gs): "Hazrat<br />

Moulana Gangohi <strong>in</strong>structed a person <strong>to</strong> recite Zikr aloud, he (<strong>the</strong> person) said: ‘There will be show<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>in</strong> this (loud<br />

Zikr), should I recite Zikr softly?’ Moulana <strong>in</strong>quired: ‘In soft Zikr <strong>the</strong>re will be no show<strong>in</strong>g off?’ After ask<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> person<br />

<strong>to</strong> sit, Moulana answered,’That <strong>in</strong> fact <strong>in</strong> soft Zikr <strong>the</strong>re will be more show<strong>in</strong>g off. In loud Zikr people will know that<br />

you are recit<strong>in</strong>g Allah Allah, but (<strong>in</strong> soft Zikr) when one sits putt<strong>in</strong>g his head down, people may th<strong>in</strong>k that he might be<br />

visit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Arsh and Kursi, even though <strong>the</strong> person is sleep<strong>in</strong>g.’<br />

"Moulana (Gangohi) fur<strong>the</strong>r related: ‘When we were <strong>in</strong> Thana Bhoon <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> service of Haji Sahib, a Naqshbandi<br />

Shaikh was also liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>re. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> nights we used <strong>to</strong> make loud Zikr, and this Naqshabandi Shaikh used <strong>to</strong> make<br />

soft Zikr, but he used <strong>to</strong> compla<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>g that because sleep got <strong>the</strong> better of him, only half of his Zikr was<br />

recited. We all used <strong>to</strong> complete our practices.’<br />

"Moulana Gangohi fur<strong>the</strong>r educated <strong>the</strong> person: ‘In soft Zikr a person falls asleep, and people might th<strong>in</strong>k that<br />

this person is <strong>in</strong> meditation. This is a good prevention of show that <strong>the</strong> very object of Zikr is not even fulfilled? This is<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

just a Waswasah (evil suggestion)’" (Irdaa ul Haq, Part 2, Page 67; Ma’arafe Gangohi, pg. 64-5)<br />

Four issues are proven from <strong>the</strong> above statement of Gangohi Sahib: Moulana Gangohi does not take loudness <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g of Ismaa’e Nafs (hear<strong>in</strong>g oneself only), but ra<strong>the</strong>r regards <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of loudness <strong>to</strong> be "People will know<br />

that you are recit<strong>in</strong>g Allah Allah". From <strong>the</strong> above quotation, and an understand<strong>in</strong>g of Gangohi Sahib’s words, one will<br />

see <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama’s mislead<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>terpretations of <strong>the</strong> Fatwa passed by Moulana Gangohi with regards <strong>to</strong><br />

Ismaa’e Nafs - hear<strong>in</strong>g oneself. This is yet ano<strong>the</strong>r blunt <strong>to</strong>ol of deception, and a trick used <strong>to</strong> safe-guard <strong>the</strong>m from<br />

humiliation.<br />

It is openly evident that fear of show is not sufficient grounds for substitut<strong>in</strong>g loudness. Therefore, <strong>to</strong> use <strong>the</strong> above<br />

quote as a reference would be a direct violation <strong>to</strong> give prom<strong>in</strong>ence <strong>to</strong> soft Zikr.<br />

Fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> this second po<strong>in</strong>t one can easily note that Moulana Gangohi himself regarded that <strong>the</strong>re is a greater<br />

possibility of show <strong>in</strong> soft Zikr. In soft Zikr, a person sometimes falls asleep, thus <strong>the</strong> purpose of Zikr is lost<br />

completely.<br />

From an educated understand<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong>terpretation, it is clear from <strong>the</strong> Fatawa and Malfoozat of Moulana Gangohi on<br />

<strong>the</strong> issue of loud Zikr that he gives <strong>the</strong> Fatwa on <strong>the</strong> say<strong>in</strong>g of Saheba<strong>in</strong> like <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Hanafi scholars, and he<br />

believes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Jahr Motawassat (medium pitched loudness).<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

"Regard<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> claim made that this Hadith (quoted above) was said by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) so that <strong>the</strong><br />

loud Zikr made by <strong>the</strong> Sahabahs was not <strong>to</strong> alert <strong>the</strong> enemy. We concede, that this is mentioned <strong>in</strong> some of <strong>the</strong><br />

kitaabs as a reason, however, <strong>to</strong> aver that this is <strong>the</strong> only reason, is far from <strong>the</strong> truth, if we keep <strong>the</strong> words of <strong>the</strong><br />

Hadith <strong>in</strong> front of us.<br />

Firstly, <strong>the</strong>re are no clear and explicit words of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) which <strong>in</strong>dicate that this is <strong>the</strong> reason<br />

for his prohibit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> recite <strong>the</strong> Takbeer loudly. In fact, <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> contrary, <strong>the</strong>re are def<strong>in</strong>ite reasons given <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Hadith by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) which <strong>in</strong>dicate <strong>the</strong> prohibition of loud Zikr, i.e <strong>the</strong>y should have mercy on<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir souls, <strong>the</strong>ir Rabb is nei<strong>the</strong>r deaf nor absent, <strong>the</strong>y are call<strong>in</strong>g One who is All-Hear<strong>in</strong>g and close-by, and that that<br />

Be<strong>in</strong>g (which <strong>the</strong>y are call<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong>) is with <strong>the</strong>m. Why <strong>the</strong>n, are all <strong>the</strong>se reasons ignored and one remote reason sought<br />

<strong>to</strong> bolster <strong>the</strong>ir nefarious purposes? Anyway, what good and need is <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> even cite this reason?<br />

Secondly, if <strong>the</strong>re was any clear and explicit <strong>in</strong>dication that this Hadith was said by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) on<br />

or even near <strong>the</strong> battlefield, where <strong>the</strong> loud recitation of Takbeer would be heard or alert <strong>the</strong> enemy, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>to</strong>o we<br />

may accept and verify it. However, <strong>the</strong>re is no such <strong>in</strong>dication <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Hadith, <strong>in</strong> fact this much is proven from <strong>the</strong><br />

Hadith that it was said whilst <strong>the</strong>y were on <strong>the</strong> way. This Hadith is reported <strong>in</strong> Bukhari Shareef five (5) times. In one<br />

of <strong>the</strong> narrations it is stated that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was depart<strong>in</strong>g for or (<strong>the</strong> narra<strong>to</strong>r has a doubt) he<br />

was on his way <strong>to</strong> Khaibar, and when <strong>the</strong>y came <strong>to</strong> a particular field <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Sahabahs raised <strong>the</strong>ir voices <strong>in</strong> Takbeer<br />

[pcige 6051 vol.2].<br />

In ano<strong>the</strong>r narration, <strong>the</strong> Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum)s (radhiallahu anhum) mention that <strong>the</strong>y were with Nabi<br />

(sallallahu alaihi wasallam) accompany<strong>in</strong>g Him (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) on a journey, and when <strong>the</strong>y ascended a<br />

high pla<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>y recited Takbeer (loudly) [page 944 and 1099, vol.21.<br />

In ano<strong>the</strong>r narration, it is reported that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was enter<strong>in</strong>g a valley, and ano<strong>the</strong>r person<br />

was also climb<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> valley, and he (latter) raised his voice (<strong>in</strong> Takbeer) [page 948, vol.2].<br />

In ano<strong>the</strong>r narration it is reported, that we (Sahabahs) were with Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) on a journey, "Then<br />

we began, <strong>to</strong> recite Takbeer loudly whenever we ascended a high place or descended a low place or <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> a<br />

valley." [page 978, vol.2]<br />

Firstly: In this Hadith, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not prohibit loud Zikr unconditionally, nei<strong>the</strong>r did<br />

he prohibited <strong>the</strong> medium pitched loudness. In fact Mufrat (shriek) <strong>in</strong> loudness is prohibited here. Moulana Rashid<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Ahmad Gangohi expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>the</strong> very same Hadith: "Shriek is prohibited <strong>in</strong> this Hadith". (Fatawa Rashidia, pg. 252, H.M.<br />

Saeed Company, Karachi).<br />

Secondly: Medium loudness is supported with many o<strong>the</strong>r proofs. Therefore, <strong>the</strong> Hadith that one should not put one’s<br />

self <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> difficulty because of loudness. The sentence "IRBA’OO ALA ANFOSEKUM" or "Be k<strong>in</strong>d upon yourselves" is<br />

evident on this.<br />

Thirdly: Loudness must not be such a nature as if <strong>the</strong> person or listener is hard of hear<strong>in</strong>g. The sentence "ANNAKUM<br />

LA TAD’OONA ASAMMA" or "You are not call<strong>in</strong>g upon that be<strong>in</strong>g who is deaf" provides <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />

evidence.<br />

Fourthly: One must not produce such loudness as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> manner of call<strong>in</strong>g out for a lost person. The word "WA LA<br />

GHAAIBAN" or "Not call<strong>in</strong>g an absent" supports this statement.<br />

Fifthly: Loudness must not be ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed at such a level as if you want <strong>to</strong> <strong>in</strong>voke Allah’s attention, imply<strong>in</strong>g that He<br />

cannot Hear you if you do not shout. The sentence "ANNA KUM TAD’OONA SAMEE’AN" or "You are call<strong>in</strong>g<br />

upon that Be<strong>in</strong>g Who is All-Hear<strong>in</strong>g" is self-explana<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />

Sixthly: One must not <strong>in</strong>cur such loudness that will conjure thoughts that Allah is far from one and that by shout<strong>in</strong>g<br />

one’s voice will travel <strong>the</strong> distance. The sentence "WA HOWA MA’A KUM" or He is with you" expla<strong>in</strong>s this <strong>to</strong> us.<br />

Seventhly: This Hadith is attributed <strong>to</strong> such conditions when harm may be <strong>in</strong>curred due <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> loudness. Therefore,<br />

scholars of Islam said: "This Hadith is related <strong>to</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> journeys of Jihad". (Fatawa Shaami, Vol. 5, pg. 350). It<br />

was necessary that Muslim troops enter <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> Khaibar secretly so that <strong>the</strong> Kuffar be surprised and rendered <strong>in</strong>capable<br />

of quick retaliation.<br />

Readers please th<strong>in</strong>k deeply! Even <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> words of Hadith <strong>the</strong>re are enough evidences <strong>to</strong> prove that this Hadith does<br />

not unconditionally prohibit <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr.<br />

One will not understand anyth<strong>in</strong>g if one displays hostility. Unfortunately, we do not have a remedy for hostility. Our<br />

task is <strong>to</strong> deliver <strong>the</strong> Truth and we have done so.<br />

Let us see what <strong>the</strong> great scholars of Islam and <strong>the</strong> Deobandi elders say with regards <strong>to</strong> this Hadith. Allama Mahmood<br />

Aaloosi Baghdadi says: "The prohibition, which is unders<strong>to</strong>od from <strong>the</strong> command<strong>in</strong>g verb AIRBA’OO (be k<strong>in</strong>d upon<br />

yourselves) means Mufrat (excessive) loudness". (Tafseer Roohul Ma’ani, Vol. 16, pg. 163)<br />

Allama Khairudd<strong>in</strong> Ramli says: "If you say that it is clear <strong>in</strong> Fatawa Khania, that loud Zikr is Haraam because<br />

Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said those people who were mak<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr ‘you are not call<strong>in</strong>g upon deaf<br />

or Absent One’ and he (<strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet) said soft ‘Zikr is <strong>the</strong> better Zikr’, because it is far from show off, I will say,<br />

this discussion is about that Zikr which is with excessive and harmful loudness". (Fatawa Kharia, Vol. 2, pg. 281-2)<br />

Hazrat Shah Wali’ullah writes <strong>in</strong> description of "Ashghaale Qaadriah": "The first th<strong>in</strong>g, which Qaadri Shaikhs<br />

advise, is <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr. Loudness, which is meant here, is that which is not Mufrat (excessive), <strong>the</strong>refore this loud Zikr<br />

is not contrary <strong>to</strong> that Hadith <strong>in</strong> which it is said, ‘be k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>to</strong> yourselves’". (Al Qowlul Jameel, pg. 49-50)<br />

Surely, without any need for fur<strong>the</strong>r elaborations one can deduce from <strong>the</strong> statement of Shah Wali’ullah (radi Allahu<br />

anhu) that Zikr with a medium voice is permissible, and loudness, which is prohibited <strong>in</strong> Hadith, is Mufrat (excessive<br />

loudness).<br />

Moulana Abdul Hai Lakhnawi writes: "The command<strong>in</strong>g verb <strong>in</strong> IRBA’OO (be k<strong>in</strong>d <strong>to</strong> yourselves) is not for<br />

compulsion, so that <strong>the</strong> loudness can be regarded as Makrooh or Haraam, because <strong>the</strong> word k<strong>in</strong>dness is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

mean<strong>in</strong>g of ease. Therefore, Shaikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlwi has said <strong>in</strong> his commentary of Lam’aat that <strong>the</strong><br />

loudness was s<strong>to</strong>pped because of ease and not because loudness is impermissible. The maximum one can prove from<br />

this Hadith is that soft Zikr is Mustahab, and this is undisputed matter". (Sabahatul Fikr Fil Jahre Biz Zikr, page 57)<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Moulana Abdul Hai far<strong>the</strong>r writes: "A third answer is this, that if Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not<br />

s<strong>to</strong>p <strong>the</strong> Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum), <strong>the</strong>y would have thought that it is Sunnah <strong>to</strong> make loud Zikr with dist<strong>in</strong>ction<br />

when travell<strong>in</strong>g or climb<strong>in</strong>g on a high place. Sunnat, as it is proven from <strong>the</strong> say<strong>in</strong>gs and actions, similarly it is proven<br />

from not s<strong>to</strong>pp<strong>in</strong>g as well. For <strong>the</strong> reason of ease on <strong>the</strong> Ummah, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) s<strong>to</strong>pped<br />

<strong>the</strong>m from loudness. Therefore unconditional prohibition of loud Zikr is not proven". (Sabahatul Fikr, pg. 57-8)<br />

Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi writes: "Answer <strong>to</strong> this Hadith is given with <strong>the</strong>se words ‘mildness and ease is<br />

commanded, loudness is not s<strong>to</strong>pped unconditionally’". (Fatawa Imdadia, Vol. 4, pg. 45)<br />

Moulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani Deobandi writes: "Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> me this Hadith is attributed <strong>to</strong> Mufrat<br />

(excessive) loudness". (Fathul Mulham, Vol. 2, pg. 172)<br />

The references which we have quoted above prove that <strong>in</strong> this Hadith only Mufrat (excessive) loudness is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />

prohibited. Please take a look at <strong>the</strong>se references aga<strong>in</strong>. Are <strong>the</strong>se personalities <strong>in</strong>correct - Allama Aaloosi, Allama<br />

Khairudd<strong>in</strong> Ramli, Shaikh Abdul Haq Mohaddith Dehlawi, Shah Wali’ullah Mohaddith Dehlawi, Moulana Abdul Hai<br />

Lakhnawi, Moulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi and Moulana Shabbir Ahmad Usmani?<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

RAISING OF THE VOICE IN THE MUSJID<br />

1. Hadhrat Saa'ib b<strong>in</strong> Yazid (radi Allahu anhu) says that once he was sitt<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Musjid-e-Nabawi (sallallahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) when someone threw a few pebbles <strong>in</strong> his direction. When he looked up he saw that it was Hadhrat<br />

Umar (radi Allahu anhu), who <strong>to</strong>ld him <strong>to</strong> call a certa<strong>in</strong> two persons <strong>to</strong> him. When <strong>the</strong> two were brought <strong>in</strong> front<br />

of him, <strong>the</strong>y were asked from which tribe and family <strong>the</strong>y belonged. (The narra<strong>to</strong>r doubts, and says that <strong>the</strong>y<br />

were probably) asked from where <strong>the</strong>y came. They said that <strong>the</strong>y were <strong>in</strong>habitants of Taaif. Hadhrat Umar (radi<br />

Allahu anhu) <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong>m that if <strong>the</strong>y were from Mad<strong>in</strong>ah Tayyibah, <strong>the</strong>n he would have punished <strong>the</strong>m, because:<br />

"You raised your voices <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)".[Bukhari Shareef, page 67, vol.11<br />

2. Hadhrat Abu Huraira (radi Allahu anhu) narrates a Hadith where Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) stated 15<br />

signs of Qiyaamah, and he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said that <strong>the</strong>y (<strong>the</strong>se signs) will surely transpire. One of<br />

<strong>the</strong>se signs are: "Voices will be raised <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Masaajid." [Mishkaat Shareef, page 470, vol.2 - from Tirmidhi,<br />

page 44, vol.2]<br />

3. Regard<strong>in</strong>g this Hadith, Mullah Ali Qaari Hanafi (rahmatullahi alaihi) (passed away 1014A.H.), made <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

commentary: "Some of our Ulama have clearly stated that <strong>to</strong> raise <strong>the</strong> voice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid is HARAAM, even if it<br />

is for Zikr." [Mirqaat, page 171, vol.1 B Multan pr<strong>in</strong>t]<br />

4. Allaama Ala’ud Deen Muhammed b<strong>in</strong> Ali Hanafi (rahmatullahi alaihi) (passed away 1088 A.H.), writes <strong>the</strong><br />

follow<strong>in</strong>g under <strong>the</strong> Adaabs (etiquettes) of <strong>the</strong> Musjid: "To ask (for someth<strong>in</strong>g) <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid is HARAAM, and <strong>to</strong><br />

give (someth<strong>in</strong>g) is Makrooh. Similarly, <strong>to</strong> look for a lost item <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid (is Makrooh). To recite poems <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

Musjid is also Makrooh, unless <strong>the</strong>y are for advice. Similarly, <strong>to</strong> recite loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid is HARAAM, except<br />

for those who are seek<strong>in</strong>g Ilm or Fiqh (i. e. for students of Deen, if <strong>the</strong>y are learn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid)." [Durrul<br />

Mukhtaar with <strong>the</strong> Sharah Raddul Mukhtaar, page 617, vol.1, Misr pr<strong>in</strong>t]<br />

5. Hadhrat Ma'az b<strong>in</strong> Jabal (radi Allahu anhu) reported that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Keep your<br />

children and your <strong>in</strong>sane persons from <strong>the</strong> Masaajid, also (keep) your buy<strong>in</strong>g, sell<strong>in</strong>g, quarrels and RAISED<br />

VOICES (away from <strong>the</strong> Masaajid)". [AI-Kabeeri, page 566-7-Musannif Abdur Razzak, page 442, vol.1 - Beirut<br />

pr<strong>in</strong>t]<br />

6. Alaama Sayyid Mahmood Aaloosi Hanafi (rahmatullahi alaihi) (passed away 1270 A.H.), mentioned <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g<br />

regard<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr: "You see many persons, from amongst your era, who yell when <strong>the</strong>y make du'aa,<br />

especially <strong>in</strong> ga<strong>the</strong>r<strong>in</strong>gs (<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Masaajid), <strong>to</strong> such an extent that <strong>the</strong>y make <strong>the</strong>m (du'aas) poetic. They holler <strong>to</strong><br />

such an extent that ears even get clogged. They are (blissfully) unaware that <strong>the</strong>y have perpetrated two (2)<br />

Bid’as. One is <strong>to</strong> raise <strong>the</strong> voice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid". [Roohul Ma’aani, page 139, vol. 8]<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

In <strong>the</strong> 1st, 2nd and 5th po<strong>in</strong>ts mentioned above, just <strong>the</strong> rais<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> voice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> is be<strong>in</strong>g condemned. There<br />

are no <strong>in</strong>dications of <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr be<strong>in</strong>g Haraam <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong>. The rais<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> voice does not necessarily means it<br />

is <strong>the</strong> Zikr of Allah that is be<strong>in</strong>g conducted with a loud voice. It could mean <strong>the</strong> rais<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> voice for anyth<strong>in</strong>g o<strong>the</strong>r<br />

than <strong>the</strong> Zikr. The Deobandi Ulama claim that loud Zikr is Haraam, so <strong>the</strong>y must present specific proof aga<strong>in</strong>st loud<br />

Zikr. Their claim and proof do not correspond.<br />

We do agree that <strong>the</strong> voice should not be raised <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r than for <strong>the</strong> Zikr of Allah Ta’ala. It is mentioned <strong>in</strong><br />

"Fatawa Alamgiri": "No voice should be raised <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> besides <strong>the</strong> Zikr of Allah Ta’ala". (Fatawa Alamgiri, Vol. 4,<br />

pg. 94)<br />

In <strong>the</strong> 6th proof, Allama Aaloosi firstly talks about Du’a, <strong>the</strong>refore his discussion centres around <strong>the</strong> boundaries of<br />

Du’a and not <strong>the</strong> disputed issue of loud Zikr. Secondly, his discussion is directly refut<strong>in</strong>g excessive loudness. Surely,<br />

anyone with some type of <strong>in</strong>tellectual capacity can understand <strong>the</strong>se words: "They holler <strong>to</strong> such an extent that ears<br />

even get clogged".<br />

In <strong>the</strong> 3rd proof it is written, with <strong>the</strong> reference of Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari, "To raise <strong>the</strong> voice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> is Haraam,<br />

even if it is for Zikr". We will, Insha- Allah, expla<strong>in</strong> what is meant by Mulla Ali Qari’s quotation, but first we would like<br />

<strong>to</strong> present what Mullah Ali Qari believes <strong>in</strong> regard <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr.<br />

Mullah Ali Qari (radi Allahu anhu) writes: "Mazhar said that this Hadith denotes on <strong>the</strong> permissibility of loud Zikr,<br />

ra<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> Istehbaab (desirability) of loud Zikr, when it is free from show, so that <strong>the</strong> Deen maybe proclaimed,<br />

listeners are educated, and those who are sleep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> carelessness are awaken. Bless<strong>in</strong>g of Zikr could reach <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

trees, s<strong>to</strong>nes, animals and humans". (Mirqaat, Vol. 3, pg. 172)<br />

We have proved, with <strong>the</strong> reference of Mullah Ali Qari, that loud Zikr is permissible and even desirable. What else<br />

could be said about <strong>the</strong> statement of some Ulama, which Mulla Ali Qari has reported? That this statement is attributed<br />

<strong>to</strong> excessive loudness or <strong>the</strong> loudness, which is done for <strong>the</strong> purpose of show, and this is an undisputed issue.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> 4th proof, it is written with <strong>the</strong> reference of "Raddul Mukhtaar" (Shaami): "To recite loud Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> is<br />

Haraam".<br />

In a strong effort <strong>to</strong> educate <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama who fail <strong>to</strong> understand that loud Zikr refers <strong>to</strong> excessive loudness,<br />

we <strong>the</strong>refore conclude that this statement obviously refers <strong>to</strong> excessive loudness.<br />

Allama Shaami writes: "The past and present Ulama reached a consensus that it is Mustahab (desirable) <strong>to</strong> make<br />

loud Zikr with congregation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> or elsewhere". (Fatawa Raddul Mukhtaar (Shaami), Vol. 1, pg. 618)<br />

If <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama have no respect for "Fatawa Shaami", allow me <strong>the</strong>n <strong>to</strong> present Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi’s<br />

Fatwa. This Fatwa of Moulana Thanwi might be some respect among his followers. He said: "The past and <strong>the</strong> present<br />

Ulama reached a consensus that it is Mustahab <strong>to</strong> make loud Zikr with congregation <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> or elsewhere.<br />

Except that, <strong>the</strong> loudness must not disturb any sleep<strong>in</strong>g person, anybody perform<strong>in</strong>g Salaah and person recit<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Quran. Similarly, is mentioned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> books of Fiqh. It is mentioned <strong>in</strong> ‘Halbi’ that if <strong>the</strong>re is no fear of show <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong><br />

loud recitation is better". (Fatawa Imdadia, Vol. 4, pg. 45 Matboo’a Mujtabai)<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

Imaam Haafizuddeen Muhammed b<strong>in</strong> Muharnmed Bazazi Hanafi (rahmatullahi alaihi) (passed away 827 A.H.) Writes:<br />

"It is stated <strong>in</strong> Fataawa Qaadhi Khaan, that <strong>to</strong> raise <strong>the</strong> voice <strong>in</strong> Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid is HARAAM. The follow<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>cident<br />

is au<strong>the</strong>ntically reported from Hadhrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ood (radi Allahu anhu), that he heard some people who were<br />

ga<strong>the</strong>red <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Musjid recit<strong>in</strong>g Laa Ilaaha Illollahu and Durood Shareef loudly. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood (radi<br />

Allahu anhu) went <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m and said: 'We did not witness such an act dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi<br />

wasallam), and I regard you as Rid'atees. 'He repeated this aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong> until he ejected <strong>the</strong>m from <strong>the</strong> Musjid<br />

[Fataawa Bazazia, page 375, vol.3]<br />

The reference has already been given with <strong>the</strong> quotation of "Fatawa Kharia". Hazrat Allama Khairudd<strong>in</strong> Ramli expla<strong>in</strong>s<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong> quotation of "Fatawa Kharia" and says: "This whole discussion is about that Zikr, which is performed with<br />

excessive loudness and with harmful loudness". (Fatawa Kharia, Vol. 2, pg. 281-2)<br />

Now let us have a look at what Imam Qazi Khan himself has <strong>to</strong> say about <strong>the</strong> loud Zikr: "(There is) noth<strong>in</strong>g wrong <strong>in</strong><br />

recit<strong>in</strong>g Tasbeeh and Kalimah with <strong>the</strong> loud voice". (Fatawa Qazi Khan, Vol. 1, pg. 162).<br />

This quotation of Imam Qazi Khan shows that he is not aga<strong>in</strong>st loud Zikr unconditionally. The prohibition from loud<br />

Zikr is attributed <strong>to</strong> excessive loudness as Allama Khairudd<strong>in</strong> Ramli has expla<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />

Deobandi Ulama write:<br />

F<strong>in</strong>ally, Molvi Hamidi quotes from Mufti Mahmood Hassan Gangohi (rahmatullahi alaihi): "To <strong>in</strong>vent<br />

anyth<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> truth which has been proven from <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />

knowledge, practice or condition is called bidat."<br />

Thereafter, Molvi Hamidi states:"Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> this def<strong>in</strong>ition if someth<strong>in</strong>g is not aga<strong>in</strong>st what has been proven<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is not bidat, even though it did not exist <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first three periods of<br />

Islam".<br />

A good play of words, but not conv<strong>in</strong>c<strong>in</strong>g. Ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong>terpret Mufti Mahmood (rahmatullahi alaihi)'s words like this: "For<br />

an act NOT <strong>to</strong> be called a Bid'a, prove that it is accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> knowledge, practice and condition of Nabi (sallallahu<br />

alaihi wasallam)".<br />

The <strong>in</strong>terpretation given by Molvi Hamidi, will apply <strong>to</strong> anyth<strong>in</strong>g which is not part of or believed <strong>to</strong> be an <strong>in</strong>tegral part<br />

of Deen. For example, we cannot say that it is Sunnah <strong>to</strong> drive a car, because it did not exist dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time of Nabi<br />

(sallallahu alaihi wasallam). On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, we will not say that it is Haraam or a Bid'a <strong>to</strong> drive a car, because we<br />

do not regard driv<strong>in</strong>g a car as part of <strong>the</strong> Deen, nor do we claim any reward (Thawaab) for driv<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Yes, if an act is believed <strong>to</strong> be part of <strong>the</strong> Deen, as <strong>the</strong> 'Sunni' clique regard <strong>the</strong>ir Meelad, Urs, Faatiha etc., because<br />

<strong>the</strong>y anticipate reward <strong>the</strong>reby, <strong>the</strong>n we say this is HARAAM and a BID'A, because it nei<strong>the</strong>r existed dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time of<br />

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), nor <strong>the</strong> Sahabah (radhiallahu anhum), nor <strong>the</strong> Taabi'een (rahmatullahi alaihim).<br />

Because an act did not exist dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se golden eras, notwithstand<strong>in</strong>g that conditions for carry<strong>in</strong>g out <strong>the</strong>se acts<br />

were <strong>the</strong>re, for example, <strong>the</strong> Sahabah (radi Allahu anhum)’s could have celebrated <strong>the</strong> anniversary of Nabi (sallallahu<br />

alaihi wasallam) - Meelad - if <strong>the</strong>y wished, but this is NOT proven from any source, that such acts were <strong>in</strong> fact<br />

practised or sanctioned, explicitly or by implication, hence <strong>the</strong>y are Bid'a.<br />

There are two answers <strong>to</strong> this:<br />

The Deobandi Ulama said: that <strong>to</strong> drive a car is not Bid’ah. This statement is completely baseless, Rasoolullah<br />

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "KULLO MOHDASIN BID’ATUN" or "Every new th<strong>in</strong>g is Bid’ah" (Mishkaat, Babul<br />

I’tesaam). Therefore, <strong>to</strong> drive a car will be regarded as Bid’ah, but a permissible Bid’ah. Every Bid’ah is not a bad or<br />

evil Bid’ah. <strong>in</strong> fact, Bid’ah is of five types: Bid’at Waajib, Bid’at Haraam, Bid’at Mustahab, Bid’at Makrooh and Bid’at<br />

Mubah (Mirqaat, Babul I’tesaam Bil Kitaabe Was Sunnah; Shaami, Vol.1 Kitabus Salaah Babul Imamat)<br />

The pr<strong>in</strong>ciple which <strong>the</strong> Deobandi Ulama use <strong>to</strong> make Meelad, Urs and Fatiha Haraam is also applicable <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

Ijtema, Gusht, Shab Guzaari and ladies Ta’leem, etc. as well. If an act is believed <strong>to</strong> be part of <strong>the</strong> Deen, as <strong>the</strong><br />

Deobandi/Tablighi Jamaat regard <strong>the</strong>ir formation of Tableeghi Jamat, Ijtima, Gasht, Shab Guzaari and ladies Ta’leem,<br />

etc. because <strong>the</strong>y anticipate reward <strong>the</strong>reby, <strong>the</strong>n we say that accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> very same pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of <strong>the</strong> Deobandi<br />

Ulama, this is Haraam and an evil Bid’ah, It nei<strong>the</strong>r existed dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> time of Nabi (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), nor<br />

<strong>the</strong> Sahabah and <strong>the</strong> Taabi’een (radi Allahu anhum).<br />

A REPLY TO <strong>MUFTI</strong> A.H. <strong>ELIAS</strong> IS <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> PERMISSIBLE?<br />

All praises are due <strong>to</strong> Almighty Allah, Choicest bless<strong>in</strong>gs and Salutations upon Allah`s beloved Prophet Hadhrat<br />

Muhammad Mustafa (Sallal Laahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), his noble family and illustrious companions (Radi Allahu<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Anhum).<br />

On <strong>the</strong> 12/05/99 a friend brought me a publication <strong>in</strong> which an attempt was made <strong>to</strong> suggest that loud Zikr is Haraam<br />

and Bidat. The author of this leaflet Mufti A.H. Elias has based his assumption on <strong>the</strong> book "M<strong>in</strong>haj-ul-Wazaai" by<br />

Mowlvi Sarfraz Khan.<br />

Brows<strong>in</strong>g through, I found <strong>the</strong> argument <strong>to</strong> be very weak and put it aside. Then a thought came <strong>to</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d that this<br />

leaflet may spread some misguidance so I felt it my religious duty <strong>to</strong> correct <strong>the</strong> misconception. I pray <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Crea<strong>to</strong>r<br />

of all <strong>the</strong> worlds <strong>to</strong> make this humble effort beneficial <strong>to</strong> all Muslims and may <strong>the</strong> Almighty Allah remove all those<br />

doubts and whispers which some people are try<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> spread (Ameen).<br />

Mufti A.H. Elias argues aga<strong>in</strong>st loud Zikr:<br />

Hereunder follows a brief presentation of <strong>the</strong> dalaail (proofs). Reflect carefully. Allah Ta`aala has stated: "And<br />

remember your Rabb (make zikr) <strong>in</strong> your heart with humility and fear, without rais<strong>in</strong>g your voices." (Surah A`raaf)<br />

"Call out <strong>to</strong> your Rabb with humility and silently. Surely HE does not like <strong>the</strong> transgressors." (Surah A`raaf)<br />

In <strong>the</strong>se noble Aayaat (verses) of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan Shareef <strong>the</strong>re are two conditions for mak<strong>in</strong>g Zikr and Du`aa. One is<br />

that Zikr and du`aa are <strong>to</strong> be made with utmost s<strong>in</strong>cerity and humility, and <strong>the</strong> second condition is that it is <strong>to</strong> be<br />

recited softly and <strong>in</strong> a low voice, because Allah Ta`aala does not like those who transgress <strong>the</strong> bounds of <strong>the</strong> Shariah.<br />

Once <strong>the</strong> Sahaba (radi Allahu anhum) were mak<strong>in</strong>g Zikr <strong>in</strong> a loud voice and Rasulullah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam)<br />

prevented <strong>the</strong>m b say<strong>in</strong>g : "Oh people! Have mercy upon yourselves, you are not call<strong>in</strong>g upon that Be<strong>in</strong>g who is deaf<br />

or absent. You are call<strong>in</strong>g upon that Be<strong>in</strong>g who is All-Hear<strong>in</strong>g and close by, and HE is with you (all <strong>the</strong><br />

time) ." (Bukhari 605 vol. 2, Muslim page 346, vol. 2)."<br />

Above, two verses of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan and one Hadith is presented whereby an attempt has been made <strong>to</strong> prove that loud<br />

Zikr has no legitimate place <strong>in</strong> Shari’ah and those who perform loud Zikr are Transgressors.<br />

We will expla<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> true understand<strong>in</strong>g of both <strong>the</strong> Verses and <strong>the</strong> Hadith separately and, Insha-Allah, <strong>in</strong>telligent<br />

people will have no difficulty <strong>in</strong> understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Truth.<br />

EXPLANATION OF THE FIRST VERSE<br />

In this verse Zikr <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> state of Salaah is meant. It means that, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Salaah of Ikhfa (those Salaah <strong>in</strong> which<br />

recitation of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan is made softly). Recitation of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan which is Zikr of Allah should be done softly, or it<br />

means that <strong>the</strong> Imam should not raise his voice more than what is necessary.<br />

Allama Ismail Haqqi annotates <strong>the</strong> very same verse <strong>in</strong> Tafseer Roohul Bayaan: "A person who leads <strong>the</strong> congregation<br />

<strong>in</strong> Jahri Salaah (<strong>in</strong> which <strong>the</strong> recitation of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan is made loudly) should not raise his voice very much. Ra<strong>the</strong>r he<br />

should keep his voice <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> level which is easily heard by his followers".<br />

The very same verse is expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Tafseer Khaz<strong>in</strong>:" Hadhrat Ibn Abbas (R.A.) says that <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of Zikr <strong>in</strong> this<br />

verse is recitation of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan <strong>in</strong> Salaah"<br />

Through <strong>the</strong> above explanation we learn that <strong>in</strong> this verse loud Zikr is not be<strong>in</strong>g prohibited unconditionally, <strong>in</strong>stead<br />

<strong>the</strong> prohibition is for loud recit<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Salaah of Ikhfa.<br />

Both loud and soft Zikr are permissible. No proof exists <strong>in</strong> Shariah aga<strong>in</strong>st any Zikr. Yes, both loud and soft Zikr due <strong>to</strong><br />

change of circumstances, can have degrees of excellence <strong>in</strong>terchangeably over each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />

It is stated <strong>in</strong> Tafseer Roohul Bayaan under <strong>the</strong> commentary of this that : "Soft Zikr is better where <strong>the</strong>re is fear of<br />

show or a possibility of disturb<strong>in</strong>g those who are <strong>in</strong> prayer or asleep, except for this, loud Zikr is better, because <strong>the</strong>re<br />

is more effect <strong>in</strong> it. Listeners also benefit from it, and it awakens <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> Zaakir (one who makes Zikr), causes<br />

concentration and draws <strong>the</strong> attention of <strong>the</strong> ears <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> Zaakir."<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

EXPLANATION OF THE SECOND VERSE<br />

In this verse Dua is meant by <strong>the</strong> word Zikr. In reality mak<strong>in</strong>g Du’a softly is better so that <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong>cerity can be<br />

achieved.<br />

Tafseer Roohul Bayaan and Khaz<strong>in</strong> have expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> very same mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong> context of <strong>the</strong> word Zikr, as it is<br />

expla<strong>in</strong>ed above. Tafseer of <strong>the</strong> second verse can also be seen <strong>in</strong> Roohul Bayaan and Khaz<strong>in</strong>. To avoid redundancy we<br />

submit <strong>the</strong> above reference as conclusive. Through <strong>the</strong> explanation of learned commenta<strong>to</strong>rs of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan we have<br />

learnt that even <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> second verse which was presented <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> argument by Mufti A.H. Elias loud Zikr is not<br />

prohibited unconditionally.<br />

EXPLANATION OF THE HADITH<br />

This Hadith is related <strong>to</strong> one of <strong>the</strong> journey s dur<strong>in</strong>g Jihad. It was necessary that <strong>the</strong> Muslim troops enter <strong>in</strong><strong>to</strong> Khaiber<br />

secretly so that <strong>the</strong> kuffaar could be surprised and rendered <strong>in</strong>capable of quick retaliation.<br />

Some who said <strong>the</strong> Takbeer loudly were s<strong>to</strong>pped for this reason alone. It was fur<strong>the</strong>r, an advice <strong>to</strong> ease <strong>the</strong> difficulties<br />

of <strong>the</strong> Muslims who had already been through <strong>the</strong> difficulty of travell<strong>in</strong>g. In this <strong>in</strong>stance shout<strong>in</strong>g aloud was<br />

undesirably <strong>in</strong>advisable.<br />

This Hadith is expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> Lam`aat <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g words. (Lam`aat is a commentary of Mishkat. Reference of<br />

Lam`aat is given here because this Hadith is <strong>in</strong> Mishkat as well)". In this Hadith <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>in</strong>dication that s<strong>to</strong>pp<strong>in</strong>g from<br />

loud takbeer is only for <strong>the</strong> purpose of ease , not because loud Zikr is forbidden. " Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith-e-<br />

Dhelvi expla<strong>in</strong>s this Hadith <strong>in</strong> Ash`atul -lam`aat ". In this Hadith <strong>the</strong>re is <strong>in</strong>dication that s<strong>to</strong>pp<strong>in</strong>g from loud zikr is<br />

because of ease, not because loud Zikr is forbidden, and <strong>the</strong> truth is that loud Zikr is <strong>in</strong>deed permissible. We have<br />

proven it <strong>in</strong> Risala-e-Owraad (name of book)<br />

Mufti A.H. Elias writes:<br />

ALLAMA HALBI HANAFI (RAHMATULLAH ALAIHI) HAS WRITTEN: "HADHRAT IMAM ABU HANIFA (RAHMATULLAH<br />

ALAIHI) SAID THAT TO MAKE <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>LOUD</strong>LY IS BID`A, AND IT IS CONTRARY TO THE AAYAT OF ALLAH TA`AALA<br />

WHEREIN IT IS STATED: "CALL OUT TO YOUR RABB WITH HUMILITY AND IN A SOFT TONE." This text clearly<br />

proves that accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah Alaihi) that <strong>to</strong> make Zikr <strong>in</strong> a loud voice is contrary <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

ayat of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan Shareef and it is also Bid`a. The irony of <strong>the</strong> matter is that <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r group (i.e. those not<br />

practic<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr) are termed Wahabis and those practic<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr regard <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>to</strong>be <strong>the</strong> Ahle-Sunnat.<br />

LAHOWLA WA LA QUWATA ILLA BILLA. Hadhrat Mullah Ali Qari (rahmatullah Alaihi) has written: " Some of our Ulama<br />

have very explicitly stated that <strong>to</strong> RAISE THE VOICE IN THE MASJID, EVEN IF IT BE FOR <strong>ZIKR</strong>, IS HARAAM." Not<br />

withstand<strong>in</strong>g that Hadhrat Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullah Alaihi) has mentioned loud Zikr <strong>to</strong> be Bid`a and Hadhrat<br />

Mullah Ali Qari (rahmatullah Alaihi) has recorded it <strong>to</strong> be Haraam.<br />

This argument is very weak for many reasons<br />

1. Whatever is written from Allama Halbi Hanafi and Mulla Ali Qari is without any reference. Any argument without<br />

reference is not worthy of consideration.<br />

2. Whatever is written with reference of Mulla Ali Qari, if we except it <strong>to</strong> be correct, we must accept it as<br />

somewhat blemished because Mulla Ali Qari has used <strong>the</strong> word "some of" which is <strong>the</strong> translation of <strong>the</strong> Arabic<br />

word Ba'd, and this is an unders<strong>to</strong>od fact amongst <strong>the</strong> Ulama that whenever a weak op<strong>in</strong>ion has <strong>to</strong> be quoted<br />

<strong>the</strong> word Ba'd is used. In fact Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari's statement has proven that those who say loud zikr is<br />

haraam is set on <strong>the</strong> basis of a weak argument.<br />

3. As far as Hanafi Mazhab is concerned we would like <strong>to</strong> present a fatwa of an Aalim who is related <strong>to</strong> Darul-<br />

Uloom Deoband, who also claims <strong>to</strong> be a Hanafi and is <strong>the</strong> leader and spiritual guide of Ulama of Deoband.<br />

Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi was forwarded a question . . .<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

QUESTION:<br />

What is <strong>the</strong> rul<strong>in</strong>g of loud Zikr and loud Durood, and if <strong>the</strong> loudness is light or severe as <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Salaah. Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />

Muhaddi<strong>the</strong>en and four Jurist Imams - is it permissible or not?<br />

ANSWER:<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alai) loud Zikr is makrooh (undesirable) unless <strong>the</strong> loudness of <strong>the</strong> zikr is<br />

proven with Nass (categorical order of statement) <strong>in</strong> that occasion. The rest of <strong>the</strong> jurists, Muhaddi<strong>the</strong>en and<br />

Saheba<strong>in</strong> (Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad) regard it as permissible. The way of life of our spiritual leaders is<br />

<strong>the</strong> mazhab of <strong>the</strong> Saheba<strong>in</strong> (R.A.) (Fatawa Rashidia page 252 published by Saeed Company Karachi)<br />

Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi has made it very clear <strong>in</strong> this Fatwa that besides Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi<br />

alai) (he also does not regard loud Zikr as makrooh unconditionally), all o<strong>the</strong>r jurists and Muhaddi<strong>the</strong>en regard loud<br />

Zikr as Ja’iz (permissible) and he also made it clear that his spiritual leaders practice upon it. In Fatawa Rashidia <strong>the</strong>re<br />

are eight questions with regard <strong>to</strong> loud Zikr and Moulana Gangohi replied <strong>to</strong> each one prov<strong>in</strong>g that loud Zikr is jaiz<br />

(permissible) .<br />

A question still rema<strong>in</strong>ed unanswered as <strong>to</strong> why Imam Abu Hanifa regarded loud Zikr as makrooh ?<br />

Moulana Gangohi`s reply : " Both loud Zikr and soft Zikr are Jaiz accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> Hadith. Imam Abu Hanifa has regarded<br />

loud Zikr as bidat only <strong>in</strong> that condition where <strong>the</strong>re is an occasion of Zikr and <strong>the</strong> loudness is not proven by <strong>the</strong> Holy<br />

Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) For example, Zikr while go<strong>in</strong>g for Eid-ul-Fitr. He did not s<strong>to</strong>p loud Zikr<br />

unconditionally. Zikr is correct <strong>in</strong> whichever way it may be. (Fatawa Rashidia page 251)<br />

We are surprised that <strong>the</strong> ulama who are proud <strong>to</strong> be l<strong>in</strong>ked with <strong>the</strong> ulama of Deoband are <strong>to</strong>tally unaware of <strong>the</strong><br />

teach<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong>ir elders.<br />

As far as labell<strong>in</strong>g someone as Wahabi is concerned, I say that no one has ever branded a person Wahabi merely<br />

because of practic<strong>in</strong>g soft Zikr. This is a false allegation. We believe that both loud and soft Zikr are correct. Yes we<br />

term somebody Wahabi only when we f<strong>in</strong>d him approv<strong>in</strong>g and appreciat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> beliefs of <strong>the</strong> Wahabies, and<br />

shower<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fatwas of shirk and bidat on every little th<strong>in</strong>g, without acceptable proof.<br />

It is not hidden from anybody that Ulama affiliated <strong>to</strong> Darul Uloom Deoband are very enthusiastic <strong>in</strong> giv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Fatwas<br />

of shirk and bidat on <strong>the</strong> common practices of Muslims just as <strong>the</strong> Wahabi Ulama do. The ulama-e-Deoband have<br />

approved and appreciated <strong>the</strong> teach<strong>in</strong>gs of Muhammad B<strong>in</strong> Abdul Wahab Najdi. Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi<br />

writes <strong>in</strong> praise of <strong>the</strong> Wahabies : " Muhammad B<strong>in</strong> Abdul Wahab is called a Wahabi by <strong>the</strong> people. He was a good<br />

man. I have heard that he followed <strong>the</strong> Hambaly Mazhab. He used <strong>to</strong> practice upon Hadith and used <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p people<br />

from bidat and shirk. But he had strictness <strong>in</strong> his temperament. "<br />

" Followers of Muhammad B<strong>in</strong> Abdul Wahab are called Wahabies, <strong>the</strong>ir beliefs were excellent and <strong>the</strong>y followed <strong>the</strong><br />

Hambaly Mazhab" ( Fatawa Rashidia page 280 )<br />

In <strong>the</strong> above two Fatwas <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g good th<strong>in</strong>gs are mentioned about Muhammad B<strong>in</strong> Abdul Wahab :<br />

1. He was a good man.<br />

2. He was a follower of Imam Ahmed B<strong>in</strong> Hambal<br />

3. He used <strong>to</strong> practice upon Hadith.<br />

4. He used <strong>to</strong> prevent from bidat and Shirk.<br />

5. His, and his followers beliefs were excellent.<br />

After mention<strong>in</strong>g all <strong>the</strong>se praises Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi writes " In <strong>the</strong>se times, <strong>in</strong> our surround<strong>in</strong>gs, a<br />

follower of Sunnah and a believer is called Wahabi" (Fatawa Rashidia page 110)<br />

Those Ulama who are affiliated with Darul Uloom Deoband should express joy and happ<strong>in</strong>ess when <strong>the</strong>y are called<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Wahabies because accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir def<strong>in</strong>ition Wahabi means A follower of sunnat and a believer. Why should <strong>the</strong>y<br />

get frustrated by <strong>the</strong> word wahabi ? Writ<strong>in</strong>g LA HOWLA WALA QUWATA ILLA BILLA <strong>in</strong> capital letters is mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

frustration very obvious and clear .<br />

Mufti A.H.Elias writes :<br />

"There rema<strong>in</strong>s now <strong>the</strong> argument presented by Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan that `Shaami` has stated :"The past and<br />

present Ulama reached a consensus that it is mustahab for a jamaat <strong>in</strong> a masjid <strong>to</strong> raise <strong>the</strong>ir voices <strong>in</strong> Zikr, but <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

loudness should not be such that it causes a disturbance <strong>to</strong> one who may be sleep<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a <strong>Masjid</strong> or <strong>to</strong> one read<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Namaaz or <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Qaari. " ( Jaa-al-Haq pg 332)<br />

This argument of his is not worth any consideration.<br />

FIRSTLY , s<strong>in</strong>ce <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan Shareef and Ahaadith have ordered Zikr <strong>to</strong> be made softly, can <strong>the</strong> practice of any<br />

person <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> contrary be taken as proof ?<br />

SECONDLY , <strong>the</strong> four Aaimma of Mazhab have stated loud Zikr as NOT be<strong>in</strong>g Mustahab and Imam Abu Hanifa<br />

(rahmatullahi alaihi) has branded it as Bid`a and he has po<strong>in</strong>ted out that it is contrary <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Aayat of <strong>the</strong> Qur`aan<br />

Shareef. When <strong>the</strong> four Imams of Mazhab have reached a cocensus AGAINST <strong>the</strong> permissibility of loud Zikr, <strong>the</strong>n how<br />

can <strong>the</strong>re be any consensus grant<strong>in</strong>g its permissibility ? And are <strong>the</strong> four great Imams not from amongst <strong>the</strong> past<br />

Ulama (Mutaqaddimeem) ?<br />

THIRDLY , <strong>the</strong>re is most certa<strong>in</strong>ly not a consensus amongst <strong>the</strong> present Ulama (Muta`akhireen) that loud Zikr is<br />

Mustahab. All Ulama from all <strong>the</strong> Mazaahib have rejected it. Even <strong>the</strong> Sufia-e Kiraam have not reached a consensus<br />

on loud Zikr. Refer <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> writ<strong>in</strong>gs of Hadhrat Mujaddid Alf Thaani (rahmatullahi alaih) . Similarly, refer carefully <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

kitaabs of o<strong>the</strong>r Ulama and Fuqaha. By merely freely stat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> word `Ittifaaq` (consensus) this mas`ala cannot be<br />

solved.<br />

In <strong>the</strong> above paragraph Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi`s one statement is mentioned and is refuted with three<br />

arguments. Here follows <strong>the</strong> reply <strong>to</strong> all three arguments.<br />

RESPONSE TO THE FIRST ARGUMENT<br />

We have already proved that establish<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of ayat and Hadith (accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> commenta<strong>to</strong>rs of Qur`aan<br />

and Hadith) is not m erely tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> outward mean<strong>in</strong>g while ignor<strong>in</strong>g o<strong>the</strong>r proofs and circumstances which are<br />

necessary for commentary, and thorough understand<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

RESPONSE TO THE SECOND ARGUMENT<br />

If <strong>the</strong>re is consensus of Imams of <strong>the</strong> Mazahib aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> permissibility of loud Zikr show us <strong>the</strong> proof ! Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong><br />

Moulana Rashid Ahmed Gangohi besides Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alai) all o<strong>the</strong>r Imams of Mazahib believed<br />

that loud Zikr is permissible .Imam Abu Hanifa`s view that loud Zikr is Makrooh is also expla<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> detail. Was<br />

Moulana Gangohi unaware of <strong>the</strong> `consensus` of <strong>the</strong> Imams ? If <strong>the</strong>re was such a "consensus` If he was aware <strong>the</strong>n<br />

why did he give a Fatwa of different op<strong>in</strong>ion <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> `consensus"? Why did <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Ulama who followed <strong>the</strong> same<br />

school of thought not refute his Fatwa s<strong>in</strong>ce it was supposedly aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> Truth ?<br />

RESPONSE TO THE THIRD ARGUMENT<br />

If <strong>the</strong> Sufia-e-Kiraam have not reached a consensus <strong>in</strong> favour of loud Zikr it does not mean that <strong>the</strong>y have reached a<br />

consensus on it be<strong>in</strong>g Haraam or, bidat. Wha t benefit could you derive out of this argument? We have already said<br />

that both loud Zikr and soft Zikr are correct. Whatever Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan Naeemi has said, he has <strong>in</strong>fact qouted<br />

FATAWA SHAAMI .So <strong>the</strong>se are not his own words. We respectfully submit that you have not done justice <strong>in</strong> criticiz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan - ra<strong>the</strong>r you should have directed your criticism <strong>to</strong> ALLAMA IBN AABEDEEN SHAAMI, on <strong>the</strong><br />

evidence of your argument.<br />

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English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Mufti A.H. Elias writes :<br />

However Mufti Ahmed Yaar Khan says : "The opposition say it (loud Zikr) is Haraam, and <strong>the</strong>y use different schemes<br />

<strong>in</strong> order <strong>to</strong> prevent it - one of <strong>the</strong>ir schemes is <strong>to</strong> brand loud Zikr Bid`a and contrary <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Usool (pr<strong>in</strong>ciple) of Imam<br />

Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alaihi)."(Jaa-al-Haq pg 329)In all fairness we ask :"Who has branded it (loud Zikr) Haraam<br />

and Bid`a ? Has Imam Abu Hanifa and Mullah Ali Qaari (rahmatullahi alaihima) also jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong> ranks of <strong>the</strong><br />

`opposition` ? Are <strong>the</strong>y also amongst those who are plott<strong>in</strong>g and plann<strong>in</strong>g schemes <strong>to</strong> prevent it ? Answer<br />

<strong>in</strong>telligently<br />

Imam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alai) has not regarded loud Zikr as Haraam or Bidat, a detailed explanation has<br />

already been mentioned. Mullah Ali Qaari expla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Hadith of Muslim has only said that : "It is better <strong>to</strong> make<br />

soft Zikr"<br />

We fail <strong>to</strong> understand conclusively from which source <strong>the</strong>se people have derived that loud Zikr is Haraam and Bidat<br />

Mufti A.H. Elias writes :<br />

The subject regard<strong>in</strong>g loud Zikr and Soft Zikr has been dealt with <strong>in</strong> detail <strong>in</strong> this book, `Hukmus-Zikr bil Jahr`<br />

authored by this writer (Abu Zahid Muhammed Sar Faraaz Safdar) - one may refer <strong>to</strong> it and study <strong>the</strong> same.<br />

Allama Ghulaam Rasool Saeedi has given a crush<strong>in</strong>g reply <strong>to</strong> Moulana Sarfaraaz Safdar`s book which rema<strong>in</strong>s<br />

unrivalled till <strong>to</strong>day. Allama Saeedi`s book is titled `<strong>ZIKR</strong> BIL JAHR`, Fareedia Bookstall Lahore has published this<br />

book. Any person <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>to</strong> know more about this <strong>to</strong>pic must view Allama Saeedi`s book.<br />

Mufti A.H. Elias writes :<br />

The article <strong>to</strong> follow is from a book entitled "M<strong>in</strong>haj-ul-Wazaai" or" Rai-e- Sunnat" by Allama Abu Zar Muhammed<br />

Sarfaras Khan and its validity, correctness and au<strong>the</strong>ntic nature has been testified by:<br />

a. Qari Muhammed Tayob (R.A.)- rec<strong>to</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> Darul Uloom Deoband.<br />

b. Moulana Mufti Sayed Mahdi Hassan (R.A.) -head Mufti of Darul Uloom Deoband.<br />

c. Moulana Shamul-Haqq Afgani (R.A.)- Sheikul - Tafseer - Darul Uloom Deoband.<br />

Mentioned above are some of <strong>the</strong> big names of Deoband who regard loud Zikr as Haraam and Bidat. We fail <strong>to</strong><br />

understand how Moulana Gangohi says that loud Zikr is <strong>the</strong> way of life of our spiritual leaders, " and yet his followers<br />

say it is Haraam and Bidat.<br />

Which one should we take as right or wrong? Who should we regard as Aalim and who as Jaahil? Who should we<br />

regard as guided and whoas misguided ? Please consider carefully !<br />

Mufti A.H. Ellias writes:<br />

A bidat is a bidat irrespective of who commits it. There is no concept of holy s<strong>in</strong> or holy bidat.<br />

We are go<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> analyse one particular sentence of Mufti Elias " There is no concept of holy s<strong>in</strong> or holy bidat"<br />

Hazrat Mulla Ali Qari writes <strong>in</strong> Mirkat Babul I'tisam bil kitaabe wassunnah: "Bidat sometimes is waajib<br />

( compulsory) for example <strong>to</strong> learn Arabic grammar and rules of Fiqh and sometimes it is Haraam, for example<br />

Mazhab of Jabria ( or any o<strong>the</strong>r sect which is opposed <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> beliefs of Ahlussunnah Wal Jama'h) sometimes bidat is<br />

Mustahab (recommended) for example <strong>to</strong> establish guest houses and madressahs and every o<strong>the</strong>r good th<strong>in</strong>g which<br />

was not <strong>in</strong> previous times, and sometimes it is Makrooh (disliked) for example <strong>to</strong> decorate musjids with pride, and<br />

sometimes bidat is jaiz (permissible) for example shak<strong>in</strong>g hands after fajr salaah, or <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> good food and<br />

dr<strong>in</strong>ks."<br />

NooreMad<strong>in</strong>ah Network - http://www.NooreMad<strong>in</strong>ah.net


English Book: <strong>LOUD</strong> <strong>ZIKR</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Masjid</strong> <strong>Elsewhere</strong> <strong>Reply</strong> <strong>to</strong> <strong>MUFTI</strong> <strong>ELIAS</strong><br />

Allama Ibn Aabeedeen Shaami has stated similar types of Bidat <strong>in</strong> Fatawa Shaami first volume Kittab-us-Salaah<br />

Babul Imaamat. We wonder how great scholars like Allama Shaami and Mulla Qari regard some Bidat as Jaiz,<br />

Mustahab and even <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> extent of Waajib and yet Mufti Elias argues that every Bidat is a bad Bidat.<br />

Infact <strong>the</strong> bidat which is condemned <strong>in</strong> Hadith is that Bidat which is oppos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Deen. Therefore, Sheik Abdul Haq<br />

Muhaddis Dehlvi expla<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> commentary of one Hadith: " Whoever <strong>in</strong>vents an op<strong>in</strong>ion <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Deen which is not<br />

from <strong>the</strong> Deen that op<strong>in</strong>ion is rejected." Meant here is, that which opposed <strong>to</strong> Deen or changes <strong>the</strong> Deen. (Ashatul<br />

LamAat Babul I'tisam).<br />

From <strong>the</strong> above explanation we understand that someth<strong>in</strong>g which is not mentioned is no basis for it be<strong>in</strong>g considered<br />

Haraam or bad Bidat. In fact rul<strong>in</strong>g of it be<strong>in</strong>g Haraam or bad Bidat will only be justified if it is opposed <strong>to</strong> Shariah or<br />

changes it, for example, if it removes any Fard, Waajib or Sunnah and takes its place.<br />

Mufti Mahmood Hassan Gangohi def<strong>in</strong>es bidat with reference of Shaami <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g words: "To<br />

<strong>in</strong>vent anyth<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st <strong>the</strong> truth which has been proven from <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) accord<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>to</strong> knowledge, practice or condition is called Bidat." (Fatawa Mahmoodiya Vol. 1 Page 235).<br />

Accord<strong>in</strong>g <strong>to</strong> this def<strong>in</strong>ition if someth<strong>in</strong>g is not aga<strong>in</strong>st what has been proven from <strong>the</strong> Holy Prophet (sallallaahu alaihi<br />

wasallam) is not Bidat, even though it did not exist <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> first three periods of Islam.<br />

Those people who ask for proof regard<strong>in</strong>g Meelad, Fatiha, Urs and Salaami, etc. Should try ano<strong>the</strong>r approach. Can<br />

<strong>the</strong>y prove which Fard, Waajib or Sunnah has been violated by <strong>the</strong>se practice?<br />

Allah and His Rasool (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) know best.<br />

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NooreMad<strong>in</strong>ah Network<br />

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