The Road to Success Moulana Abrarul Haq Saheb Translated by Hafiz Abdur Rahman Kolia

Introduction All praise is due to Allâh, we seek His aid, assistance and forgiveness, in Him we believe and upon Him is our reliance. We seek Allâh’s protection from the evil of our carnal self and from the evil effects of our sinful deeds. Whomsoever Allâh guides none can lead astray and whomsoever Allâh causes to deviate none can guide him. We testify that there is no deity except Allâh, who is one and without any partner, and we testify that our noble master and prophet, Muhammed SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam, is the servant and messenger of Allâh. May Allâh shower His infinite mercies and peace upon him, his family, companions, pure wives and his entire offspring. Allâh Ta'âla says in the Qur'ân: "Abandon external and internal sins. Those who transgress will be punished for their doings." (6: 121) It is reported in the Hadith that: "A single Aalim is more powerful against Shaytaan than a hundred worshippers." (Tirmizi vol. 2, p.93) In another hadith it is stated, "I have left behind two things upon which if you are steadfast you will never deviate, the book of Allâh, i.e. the Qur'ân and the legacy of His prophet, i.e. the collections of ahaadith." (Mishkat vol. 1, p. 31) I have recited before you a verse of the Qur'ân-e-Karim and two ahaadith of Nabi SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam regarding which I wish to mention three issues, briefly.

An Object of Desire The verse of the Qur'ân recited is of special importance, due to the fact that success depends on the condition mentioned therein. Success is the object of every person’s desire. If any person is given a choice between respect and disgrace, comforts and hardships, he would naturally choose respect and comfort. Similarly, those who are gathered here today are more desirous of success for the simple reason that they are Muslims. (Because Muslims believe that success is dependant on Iman, it proves that they are more desirous of success).

The Principle of Success Any person who affiliates himself to any organisation, institution, or governmental post, besides being obliged to fulfill the task assigned to him, he also has to dress according to the status and position of his duty. For example, if a person joins the police force or post office, he has to fulfill the tasks entrusted to him and he also has to wear the uniform (which informs of his affiliation to that respective organisation and also classifies his status in that organisation). Prosperity and success inevitably depends on the fulfilment of both requirements. Can he prosper by just wearing his uniform (an outward form of commitment) and not fulfilling his duties? Similarly, can he prosper by merely fulfilling his tasks without an outward sign of commitment and affiliation, ie. Uniform? Similar is the case of a soldier, he is required to be in uniform when on duty. If on a Friday the Imam rushes into the masjid before the khutbah, wearing only a trouser, people will immediately summon a doctor and the services of an ambulance. No matter how he tries to explain that his purpose of doing so is to educate the public that salaah can be performed by wearing a trouser only. The point is, that just as fulfilment of the duty is necessary, so is uniform, the attire which informs of the status and position of the person.

Purpose of Uniform The uniform is a symbol by which a person is recognised to be affiliated to a specific institution or group. It dispels the need for introduction, which is why a policeman and a soldier are recognised instantly. (In the case of these two a uniform prevents unnecessary obstruction in times of necessity because the uniform informs about their authority).

A Requisite of Islam The question that arises is that since Islam is a complete way of life (encompassing every facet of human activity) as has been claimed in the Qur'ân: "Today I have completed your religion for you." (5:3), has it stipulated any specific uniform by which its adherent i.e. the Muslim can be recognised ? A negative reply would constitute the incompleteness of Islam and eventually result in a lie being attributed to Allâh (Allâh forbid). The truth is that Islam has established principles and set guidelines regarding every issue, but the Muslims, have neglected the significance of the Islamic dress/uniform. This has subsequently resulted in them fulfilling acts of worship only. Others have justified their act by saying that internal commitment is sufficient.

Status and Length of the Beard The beard is a necessary part of the Islamic uniform. The beard refers to the hair which grows on the chin and the cheeks. (Majma’u Bihâril Anwâr vol.4, p. 478) In the Arabic language, the word "Luha " refers to the bone on which the teeth grow i.e., the jaw bone and this is where the beard grows. Hence, it is necessary to let the beard grow on this bone and to cut any part of this is prohibited. We have been commanded to let the beard grow. "Lengthen/ thicken the beard." But once its length is more than a fist, it is permissible to cut off the excess hair. When I (Moulâna Abrarul Haq) mentioned this in Bombay, a certain person objected. He said that the Hadith commands us to let the beard grow whereas you are saying that it should be shortened after it grows to the length of one fist. When I looked at him I saw that his beard had grown beyond his navel. Similarly, in Bangalore I met a person whose beard was beyond knee length. Nevertheless, I told the first person that it is proven that the beard should be trimmed. "Nabi Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam used to trim his beard, lengthwise and breathwise." (Tirmizi vol.2 p. 100) But how do we know how much of it was trimmed? We learn this from the actions of the Sahaba RadiAllâhu anhum, who saw the beard of Rasulullah SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam and who kept beards as Nabi SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam had kept. Hence, Umar RadiAllâhu anhu is reported to have said: "Trim the hair which is beyond one fist." (Ghuniyatut Talibeen vol.1 p. 614) It is mentioned regarding Abdullah bin Umar RadiAllâhu anhu: "He used to take his beard in his fist and trim all those hairs which were beyond the fist." (Fathul Qadeer vol. 2 p.270) Regarding Abu Hurairah RadiAllâhu anhu it is mentioned: "He used to trim all those hairs which extended beyond the fist." (Ibid) Hence, the act of the Sahaba has stipulated the minimum limit of the beard. Sometimes a law is passed verbally and sometimes by practice. Hence, the Ulema say that to keep an Islamic beard (one fist length) is compulsory (wajib). In other words, just as witr salâh, eid salâh, etc. is wajib, so is the beard. Sheikh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehlawi writes, shaving the beard is harâm. It is an act of the west and the Hindus and to keep it one fist length is wajib.

"Islamic Beard" I mentioned that it is wajib to keep an ‘Islamic beard’ whereupon a person enquired the reason for restricting it with the word ‘Islamic’. I told him that every action of a Muslim should be done according to Islamic guidelines. For example, to fast on the 30th of Ramadhan is Islamic but to fast on Eid day is un-Islamic. To perform the Fajr salâh before sunrise is Islamic while to perform it while the sun rises is un-Islamic. The crux is that if any action is done with the Islamic requirements being fulfilled, then it will be regarded as Islamic, otherwise it will be un-Islamic.

Juristic Consequence A person who does not have a beard, is not eligible to perform the salâh, Azan or Iqamah. When a person wishes an audience with the king or judge etc. he presents himself in an appropriate manner. Similarly, when a person comes into the court of Allâh, he has to fulfill the conditions also. How can a person stand on the musalla of Nabi SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam when he does not resemble Nabi SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam? How can somebody succeed Bilal RadiAllâhu anhu in that lofty task when he does not resemble Bilal RadiAllâhu anhu? Similarly, the beard should be one fist length on all three sides, concerning which many people are ignorant. Lastly, the beard length should be measured by one’s own fist and not by anybody else’s fist, such as the barber etc.

An Interesting Incident Many years ago a Sikh migrated to America. His son who was also a Sikh decided to join the military. The officer in charge informed him that if he wished that his application be accepted, he should as a pre-requisite cut his hair and shave his beard. (The Sikh culture prohibits the cutting of hair from any part of the body). After being refused admission due to his hair, he wrote a letter to the President stating, that being an American resident, he wished to join the army and be of service to his country and at the same time, he did not want to contradict his culture. Subsequently, he was granted permission to practice on his culture and remain in the Army. At that time he was the only one out of 11 000 000 soldiers who had hair. The courage of this Sikh is definitely admirable. Hence, when any person determines to do anything, he will always accomplish it.

Devotion to Allâh A policeman is in the force for 25 years in which no complaints have been filed against him. He arduously carries out his duties until he reaches the status of a sergeant, and in a few years time he will be retiring only to receive a healthy pension. However, one day at a certain police function he arrives without uniform, upon which he is reminded to wear it. After a few hours he is again seen out of uniform and reprimanded. He does not heed and eventually on the third occasion he is fired. After 25 years of service he is considered to be a failure and he is dismissed disgracefully. Similar is the case of the Muslims of today, who worship Allâh but discard the uniform as they consider it insignificant. Despite being disobedient they still entertain the hope of gaining success and cannot comprehend why they are afflicted with difficulties.

Concern for Reformation In June 1967, the Egyptian forces were defeated by the Jews, which resulted in Jewish Occupation of Palestine. A certain person asked me why his duas for the Muslim army were not being accepted. I asked him what his occupation was whereupon he replied that he was a businessman. I then asked him if for example his son was disobedient to him, or disrespectful to him, or if he came naked to the shop, or if he destroyed the goods in the shop, would he not dismiss him and be angry with him? Thereafter, if his uncles or friends or even the Imam of the Masjid for that matter, intercede on his behalf, would the father forgive him, if the son himself does not ask for forgiveness? He replied that he would not accept any intercession unless the son himself asked for forgiveness. Thereafter I explained to him that similarly, if the Egyptian forces and the people of Palestine, do not seek forgiveness themselves and are not concerned with reforming themselves, then how will Allâh help them.

Basic Principle of Life The government of our country has provided electricity in such a way that by simply getting connected we are able to benefit tremendously from the electricity. On hot days we switch on the air conditioner and on cold days we use heaters. Similarly, we use fridges, lights, stoves, water coolers etc. One day all of a sudden the electricity is cut off. After enquiries it becomes apparent that the previous bill was not settled. So when the governments of the world apply this principle, then Allâh too can apply the same principle - no cash, no delivery. We desire our subjects (so to say) i.e. wife and children to be totally obedient to us, but how obedient are we (the subjects of Allâh) to Allâh. Hence, together with inward commitment to Allâh, outward commitment should also be given its importance. If a shopkeeper has all his goods in the store (behind closed doors) but he does not lock the store, then his goods are in danger of being stolen. This shows that external and internal commitment is necessary.

Quraanic Command Regarding the necessity of ‘Islamic’ attire the Qur'ân states: "Abandon (Zâhir) external and internal (Bâtini) sin." The Zâhir sinning would be that which is apparent to the naked eye, whatever the sin maybe. Hence, disregarding Islamic attire is a sin and it has to be omitted. Furthermore, the Zâhiri sin has been mentioned first, which stresses the importance of it.

Double Consequences Every good and evil act has two consequences, immediate and delayed. If a person works for a company and fulfills his task assiduously, at the end of the month he receives his pay which is immediate reward and after a few years, on retiring, he receives a pension which is a delayed reward. All these years of service have added to his pension. Another person works for a company but on pay day, he was caught accepting a bribe. Immediately he will be disgraced and humiliated and later on, he will be sent to jail for a few months. Similarly, a good deed done today has two rewards and an evil deed done has two punishments.

Harms of Sinning Sinning causes difficulty for a person even in this worldly life. It has been reported in the hadith that sinning causes a decrease in one’s sustenance. Similarly, the heart is filled with restlessness and worries and a person feels distanced from Allâh, and he has adverse feelings towards pious people and their gatherings. Similarly, good deeds have the direct opposite effects. For a more detailed discussion, the book ‘Jazâul A’mal’ by Ml. Ashraf Ali Thanwi Rahimahullah should be studied. Once after delivering a lecture somewhere, a person asked me why his sustenance was always constrained whereas he was reading the four wazâif prescribed by a pious person for increase in sustenance. I asked him, "Is it perhaps not due to the fact that you may be doing eight such acts which result in decrease of sustenance?" If it is so, then while four deeds are inviting sustenance eight are repelling it and the consequence is logical.

Sufficient Cause for Destruction Even one sin is sufficient cause for a person’s destruction and failure. If a person has mostly good qualities but is in the habit of accepting bribery, can he be successful. Another person is a habitual stealer, but he has good character and a good personality, is he successful? Despite all the goodness the person possesses, he is regarded as a criminal and is classified by one evil deed. From this it becomes evident that every sin has to be given up without any exception.

Prescription for Wilayat The difference between being the friend and enemy of Allâh is abandoning sin. However, there are different stages of wilâyat (friendship with Allâh). In one examination people are successful but the degree of success varies. Thereafter, by practising on the sunnah and mustahab acts, a person’s friendship with Allâh increases. Thus far, the discussion regarding the Qur'ânic verse has been concluded. Now I would like to mention a few facts regarding the first hadith.

Enemy of Shaytan - A Practising Alim It is mentioned in a hadith that: "A single âlim is more powerful against Shaytân than a thousand worshippers." If there are a thousand worshippers (worshippers are mentioned as an opposite to an âlim) then Shaytân does not worry much about them entering Jannah and being successful because he knows that they are easy prey and easy to mislead. Similarly, if in a town there are a 1000 wealthy people, thieves are convinced that they can easily rob them. However, if these people employ the services of a 24 hour security guards, then the thieves have a considerable enemy to overcome. In a like manner, Shaytân has immense fear of a practising âlim, because the âlim understands the deception of Shaytân and his tomfoolery. Hence he defeats Shaytân. In this regard (examples of the power of an âlim), Moulâna Qasim Nanotwi Rahmatullah alaihi laid the foundation of Darul Uloom Deoband (which has been responsible for reviving Islam in many parts of the world). Similarly, Moulâna Muhammed Mazhar Nanotwi Rahmatullah alaihi laid the foundation of Mazâhirul Uloom (which was also instrumental in the revival of Islam in many parts of the world). What were the results of Moulâna Thanwi’s efforts in Thanabowan, and Moulâna Muhammed Ilyas Rahmatullah alaihim of Khandla? Similarly, the efforts of Shaykh Zakariyya Rahmatullah alaihi. How much service of Islam has been taken from these individuals? Each one of these have been responsible for reforming the lives of thousands (perhaps millions) of people. Nevertheless, what is the purpose of mentioning this hadith. Every informative sentence has a law which is deduced from it. For example, somebody says, "There are hijackers on this particular highway." This is an informative sentence and the command/ law deduced from it is that the traveller on this road should either be cautious, or he should totally abstain from using that road. Similarly Allâh Ta'âla says:  "Allâh is One." The deduced command is that we should all believe in and worship one Allâh. Applying the above-mentioned principle, the hadith instructs us to become faqihs and produce faqihs.

Hasan bin Ziyâd Hasan bin Ziyâd was one of the wealthy persons of his town. When he was 40 years old, coincidently one day he attended the discourse of Imam Abu Hanifa Rahmatullah alaihi. Instantly the thirst for seeking knowledge overwhelmed him and he began his quest for education. He remained in the company of Imam Abu Hanifa for 40 years. Thereafter he passed verdicts for the remaining 40 years of his life. Just as how Imam Hasan bin Ziyâd became a faqih after the age of 40, every person has the capacity to become a faqih. A very simple way of being included amongst the Ulama is by learning 40 ahadith. Therefore, if we learn a hadith a day, in 40 days our task will be accomplished.

Virtue of the Quraan Similarly, we should learn and teach the Qur'ân, and regarding this it has been reported in a hadith: "Whosoever memorises the Qur'ân and practises on what is lawful and abstain from what is prohibited, Allâh will enter him into Jannah and accept his intercession on behalf of ten such relatives who have been destined to enter Hell." (Tirmizi vol. 2 p. 114) What can be said about the Hafiz himself then? He will intercede on behalf of ten of his Muslim relatives, who are doomed to hell due to their evil deeds.

An Easy Way to become a Hafiz Since the month of Ramadhan is approaching, does anybody want to become a hafiz of the Qur'ân? The virtues of memorizing the Qur'ân are not restricted to memorizing it in a short period of time, but a person could take as long as he needs, five years, ten years etc. A very easy method of memorizing the Qur'ân (for those of us who find it difficult) is to memorise it line by line. If a person learns one line daily, at the end of one year he will be hafiz of one juz of the Holy Qur'ân. Consequently, he will be a hâfiz of the entire Qur'ân in a period of 30 years. If a person passes away before he completes it, he will be raised amongst the huffaz on the day of Qiyamah. When I mentioned this in Kaskanj, then even 65 year old people began memorising the Qur'ân. In Bombay, a 75 year old man began memorising it and he had even memorised one or two juz. If this system (of learning one, one line) is practised upon, then it will be possible for people to recite the Qur'ân in Taraweeh in a town where there are no huffâz. Thirty people should pledge to learn one juz and the next Ramadhan the Qur'ân can be collectively completed in the taraweeh salâh.

Women's Concern for Deen The Story of Imam Bukhari and Ibn Jawzi Just as a man can become a faqih (jurist), a woman can also become a faqihah. In previous times women had great desire to acquire and practise upon knowledge. They were also very concerned with the correct nurturing of their children. The entire Muslim world knows Imam Bukhari. Who was the influential person behind him? His father had passed away when he was still a small child. His mother and sister nurtured him and brought him up. She used to request the Muhadditheen to make dua for him and she used to take him to their discourses and gatherings. It was the result of this nurturing and effort of his mother that Allâh blessed him with such honour in the world of Hadith, that today his famous compilation is found anywhere and everywhere. Similar is the case of Imam Jawzi, a muhaddith. When he was three years old, his father passed away, and his maternal aunt took him under her guardianship. Whenever there was any talk taking place or any jalsa etc. she used to take him and thereafter ask the Ulema to make dua for him. Similarly, if any âlim from another town arrived, she used to take him to attend his discourses too. When he was ten years old, he was already giving lectures. Allâh had kept such effect in his talks that people used to be moved to tears and sought forgiveness for their sins. Twenty thousand Jews and Christians accepted Islam due to his lectures and hundreds of thousands of people came back onto the path of the sunnah.

Allamah Chaghmini Many years ago there was a young boy who was studying Islamic knowledge at the institute in his hometown. After graduating, he desired to continue his studies which meant that he would have to leave his hometown. However, he feared that if he sought permission from his parents, he would be refused. Nevertheless, he had made up his mind, and packing a few of his belongings he set off. When he reached his destination, he found amongst his belongings jewellery and a note from his sister. In the note she had written words of support and encouragement and she told him to sell her jewellery and fulfill his necessities. This shows us the spirit and enthusiasm our mothers and sisters of previous times had for the sake of Deen. This same youth became Allamah Chaghmini who wrote textbooks on philosophy which are studied today in Islamic Universities.

The Lad from Bukhara When I was studying in Saharanpur, there was a lad who had come from Bukhara. His father was an âlim who had graduated from Deoband or Saharanpur. He had three wives and only one son. The boy studied under his father but failed to complete his studies, and later got married. One day his weeping father told his son of the regrets that were burdening him. His father had always hoped that his son would become an âlim and his unsuccessfulness had burdened him for a long time. His father told him of his high hopes he had in seeing his son graduate from Saharanpur or Deoband. The lad was moved by his father’s grief and heartache. He had made up his mind to fulfill his father’s dreams. Hence, he divorced his wife (Talaq-e-Raji) because he did not know how long he would be gone for and what would happen to her. This is a shining example of modern day sacrifice endured by seekers of knowledge and it is a true image of the desire for learning Islam.

Golden Opportunities The doors of Nabuwwat are closed but the doors of wilâyat and knowledge are still open and will remain open till the day of Qiyamah. Men of knowledge and learning pass on, but there is always someone to replace them. Muhadditheen and Fuqaha have left but new ones are born daily. Who will be the next Imam Razi? Who will replace Shah Waliyullah Dehlwi? Who will replace Moulâna Thanwi, Moulâna Qasim Nanotwi, Moulâna Rashid Ahmed Gangohi etc? Hence, this is a golden opportunity for us to introduce our children to the world of Islamic knowledge and make them Fuqaha, whereby we will also reap the everlasting fruits of all their labours. Allâh Ta'âla has always granted respect and honour to these Ulema and Fuqaha. A simple example of this is that on the day of Eid people gather in thousands to perform the Eid salâh. Doctors, judges, lawyers, engineers and people of any profession attend the gathering. In Muslim countries, the king and all his courtiers attend the salâh. Despite the positions of all these people, they do not qualify to lead the people. In fact, only the man of learning is bestowed with this honour. Therefore, we should take a step in this direction. If we cannot learn Deen or give our children the chance to do so, then we should support these institutes of Deen. If we water this garden, then we will have a share in the flourishing of Islam. All that has been mentioned thus far was concerning the first hadith.

The Prescription The hadith mentioned in the beginning was: "I have left behind two things upon which if you are steadfast, you will never deviate from the straight path. The Qur'ân and my Legacy, the collections of hadith." (Mishkât vol. 1 p.31) Just as how every father wants his children to be successful, every ustâd wants his student to be successful and similarly, our Nabi SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam desires his followers to be successful. Regarding his concern and worry for his followers Allâh says:  "He (Nabi Sallallâhu alaihi wasallam) is very clement and affectionate to the believers." (Surah Taubah) Hence, he has commanded us to grasp firmly on to the Qur'ân and Hadith. Although we have grasped it but some people have grasped it with five fingers, others with four, three, two, one etc., just as how grasping it results in success, similarly disregarding it results in failure.

Rights of the Quraan Muhabbat [love] Every Muslim has to love the holy Qur'ân. Azmat [respect] He should hold the Qur'ân in high esteem. Mutaba’ate Ahkam [following] He should follow the dictates of the Qur'ân. Sihhate Tilawat [recitation] The recitation should be correct. In the book Al-Itqan, Hadrat Ali’s RadiAllâhu anhu definition of correct recitation is mentioned:  "To pronounce the letters correctly and to know the rules of stopping." (Itqân vol. 1 p. 110) As opposed to other languages, the Arabic language is very delicate as far as correct pronunciation is concerned. A slight difference could cause a vast difference in meaning as you will note in the following verse: [His heart is contented with Iman.] [His dog is contented with Iman.] Moulâna Thanwi Rahmatullah alaih writes in Jamâlul Qur'ân that errors such as changing the letters, or decreasing/increasing letters in the Qur'ân is known as "Lahn Jali" and to commit such errors is harâm. These days much negligence is being shown towards the importance of tajweed and correct recitation. Similarly, the Qur'ân is not being respected in the manner it deserves.

Rights of Hadith Similarly, there are three rights regarding the hadith of Nabi SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam also. Every Muslim should love, respect and follow the dictates of the hadith. These days we are unaware of the sunnats of actions which we do on a daily basis. For example, the sunnats of eating, drinking, sleeping, reading salâh etc. This is proof of the indifferent attitude we show towards hadith.

An Incident One day I was sitting in the haram after Maghrib and two elderly men were sitting near me. At that time many people were performing tawâf. These two men suddenly began pointing out the faults of a few of these people because they were walking very fast etc. I went towards them and after introductions were made, I asked the one how old he was. He replied that he was 55 years old. I asked him from what age was he performing salâh, to which he replied that he was performing salâh since he had matured at the age of 15. I then asked him to mention the sunnats of salâh. He only managed to say two or three. The other person wasn’t anymore successful than his companion. Thereafter I told them that you people are exposing the faults of these people who are performing tawâf once in a lifetime. You are performing salâh for 40 years, but you are unaware of the sunnats of salâh. Thereupon they realised their error and desisted from this act

One Minute Madrasah The point is that every day we do many actions, and by giving a little bit of our time, to learn the sunnats of that act and practise upon it, the reward will be immense and our devotional acts will be correct. In this regard the book "One Minute Madrasah" is very effective in accomplishing our task, and by giving one minute everyday, in due course we will know all the necessary sunnats. This kitâb has five different topics: It gives a word by word translation of every word of salâh, including the duas and the tasbeehât recited therein. It mentions sunnats, initially regarding salâh only but later on it discusses sunnats in general. It mentions each major sin separately. It mentions the harms of committing sin. It mentions the virtue and benefit of doing good deeds. This book should be read in the Masâjid by the Imams whereby the men will be educated. Similarly, it should be taught to the children in Madrasah. The men and the children should come home and pass on what they have heard. In due time the atmosphere of practising on the sunnah will prevail.

Conclusion The reason for Allâh granting the Mashaikh and Ulema respect and honour and for inclining people towards them is due to the fact that these people are ardent adherents of the Qur'ân and sunnah. In the initial centuries of Islam, every Muslim was an ardent follower of the Qur'ân and sunnah, which is why they were honoured, respected and feared. May Allâh Ta'âla make us all ardent followers of the Qur'ân and sunnah of Rasulullah SallAllâhu alaihi wasallam Âmeen.