Quenching A Future Imam's Learning Aspiration
Which is the Beneficial Knowledge?
Arabic is a very important language which ought to be learnt. It is not possible to understand Sharīah in its entirety without knowing Arabic; but in case one is unable to learn this Shar’ī knowledge in entirety then this should not be a reason to abandon some form of lower category of Islamic learning (e.g. basic understanding of Islam in Urdu language) as well.
Alif Lām Rā, (Such a book) we have revealed unto you, so that you may lead the people out from darkness towards light (and guidance) with permission of their Lord (rabb) and towards a mighty path, all worthy of praise.
(Surah Ibrahīm : V.1)
[In a discourse Maulāna Ashraf Ali Thānvi rehmatullāhi alayh said,]
I always say that although Kayfiyāt (feelings) and spiritual conditions are pleasurable but they are not the aim (of Tasawwuf), they are nonetheless a catalyst (towards the goal). In order to attain the goal, such pleasures are not necessarily required. Just like no one gets Wajd (condition of being immersed in ones state) in the prescriptions of Hakīm Ajmal Khan Sāheb, it (prescription) is however very helpful.
In an answer to one Maulāna Saheb, Maulāna Ashraf Ali Thānvi rehmatullāhi alayh said that it is not from amongst the statements of Muhaqiqīn (those with the insight) that one should first rid his heart from Mā Siwā’ Allāh (all that is besides Allāh) and thereafter instill Allāh’s remembrance in it. Whosoever believes this is greatly deceived. It is extremely difficult for a heart to be empty of Mā Siwā’ Allāh, and to think otherwise is a grave error.
In a discourse, Maulāna Ashraf Ali Thānvi rehmatullāhi alayh mentioned that idleness is the root of all evil. Shaytān seeks those who are idle to make them involve with his mischief. One old sheikh was walking along with his servant when they saw a man sitting idly on the side of the road. The Sheikh …
[Continuing from the talk of “Obligation of Tablīgh”, Maulāna Ashraf Ali Thānvi rehmatullāhi alayh says]
dome_insideThese days some people have started to think that the work of tablīgh is the sole duty of ulamā. If it is the sole duty of ulamā then let these ulamā also keep fast on your behalf, and you may go ahead and live a life free of any religious restriction. This is just like some villagers used to think and perhaps there is still a place where similar thinking may exist….
In a discourse Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi rehmatullahi alayh said:
“Who so ever enters this path (Tasawwuf) and has not attained humility then he is absolutely devoid (of that which is acquired in this path). It is like marrying a woman of worldly honor, and wealth, but she is barren (unable to bear children) because the aim of the marriage was lost. She will lose face in the sight of the husband (despite her worldly wealth and respect). Similarly, to tread this path without perfecting humility in oneself is useless.1