Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Hazrat Shaikh Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following:
When the people engaged in the effort of da’wat and tableegh go out for gusht, then they will encounter different situations and meet different types of people. Hence, there are two important aspects which they should always be particular about and adhere to.
The first aspect is that their gaze does not fall on strange women. If their gaze unintentionally falls on a strange woman, then they must immediately lower their gaze and not look at the woman for a second time. The Hadith mentions that the first gaze, which is unintentional, is forgiven by Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, one must be particular in this regard.
Another related aspect is that of associating with young boys. In particular, they should pay even more attention when it comes to keeping a distance with the young boys who come from affluent families. While engaging in the activities of tableegh, if it so happens that these types of young boys also participate in the work, then they must ensure that they do not remain in seclusion with them, and that the opportunity to be secluded with them does not arise.
The second aspect is in regard to dealing with the wealthy class. When interacting with the wealthy, they must never admire their wealth and luxuries, as these are not things to be admired – rather they are a test and trial from Allah Ta‘ala. Hence, it is on account of wealth and riches that most people fall into major fitnahs and get involved in sins. May Allah Ta‘ala, out of His sheer kindness, save us from these fitnahs!
Nevertheless, dealing with the wealthy class is a sensitive issue which requires understanding. The reason is that on one hand, it is necessary to honour them on account of their worldly status and position, as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has taught us to deal with people in accordance to their status and position.
On the other hand, instead of us envying these wealthy people, we should pity them. We should think to ourselves that Allah Ta‘ala has given them wealth which is a test for them. If they fulfil the haq of the wealth, then they will pass this test and the wealth will definitely be regarded as a blessing for them.
As for ourselves, then we should think that though we do not possess a lot of wealth, our condition is such that presently we are not fulfilling the great huqooq (rights) that we owe to Allah Ta‘ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), therefore how will we be able to fulfil the rights of wealth if we were to be blessed with wealth? Thus, fulfilling the rights of the wealth is very difficult.
It is my humble request that this message of mine be conveyed to all those who are engaged in the effort of da’wat and tableegh.
(Qutbul Aqtaab Hazrat Sheikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) pg. 373)
