Who Are Ulama

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WHO ARE THE ULAMA?

G.A. PARWEZ

Tolu-e-Islam Trust (Regd)25 B, Gulberg )I, Lahore 54660, Pakistan.Ph. 042 5714546


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CONTENTS

,- - - - - - - - - - - ---- --II h ~ ~ Contents. . .... .............. .. .............. . 3 Introduction ................... . 5 Foreword ..... 8 Translator's Preface...... ... ... .. .. 9 Who arc the Ulama') (Learned). .. . . . . " !2 Annotated Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . " ' ' ' ' ' ' 43

Other Publications.. " ................ 49 Thc Tulu-e-lslam Movc111cnL.. . ............. 56 AI-Balaagh ...... . ...... 58


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I N T R O D U C T I O N

The treatise, "ULAMA KAUN HAI'N?" is takenfrom a book, "SALEEM KAY NAAM KHUTOOT" (Vol.3, Letter No, 30 to Saleem)."Saleem" is an imaginary young man whorepresents all the. young people of present times who are

groping in the dark for the Truth - a truth that has beenconcealed from them by the "know-ails" who purport to bethe sole custodians of the Deen of Islam. Not having anyscientific knowledge, or the knowledge of sociology,history, philosophy, psychology or the natural sciences,they have been steamrollering everybody, particularly theyouth of Islam, into believing that they alone hold the keyto the vast arsenal of knowledge, and the whole Ummah ofRasoolullah (S) must tum to them and them alone forguidance and information; they alone wield the power ofissuing passports to Jannat (Paradise) and servingdeportation papers to Jahannam! (Hell). Every Muslim mustdepend on them UNQUESTIONINGLY for any and allmatters relating to religion. They have been feeding theMuslims with fairy tales of such macabre proportion as toput Grimm and Aesop to shame!The young people of today, trained in colleges anduniversities, imbibing physics, chemistry, psychology,history of religions, astronomy, anthropology and thehumanities, have been , anp. .. still are - in a state ofperjllexity as to how could one reconcile the scientificunderstanding of the concepts of life to what the "ulamaHdish out regularly 011 Fridays from the pulpit, and theirother lectures.Who are Ihe Ulama? J,


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ALLAMAH GHULAM AHMAD PARWEZ sensedthis confusion of the youth and gave it paramountimportance. He attempted in all his works to bring logic andsound reason to the inquiring minds of the youth - seeingthat they were getting no joy from the "maulanas" on all theaspects of Islam. In the theology of the Maulawi Saheb, theuse of the intellect is forbidden. It is the consensus ofopinion of the mullah fraternity for many centuries - thatsense ('aql) must NEVER interfere in Deen. And theyunceasingly remind us of this'Parwez adopted the name "Saleem" to represent theMuslim Youth all over the world. Saleem has a veryinquiring mind, and r e f u ~ e s to bow down in obeisance tothe "maulanas", and detests accepting anything illogical andbased on unreason. Saleem is thus a rebel but WITH acause! Parwez's address to the youth, as represented by"Saleem" (for the young MEN) and "Tahirah" (for theyoung WOMEN), is a life-giving message that dispelsli'ustration brought about by the "ulama's" stereotyped,antiquated, outmoded, anaemic, malodorous teachings. Thepresent-day youth may be Muslim at heart, but his mindrevolts against what p a ~ s e s off as "Islam". It is thoroughlyunpalatable to him. He feels helpless, and just cannot seelight at the end of the tunnel. and no one can explain thehasics and essence of Islam to him simply, logically andrationally. The religious leaders cannot appreciate theyouth's doubts and difficulties: they lack the breath ofvision and the mental and educational equipment necessaryto effect conviction in the young people's mind!Saleem, however, is such a youth who has had thechance of expressing himself freely, fearlessly and boldly-even on the most delicate problems. The explanations hereceives, emanate directly from the Quran. They aresympathetic to his questioning mind, are comprehensiveand encapsulate within them the whole sweep of religioscientific terrain. The language used is simple, straight,Who ar.th. Ulama? 6


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soothing, in homely stYle, light, and refreshing. Saleemfeels absolutely convinced and satislied, and is completelyrid of his chronic frustration.Members of Bazm-e-Tulu-e-Islam, London believethat, this treatise will open the window to furtherenlightenment of the youth, in Islamic thought.MembersBazm Tulu-e-lslam(London)76 Park RdIlford Essex101 I SFUKJuly 2000

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FOREWORD

The Quranic philosopher and scholar of the century,and founder of the TUlu-e-lslam Movement. ALLAMAHGHULAM AHMAD PARWEZ. wrote this treatise"ULAMA KAUN HArN'!" in Urdu in the 1960s. It wasvery well received by the intelligentsia, but it also proved abitter pill to the Muslim clergy!The importance of the subject necessitated therendering of this highly academic essay into English.At the request of Bazm-e-Tulu-e-Islam London, AliSarfaraz Khan Joommal. an exponent of the Quran andeditor of the quarterly journal "AL-BALAAGH" based inSouth Africa, in spite of his failing health, undertook totranslate it into English.

I do no! find appropriate words with which to thankMr. AS.K. Joommal for his sincere, selfless service toIslam. I leel that due to this translation, the message of theQuran will reach a wider readership including those who donot knuw Urdu language or its script.I am also indebted to Br. Paigham Mustafa ofSignature Publications, Glasgow, Scotland. and appreciatehis assistance profoundly for preparing the copy forprinting.Last, but not least, my sincere thanks and deepgratitude to all the members of Bazm-e-Tulu-e-IslamLondon who wish to remain anonymous, but continuepropagating the Quranic message.Ayaz Hussain AnsariChairman: Idara Tulu-e-Islam25 (B) Glilberg IILahore-54660PAKISTAN

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TRANSLATOR'S PREFACEALLAMAH GHULAM AHMAD PARWEZ(d. 1985), was a savant, religious philosopher. and a

polymath nonpareil. He was eulogized by the intelligentsiaof Pakistan as "the Shah Waliallah of this age". His grasp ofIslam, his perspicacity in its simplicities well as hisprofound insight into the intricacies introduced in it by thepriestly polemicists, reached Himalayan heights!

When an eagle soars 10 giddy heights, it is obviousthat the tiny wagtail ("mamola", in the words of AllamahIqbal), would feel frustrated and conspicuouslyinsignificant. not being able to compete with it in heightand flight. If that puny creature could express itself, itwould twitter its invectives in its own passerine fashion!This is what happened with that intellectual colossus,Allamah Parwez, when the cerebral pygmies, otherwiseknown as "ulama" of Pakistan - ONE THOUSAND OFTHEM! denounced him, branding him with theappellation of "Kaafir"!

This scholar and exegete of the Quran, did not batan eyelid at the sacerdotal opprobrium heaped upon him,but continued with sang-froid and fixity of purpose,awakening Muslims, particularly the youth, to the veritiesof our Deen. His entire life was devoted to opening thewindows of musty minds, allowing the fresh air of reasonand logic to pefmeate them. He was an iconoclast Q!!!:c x c e l 1 e n c ~ whose endeavours wefe aimed at extirpating thefossilized thinking of the Muslim masses. His expositionson the multifarious aspects of Islam pack a powerful punch,are challenging and ineluctable

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This tract, "ULAMA KAUN HAI(N)?" ("Who AreThe Ulama?") is one from among scores of treatisecovering an extensive area of thought and topics.Allamah Parwez's dogged determination and soleobjective was the dissemination of the Quranic ideology perse. Towards this end he dedicated himself exclusively,wholly and totally, writing voluminous tomes, innumerousarticles, tracts, pamphlets, discourses and booklets.All of the Allamah' s works. excepting one "ISLAM: A CHALLENGE TO RELIGION" were writtenin Urdu. The yOWlg Muslims of today living in countrieswhere only English is spoken, are thus deprived of thecoruscating gems that are the Allamah's huge output. Thenecessity of translating his literature into English is greaternow than ever before - in fact it is imperative!The youth HAS to be apprised of true Islam in itspristine purity. The minds of the Ummah of Rasoolullah ($)HAS to be detoxified from all poisonous impurities, fromthe falderals (foolish nonsense), and from the fairy talesimplanted in them by the so-called "maulanas". And, to mymind, no one has done more creditable, masterly andstupendous job than Allamah Parwez.The dire need, the pressing and paramountimportance of translating ALL his work into English andpossibly into other languages can thus be hardly overemphasized.In this disquisition, the Allamah has expatiated onthe concept of the word "ulama", placing it in its correct

Quranic perspective. Thc Quran refers to the SCIENTISTSas the "ulama" - and NOT (repeat NOT) to the pugreed,jubbah-ed gentlemen we have become accustomed torespecting as "maulanas"1 The Allamah has thusWho are the lJlama? 10


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demolished the fondly cherished notion of centuries thatonly those who profess to know the Shariah, the Deen, arethe "ulama".

1 trust that my humble assay towards rendering theAllamah's mellifluous, highly academic Urdu into Englishwould be acceptable to the discerning readers and othercognoscenti.

A.S.K. JOOMMAL(Editor: AL-BALAAGHlP.O.BOX 1925LENASIA 1820(South Africa)Rabee-ul-Aakhir 1421July 2000

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A LETTER TO SALEEM .(WRIT EN IN SEPTEMBER 1956)WHO ARE THE ULAMA? (LEARNED)

(PARWEZ)

Saleem! There is no doubt that knowledge is thedignity and honour of humanity. But the question is: Whatis knowledge and who are the learned? The answer to thisquestion is very clearly explained in the Quran. But beforeanalysing that, few words of introduction are necessary.Listen to them carefully.In the world of knowledge, the philosophers ofGreece attained a high position, as you know. The fact isthat the history as we know trom the beginning, commencesfrom the school of Greece. In them, Socrates is thepatriarch, and Plato is the founder and commentator of theacademy of thoughts. But Socrates thinks that only nature-and not man is worth studying, and Plato draws acancelling line on the existence of the physical world. liethinks that this universe which appears so concrete, has noexistence. The real world is the world of ideas, and this

visible universe is a reflection of the real world. Thereforewhatever knowledge we obtain through our senses, that isperceptual knowledge, is not credible. True knowledge isthat which is obtained through visualization - and notthrough the senses.MYSTICISM

The edifice of Greek mysticism is constructed onthis philosophy of Plato. The same mysticism reached IndiaWho are the Ulama? 12


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in the form of Vedantism. According to Hindu philosophy,the material world is an illusion. This is the dream ofBrahma (God). This is the performance of God. This is likea play in the theatre in whieh nothing is real, but animitation of the real. Neither the king is the king, nor theslave a slave; neither a mountain is a mountain, nor the seais sea. This is all an optical illusion. Thus in Hinduphilosophy. God is called "Nut-Raajan", that is, the king ofthe actors/players. In this way they create a negativeattitude in the minds of people about the creation of God.This. negative way of thinking created hatred for the world,in the mind of God-worshipping people. This was the samephilosophy that came to Muslims through Iranianmysticism. affecting and poisoning every aspect of theirlives. The entire edifice of mysticism is structured on thisfoundation.

THE CHALLENGE OF THE QURANAnyway, I was saying that before the Quran wasrevealed the theory was that creation did not exist in reality,but it was only a deception of imagination, an illusion, amirage. a shadow. When the creation is doubtful. then theknowledge about it is no knowledge but mere conjecture.The Quran came and broke the spell of Plato, just as itexposed every other absurd idea. It proclaimed to mankind,that was involved and confused in the deception ofmysticism and Vedantism:

"Not in vain did We create heaven and earth andwhat is between them. That is the opinion of theUnbelievers! So woe to the Unbelievers onaccount of ti,e Fire." (38: 17)And those who reject such a great reality (stating theworld to be false and hateful) then the result of thisrejection can only be this. that all their endeavours andactions wi II come to naught.

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Do you realise, Saleem, how the Quran rooted outthe wrong concepts of centuries in one verse and unveiledits destructive consequences! Think also what the Quransays to the people who harboured negative thoughts aboutthe universe being created without purpose. They are called"Kaafir" - Unbelievers' Did you realise how tar are thelimits of belief and unbelief?, and what are thedistinguishing features of a believer and unbeliever? Itstated a great historical reality when it said that this type ofnegative vicwpoint produces a scorched earth existencc.The negative point of view regarding the world is amanifestation of the monastic order. This is cal\edVcdantism_and Tasawwuf (mysticism).

You must ponder on the history of this institutionand see how people went through heartbreaking afflictionsand patient religious exercises. What was the result of this?It was that the green branches of the human tree were burntto ashes.This was a declaration of war against the peoplewho said that the universe was created without purpose.After this the Quran says positively:

" .. . AI/oh created the hem'ens olld tire earth intruth .. .... " (29: 44)

In all of Allah's creation, not only is there evidenceof intelligent purpose, fitting al\ parts togetherwisdom, but also of Supreme Goodness and CherishingCare, by which al\ needs are satisfied and all the highestand truest aspirations fulfilled. These are like beckoningsignals to guide those, who pray and search in Faith. Thefact is that Allah has created the cosmos as a truth. Thiscreation is for constructive results, and not for destructiveends.

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" ...... Verily in that is a Sign for those who believe." (19:44)

In this revelation of the Quran there is a big sign ofknowledge and an awareness for those people who believe.Look Saleem, in the previous verse the people who said thatthis universe was created without purpose were calledUnbelievers. In this verse those believe that the universewas created for a purpose are called believers. Do you seehow the Quran clarifies its own purports!

Those who aver that the Creation is a sport of God,the Quran refutes them by saying:"Not for (idle) sport did We create the heavens andthe eartlt and all that is between them." +1: 16)

The Hindu doctrine of Leela, that all things werecreated for sport, is confuted here. The creation of the worldis part of a serious (Divine) programme. It is not a play ortamasha. It has been created in truth.Now the question arises: Does the Quran want youto accept this explanation about the creation of the universearbitrarily. or does it invite (people) to assess it withknowledge and proof? The Quran presents every claim onthe basis of knowledge and proofs, and enjoins strictly toaccept it with reflection and insight. Accordingly, in thiscontext, it is clearly said:

" ..... He explains His Signs in detail,for those whoknow." (J0: 5)

These realities are explained very clearly for thosewho possess knowledge.Who are the Ulama? 15


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THE QURANIC DEFINITION OF KNOWLEDGE

From here, the question confronts us: WHAT isknowledge? Listen to what the Quran says in thisconnection:

"And purIue not that ofwhich thou hast noknowledge ..... " (17: 36)Even this portion of the verse is enough to reveal thetruth and give us insight. But the Quran goes further andgives the definition of knowledge which demonstrate

everything, ""Verily the hearing, the sight, the heart:

All oftheIe Ihall be queItioned. "(17: 36)It is a fact that our hearing, sight, and feelings in theheart: all have responsibilities for which they are liable. Didyou understand what is implied here? What does it mean?

We shall be called to account lor the exercise of everyfaculty that has been given to us. The hearing and seeingare the senses according to the Quran, and the feelings inthe heart is called 'mind'.The senses gather the data and deliver it to the Rlind,and the mind deduces the results therefrom. When you hearthe noise of a gunshot, you at once-deduce that someone hasfired a gun. After that you hear somebody screaming, soyou infer that someone has been shot. Then you go outsideand discover that the one who got shot is your friend. Thefire of revenge kindles in you and you burst forth inflamed.In this whole incident your senses and mind are witnesses.This is knowledge. If you didn't hear the noise of gunshot,someone screaming, or did not see your friend getting hurt.Who a re the Ula rna? 16


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or somebody firing, but you hear the account from someoneelse, then, if you want to pursue that person, this act willnot be based on knowledge because in this case there is notestimony of your senses.Do you realise how much importance the Qurangives to sense perception? 'Ibis is the second blow againstPlato's theory and it shatters it. Plato had said thatknowledge gathered by the senses is not reliable; the Quransays that anything obtained without the testimony of thesenses is not based on knowledge - not only the senses, butalso the mind.

THOSE WHO DO NOT USE THEIR SENSESIn view of the importance of the senses and themind, the Quran says very clearly that those who do not usc

their senses and mind, they do not live their lives on thehuman plane; they live like animals. Not only this. but theQuran says that they are the denizens of Hell. In SurahA'raaf we read:"Many are the Jinns and men We'have madeJor Hell. They have hearts wherewith they understand not, eyes wherewith they see n()t, and earl' wherewith they hear not. rhey are like the cattle - nay, even more misguided,Jor they are

heedless (ofwarnings). " (7: 179) Although they have, apparently, all the faculties of

reason and perceptions, they have so deadened them thatthe faculties do not work. and they go headlong into Hell.They are, as it were, made for Hell.From this it is evident that true knowledge is onlythat knowledge that enjoys the testimony of senses and themind. It is obvious that this kind of knowledge cannot beabout theoretical debates and abstractions, because in theseaffairs senses do not participate. The connection of senses isWbo are tbe Ulama? 17


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with the study of natural phenomena and observation of theuniverse - that is, to examine every aspect of the world withgrave reflection; to observe every bit of this magnificentand astonishing universe.Then, with different experiments, one must seewhich law and scheme is administered in the mechanismand nurturing of these bits of the universe. In modernterminology this is called scientific knowledge. And this isthe same knowledge which the Quran says is the sign of abeliever. Now just reflect on this Saleem: How clearly andbeautifully the Quran explains this in Surah Aal-Imraan:

"Behold! In the creation o/the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation o/night and day, there are indeed signs for men 0/understanding." (1: 190)And who are the men of understanding?

"Men who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lyingon their sides and contemplate the (wonders of)creation .... " (1: 19/)That is, they keep contemplating the creation of theheavens and the earth, and after their observations andexperiments, arrive at the rational conclusion that:

" ... Our Lord! Thou hast not created (all) this in-vain. Glory be to Thee! Give lIS salvation/rom the chastisement 0/ the Fire. " (3: 191)

THE PEOPLE WHO REMEMBER ALLAHDid you reflect on how great a thing the Quran hasrevealed? The Quran claims that nothing in the creation ispurposeless and useless, nor has it been created forWho are the Ulama? 18


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destructive purposes. Everything has a tixed purpose.some way or another, it is profitable to human beings. Butthe aim of the Holy Quran is not that we must just accept itsclaims without question. The QUran says that it is our dutyto reflect on every aspect of the universe, and by sustainedobservations and repeated experiments, prove this verse ofthe Quran, that:

" ...Our Lord! Thou hast not created all this in vain. "(3:190)

Think, Saleem! How big is this programme whichthe Quran has placed before the believers' How grave isthis responsibility that has devolved on them. It is the dutyof the people who believe in the Quran, to prove practicallyfor which benefit everythi ng has been created. Just thinkhow profound, intense and intellectually deep. scientificresearch is needed for this. How many large laboratories areneeded for this? Do you remember. in the olden days Javedused to ask you: Daddy! Why did Allah Paak create thewasps? They sting everybody and make a person's faceswell up. There is no benefit from them. (Neither you noranyone else could explain the benetit of wasp). But in thepast it was known in South America that there is a kind ofworm that destroys valuable plants. They could not find acure for this. At last, alter continuous experiments, it wasdiscovered that these wasps eat those worms. Now theyhave collected the wasps from different tropical countriesand have started to propagatb them in South America.These are the people who can say with definite insight that:"Our Lord! Thou hast not created (all) this in vain."o Sustainer of the universe! You did not create evenwasps for destructive purposes. They also do constructivework in the development and growth of the universe. Glorybe to Thee!( It is against your very nature to createsomething for destructive purposes). This is against YourQuality of being the Preserver. It is our lack of knowledgeWho are the Ulama? 19


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and scarcity of scientific research that makes us unaware oftheir profit-yielding aspects, and thus get affectcd by, andstruggle against its venom. It is our desire that 0 Allah!grant us the guidance to do all these researches so that wewould remain protected Irom this kind of severepunishment. Give us salvation from the chastisement of theFire. Thus, those nations that are negligent of these kindsof researches, remain unaware of ihe profit-producingfacets of nature. They cannot subjugatc nature. Thereforethey live the life of ignominy and distress in this world. TheQuran says:"Our Lord! Whosoever enter the Fire (according to your Laws)upon him You indeed bring disgrace. And there will be no lIelpers jor the wrongdoers. " (3: 191)

Do you see, Saleem, how clearly the Quran hasexplained the great realities here!

THE SIGNS OF ALLAH IN THE UNIVERSEAnyhow, we were discussing the fact that according

to the Holy Quran it is the duty of every believer to observethe creation carefuily and with continued experiments theymust go on unveiling their profitable side. This is what theHoly Quran explains as following the laws of nature andpondering upon them. This was the method and manner ofthe Believers. For Believers in every comer of the universe,tht:re are verses of the Quran spread about.

"Veri(y in the heavens and the earth, there aresigns jor those who believe." (45: 3)From this and other verses, human beings realize

and obtain aflirmation of God. The Quran says further:Who are the Vlama? 20


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"And in the crealion ofyourselves antllhe facl that animals are scattered (throughout the earth), are signs for those o fassured faith. " (45: 4) These signs in our own nature and in the animals wemeet with every day, we have certainty within humanlimits; these are "for those of assured faith".

"And in the alternation ofniglll anti day anti lite fact tltal Allah sentls down sustenance from ti,e sky allli revives II,erewil!t

Ihe earllt after ils tlealll, antI in Ille dUlI/ge of Ille winds, are signs for Ihose lit at are wise." (45: 5) After teaching us all these facts, the Holy Quran

explains a truth which is both amazing and insightful."SUell are the Signs ofAllall, wlliell We recite to Ihee in

Irlltit. In whal (other) expm'ition will they. tlten, believe after Allah anti His Siglls?" (45: 6)

there are any to whom the signs from nature. fromwithin their own heart and conscience. and from the voiceof Revelation, are not enough to convince them, then whatother possible kind of exposition will they accept') That is,Allah (S WT) has shown in clear terms that in order to havefaith in Allah, it is necessary to observe the phenomena ofnature and study the universal, immutable laws governingthem.

Did you see, Saleem. how much the Quranemphasizes on the observation and study of nature. The trueand rational faith is in these things. From these God unveilsHimself. I said "God unveils Himself:. This is not merepoetry; this is a translation of the verse of the Quran. It issaid in the Quran many times, not just once.Who are the Ulama? 21


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Listen carefully and think how in few words the Quran hasassembled such a great reality!

SEEING THE SUSTAINERWhat is the climax of .the human life? What can bethe most fervent wish or desire of a God-worshipper? Whatis the ultimate aim of adhering to Divine Commands? Theanswer to all these questions is only one: that everyonewishes to see and meet his Creator. Now you see Saleem!Look at the way the Quran makes this clear to us.In Surah Ra'd we read:"AI/all iI lie WIIO raised Ihe heavens wilhoUI any pillars

Ihalyou can see, and III' is eslabli!>'Iled on Ihe Throne ofPower,

and He made Ihe Iun alld the moon subservienl (10 you). Each one rUIII (ils course) for an appointed lerm. He regulales Ihe affair, explaining Ihe Signs in detail

Ihfll you may be certain of Ihe MEETING WITH YOUR LORD." (13: 2)

Where the Laws ofNature are fixed, and everythingruns according to its appointed course, the control andregulation behind it bclongs to Allah. The ultimate sourceofman's faculties is Allah Who cares for His creation.Did you see Saleem, what the Quran says here? Allthese details are described ck"rly to you so that your faithshould be confirmed and strengthened that you WILL meetyour Creator. Your Creator can come in front of you. Themeaning is clear that if you wish to see Him, you mustreflect on all His creation and concentrate on every singleaspect thereof; with different experiments we must disclosethe reality that the Laws of Nature arc fixed and everythingruns according to immutable laws. In this way one by oneeverything that is hidden from us will be unveiled. You willWho are the Ularna'! 22


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sct:, rationally, how everything develops under DivineLaws. In this way you will sec your Sustaincr before you.A t this stage we have to understand that we cannotsee Allah with our physical eyes: it is beyond the

conception of human imagination. The Quran says:"No vision can grasp Him... " (6: 104)

But He comprehends all vision: and He is Subtile.the A ware. Allah is fine and subtle: He is not visible to thephysical eye. He is imperceptible to the senses. Therefore itis not meant by lifting the curtain that we will be able to seeAllah with our physical eyes. What is meant is that bywitnessing His quality of being a Preserver, Nourisher andCherisher, we can appreciate how He sustains and providesfor the universe.

Anyway, it is clear that according to the Quran thosewho believe and witness the workings of nature, will trustin the Signs of Allah. But sllstained, indefatigable effortsand intensive actions are needed for this: sometimes wehave to climb the highest mountain of Himalaya, sometimeswe have to go to the depth of the Atlantic Ocean, andsometimes we have to traverse the burning deserts ofAfrica. Sometimes we have to bear the pain of snakebite;sometimes, researching one leaf. we have to spendand sometimes we have to freeze in the snow of the NorthPole, or place a hand in the lion's mouth. Sometimes wehave to spend years in the analysis of one bacterium. It isobvious that all these can be done only by those nationswho do not sit baek and are contented with their presentcondition, but ponder about the i'tuure and involvethemselves in solving the puzzles of the lIni \'erse. See.Saleem' How clearly the Quran explains this:

"Verily. in the alternation of the nightllnllthe dll)" lindin tllat what Allllh hilS created in the heave/ls lind theearth,

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are Signs for a people who are conscious ofHim. "(10: 6)

WHO IS GOD-CONSCIOUS?By the way, did you ponder 011. what is the sign of

God-conscious people 'AlIah has shown? After this He says:"Tllose wllO rest not tlteir Itope on meeting Us,but are pleased witl! tlte life of tllis world andare satisfied witll it, and those wlto Ileed notour Signs, their abode is the Fire, because oftile (evil) tlley have ellrtleti." ( 10: 7-8)First think on this matter. Saleem. By saying

"pleased with thc lifc of this world" and "satisfied withhow the Quran has indicated a great truth. What is thefundamental secret of the adversity and misfortune, andc\altation and prosperity of nations? Is it not that somenations are satisfied and contented with their presentcondition which is available to them easily') Havingdeprived themselves of the miracles of ACTION, they fall

the deep hole of disgrace, thus lagging far behind theactive. progressive nations of the world.

On the contrary. the nations that arc not contentedwith the present, but continuously strive for new inventionsand disclosures (of nature). create a new and modern worldfor themselves and forge ahead in the battletleld of life.These are the nations who remain steadfast and eager to

the miracles of nature. The result of this is thatheaven opens up its doors of blessings and strength to them.The earth hands over its hidden treasures to them. Thenations who do not do this, remain deprived of the Devinebounties.



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DEPRIVED OF ALLAH'S PROVIDENCE"Those who reject the Signs ofAllah and the meetingwith Him (in the Hereafter), it is they who will despair

ofMy Mercy; it is they wlto will (suffer) a most grievousc1tastisement." (29: 23)The emphasis [s on "they", that is. only those people

who ignore or reject Allah's Signs and reject the Hercrafter,who will find themselves in despair and suffering. Allah'sMercy is available to all. but those who reject His Mercy,will most certainly suffer. Did you see Saleem, what theQuran says about those who deprive themselves of theMercy of Allah and reject His Signs: they will suffer themost grievous punishment. In Surah Aal-Imraan (3: I 91)and Surah Yunus (10:8) the same punishment is spoken ofas the Fire of Hell. These verses were given previously. Justthink: in the barren deserts of Makkah, the liquid gold, thatis petrol, was running for centuries, but because thosepeople were satisfied with their prevailing condition,therefore they were deprived of the advantages of thisprecious blessing of Allah. The result was that they were inneed of Qthers for their daily bread. This was a terriblepunishment from Allah on them. TQ.e Quran has labelledhunger as a punishment from God.

Allalt uts forth a parable. "A town safe and secure, to wltich its means o fsubsistence came in abundance from everyquarter; but it disbelieved in Allah's favours, so Allah made it taste a pall ofhunger and fear because ofwhat they wrought." (16:112)

After this the perceptive eyes of the Westqiscovered the seas of this liquid gold, and with theirWho are the VI. rna? 25


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continuous efforts, going down into the deep recesses of theearth with their superior technology, they pumped out theoil. This changed the map of Hijaaz, In our own land ofPakistan, nature has hidden a world of potentialities, Butbecause we are satisfied with our present condition, and weare contented with whatever is available to us without anyhard work, we arc therefore dependent on others for ourdaily bread,

Some nations of Europe have a small piece of land,But they work hard and grow so much in it, that alierfulfilling their own needs, they export a quantity from it toother countries as well. This is because they are ceaselesslyengaged in unveiling nature's hidden treasures, Forcenturies we have turned away from the Divine Law, andtherefore our livelihood is becoming constricted for us,

"And whoever turns away from My Reminder,verily for him is a life narrowed down, and Wesltall raise him up blind on tlte Day o fJudgment."(20: 124)

Allah's Judgment is very open and clear and it willnot change lor anyone,

For centuries we have not been using our faculties,and the result of this is that our capabilities have becomeparalysed, and we are counted among such people aboutwhom the Quran says:

"1'IIol'e are they whose hearts, ears and eyes Allah lias sealed, and they are tlte heedless ones. "

(16: 108) Some people think that "seeing Allah" means that alier

death we shall be brought before lIim "face to face" toreceive our punishment or reward, Although in view of thesaid context this understanding is not quite proper. then.Who are the Ulama? 26


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too, the fact remains that from the Quranic viewpoint, for atrust and certainty in "seeing Allah", it is necessary toobserve and study the Signs of Allah in the world. Life afterdeath and punishment and reward is part of our faith.Did you see Saleem, in how many different ways theQuran clarifies the truth that:1. knowledge is that knowledge in which humanbeings use their senses;2. making use of senses means that man must unveilthe mysteries and secrets of the universe. He must

make a wide study of the things in nature. He muststudy deeply the laws of nature, and with continuousand unceasing exertion, he must keep unveiling andseeing the arrangements and systems of nature;3. this is the manner of the believers. This is the dutyof God-conscious people. This is the remembranceand praise of AlIah. With this the hidden truthsreveal themselves, and man can thus say abouteverything in the universe that:

" ...Our Lord! Thou hast not created (a//) this invain ... "(3: /9/)

THE TESTIMONY TO QURANIC TRUTHNot only this, but AlIah tells us that these verycosmic verses testify to the truth of the Holy Quran."Soon Will we show them Our Signs in the furthestregions ( ofthe earth) and in their own souls, until itbecomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. Is itnot enough that thy Lord is a Witness over all things?"

(4/ : 53)



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The truths which are wrapped up in the mysteries ofthe world will become clear to human beings as theirknowledge and rcsearch advances. The truth of the Quranicclaims will be ptpvcn one by one. As the world progresseswith research and scientific knowledge, the Quranic truthswill rcveal thcmselves.In thc above vcrse, the Quran includes human spiritand soul with the external world and manifests that scienceis not only conccrned with physics, but is also related tohuman life which comes within its ( physics' ) ambit. Butregarding this knowledge, not only speculativc theories arerequired, but also it would bc done by means of practicalobservations and experiments. In this context, sociologyand practical psychology enjoy special importance.From the point of view of physical science and thescience related to human life, as the facts reveal themselves,the proofs of the Quranic verities become apparent to us.This is because:

" .... t is not enough that thy Lord doth witness allthings?" ( 41: 53 )The Quran is the Book of Allah from Whose eyesNOTHING is hidden. He observes EVERYTHING all thetime. This, then, is proof enough that whatever He will sayabout these things, will be correct His declaration will bebased on knowledge and facts - not on supposition and'conjecture, because:

"The (Quran) was sent down by Him Who knowsthe secrets ofthe heavens and the earth."

(25: 6)But those who are unaware of the signs in thecosmos,'cannot be convinced of "Seeing Allah"



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"Now surely they are in doubt about meeting with theirLord .... "( 41: 54)They do not have to go far for this. They can startresearching anything, and they wi II find the spark of DivineLaw in creation, because Allah says:

" ....Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass aft things. "(41: 53-54)

Allah's Divine Laws encompasses all things; it ISnot attached to one single thing. Therefore 'the eyes shouldbe opened to all colours'.You may remember, Saleem, [ once mentioned toyou an excellent book entitled "THE GREAT DESIGN".The plan of this book was that a questionnaire was sent toleading scholars of different disciplines, askillg them thefollowing questions: "After conducting researches in yourparticular branch of knowledge, have you arrived at theconclusion that cosmic system is operating according to anorderly arrangement, or has it come into existenceaccidentally, and is continuing aimlessly and by chanceTThe answers received from these great scientistswere recorded without review or C'riticism in this book. Theextent of these answers is very wide. You can gauge this bythe title of the treatise one botanist sent in: "A GREENLEAF". An astronomer submitted an answer with theheading: "THE PASSAGE .OF THE STARS". Allseholars reached the conclusipn that in every atom in theuniverse, the immutable and orderly Hand of a Knower andContriver is manifest. It is these orderly arrangements in theCosmic Order before which, at every step, theacknowledging eyes of the leaders in research world, aredowncast.,1I 'This is nQW published in Ihc momenlous book. "THE BIBLE. THE QURANAND SCIENCE'. of Maurice Bue.illc. In this book most of 'he QUrJoicverities are now sheddinsa their li.l:ahi like the shining slars. (1981)Who are Ihe Ulama? 29


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Since they have not got the Quran they cannotcorrectly evaluate which Being is governing the universe sobeautifully. Nevertheless, they are observing this orderlyorganisation with their own eyes. (It is not difficult for themto reach the Quran from here, provided that someonepresents the Quran to them.)

WHO ARE THE ULAMA (LEARNED) ?You have up to now seen what the .definition ofknowledge is from the Quranic viewpoint. After all this

clarification, the need does not arise at all to explain furtherwho the aalim (learned) is and who are meant by the term"ularria". But see the miracle of the Quran that it has itselfexplained this fact so that no' doubt or uncertainty shouldlinger in the mind. It commences like this:"Seest thou not that Allah sends down rain from thesky, then We bringforth therewith fruits of varioushues? And in the mountains are streaks, white andred, of various hues, and (others) intensely black."

(35: 27)These wonderful shades and colours are to be foundnot only in vegetations but in rocks and mineral products."And so amongst men and beasts and cattle,are there various colours .. .. " (35: 28)Did you see Saleem! What matters are discussed in

these verses: different aspects of the world, the multifariousbranches of knowledge in the wide expanse of nature;different sciences, physics, botany, geology, zoology, andall s e c t i o n ~ of humanities come into it. After mentioning allthese different branches of knowledge, the Quran says:Who are the Vlarna? 30


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And ofmen and beasts and cattle there are variouscolours likewise. Those of His servants ONLY WHOARE POSSESSED OF KNOWLEDGE (the ulama)fear Allah. Surely Allah is Mighty, Forgiving. "

(35: 27-28)Here Allah says that the Ulama are those who areversed in BOTANY, {"Fruits of various hues");GEOLOGY ("streaks white and red .. . " ); BIOI.OGY,ANTHROPOLOGY and ZOOLOGY ( And of men andbeasts and cattle ... ). No reference at all is made to theMoulvis who do not know even the ABC of science!

(2) "In the creation of the Heavens and earth and the alternation of the night and the day, THERE ARE SURELY SIGNS FOR MEN OF UNDERSTANDING. Those who remember Allah standing and sitting and (/ying)on their sides, AND REFLECT ON THE CREATION OF THE H/:'''AVENS AND THE EARTH: Our Lord, Thou hast Not created this in vain. "

(3: 190-191) The above verse is a clear reference toGEOGRAPHERS and to those who study the SCIENCEOF THE_UNIVERSE, namely . the COSMOLOGISTS.Breathes there a Moulvi so learned who can tell us all aboutcosmology?

(3)"He it is Who made the sun a shining brightness, and the m()(J1/ a light, and ORDAINED FOR IT STAGES THAT YOU MIGHT KNOW THE COMPUTATION

OF YEARS AND RECKONING;. Allah created not this but with truth. He makes the sign manifestfor A PEOPLE WHO KNOW." ( 10: 5) Who are the UJama? 32


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These words of the Quran point to the study ofASTRONOMY and ASTRONOMICALCALCULATIONS. Our "ulama" are ignorant of thisscience. Not only ignorant but they FORBID its study. It iswritten in the Fataawa Aalamgiri, a book of religiousdecrees, that: 'To study astronomy to extent of knowing theQiblah and times of prayer is enough. To study astronomyfurther than this is HARAAM." (Vol. 9, p. 126)Imam Aboo Hanifah (RAJ who is one of the greatestImams, is revered for his Ijtihaad in jurisprudence, but notfor the book on astronomy which he wrote with his ownhands. It was purely a scientific work describing theinterplanetary distances under mathematical principles. Thisbook is to be found in the Paris library!(4)"Say: Travel in the eartll then see how He makes the

first creation, then Allah creates the later creation,Surely Allah is tile Possessor ofpower over allthings. " (29: 20)Our "ulama" will not understand the above verse

because they are ignorant of palaeontology (study of extinctorganized beings) and also of the Palaeozoic science fromwhich we learn the ancient forms of life of the firstgeological period.(5)

"And the changing ofthe winds and the cloudsmade subservient between I,eavens and earth;tllere are surely signs for A PEOPLE WHOUNDERSTAND ..... "(2: 164)Our "ulama" will not understand the import of the

above verse because they have not studied atmosphericphenomena they are ignorant of the sciences ofMETEOROLOGY and NEPHOLOGY.Who are the Ulama? 33


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(6)"And ofHis Signs is tile creation of tI,e heavensand the eartlt and tlte diversity ofyour tonguesand colours. Surely there are signs in this FOR

THE LEARNED. " (30: 11)According to this verse. our "ulama" are NOTlearned, because they do not know PHILOLOG Y andETHNOLOGY.

(7) "Have they not travelled in tile eartl! and seen wllat was tile end oft/lOse before them? Tiley were stronger than tlrese in prowess and dug up tile eartll, and built on it more til an these Irave built.. ... " (30: 9)Here Allah refers to the study of the history ofancient civilizations. Which of our "ulama" can give us a

learned dissertation on Egyptology or the history of culturesthat became effete a long time ago?

Ibn Khaldun is regarded in the academic world asthe Farther of History. His writings influenced the entireworld. But he was ignored by the "ulama" and untilrecently his "Muqaddamah" was banned by the Sheikhs ofthe greatest Muslim University, AlAzhar. They said thatthe Muqaddamah was profane and might undermine faith!(8)

"And tire sun moves to its destination ... Andtile moon, We IIave ordainedfor it stages...Neither is itfor the sun to overtake tile moon,Nor can tile niglrt outstrip tile day. And all

FLOAT on in an orbit." (36: 3840)



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Reference is made here to heavenly bodiesFLOATING IN THEIR ORBITS. In another place,referring to heavenly bodies Allah says:" . .. Surely there are signs in this for A PEOPLEWHO UNDERSTAND." (16: 12)

Today it is common knowledge that planets,planetoids and asteroids "float" around in space in a fixedorbit The word "float" as used in the Quran is the exactword used by scientists today to describe the movement ofthe heavenly bodies. Our "ulama" cannot comprehend thisverse of the Quran because the study of HEA VENL YBODIES and SPACE SCIENCE is totally foreign to them.(9)

"And ofHis Signs is the creation of tile heavensand the earth and what He has spreadfortll inboth ofthem ofLIVING BEINGS. And He isAll-Powerful to gatlter tl,em together when Hewill," (42: 29)This verse clearly points to the fact that there areLIVING BEINGS on other planets. Our "ulama" cannotgive us any infonnation on this scientific truth for which we

have to tum to Godless Russia and other western countrieswho are now probing the secrets of space.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OUR "ULAMA"After the above Quranic definition of Ulama, youmust think, Saleem, how much scientific knowledge our"ulama" possess! They are not acquainted with even theelementary knowledge of the . natural sciences. Their

Wbo are the Ulama? 35


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learning does not go beyond useless debates and timewasting logomachies, that is, arguments about words or themeaning of words. Their debates have no relevance to theworld we live in, nor to the activities of human life.The syllabus of our madrasahs is spread over tenyears. These ten years are spent in studying logic,philosophy, semantics, public speaking, literature andgrammar, And the logic and philosophy is also that whichhas become antiquated, obsolete. This syllabus includes afew books on astronomy, geometry and accounting. Buteven from these books only that section is taught that is of

no use in daily life. Moreover, and you, will be astonishedto know, that in their syllabus the Holy Quran is notincluded at all! For Tafseer (commentary), they teachJalaalain, in which only the synonyms of Quranic words aregiven. In the final year the students are taught thecommentary of surah Baqarah from the Tafseer of Baidawi.This is their syllabus, after the completion of which theyreceive their certificate of having qualified as "aalim"The extent of their knowledge regarding thephenomena of nature, may be gauged from this example:With the advent of the loudspeaker in India, people askedfor fatwas about it from the "eminent ulama" - whether it islawful (Jaa'iz) or unlawful (Naa-Jaa'iz) (from the Shariahpoint of view).

In his reply to this request, the president of theJamiatul Ulama, the late Mufti Kifaayatullah, wrote: "Wehave not yet seen the instrument about which the question isasked, but we have heard about it that it is an instrumentplaced in front of a speaker or Qari. Facing it he recites ordelivers his lecture. The instrument absorbs the sound andbroadcasts it four times over the distance, without which itwould be difficult to disseminate the sound of the voice."(Reference: "NAQEEB", 10 November, 1941)After this the Mufti Saheb gave his fatwa that it waspermissible to use the loudspeaker.

Who are Ihe Ulama? 36


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But later, a great Mufti of the Daarul Uloom(Deoband), Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saheb (who hadafterwards emigrated to Pakistan), published his own fatwa,OVERTURNING the fatwa of Mufti Kifaayatullah. In thisfatwa he said that it is FORBIDDEN (Haraam) to use thisinstrument for the "intended prayers,,2 In this magazine (thename of which was AI-Badaa-i' AI-Mufeedah Fee HukmudDaa-i-ul Jadeedah) he wrote that he did not know the natureof this instrument and how .it_works. Therefore he enquiredfrom Master Brij Nandan Laal who was the science teacherat the Alexandera High School in Bhopal. Mr Laal said:"Because of the electrical power, I hesitate to believe, that itis the original voice. I cannot even deny this, because I haveno proofof this denial."After this wonderful research, the Mufti Sahebdecided that the loudspeaker is Haraam (forbidden) for thepurpose of prayers. It means that on the basis of Mr BrijNandan Laal, the Mufti Saheb decided that in this matter,THIS is the Command of Allah and His Messenger (S). Doyou see what the position of these people is regardingresearch into the natural phenomena and moderntechnology! Their knowledge about these things is clearlydeplorable, yet they keep on issuing fatwas after fatwaswhether they are Halaal or Haraaml And now in Pakistanthis matter has progressed beyond the fatwa stage intolegislation.

For example, if this matter comes before thegovernment, that is it permissible or impermissiible to usethe loudspeakers for the khutbahs, and if there is any needto legislate on this matter, then these very ulama gentlemenwill demand that only they ale qualified to draw up thelaw3 That is, these gentlemen will first find out from someMaster Bnj Nandan Laal what this loudspeaker thing is allabout, and on the basis of the findings provided by him.'Now these very "eminent ulama" use loudspeaker without the slightest hesitation in their khutbails aod salaat! l This is now prdcticatly happening (1981) Who are .he Ularna? 37


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they will decide whether, according to the Quran andSunnah, it is lawful or not. And their decision will bepromulgated as a law in the country!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

From these explanations you must have seen,.Saleem, that according to the Quran, the Believers andGod-conscious people are those who remember Allah, thosewho have faith in and desire to meet lIim; the. God-fearingservants of Allah are those who ponder on the system foundin the world, and conduct research unceasingly on theforces of nature. This from the Quranie viewpoint, is calledKNOWLEDGE (,11m), and the bearers of such knowledgeare called ULAMA by Allah (SWT).

THE REMOVAL OF DOUBTAt this stage you must no doubt be thinking that on

the basis of what is said above. the Western nations are thetrue believers. and are Godfearing. But. this line of thinkingis not corre.ct. [t is extremely necessary for the believingand God-conscious people to acquire the knowledge ofnature, but it is wrong to assume that every nation thatacquires this knowledge, (automatically) becomes believersand God-fearing. Apart from being very important, thisdifference is also subtle. It is therefore necessary tocomprehend it properly.

Bclievt:rs and God-fearing people are those who,after harnessing and harmonising with nature, utilize herforces according to the laws of God as enunciated in the

Quran. To be a Believer (Mu'min) and Muttaqee(God.-conscious). both these conditions are indispensable,VIZ.:

(I) harnessing nature. and

. \ \ ho arc the UI"III.? 38
http:///reader/full/corre.cthttp:///reader/full/corre.ct


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i l l utilising the resulting benefit from suchharnessing ACCORDING TO THE LAWSOF ALLAH'

If any nation evinces a lack of either of theseconditions, then it cannot be referred to as believers andGod-conscious. The Quran comments:

"0 ye wllo believe! Ellter illto IslamwllOleileartedly (ill its totality ....). "(2: 208)

Thill is, it enjoins us to imbue ourselves with, andimmerse totally, in the Quranic Order. We are not believersand God-conscious because we lack the first condition(harnessing of nature). And when we fulfil onl) th" firstcondition (i.c. harnessing nature). then question of thesecond condition (that of utilizing the power of natureaccording to the laws of Allah) does not arise at

The Western nations are not believers and Godf'o:aring because they lack the second condition. Therefore.on the practical level of belief and God-consciousness, theyand we, are both on an equal footing. But those nations arebetter than us because, by capturing the forces of nature.they have made their material life very pleasant. And 'WEare dependent on THEM lor our very sustenance

In order to utilize the powers of nature according tothe laws of Allah, one must have knowledge of the Quran,because these Divine laws are to be found within its pages.These are the people:

" .....wllO are firmly groulIlled ill Imo!Vlellge .." ..(3: 6)

and who base their faith rationally on the Quran, conductingall their affairs according to it." .. Those !Vito do 1I0t judge accordillg to tlte Qural!,



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are the unbelievers (Kaajiroon.) " (5: 44)The result of this unbelief (Kufr) is that humansociety becomes a living hell in spite of the abundance of

wealth and provisions (as it is now happeni ng in Europe).They have such a vast knowledge of science. yet theycannot find the true solution to the problems besettinghuman life. In other words. in this matter their senses andtheir minds are not assisting them. The Quran says aboutsuch nations:"And certainly We had jirmly established tl,em in powerin matters in which We lIave not empoweredyou ...(46: 26)

With this. the senses and the mind were also grantedto them, but:..... and We lIad given tl/em ears and e:yes and hearts,but neither their ears, nor their eyes, nor tlleir heartsavailed tllem aught, since they denied the message of

Allah." (46: 26)If the Western nations spend the forces of theuniverse and the gifts of nature according to the Laws ofAllah, then the hell in which the world is presentlyembroiled. can be transformed into heaven, in search ofwhich mankind is wandering about.See. Saleem. how beautifully the Quran states this.Read again these verses of Sura Yunus (10: 8) in which it issaid:

"Those who expect not the meeting with Us, and arepleased witll this world's life and are saHified with it, andtllose wllo (Ire lIeedless ofOur communications - these

\VhQ are the lJlama? 40


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(are the people) whose abode is the Fire because of whatthey earned. " (10: 7-8)After this the Quran says:"Those who believe and do good, their Lord guides them by tlteir faith; rivers willflow beneatlr tllem in Gardens of bliss. " (10: 9)

The result is that they live in exquIsite gardenswhich stay green forever no lessening will take place intheir verdure. Seeing the heavenly society, they willspontaneously utter that Yaa Allah! Truly it was indeedagainst Your nature to have created the cosmos in vain.

"Tlteir cry therein will be, Glory be to Thee, 0 Allah!and their greeting, Peace! .. (10: 10)

In this society their desires for one another aregreatly vitalizing, and engendering peace and security.Those who have established this society. they will continueto extend its boundaries further and further through theirsustained strivings and unceasing efforts and actions until,finally. encompassing all mankind. At that time everyobserver will exclaim' that how profoundly worthy of allpraise and exceeding eulogy is Allah's Devine CosmicOrder.

.... ...And the last of their call will be: Praise be /0Allah, tile Lord of tile worlds. "(10: 10)

EPILOUGEFrom these explanations. the truth must be clear toyou. Saleem, that if we wish to envisage society along thelines of Quranic teachings. then it would be necessary forWho are the Ulama? 41


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us to create such research scholars and scientists whowould, through their experimentations with, andobservations of, the laws of nature. subjugate the cosmicforces - with their studies extending to .every aspect of theworld. encompassing all organic and inorganic. beings.

Together with this they must promulgate the DivineLaws that are enshrined in the Quran In such a way that itwould become evident that there is no difficulty whatsoeverin harnessing and distributing thesc forces according to thelaws of Allah.

These arc the people who would be called ULAMAin the words of the Quran.

As long as our present conception regardingKnowledge and the Learned ("lIm and Ulama") does notchange. we just cannot count ourselves among the livingnations - let alone reaching God!

"How can you search for God when youhave not (even) reached man(kind)."H *

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ANOT A TED GLOSSARY

ALLAH:

APPELLATION:APPRISE:

ASSAY:

CEREBRAL:

COGNOSCENTI :

COLOSSUS:

CORUSCATING:\ \ hH are th(' llama?

Arabic/Quranic reference to theONE God Who is the LordGod, the Creator and Sustainerof the entire universe andeverything that is in it. "Allah"is NOT an exclusive name for atribal deity of Muslims as someChristians, Jews and other Non-Muslims erroneously believe, Itis wrong to consider"Allah" asa name f()r God as God has noname, only Attributesan identifying name or titleto make aware; informan attemptinvolving intelligence, ratherthan emotions or instinctpeople with informedappreciation of a particularfield; connoisseurssomething very largeshinning: sparkling; brilliant

4J


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INELUCTABLE:INNUMEROUS:INTELLIGENTSIA:

INVECTIVE:

IQBAL:

KAAFIR:

MAULANA:

MELLIFLUOUS:

MULTIFARIOUS:Who are the UJama?

irresistible; hard to escape fromextremely numerousthe educated or intellectualpeople in a society orcommunityvehement accusation ordenunciation, especially of abitterly abusive or sarcastickindAllamah Dr, Sir Muhammad Iqbal(1876-1938), the greatest thinker,philosopher, sage and poel of Ihiscentury produced by Ihe Indo-Paksub-continent. He envisaged a Muslimstate, later desigllated as PAKISTAN,where Muslims could practise theirDeen of Islam freely and unhinderedby inimical forces, He advised andencouraged Allamah Parwez to write aTafseer (commentary) of the HolyQuran,infidel; a non-Muslim; nonbelieverused as a title by Muslimreligious priests and clergy inIndia and Pakistan only, Noother Muslim country uses thistitle(of sound and utterances)smooth or honeyed; sweetof many kinds

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MUTTAQEE:

NONPAREIL:

OPPROBRIUM:PARAMOUNT:

PAR EXCELLENCE:PASSERINE:

PER SE :PERSPECTIVE:

PERSPICACITY:POLEMICIST:

Who are the Ulama?

a person who keeps away fromthings that are harmful to hispersonality and character, byadhering to the laws of Allah,thus rejecting a negativeapproach to life and acceptingpositive virtues; virtuous; Godconsciousa person' or thing that isunsurpassed or unmatched;peerless examplereproach or censureof the greatest importance orsignificance; pre-eminentbeyond comparisonof, relating to, or belonging tothe PASSERIFORMES, anorder of birds characterised bythe perching habit: includes thelark, finches, crows, thrushes,starlings, etc_by or in itself; intrinsicallythe proper or accurate point ofview or the ability to see itacute perception or discernmentone who practises the art ofdisputation or argumentation, as

46


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POLYMATH:

PRISTINE:PUGREED:QURAN:

QURANICREFERENCES:

RABB:

SACERDOTAL:

SANG-FROID :

SAVANT: SHARIAH: STUPENDOUS: TAMASHA: ULAMA:

Who are the Ulama?

in attacking or defending adoctrine or beliefA person of great and variedlearningOriginal; pure; uncorruptedturbanedholy scripture of Muslimsrevealed by God Almighty toProphet Muhammad (Peace beon him)where a Quranic reference isquoted, e.g. 4: 135, this meansSura (chapter) no. 4, verse no.135God's Attributes of Nourisher,Cherisher and Sustainerrelating to, or characteristic of,priestsComposure; self-possession;calmnessA man of great learning; sagerevealed lawastounding; wonderfulPlay; fun; entertainmentplural of 'aalim' - the learned;those possessing knowledge

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VEDANTlSM: one of the SIX mamphilosophical school ofHinduism, expounding themonism regarded as implicit inthe Veda in accordance with thedoctrines of the Upanishads. Itteaches that only Brahma hasreality, while the wholephenomenal world is theoutcome of illusion (maya)



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OTHER PUBLICATIONS

(SLAM A CHALLENGE TO RELIGION By G A Parwez

The very name of the book strikes one as a paradoxfor it is universally accepted that Islam is one of the majorreligions of the world. So how could a religion challengethe very institution to which it subscribes? The author hasindeed made a successful bid to prove this strange aphorismfor the first time in the history of Islamic thought and hisresearch deserves careful study. It is thought-provoking; itis revolutionary, opening new vistas and bold horizons ofintellectual endeavours. It is the outcome of life-long studyofone of the renowned Quranic thinkers ofour times.The author has not, however; taken a purely anegative attitude. Having proved his claim that Islam isNOT a religion, he has very lucidly explained what Islamreally is, and how it offers the most convincing andenduring answers to those eternal questions which everythinking man asks about the meaning and purpose of lifeand how it can be achieved. The book is thus a uniqueattempt at the rediscovery of Islam.Scholarly written and exquisitely presented.For details of availability of this and otherpubl ications listed on succeeding pages, please contact:

Tolu-e-Islam Trust 25-B Gulberg 2 Lahore 54660 PAKISTAN Who are the Ulama? 49


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QURANIC LAWS

"Quranic Laws" was written under pressingdemands. It provides the code of laws for an Islamic State,and as such it may be considered a precursor of "Tabweebul-Quran" (classification hy Parwez in three big volumes)

In this book the purport of the Quranic verses havealso been given. Along with this, inferences have also beendrawn, although this right belongs to the LegislativeAssembly of an Islamic State. However, Parwezemphasises that his inferences are not more than a pointerin this direction

Although this' collection of Quranic Laws shallbenefit all Muslims in general, it shall be especially usefulfor those connected with legal affairs. e.g. judges,advocates, those working with the law sections of thegovernment, members of the legislature, the constituentassemblies, and those concerned with the media.

The chapters deal with such. topics as state affairs,Government Agencies. Justice. General Injunctions forFamily life, Inheritance and Testament, Protection of Lifeand Property, and chapters pertaining to economy and Basic.Human Rights etc. etc.

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ISLAMIC WAY OF LIVING

lhc future of a nation depends on the way itsyounger generation is brought up. Muslims living abroad,especially Pakistanis, feel apprehensive of their childrengoing a ~ t r a y under Ihe influence of foreign culture. Off andon they have contacted Dr Abdul Wadud to write a book onthe "Islamic Way of living" which could be useful for theyoung.

The work that he has produced is not the exacttranslation but a reproduction in English of tlie bookentitled "Islamee Muasharat" by Allamah Ghulam Ahmad.Parwez. It comprises such Quranic instructions, whiyhguide the way 10 the formation of an Islamic Society. It isnot a philosophical treatise but a dt!scription in simpleterms, meant for. children, as well as for those who neitherhave the time nor the aptitude to go into details.

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from the Quranic perspective of the philosophy of history.This little book in Urdu has been very much in demand andvoraciously read by all and sundry. For a long time the needwas felt for the English rendering of this book. There hadbeen a demand for it from those who were not veryproficient in Urdu or those whose children were born andbrought up abroad. We are greatly indebted to Mr IsmailAtcha from Bolton, Lancashire, Britain, for fulfilling thisdire need. He has put in tremendous effort to render thisbook into English.

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"LETTERSTo TAHIRA"

"Letters to Tahira" is essentially a collection ofletters written to a mature and inquisitive young lady withclean intellect. This was in response to the queries theauthor had reeeived from many of the female readers 'of hisearlier similar book "Letters to Saleem".These letters bring forth the trial, tribulations and

those vexing problems that the unfortunate and helplessgirls of our society have to face today.Some letters highlight those maladies that arecurrently rampant amongst our modem educated" class.These are the results of following the West blindly. Thenation is gradually pushed towards destruction, and if the

orthodox section of the society needs to change, themodernists, too, are not to be exempted. It is imperative thatboth extremes be brought to the middle path, in the light ofthe Quran.It is a fact that women can train a society moreeasily and effectively than men. The punlishing of these

letters will hopefully initiate the reformation process athorne. Parwez hopes that if this effort of his can light a fewQuranic candles in some homes, he believes his endeavourswill have borne fruit.

****

Who are the (Jlam.? 54


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"EXPOSITIONOF THE HOLYQURAN"

VOL. I

It was in 1983 that Allamah Ghulam Ahmad Parwezundertook the project of rendering into English hiscelebrated work titled "Majhum-uJ-Qura,,". He could onlycomplete up to Surah "Al-Kahaf (No. 18) - slightly morethan half the text of the Quran, when death overtook him.lbe reader would notice that some of the Quranicterms are retained as such (in Arabic) in this exposition e.g.Allah, Deen, Nabi, Rasool. Momin, Kafir etc. Theseconcepts have special significance in the Quran and it is justnot possible to translate them in few words in English. SoGlossary ofterms has been added.The reader would fmd a new approach in thispresentation, which is different from all other translations inEnglish. As the title explains, this presentation is not thetranslation of the Holy Quran, but its Exposition.It is an honest and serious human effort to convey

the pristine concepts of the Holy Quran. The originalArabic text of Wahi (Revelation), however, is eternal andits understanding during any span of time cannot be takenas the last word, which shall hav


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The Tolu-e-lslam MovementIt's Beliefs and Objectives

We believe that...I. Reason alone is not enough to so Ive

the problem of life. Reason needs revelation (Wahi)just as eyes need the light of the sun.

2. This revelation is preserved in theQuran in its final and complete form. Mankind,therefore, cannot reach its desired destinationwithout Quran.3. The Quran is the criterion for judgingbetween truth and -falsehood. Everything thai agrees

with the Quran is correct. That which is at variancewith it, is false.4. From the viewpoint of Quran,human beings inhabiting the earth, are individuals

belonging to one universal brotherhood. Thepractical aspect of establishing this brotherhoodwould be that all man;,ind may lead their livesaccording to ONE dispensation.

Who are tbe Uilima? 56


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S. This universal organisation of lifemay be formulated in such a manner that people ofevery era according to the requirements of theirtime, may compile the details of law in the light ofthe Quran. (These are called SHRlA LAWS). Thedetails of law will keep changing according tocircumstances, but the principles of the Quran shallforever remain unalterable.

6. From the point of view of such anorganisation, the Quran envisages a society in whichthe latent abilities of ALL individuals aredeveloped, and no one in such a society will bedeprived of his lite's necessities - food, shelter,health care, education etc - this is the QuranicOrganisation For the Preservation of Mankid. Thisis called The Quranic Social Order. Oncehuinan'slatent potentialities are fully developed, the worldwill thus bewme resplendent with the light of theEternal Nourisher.

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AL-BALAAGH

"And our duty is but plain conveyance (ofthe Message)."(Quran,36: 17)

AL-BALAAGH is edited by A.S.K.JoommaJ and published quarterly in South Africa.The Quran commands and encourages theuse of the God-given faculty of thinking and

reasoning. AI-BaJaagh conveys the message of theQuran in its pristine purity.AL-BALAAGH is an open forum thatentertains ALL shades of religious opinion withoutprejudice or favour. This paper's policy and

Quranic beliefs are always reflected in itseditorials. Opinions expressed by writers of articlesand letters need not necessarily be those of theeditor.SUBSCRJPTION (PER ANNUM)South Africa............... Rand 40-00United Kingdom ............ 5-00USA & all other countries $10-00



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Please write to:AI-BalaaghP.O.Box 1925LENASIA 1829South AfricaSubscribers in UK can order through MAQBOOLFARHAT76 Park RoadIlfordEssex IG I 1SFTel, & Fax: 0208553 1896



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--

,..iC LecblI'IS (DIIS I 'M FIlInIIJIn Foreign Countries.

Place Day Time.....

714 lne West Mall Suite 410 First Sunday IIAMToronto Ontario of the MonthE ~ r n a i r : - p a z m 1 o r o n t o ( ~ hotmail.l'omDars--e-Quran on Radio Every Sunday 6-7 PM .. AMBO

(Radio Station Name is AMBO)

Ph:Zafar Khan:(45)35 382595 Or (45) 35 814545mail: zkhantfrget2nctdk.....76 Park Rd, IIlford, Essex First Sunday 2.30PMIGI 1SF, liford, of the nwntnPh & Fax:020 8553 1896E-mail: B a l m . L o n d 9 n ( l i ~ v i r g i n . n e tCrawley53 Downland Drive.South Gate W e s ~ CRAWLEYWest Sussex RH 18QZPh: M,Khalil: 01293-446258Or AI>had Mahmood: 01293-419784

Hounslow86 Meadowbank Gdns,Cranford Middx, TW5 9TI)Ph:Tariq Aziz:020 82839957Mobile: 07939 017117E-mail: b a z m h e a t h r o \ \ ~ y a h o o . ( . o m

Last Sunday 2PMoflhe month

Every3"' 14,30PMSundayof the month

,__nCI.yhall72 Herenl Drive, Clay hall Last Friday 12.30PM
http:///reader/full/Balm.Lond9n(li~virgin.nethttp:///reader/full/bazmheathro//%E7%B7%BEyahoo.(.omhttp:///reader/full/Balm.Lond9n(li~virgin.nethttp:///reader/full/bazmheathro//%E7%B7%BEyahoo.(.om


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IIlford. Essex. IG5 OHG of the monthPh:Rubina Khawaja;020 8550 3893Mobile: 07931351559Suriaya Farhat:020 85531896E-mail: t " d n g u e J o u n ~ i ! . m ( a ' l i n \ " w o r l d . c o , u k Manchester33 51. Georg"" Rd. Every Friday 7PMFallowfield, Manchester.MI46SXPhARashid Qureshi;OJ 61-976-3150Or Mallfooz Ahmad:O 161-286-5496....E-mail: rasbidQurcshirii.talk21.cQJ1JLindebergaasen 15B F,rsl Sunday 3PMOslo of the monthPh:Khadim Hussain Malik: (47)22-61-0448E-mail: khadim(il:ila .gs.oslo.!1o&: r n h l l ~ ; ; a j m l ( ~ c 2 i _ l l e t-slamic Center of Greater Toledo Every Sunday 10:30 amOhio BU1!l Perrysburg, Ohio. 12:30ContactSister Amina AhmedSub - Contact: Dr. Mansoor AlamPhone :419-530-8161, Fax:419-530-8146Email: malam5.ftiblltrn;li1.comNY BazmBazm Coordinator: Sister Tehmina MianSub Cont""!: Dr. Hamid MianPhone: 914,226-2254. Fax: 914-226-2251E-mail: tmian60022:a'1aoLcom

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