Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah Respected Hazrat Mufti Sahib,
My question is regarding the Tablighi Jama’at and the work it does. Although this may not be the best time to ask such a question since there are already differences and anarchy among them. But I am still forced to ask this question as per an old proverb which states that “excess of everything is bad”. I consider Tablighi Jama’at as one of the most influential activities of deen and consider it to be Haq as our Ulama-e-Haq support this work and take active part in it. I also try to help them by whatever means possible and I consider this work as the best method to spread the message of Islam. In spite of the above mentioned facts and virtues, it must be clarified to the Muslim Ummah what is the status of this Jama’at as per the Islamic Shari’ah.
Mufti Sahib kindly answer the questions below for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala and please know that I am asking only for the sake of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala:
1- What is the Shar’ai status of the Tablighi Jama’at and its work? Is spending time in this effort considered a fardh, wajib, mustahab etc.?
2- Is there Ijma’ on the status and work of Tablighi Jama’at?
3- If a person has a limited free time at hand and he has a choice to either go in Jama’at or help his wife and parents at home (especially when the kids are small) which option should he choose? Please note that he is not in a position to hire a maid or helper who can help the family members around the house. Please also note that this person spends a couple hours every week in order to attend his Sheikh’s Majlis for his own reformation and tarbiyah.
4- What is the ruling about a person or a group of people, who consider mustahab work equivalent to fardh or wajib and they insist or compel others to perform the mustahab work as if it is a fardh or wajib?
5- Is there any Shar’ai rule that if a person became close to deen due to a specific work (such as Tabligh), it is now compulsory for him to continue on doing this work?
6- If a person has spare time to spend time in Tabligh, he does not spend time in this work because he thinks he does not have munasibat with this work would he be considered as a sinner as per the teachings of Islam? Pease note that this person is not against this work and supports it by other possible means as much as possible.
JazakAllah Khair
الجواب وباللہ التوفیق
Assalamualaikum Warahmatullah
1- It is fardh upon us to learn about our aqaid (beliefs), etiquettes and the proper way of taking different actions in our lives, whether it is through the tablighi jama’at or through any other means. It is not mandatory to become part of any special groups in order to do so. Since it is easier to learn the above mentioned fundamentals through the work of tablighi jama’at and the significance and advantages of this work are evident in this era, people are motivated to join this work, however it is necessary to ensure balance in the motivation.
2- From a Shar’ai standpoint, there is no confusion regarding the rules, regulations and the method followed by the tablighi jama’at and this is a unanimous ruling of the ulamah-e-haq. However it is possible that someone associated with this jama’at transgresses and involves in imbalance, which will be considered as an exception. In addition, the responsible individuals and akabireen-e-tabligh correct such mistakes and reprimands such individuals.
3- If helping one’s family or serving one’s parents is needed, this service will be considered as a higher priority because these rights have been considered as priority in the Islamic Shari’ah. Rasulullah Sallallaho Alyhi Wasallam instructed to fulfill these rights.
4- At times, due to the importance and significance of this work, the motivation to perform this work is intensified. However forcing others for it or exaggerating its importance is incorrect.
5- It is not mandatory to spend time in this effort however it is an honor if one can do so. Such actions are full of great religious benefits for one’s ownself and for others.
6- Tabligh-e-deen is considered as Fardh alal-Kifaya whereas performing one’s Islah is considered as fardh. However there isn’t one specified and structured method or condition which can be applicable or binding for everyone and considering a person who is unable to associate himself with that method,as a sinner will be incorrect. Therefore, in the situation described in the question the person will not be categorized as a sinner.
واعلم أن تعلم العلم یکون فرض عین، وہو بقدر ما یحتاج إلیہ، وفرض کفایۃ وہو ما زاد علیہ لنفع غیر۔
(درمختار مع الشامي ۱؍۴۲ کراچی)
قال العلامۃ الآلوسي ہٰذا الآیۃ: {وَلْتَکُنْ مِنْکُمْ اُمَّۃٌ یَدْعُوْنَ اِلَی الْخَیْرِ وَیَأْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْہَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْکَرِ وَاُولٰٓئِکَ ہُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ} [اٰل عمران: ۱۰۴]: ’’إن العلماء اتفقوا علی أن الأمر بالمعروف والنہي عن المنکر من فروض الکفایات‘‘۔
(روح المعاني ۴؍۲۱)
فقط واللہ اعلم بالصواب