Braylwiyyah: Are they Muslim?

earthquake · April 27, 2007, 2:31pm

Braylwiyyah
Name of group - Braylwiyyah

Adherent to group - Braylwee, plural - Braylwiyyoon

The Braylwiyyah are a Soofee sect which was born in India at the time of the British rule there.

It’s followers concern themselves in exceeding in their love and honour for the Prophets and the “saints” in general, and the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) specifically.

It’s founder was a man by the name of Ahmad Ridhaa Khaan ibn Taqee 'Alee Khaan who was born in 1272 A.H. (1851 C.E.) and called himself Abdul-Mustafaa (slave/servant of Mustafaa, i.e. Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)).

He was born in the city of Braylee in the province of Uttar Pradesh and was a student of al-Mirza Ghulaam Qaadir Begg who was the older (blood) brother of Mirza Ghulaam Ahmad al-Qaadiyaanee (founder of the Qaadiyaaniyyah sect).

He was of a slim build and known to be shrewd and clever, whilst also being ill-tempered and foul-mouthed. He used to suffer from chronic illnesses, and used to consistently complain of headaches and back pains.

He visited Makkah and studied under some of the scholars there in 1295 A.H. (1874 C.E.). Amongst his “notable” books are: ((Anbaa. al-Mustafaa)) and ((Khaalis al-I’tiqaad)).

From the beliefs of this sect is that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) has the ability/power to control the creation and all that occurs, and that the “saints” have the ability/power to influence the creation and all that occurs.

And they have exceeded in their belief with respect to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) such that they have ascended him to a rank close to that of worshipping him. And they have exceeded in their belief with respect to the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) such that they believe he has knowledge of the unseen, and they deny that he was a human being, rather that he was the light (noor) of Allaah. And they also permit calling for assistance from the “saints” and the Prophets and other than them from the false beliefs.
Further reading
al-Braylwiyyah: 'Aqaa.id wa Taareekh - Ihsaan Elahe Zaheer;
al-Braylwiyyah - Masters degree thesis presented at the Faculty of Usool ad-Deen at the Islaamic University of Imaam Muhammad ibn Sa’ood in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The ruling concerning the Braylwiyyah
Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!

Question: There is a particular group in Pakistan called the ((Braylwiyyah)) or ((Jamaa’ah Nuwaaree)) which is a reference to their current leader known as ((Nuwaaree)). I ask your excellencies the Sharee’ah ruling regarding them and their 'aqeedah, and the prayer behind them as this is a contentious issue which many people are unaware of the reality. I will mention some of their defective ways and beliefs:

The belief that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is alive;
The belief that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is present and all-seeing, especially immediately after Salaat al-Jumu’ah;
The belief that the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is the foremost intercessor;
They believe in “saints” and the dead in their graves, and they offer salaah at the graves requesting them for their needs to be met;
Their commendation of domes and lighting up of graves;
Their saying ((Yaa Rasool, Yaa Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)));
Their hatred towards whoever loudly says ((Aameen)) and raises his hands in the salaah, considering such a person to be a Wahhaabee;
Their great astonishment at the use of the miswaak before the salaah;
Kissing the thumbs whilst doing wudhoo., the adhaan and after the salaah;
After the salaah, their imaam repeating the aayah:
{Allaah sends His prayers on the Prophet and also His angels too}, [Soorah al-Ahzaab, Aayah 56].
They gather after the Salaat al-Jumu’ah standing and reciting anaasheed and sending praises (to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam));
After they complete the Noble Qur.aan in the Salaat at-Taraaweeh in the month of Ramadhaan, they prepare alot of food and distribute it in the dining area of the masjid, in addition to sweets;
They build masaajid and seek much importance in decorating them, writing ((Yaa Muhammad)) above the mihraab (standing place of the imaam);
They consider themselves the people of the Sunnah and correct 'aqeedah and that (all) others are in error;
What is the Sharee’ah ruling regarding performing the salaah behind them (their imaam), considering I am a medical student in Karachi and live next door to the masjid where they are in (overall) control (i.e. their beliefs and practices prevail)?
Response: Whoever has these characteristics and attributes, then it is not permissible to offer your salaah behind them (their imaam), and whoever knows of their condition, then their salaah is not correct. This is because most of their characteristics and attributes are of kufr and bidah which negate the tawheed (oneness) with which Allaah had sent His messenger and revealed in His Book, and that which conflicts with the Qur.aan, such as His (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) saying: {Verily, you (Muhammad) will die and verily, they (too) will die}, [Soorah az-Zumar, Aayah 30] And His saying: {And the mosques are for Allaah (alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allaah}, [Soorah al-Jinn, Aayah 18] And their bidah which they practice should be detested with good manners, and if they accept (and leave these pratices) then all praise is for Allaah (alone); And if they do not accept (and continue in these practices) then you should leave them and offer your salaah in the masjid of the Ahlus-Sunnah. And in this, with respect to Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) there is a good example:
{And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allaah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord}, [Soorah Maryam, Aayah 48].
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa, comprising -
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 2, Page 396, Fatwa No.3090

Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam)
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Question: Is celebrating the Prophet’s birthday halaal or haraam?

Response: Establishing the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday or (the birthday of) other than him is an innovation. And it has been confirmed on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) that he said: ((Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (i.e. Islaam) that which is not from it, will have it rejected)), [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree/2697 and Saheeh Muslim/1718]. And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 3, Page 39, Question 3 of Fatwa No.736
How can one actualise one’s love for the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)

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Question: How can one actualise (their) love for the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)?

Response: Love of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and love of Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) is actualised by following the Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam), and everyone who follows the Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) is more eligible for the love of Allaah and the love of His Messenger. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) says: {Say: "If you (really) love Allaah then follow me (Muhammad), Allaah will love you}, [Soorah Aal-'Imraan, Aayah 31]. And the sign of the love of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) is that a person inquires about his sunnah and then follows it and does not add nor take anything away from that. Based upon this, then those who innovate in anything related to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and state that this is from their love and honouring of him (the Prophet) then in reality they do not love him and nor honour him. And that is because true love and honouring of him is to follow his sayings and not to add to his Sharee’ah and nor to take away from it.
And indeed whoever desires to innovate in the Sharee’ah of Allaah that which is not from it, then his love of Allaah and His Messenger is limited without doubt, because completeness of manners and honouring is not to extend oneself before Allaah and His Messenger. Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) said:
{O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allaah and His Messenger, and fear Allaah. Verily! Allaah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not}, [Soorah al-Hujuraat, Aayahs 1 and 2].
Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
Fataawa Noorun 'alad-Darb - Volume 2, Page 522, Question 414

Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam)
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Question: What is the ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) in the month of Rabee' al-Awwal in honour of him (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam)?
Response: Honouring the Prophet and respecting him is by: Believing in all that he came with from Allaah, and following his Sharee’ah and 'aqeedah verbally, actively and in character, and leaving off innovation in the religion, and from innovation in the religion is celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam). And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 3, Page 23, Question 1, Fatwa No. 3257
Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)

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Question: What is the ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam), and does the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) attend (physically or spiritually)?

Response: Respecting the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and honouring him is by believing in his missionand acting according to what he came with from Allaah. As for celebrating his birthday then it is an innovation, and it has been confirmed on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) that he said:
((Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (i.e. Islaam) that which is not from it, will have it rejected)), [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree/2697 and Saheeh Muslim/1718].
And it is not confirmed that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) attends/visits (after his death) anyone from amongst the people, and the principle (of this) is that this does not occur, therefore it is obligatory to remain upon this until (athenticated) evidence suggests otherwise. And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 3, Page 28, Question 1, Fatwa No. 4683
Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)
Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!

Question: Is gathering (the people) on the 12th day of Rabee’ al-Awwal in remembrance of the birth of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) permissible?

Response: Celebrating the birthday of the Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) is an innovation; this is because he (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) did not do this himself and nor did he order this to be done, and nor did any of his companions (radhi-yallaahu 'anhum) do this, and they were the most adherent of people in honouring the Messenger (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and following his Sunnah. And all good is in following his guidance, and he (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) said:
((Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (i.e. Islaam) that which is not from it, will have it rejected)), [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree/2697 and Saheeh Muslim/1718].
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 3, Page 30, Question 13, Fatwa No. 5005
Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) *Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!* Question: What is the ruling regarding gathering the people (on the occasion) for the birthday (of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam)) whilst they insist that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) attends their sitting? And is this gathering Islaamically correct, and what is befitting for us to do on the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam), and when was he born, on which day, month, and year? And is the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) alive in his grave now or not? Response: Gathering the people on the night of the birthday and the reading of his life story is not legislated, rather it is an innovation. And their insisting that the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) attends their sitting is a lie, and the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) being alive in his grave is the life of barzakhiyyah enjoying the bliss and comfort of paradise, and not like his life in this world, since he died and was washed and covered in the burial shroud and the funeral prayer was performed over him and he was buried like others (are). And he will be the first who shall rise from his grave on the Day of Resurrection, and Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) has said, addressing him: {Verily, you will die and verily, they will die. Then, on the Day of Resurrection, you will be disputing before your Lord}, [Soorah az-Zumar, Aayahs 30 and 31]. And He (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) said: {After that, surely, you will die. Then, surely you will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection}, [Soorah al-Mu.minoon, Aayahs 15 and 16]. And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 3, Page 33, Question 5, Fatwa No. 5782

Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) *Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!* Question: Celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam), gathering people together and talking about the life of the Messenger and performing the salaah and finding out about the attributes of the Messenger and openly sending salutations to him.
Response: Establishing celebrating the occasion of his (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) birthday is not permissible, due to it being an innovation, (something) which the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and nor his rightly-guided Khulafaa. did, and nor other than them from the scholars of the chosen first three generations.
And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.
The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 3, Page 6, Question 1, Fatwa No. 7136

Dealing with someone (an innovator) who insists on celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)

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Question: We have a man with us at work who approves of the celebration of the birthday (i.e. the Prophet’s (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) birthday), and advocates and insists upon this. Should I abandon him for the Sake of Allaah or not? What should I do? …and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response: Celebrating the Prophet’s birthday is an innovation, and whoever pursues this (path) is an innovator (mubtadi’) if he insists on doing so and does not accept the (sincere) advice, (rather, choosing to) continue in calling to (celebrating) the birthday and arousing interest in it. (In this case), then, it is obligatory to abandon him since he is an innovator, and it is not permissible to maintain companionship with an innovator.
Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
Fataawa tata’allaaq bil-Mawlid an-Nabawee – Page 49, Question 11
Al-Muntaqaa min Fataawa al-Fowzaan – Volume 1, Page 184

Ruling regarding celebrating the birthday of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)

Please appropriately reference this fatwa to: www.fatwa-online.com, thankyou!

Question: Is it permissible to participate in celebrating the remembrance of al-Mi’raaj (the ascending of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) to the heavens)?

Response: It is not permissible to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet, and nor al-Mi’raaj and nor participate in that, because it is an innovation in the religion. And it has been authenticated on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) that he said: ((Whoever introduces anything into this matter of ours (i.e. Islaam) that which is not from it, will have it rejected)), [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree/2697 and Saheeh Muslim/1718]. And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
Head: Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn Abdullaah ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh 'Abdur-Razzaaq 'Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh 'Abdullaah ibn Ghudayyaan
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Volume 3, Page 44, Question 2, Fatwa No. 9688

earthquake · April 27, 2007, 2:33pm

Re: Braylwiyyah: Are they Muslim?

Fatwa Regarding Milad
Taken from Albalagh

Q: What is the truth about Milad? On the 12th of Rabi-Awwal Milad-un-Nabi is celebrated with great fanfare and Milad meetings are arranged. What is the ruling of Shariah regarding that?

A: The gatherings arranged to remember the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the mercy to the mankind, are called Milad gatherings. Remembering the life of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and teaching others about it, is an act of great blessing and virtue. However all good deeds have to be performed according to the rules and guidelines established by the Shariah. To exceed them is a grave sin. For example reciting the Qur'an is a great act of virtue, but it is prohibited to do so while one is in ruku or sujud in prayers. Likewise, Salat is one of the most important acts of worship. Yet, it is haram to perform it at sunrise or sunset.

Similarly, there are rules governing the blessed remembrance of the Sirah. For example, this remembrance must not be associated with a particular day or month; it should be considered equally virtuous during every month of the year, every week of the month, and every day of the week. Also it can take any permissible form. For example you can arrange a reading of an authentic book on Sirah or have a lecture delivered by a scholar. Doing that is not only permissible but it will bring great reward. But it is important to stay away from the evils found in the prevalent Milad gatherings. Here are some of those evils:

A particular date (12 Rabi-Awwal) has been designated for this remembrance. There is no evidence supporting this designation during the time of Sahaba (Companions), the tabiyeen (the generation that followed the companions) or taba-tabiyeen (the next generation). This designation is bida'a (innovation).
The element of showoff (riya) is commonly present in these gatherings.
If someone does not attend these gatherings, he is looked down upon.
Distribution of sweets is considered an indispensable part of the proceedings.
To meet the expenses donations are collected from sometimes unwilling people who give money under social pressure. According to the hadith it is not permissible to take any Muslim's money without his willingness.
Intermixing of men and women commonly takes place in these gatherings. People stay late at night in these meetings thereby missing the next morning's prayers.
The focus of the talks delivered there is very limited. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has given guidance for every aspect of our life. These cover acts of worship, dealing with other people, morals and manners, social relationships, business dealings, etc. However, it has been observed that the prevalent Milad talks concentrate mainly or solely on the account of the birth of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his miracles. They do not attempt to cover the vast teachings of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. [Thus, not only the form of these meetings but also the message given by them is generally a distorted one. Translator.]

For these reasons one should refrain from the prevalent Milad gatherings. However if care is taken to avoid all of these evils and to follow the Shariah carefully, then a meeting organized to remember the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, with the sole purpose of seeking Allah's pleasure, will Insha-Allah be a blessed event. And Allah knows best.

Written: Muhammad Abdul Muntaqim Sylheti (Darul-Ifta, Darul-uloom Karachi)
Concurrence from:
Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani
Mufti Muhammad Rafi Usmani
Mufti Abdul Rauf Sakharvi
And many others.
Translated from Urdu by Khalid Baig.

earthquake · April 27, 2007, 2:33pm

Re: Braylwiyyah: Are they Muslim?

Q.) I was brought up in a Barelwi tradition. Since I have begun seeking knowledge from the wider Muslim (i.e. not just Barelwis, but excluding Shia’s and similar groups, though including Wahhabis and Salafis) community, I can say that I have gained much. I now understand more and more of what the common ground is between groups and focus less on the disagreements. I think this kind of tolerance comes with knowledge. Just as your article, "Humility in Knowledge and Arrogance in Ignorance" would say.

I can say that I have changed certain beliefs that I had before my "quest for knowledge." I have benefited enormously from Deoband educated imams here - as a very famous Middle Eastern Sheikh said "Deobandis know their fiqh."

There is one issue though that remains an anomaly and that really leaves me wondering. That is concerning the Maulid (or as they would say in the Indian subcontinent, Milad). Granted, there are some things that Barelwis may do which are curious, but from all that I have seen around the world the Maulid seems to be an accepted practice among Sunni Muslims. Scholars like Jalaluddin Suyuti, Ibn Hajar Asqalani and even Ibn Taimiya described it as a praiseworthy innovation.

From the Ottoman Turks, to the pre-Salafi Arabs, the Malay Archipelago, the Persian and Indo-Pak region, the Maulid was not controversial or questionable in any way. The Sudanese uprising against the colonial forces was fueled by the emotion of the Maulid (verhandelingen). This is why the colonial forces tried to quell the celebration of Maulid in order to subdue the masses.

Today the Turks (Hanafi) still celebrate it with fervor, the Malay (Shafi’i), the Bosnians (Hanafi) , some (non-Salafi) Arabs, the Barelwis, the Sudanese. In fact, the only people who don’t celebrate it seem to be the Salafis, Deobandis and the Tabligh Jamaat (the Shariah base of which is of course the books and texts of the Deobandi school).
This is curious. If imams like as-Suyuti have permitted it (if it is free of blameworthiness), was he in error? Was Asqalani in error? The establishment of a day to celebrate the Maulid is completely regarded as bid'ah by Mufti Usmani, praiseworthy or blameworthy acts aside.

A.) As I explained in my article on celebration of Eid-e-Milaad-un-Nabi, holding a meeting to discuss different aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet is a very meritorious act for which the Muslims should strive to the best of their ability. But confining this discussion to the events of the birth of the Holy Prophet and restricting it to a particular date and holding attendance at such meetings as necessary or obligatory for every Muslim renders this practice as bid'ah or innovation. Mostly the meetings of Maulid today are of this type. Therefore, contemporary Ulema of Deoband have declared it a bid'ah.

If the life of the Holy Prophet is made subject of a meeting, and the meeting is free of the above mentioned defects, nobody can call it a bid'ah. It is in this context that some scholars of the past have allowed the practice.

Answer by: Justice Mufti Taqi Usmani

A Discussion of Milad and Bid'ah

[Note: Although the question does not address the issue of Milad from a fiqh point of view, but only from a historical point of view, yet it is also important to examine the issue in that context. For the most important question for a Muslim has to be whether or not a particular act is permissible according to the Shariah, which is derived from Qur'an, Sunnah, and the practice of the Sahabah, as they understood the Sunnah. The following provides that perspective.]

The establishment of ceremonial gatherings under the banner of "Eid-Milad-un-Nabee" and attaching religious significance to them is purely bid'ah and an innovation in Deen, because neither did Rasulullah himself indulge in it, nor did the illustrious Khulafaa-e-Raashideen, Radi-Allahu anhum, organize such functions. Similarly, neither did any of the other Sahaaba-e-Kiraam, Radi-Allahu anhum, participate in such gatherings, nor is there any incident on record during the blessed era of the taabi’een or tab’e taabi’een (Rahmat-u-Allahi alayhim) that can, in any way, substantiate this innovation. These people were best acquainted with the Sunnah of Rasulullah and had total love for him. They were staunch followers of the Shariah.
Rasulullah has in no unclear terms, said: "Whoever introduces anything that is not part of Deen, into this Deen of ours, it shall be rejected." (Bukhari/Muslim)

In another Hadith he says: "Hold fast onto my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Khulafa, after me. Hold fast onto it firmly, and beware of newly-introduced practices, for every new practice is an innovation and every innovation leads one astray." (Abu Dawood/Tirmizi)
Severe warnings have been sounded in the above-mentioned Ahadith with regard to introducing and implementing innovations in Deen. The holy Qur’an enjoins: "And whatsoever the messenger giveth you, take it. And whatsoever he forbiddeth, abstain (from it). And keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is stern in reprisal." [Al-Hashr 59:7]

"Verily in the messenger of Allah, ye have a good example for him who looks unto Allah and the last day, and remembers Allah much." [Al-Ahzab 33:21]

"This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favor unto you, and have chosen for you a religion, al-Islam." [Al-Maidah 5:3]

There are numerous other Ayat and Ahadith that can be quoted. But from no Ayat or Ahadith can the current form of "Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabee " be proved.
Will such innovations grant proximity to Allah Taala? On the contrary, these innovations should be a cause of great concern and alarm for the Ummat-e-Muslimah!
It is a known fact that Rasulullah is the most superior of all the Ambiyaa alaihimus-salaam and also that he is the seal of all the prophets alayhimus-salaam. He left no stone unturned in conveying Deen to us and rendering precious advice to us. If the "Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabee " was a divinely inspired act, then surely Rasulullah would have commanded the Muslims to it, or at least, either he or his beloved Sahabah, Radi-Allahu anhum, would have practiced it.
That is why, in the light of these unambiguous proofs, the Ulama-e-Haqq have always refuted and rejected the customary form of "Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabee " and Mahfeel-e-Milad and have also always discouraged people from participating in such gatherings.

Some Wrongs of the Contemporary Milad Gatherings
The contemporary form of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabee apart from being a manifestation of Bid’ah, also encompasses other evils such as the intermingling of sexes, usage of musical instruments and many other such evils. The most abhorring and shocking evils in these functions are the acts of shirk that take place. With hollow claims of "Hubbe-Rasul " (love for Rasulullah ) entreaties and supplications are made to beings other than Allah, namely to Ambiyaa alaihimus-salaam and Auliaa-e-Kiraam Rahmat-u-Allahi-alaaihim.

The Belief that the Prophet Comes to the Milad Meeting
Some people also believe that Rasulullah comes to this function and due to this belief, they stand up in respect and veneration. This is absolutely untrue. Rasulullah does not arrive at any "Eid-e-Milad-un Nabee " function. He is in his Rawdha-e-Mubarak (grave) at Madinah Munawwarah and will emerge from it at the onset of Yawmul-Qiyaamah, or the Day of Judgement.

The following Ayat and Hadith testify to this fact: The Qur’an, addressing Rasulullah announces explicitly: - "Lo! Thou wilt die, and Lo! They will die. Then Lo! On the day of resurrection, before your sustainer, you will dispute." [Az-Zumar 39:30-31]

At another place, Rasulullah is addressed together with the rest of mankind: - "Then Lo! After that you surely die, then Lo! On the day of resurrection you are raised (again)" [Al-Muminun 23:16]

Rasulullah himself has said in a Hadith: - "My grave will be the first to be opened on the day of Qiyamah and I shall be the first person to intercede and the first person whose intercession shall be accepted."

These Ayat and Hadith as well (and there are others) prove that all of mankind will be raised from their graves on the day of Qiyamah, with Rasulullah being no exception. On this, there is consensus of the entire Ummah.

The Importance of Durood and Salaam
Instead of squandering our money and time on futile acts of Bid'ah let us rather utilize our precious time, as much as possible in the recitation of Durood and salaam upon our beloved Rasulullah which is indeed, a highly meritorious and virtuous act. The Qur’an enjoins: - "Lo! Allah and his Angels shower blessings on the Nabee 'O' ye who believe ask for the descent of blessings on him and salute him with a worthy salutation." [Al-Ahzab 33:56]

Rasulullah has said: "Whosoever sends one Durood upon me, Allah Taala will shower ten mercies upon him." (Muslim). Particularly on Jumuah, one should increase the recitation of Durood and salaam.

[Mufti Ebrahim Desai FATWA DEPT. Jamiat Ulema Islam. South Africa]

earthquake · April 27, 2007, 2:51pm

Re: Braylwiyyah: Are they Muslim?

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

Baralwi sect is radical Sufi group. Members of this sect believe in a set of irreligious beliefs such a believing that the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) knows the unseen and can act freely in the universe. They also believe that Sheikh 'Abdul Qadir al-Jilani has the same authority.
Baralwi sect urges its followers to seek help from Prophets and the righteous, and even considers those who do not do that as disbelievers.
Members of this sect believe that the Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) is present and can see actions of people in every place and time. This, in fact, is a part of their belief of pantheism, which includes that the Divine Light is incarnated in the human being.
This sect considers those who disagree with it as disbelievers. Thus, Baralwi sect considers other sunni leaders of education and reform, Muhammad Iqbal , Zia al-Haq, Ibn Taymiyah, Moulana Tariq Jameel as disbelievers.

Sunni and Arabs Muslims criticize Braylwis for innovating and adding things to religion of AL-Islam. They have been criticized for many of the practices of the Braylwis of his time as 'shirk' such as circumambulating around their tombs by ignorant people, praying in the direction of their tombs and asking directly from a deceased saint. Durg usage, prostitution at some of these shrines, singing and dancing to sujud and tawaaf and dhabihah in the name of the dead shuyukh and ascribing them with the power of hearing the cry of everyone from everywhere and the giving of rizq and granting of sons and what not.

Also other issues like Noor/basher (was Nabi saw Light or Human), ilmul-ghaib (knower of unseen), doing sajdah of tazeem (sajah or respect to other besides Allah tala), hazir- nazir ( considering Nabi saw to be present everywhere and watching everything), Allah has given Nabi saw complete choice and will in the running of the universe, calling other than Alla tala in times of needs (such shaikh abdul qadir gelani rah or shaikh chisti rah), taking vows and making offerings at the graves of a buried person, to make tawaf of grave.

earthquake · April 27, 2007, 11:26pm

Re: Braylwiyyah: Are they Muslim?

Braylwiyyah

Name of group - Braylwiyyah

Adherent to group - Braylwee, plural - Braylwiyyoon
The Braylwiyyah are a Soofee sect which was born in India at the time of the British rule there.
It's followers concern themselves in exceeding in their love and honour for the Prophets and the "saints" in general, and the Prophet (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) specifically. It's founder was a man by the name of Ahmad Ridhaa Khaan ibn Taqee 'Alee Khaan who was born in 1272 A.H. (1851 C.E.) and called himself Abdul-Mustafaa (slave/servant of Mustafaa, i.e. Muhammad (sal-Allaahualayhe wa sallam)).
He was born in the city of Braylee in the province of Uttar Pradesh and was a student of al-Mirza Ghulaam Qaadir Begg who was the older (blood) brother of Mirza Ghulaam Ahmad al-Qaadiyaanee (founder of the Qaadiyaaniyyah sect).
He was of a slim build and known to be shrewd and clever, whilst also being ill-tempered and foul-mouthed. He used to suffer from chronic illnesses, and used to consistently complain of headaches and back pains.
He visited Makkah and studied under some of the scholars there in 1295 A.H. (1874 C.E.).
Amongst his "notable" books are: ((Anbaa. al-Mustafaa)) and ((Khaalis al-I'tiqaad)).
From the beliefs of this sect is that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu alayhe wa sallam) has the ability/power to control the creation and all that occurs, and that the "saints" have the ability/power to influence the creation and all that occurs. And they have exceeded in their belief with respect to the Prophet (sal-Allaahualayhe wa sallam) such that they have ascended him to a rank close to that of worshipping him. And they have exceeded in their belief with respect to the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) such that they believe he has knowledge of the unseen, and they deny that he was a human being, rather that he was the light (noor) of Allaah. And they also permit calling for assistance from the "saints" and the Prophets and other than them from the false beliefs.