Act. Implement.

   بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

And thereupon We made you their successors on earth, so that We might behold how you act.  10:14

Maulana Ubaidullah Sindhi was a famous South Asian scholar and political activist famous for many things, notably being the Home Minister of first Provisional Government of India established in Afghanistan in 1915. However, this was not to last and under indirect pressure from the British, he had to migrate to Russia. There is no clear evidence that he was able to meet an ailing Lenin, although it is mentioned that he did. Nevertheless it is evident from his writings that he was impressed by the socialist movement, and made an impassioned plea in front of the Russian government.


He appealed to them to look at the Qur'anic principles of social justice, arguing that despite so many sacrifices and so much bloodshed, the revolutionaries were not able to establish the social justice that they had set out to establish. He underlined the natural law and the principal of justice that was outlined in the teachings of Islam and spoke about the khilafah al-rashidah and the was able to address the questions asked by the Russian government.


It is said that the head of the Russian government (or according to another version, Lenin himself), said that whatever Maulana Ubaidullah is saying makes sense. It appeals to the intellect as well as to the principles of natural justice. However, what stumped Maulana was the follow-up question. There are so many lands under Muslim rulers, is there any place we can go visit to see the implementation of these ideal and principles?


Maulana had no option but to bow his head in shame. His remaining life he lamented the fact, which pains the writer of this blog as well. When will Muslims act and implement the teachings of Islam, even in a tiny piece of land, rather than merely talk about the ideals? 

Let us start now by enacting in our lives these principles that we claim to hold dear. May Allah help us in this endeavor.

Allah loves the doers of that which is good and beautiful

  بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

 

And persevere in doing what is best and most beautiful: behold, Allah loves the doers of that which is good and beautiful ! part of 2:195

While sailing across a large body of water, Maʿrūf Karkhī and his students found their peace disrupted by a lively group of youths on the same boat. Reveling in the rhythm of their music and the haze of wine, the young men presented a stark contrast to the tranquil demeanor of the saint and his followers. The more they drank the more noise they started to make, and with the tambourines and the singing, the students of Ma'ruf started to get annoyed. 

They talked amongst each other, ''They disobey God openly! Let us request our shaykh to pray to Allah to punish them!’. One of them went up to the saint and asked him to do a prayer against them, hoping that they get struck by lightning, or drown or something. Ma’ruf, ever the embodiment of calm, asked them to join in with him as he prayed for them, which they readily agreed. However to their surprise, he prayed:

 ‘My Allah, make them as joyful in the Hereafter as you make them joyful and merry in this world!’"

The sentiment left Ma’ruf's students bewildered. They asked: 'We hoped that you will pray for their punishment, instead you are praying for their happiness in the Hereafter?' This sentiment reflected that being close with the Shaykh had not yet benefited them in realizing that the ultimate role of the human being is to be a manifestation of Divine Character, and one of the most beautiful characters is that of Cmpassion and Mercy. 

News of this act of Ma'ruf spread throughout the boat. Some of the youth realized that they are the focus of the attention of the people in the boat and started asking around as to what the saint and the disciples were talking about. Once they heard what had happened, it resonated deeply with them. A realization dawned upon them about the depth of Divine Compassion. Feeling a sudden introspection, they set aside their drinks, laid down their instruments, and approached the sage with humility.

To his disciples, Ma’ruf remarked, "Your hearts' wishes have been met, yet not a soul was harmed."


Through this encounter, the youths discovered that true contentment lay not in fleeting distractions but in sincere reflection and connection to the Divine. And Ma’ruf's students learned a more nuanced lesson: to be on a spiritual path does not signify its completion. One must aspire for universal salvation and compassion, extending it even to those who appear to diverge from the path.

Hold fast to the rope of Allah

  بِسْمِ اللّهِ الرَّحْمـَنِ الرَّحِيمِ

 

Overshadowed by ignominy are they wherever they may be, save [when they bind themselves again] in a bond with God and a bond with men ! part of 3:112

In a distant town bordered by the desert, tales of a notorious highwayman spread like wildfire. This robber, together with his gang of bandits, preyed on caravans, pilfering wealth and leaving tales of dismay in his wake.

One day, this group ambushed a particularly noteworthy caravan. They seized everything, from gold and silver to garments and horses. Among the looted possessions were the life's work of a revered scholar of Islam. Gold, garments, and more were seized, but the scholar’s heart ached for his invaluable manuscripts and books. Driven by his love for knowledge and the value he placed on his works, he decided to track down the highwayman's hideout and retrieve his cherished books.

His journey led him, against all odds, to the highwaymen's camp. Rather than attacking him, they surprisingly welcomed him and offered him a seat at their fireside. As the aroma filled the air and conversations flowed, the scholar noticed the leader abstaining from the brew. Curiosity piqued, the scholar questioned, "Why don't you drink the coffee?"

The leader looked to the heavens and responded, "I am fasting."

Surprised, the scholar retorted, "You plunder and commit grave sins, yet you observe an optional fast. What good do you hope it brings?"

The leader sighed deeply. "It's my rope, my effort to maintain a connection, however fragile, to Allah. This thin rope might be my salvation. Perhaps, someday, He might pull me out of the abyss and He might guide me back to the right path."

Saying this he gave the scholar his books and sent him on his way without further incident.

Years later, the scholar undertook a pilgrimage to Mecca. In the midst of the sea of believers, he spotted a man with a radiant aura, deeply engrossed in prayer, clutching the kiswah of the Kaaba. Intrigued, the scholar approached and was astounded to recognize the face. It was the leader of the highwaymen, but this time his visage bore no signs of crim, only profound peace, and his aura now spoke of redemption and grace.

The scholar inquired, his voice thick with astonishment, "How did you find yourself here?"

The former leader of the bandits, his face alight with joy and humility, responded, "The thin rope of Allah. It led me to repentance and pulled me from darkness to light. Now I serve the very souls I once harmed."

The metamorphosis of the highwayman underscores the infinite grace and benevolence of Allah, illustrating that salvation is perpetually at hand, regardless of the frailty of our ties. It reminds us to continually forge bonds with the Divine, valuing every act of goodness, no matter how minor, and always striving to absolve ourselves of transgressions.