Crucifixion of Jesus

I have written this small article not to hurt feelings of any of my Christian brothers, but for a better understanding on each other's view point on the concept of crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus (peace be upon him). This is based on my understanding of the concept based on Quran and Bible. If I have made any mistake feel free to correct me. Please note that we Muslims do not believe Bible to be the word of God Almighty as you don't believe Quran is. We believe God Almighty had revealed scriptures to Mosses, David and Jesus (peace be upon them), but it is not retained in its original form. We believe that there might be words of Almighty in Bible and there might be words of prophets, words of historians and many more; which I'm not going to talk about right now. What ever proof I derived from Quran is sufficient for my Muslim brothers and sisters, and proof I derived from Bible is for my Christian brothers and it need not to be Islamic view point.

Islamic view point

[Surah Nisa (004:157)] And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah 'خsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), the Messenger of Allâh," – but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them [the resemblance of 'خsâ (Jesus) was put over another man (and they killed that man)], and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely, they killed him not [i.e. 'خsâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary) ['alayhis-salâm]]:

This one verse is enough to convince my Muslim brothers and sisters that Jesus was neither crucified nor resurrected. If any Muslim or Christian is ready to prove me that I'm wrong in this matter according to Quran, you are most welcome.

Biblical View Point

No Crucifixion, No Resurrection, No Christianity

¹³ But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. ¹⁴ And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

= 1^st book of Corinthians ch 15 v 13 & 14 =

What is crucifixion?

Crucify:- Put to death by nailing or binding to transverse bar; causing extreme pain to.

= The oxford dictionary =

What is resurrection?

Resurrection:- Rising from dead.

= The oxford dictionary =

⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. ⁴³ It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. ⁴⁴ It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.

= 1^st book of Corinthians ch 15 v 42 – 44 =

So we know that according to Bible the resurrected bodies are “spiritualized”.

All the disciples forsook Jesus Christ

⁴⁷ And one of those who stood by drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. ⁴⁸ Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? ⁴⁹ I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not seize Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” ⁵⁰ Then they all forsook Him and fled.

= Mark ch 14 v 47-50 =

Who had seen crucifixion of Jesus?

Crucifixion of Jesus was witnessed by only three of his disciples. Joseph of Arimathie, Nicodemus and Marry Magdalene. – Gospel of John 19:39-42

Jesus on the cross only for two hours

Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, as we know for Muslims and Jews day start from the sunset unlike for westerners at midnight 12. The day after Friday is Saturday (sabbath) so they took Jesus from the cross before sunset as it was forbidden for Jews to crucify some one at Sabbath. So Jesus must be in the cross for two to three hours. Crucifixion is painful death where it takes few days for the person crucified to die. So it is practically impossible for him to die on the cross within three hours.

Sign of Jonah

Matthew records that the learned men among the Jews – the Scribes and Pharisees – came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.”. (Matthew 12:38)

With righteous indignation Jesus replies: “But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:39-40)

Jesus says, “NO SIGN.” He does not refer the Jews to blind Bartimeus whose sight he had restored. He does not speak about the “woman with issues” who was healed by merely touching him; or about the 2000 pigs he had destroyed to heal “a man possessed;” or the 5000 and the 3000 people he had fed and satiated with a few pieces of fish and a few pieces of bread. ‘No sign,” says Jesus, BUT ONE! –“THE SIGN OF THE PROPHET JONAH!” He is putting all his “eggs” in one basket. His claim to being the Messiah (Christ) stands or falls by the ONLY “sign” he was prepared to give.

What was the sign of Jonah???

What was the “sign” (miracle) of Jonah? We have to go to the “Book of Jonah” in the Old Testament to find out. God commanded Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn the Ninevites to repent from their “evil ways, and from the violence that is in their hands.” (Jonah 3:8) But Jonah was loath to go as a warner unto the Ninevites, so he goes to Joppa instead of Ninevah, and takes a boat to run away from the Lord’s command. While at sea, there was a terrible tempest. According to the superstition of the mariners, a person fleeing from his Master’s command creates such a turmoil at sea. They began to inquire among themselves and said, “COME, AND LET US CAST LOTS, (like the tossing of a coin, “head” or “tail”) THAT WE MAY KNOW FOR WHOSE CAUSE THIS EVIL IS UPON US. SO THEY CAST LOTS, AND THE LOT FELL UPON JONAH.” (Jonah 1:7) Though there was a temporary lapse on the part of Jonah in fulfilling his mission, he manfully and most courageously volunteers: “AND HE SAID UNTO THEM TAKE ME UP, AND CAST ME FORTH INTO THE SEA; SO SHALL THE SEA BE CALM UNTO YOU: FOR I KNOW THAT FOR MY SAKE THIS GREAT TEMPEST IS UPON YOU.” (Jonah 1:12)

DEAD OR ALIVE?

Since Jonah was selflessly offering himself as a “vicarious” sacrifice there was no need for strangling him before throwing him into the sea, no need to spear him or break his arm or limb. In his own words: “TAKE ME UP AND CAST ME FORTH.” The question now arises, that when the ship master and the crew threw him overboard, was Jonah dead or alive? Any Christian child who has attended Sunday School will give an immediate reply: “ALIVE!” The storm subsides. Was this perhaps a coincidence? A fish swallows Jonah. Was he dead or alive when swallowed? The answer again is “ALIVE” Was he dead or alive when “JONAH PRAYED UNTO THE LORD HIS GOD OUT OF THE FISH’S BELLY?” (Jonah 2:1) Surely dead men don’t cry and don’t pray! The answer again is “ALIVE” For three days and three nights the fish takes him around the ocean: dead or alive? “ALIVE!” is the answer. On the third day it vomits him on the seashore: dead or alive? A-L-I-V-E, of course! What had Jesus prophesied about himself? He said: “AS JONAH WAS SO SHALL THE SON OF MAN BE”

If Jonah was alive for three days and three nights, then Jesus also ought to have been alive in the tomb as he himself had foretold! But Christianity hangs on the flimsy thread of the “death” of Jesus for its salvation. So it has to answer that Jesus was DEAD for three days and three nights. The contradiction between his utterance and its fulfillment is obvious. Jonah ALIVE, Jesus DEAD! Very UNLIKE Jonah! Jesus had said “LIKE Jonah” not UNLIKE Jonah. If this is true then according to his own test Jesus is not the TRUE Messiah of the Jews. If the Gospel record is genuine then how can we blame the Jews for rejecting “CHRIST.” Being a Muslim I believe Jesus told truth but those who believed Jesus died had misunderstood.

The Doctor of Divinity and the Professor of Theology replies that in Matthew 12:40 under discussion, the emphasis is on the TIME factor “as Jonas was THREE days and THREE nights in the belly of the whale, so shall the son of man be THREE days and THREE nights in the heart of the earth.” “Please note,” says the learned theologian, “that the word “THREE” is repeated F-O-U-R times in this verse to prove that Jesus was going to fulfill the prophecy as regards the length of time he was going to remain in the tomb, and NOT ‘As Jonas was’ in relation to his being alive or dead. If it is the time factor that Jesus was stressing then let us ask whether he fulfilled that aspect of his promise to the Jews as well. The Christian dogmatist answers: “OF COURSE!”

From the Gospel records we gather that the Jews were in a hurry to eliminate Jesus. Hence the midnight trial, and then dispatching him off to Pilate in the morning; from Pilate to Herod and then back again to Pilate. The vested interests were afraid of the general public. Jesus was their hero. He had been their benefactor. His enemies had to do away with him quickly, and succeeded in doing so. However, as much as they were in a hurry to hang him on the cross, they were in equal hurry to bring him down from the cross before sunset on Friday because of the Sabbath. The Sabbath starts at about 6 p.m. on Friday and the Jews were warned in Deuteronomy 21:23 that the victim of crucifixion was an “accursed of God” and was not to be permitted to remain hanging on the Sabbath day, “that thy land be not defiled which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” To satisfy the religious scruples of the Scribes and Pharisees the “secret disciples” of Jesus took down the body from the cross. They gave the body the Jewish burial-bath, plastered it with “one hundred pounds weight of aloes and myrrh” (John 19:39), then placed the shrouded body into the sepulcher before night-fall.

There are numerous differences between the various sects and denominations of Christianity, but on the above they are unanimous. Jesus is SUPPOSED to be in the tomb on the night of Friday. He is still SUPPOSED to be in the tomb on the day of Saturday. He is still SUPPOSED to be in the tomb on the night of Saturday.

Note that the GRAND TOTAL is ONE day and TWO nights, and NOT three days and three nights. According to the Christian Scriptures Jesus had failed a SECOND time. FIRST he was unlike Jonah, who was ALIVE in the belly of the fish, which is the exact opposite of what the Christians claim had happened to their master Jesus, who was DEAD for the same period of time as Jonah was – ALIVE. SECONDLY, we discover that he also failed to fulfill the TIME FACTOR as well. The greatest mathematician in Christendom will fail to obtain the desired result – THREE days and THREE nights. We must not forget that the Gospels are explicit in telling us that it was “before sunrise” on Sunday morning (the FIRST day of the week), that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb of Jesus and found it empty.

Tomb Of Jesus

It was a private property of scared disciple Joseph of Arimathea, a rich and influential Jew. According to Jim Bishop it was very roomy, 5 feet wide, 7 feet in height and 15 feet in depth. I wonder if Christ really died why would they place him (just one body) in 525 cubic feet tomb (large room).

Jesus and Mary Magdalene

¹ Now the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. ² Then she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
³ Peter therefore went out, and the other disciple, and were going to the tomb. ⁴ So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the tomb first. ⁵ And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he did not go in. ⁶ Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb; and he saw the linen cloths lying there, ⁷ and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself. ⁸ Then the other disciple, who came to the tomb first, went in also; and he saw and believed. ⁹ For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. ¹⁰ Then the disciples went away again to their own homes.

¹⁴ Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. ¹⁵ Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”
She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
¹⁶ Jesus said to her, “Mary!”
She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”
¹⁸ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.

= John Ch 20: V 1-18 =

¹ Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. ² Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. ³ And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”

= Mark Ch 16: V 1-3 =

¹⁰ She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. ¹¹ And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.

= Mark Ch 16: V 10-11 =

Why did Marry Magdalen when to anoint Jesus Christ? If he was dead it was second day after his dead. If I ask do Jews anoint and massage dead bodies after two days you will say NO. What about Christians, do they? NO. We Muslims? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Marry Magdalen went to anoint and massage Jesus because according to Gospel of John 19:39-42 she was among the only three disciples who had seen the crucifixion of Christ and she know that he is ALIVE.

Why was the stone removed?? According to 1^st book of Corinthians ch 15 v 44 resurrected bodies are spiritualized, so it is obvious that that the stone was moved because Jesus was not resurrected. If not he could have easily passed through like a ghost. Further if we see the linen cloths were unwound and kept inside. It concludes Jesus was a physical body like you and I (ALIVE).

Marry Magdalen supposed Jesus to be the gardener. Do resurrected bodies looks like gardeners? The answer is NO. Marry supposed Jesus to be the gardener because he was ALIVE.

“Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”

Do you think Marry alone can carry body of Jesus Christ if he is dead as she says “I will take Him away” ? Absolutely not. (Note that all the disciples when their home by then according to John 20:10)

She asked for it because she knew that the Jesus was ALIVE.

“Do not cling to Me” because Jesus was ALIVE and imaging if someone clings on a person undergoing such severe pain due no nailing a cross. And here Jesus clearly says he has not resurrected “I have not yet ascended to My Father”

The Upper Room

³⁶ Now as they said these things, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, and said to them, “Peace to you.” ³⁷ But they were terrified and frightened, and supposed they had seen a spirit. ³⁸ And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts? ³⁹ Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”
⁴⁰ When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. ⁴¹ But while they still did not believe for joy, and marveled, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” ⁴² So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.⁴³ And He took it and ate in their presence.

= Luke Ch 24: V 36-43 =

Why were they terrified to see their lost master? Because they have heard their master was killed but they were not eyewitnesses as they flew away according to Mark 14:50. Disciples thought it was ghost of Jesus. Jesus went on proving them that he is not a ghost, but ALIVE. Handle my hand and feet, spirit has got no flesh and bones as you see I have. When they did they came to understand that he is ALIVE so overjoyed and excited. Yet they couldn't believe completely, so Jesus asked them if they have any food so that Jesus can eat it and get them ridge of all the doubts they were having in their minds. So they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb and he ate it.

One last question is do Ghosts eat? Answer is no he was not a ghost, he was ALIVE.

Soul sinned shall die

²⁰ The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.

= Ezekiel Ch 18 : V 20 =

So according to above statement in Bible you are responsible for your sin, not Jesus.

So I conclude here with a verse from holy Quran

[017:081] And say: "Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Surely, falsehood is ever bound to vanish."

http://www.scribd.com/doc/50180406/Crucifixion-of-Jesus

Medial Meniscus & Lateral Meniscus

The medial meniscus and lateral meniscus are specialized structures within the knee. These crescent-shaped shock absorbers between the tibia and femur have an important role in the function and health of the knee. Once thought to be of little use, the menisci (plural) were routinely removed when torn. Now we know that the menisci contribute to a healthy knee because they play important roles in joint stability, force transmission, and lubrication. When possible, they are repaired if injured. There are even experimental attempts to replace a damaged meniscus, possibly an important advance in orthopaedic medicine.

There are two categories of meniscal injuries - acute tears and degenerative tears.

An acute tear usually occurs when the knee is bent and forcefully twisted, while the leg is in a weight bearing position. Statistics show that about 61 of 100,000 people experience an acute tear of the meniscus. Degenerative tears of the meniscus are more common in older people. Sixty percent of the population over the age of 65 probably has some sort of degenerative tear of the meniscus. As the meniscus ages, it weakens and becomes less elastic. Degenerative tears may result from minor events and there may or may not be any symptoms present. What are the menisci? The two menisci of the knee are crescent-shaped wedges that fill the gap between the tibia and femur. The menisci provide joint stability by creating a cup for the femur to sit in. The outer edges are fairly thick while the inner surfaces are thin. If the menisci were missing, the curved femur would move on the flat tibia. The medial meniscus, located on the inside of the knee, is more of an elongated "C"- shape, as the tibial surface is larger on that side. The medial meniscus is more commonly injured because it is firmly attached to the medial collateral ligament and joint capsule. The lateral meniscus, on the outside of the knee, is more circular in shape. The lateral meniscus is more mobile than the medial meniscus as there is no attachment to the lateral collateral ligament or joint capsule. The outer edges of each meniscus attach to the tibia by the short coronary ligaments. Other short ligaments attach the ends of the menisci to the tibial surface. The inner edges are free to move because they are not attached to the bone. This lets the menisci change shape as the joint moves. The front portion of the meniscus is referred to as the anterior horn, the back portion is the posterior horn, and the middle section is the body. Under the microscope, the meniscus is fibrocartilage that has strength and flexibility from collagen fiber. Its resilience is due to the high water content in the spaces between the cells. There is not much blood supply to the menisci. Blood flows only to the outer edges from small arteries around the joint. The poor blood supply to the inner portion of the meniscus makes it difficult for the meniscus to heal. What does the meniscus do? The meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee by spreading compression forces from the femur over a wider area on the tibia. The medial meniscus bears up to 50% of the load applied to the medial (inside) compartment of the knee. The lateral meniscus absorbs up to 80% of the load on the lateral (outside) compartment of the knee. During the various phases of the walking cycle, forces shift from one meniscus to the other, and forces on the knee can increase to 2 - 4 times body weight. While running, these forces on the knee increase up to to 6 - 8 times body weight. There are even higher forces when landing from a jump. The important role of the meniscus in force transmission can be seen when the menisci are removed. If the menisci are removed, the forces are no longer distributed over a wide area of the tibia. Without the medial meniscus, the tibial contact area is decreased 50 - 70%. This means the same forces from the femur are concentrated on a smaller area of the tibia. When the lateral meniscus is removed, there is a 45 - 50% decrease in contact area. This results in a 200 - 300% increase in contact pressure, which can eventually damage the cartilage on the ends of the bones. This can lead to degenerative arthritis. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was common to remove a damaged meniscus entirely. This frequently led to early degenerative arthritis in many patients. Removing the entire medial meniscus can lead to a bow-legged deformity and medial joint arthritis. Removing the entire lateral meniscus can cause a knock-kneed deformity and lateral joint arthritis. What is a meniscus injury? Patients describe meniscal tears in a variety of ways. Knowing where and how a meniscus was torn helps the doctor determine the best treatment. Location -A tear may be located in the anterior horn, body, or posterior horn. A posterior horn tear is the most common. The meniscus is broken down into the outer, middle, and inner thirds. The third in which the tear is located will determine the ability of the tear to heal, since blood supply in that area is critical to the healing process. Tears in the outer 1/3 have the best chance of healing. Pattern - Meniscal tears come in many shapes. The pattern of the tear influences the doctor's decision on treatment. Examples of the various patterns are: longitudinal bucket-handle displaced bucket handle parrot beak radial displaced flap horizontal degenerative A complex tear includes more than one pattern. Completeness - A tear is classified as being complete or incomplete. A tear is considered complete if it goes all the way through the meniscus and a piece of the tissue is separated from the rest of the meniscus. If the tear is still partly attached to the body of the meniscus, it is considered incomplete. Stability - A tear can be stable or unstable. A stable tear does not move and may heal on its own. An unstable tear allows the meniscus to move abnormally and is likely to be a problem if it is not surgically corrected. http://thesteadmanclinic.com/meniscus/overview.asp

Obey Allah and obey the Messenger

Aal Imran ch 3 v 32

قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ ۖ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْكَافِرِينَ [٣:٣٢

ކަލޭގެފާނު ވިދާޅުވާށެވެ! ތިޔަބައިމީހުން، اللَّهއަށާއި، رسولއާއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! ފަހެ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުން އެނބުރި ފުރަގަސްދީފިނަމަ (ދަންނާށެވެ!) ފަހެ، ހަމަކަށަވަރުން، كافرންދެކެ اللَّه ލޯބިވެވޮޑިގެނެއް ނުވެތެވެ.

[003:032] Say (O Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]): "Obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam])." But if they turn away, then Allâh does not like the disbelievers.

Aal Imran ch 3 v 132

وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ [٣:١٣٢

އަދި، اللَّهއަށާއި، رسولއާއަށް، ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކިޔަމަންތެރިވާށެވެ! (އެއީ) ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނަށް رحمةލެއްވުމަށްޓަކައެވެ.

[003:132] And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) that you may obtain mercy.

An Nisa ch 4 v 59

أَلَمْ تَرَ إِلَى الَّذِينَ يَزْعُمُونَ أَنَّهُمْ آمَنُوا بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا أُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ يُرِيدُونَ أَنْ يَتَحَاكَمُوا إِلَى الطَّاغُوتِ وَقَدْ أُمِرُوا أَنْ يَكْفُرُوا بِهِ وَيُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَنْ يُضِلَّهُمْ ضَلَالًا بَعِيدًا [٤:٦٠

އޭ إيمانވެއްޖެ މީސްތަކުންނޭވެ! ތިޔަބައިމީހުން، اللَّهއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި، رسولއާއަށާއި، ތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ ތެރެއިން ވެރިންނަށްވެސް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! ފަހެ، ކަމަކާމެދު ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ދެބަސްވެއްޖެނަމަ، اللَّهއަށާއި، رسولއާއަށް އެކަމެއް ރައްދުކުރާށެވެ! (އެބަހީ: އެކަމާމެދު اللَّهއާއި، އެކަލާނގެ رسولއާގެ حكم އޮތްގޮތެއް ބަލައި އެގޮތަށް عملކުރާށެވެ!) ތިޔަބައިމީހުން، اللَّهއަށާއި، آخرةދުވަހަށް إيمانވާ ކަމުގައި ވާނަމައެވެ. އެގޮތް ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނަށް ހެޔޮކަންބޮޑެވެ. އަދި، ނިމުމެއްގެގޮތުން ރީތިކަންވެސް ބޮޑުމެއެވެ.

[004:059] O you who believe! Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam], if you believe in Allâh and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination.

Al Ma'idha ch 5 v 92

لَيْسَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ جُنَاحٌ فِيمَا طَعِمُوا إِذَا مَا اتَّقَوْا وَآمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ ثُمَّ اتَّقَوْا وَآمَنُوا ثُمَّ اتَّقَوْا وَأَحْسَنُوا ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ [٥:٩٣

އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން اللَّهއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން رسولއާއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ރައްކާތެރިވާށެވެ! ފަހެ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ފުރަގަސްދިން ނަމަވެސް، ހަމަކަށަވަރުން، ތިމަންރަސްކަލާނގެ رسولއާއަށް އޮތީ،بيانވެގެންވާ އިއްވެވުންކަން ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ދަންނާށެވެ!

[005:092] And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]), and beware (of even coming near to drinking or gambling or Al-Ansâb, or Al-Azlâm) and fear Allâh. Then if you turn away, you should know that it is Our Messenger's duty to convey (the Message) in the clearest way.

Al Anfal ch 8 v 1

۞ يَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْأَنْفَالِ ۖ قُلِ الْأَنْفَالُ لِلَّهِ وَالرَّسُولِ ۖ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ ۖ وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ [٨:١

غنيمةމުދަލާމެދު އެއުރެން ކަލޭގެފާނާ سؤالކުރެތެވެ. ކަލޭގެފާނު ވިދާޅުވާށެވެ! غنيمةމުދާ ވަނީ، اللَّهއަށާއި، رسولއާއަށެވެ. ފަހެ، اللَّهއަށް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން تقوىވެރިވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ ދެމެދުގެ ގުޅުންތައް إصلاحކުރާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން مؤمنން ކަމުގައިވާނަމަ، اللَّهއަށާއި، އެކަލާނގެ رسولއާއަށް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ!

[008:001] They ask you (O Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) about the spoils of war. Say: "The spoils are for Allâh and the Messenger [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]." So fear Allâh and adjust all matters of difference among you, and obey Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]), if you are believers.

Al Anfal ch 8 v 20

وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ قَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَهُمْ لَا يَسْمَعُونَ [٨:٢١

އޭ إيمانވެއްޖެ މީސްތަކުންނޭވެ! اللَّهއަށާއި، އެކަލާނގެ رسولއާއަށް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން (އެކަލޭގެފާނު ވިދާޅުވާ އެއްޗެއް) އަޑުއަހާންތިބެފައި، އެކަލޭގެފާނަށް ފުރަގަސްނުދޭށެވެ!

[008:020] O you who believe! Obey Allâh and His Messenger [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam], and turn not away from him (i.e. Messenger Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) while you are hearing.

Al Anfal ch 8 v 46

وَلَا تَكُونُوا كَالَّذِينَ خَرَجُوا مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ بَطَرًا وَرِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَيَصُدُّونَ عَنْ سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌ [٨:٤٧

އަދި اللَّهއަށާއި، އެކަލާނގެ رسولއާއަށް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ދެބަސްވެ އަރާރުންނުވާށެވެ! (ދެބަސްވެ އަރާރުންވާނަމަ) ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ފިނޑިވެ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ ބާރުނެތި ހިނގައިދާނެއެވެ. އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކެތްތެރިވާށެވެ! ހަމަކަށަވަރުން، اللَّه ވޮޑިގެންވަނީ، ކެތްތެރިންނާ އެކުގައެވެ.

[008:046] And obey Allâh and His Messenger [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam], and do not dispute (with one another) lest you lose courage and your strength departs, and be patient. Surely, Allâh is with those who are As-Sâbirûn (the patient).

An Noor ch 24 v 54

قُلْ أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ ۖ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا فَإِنَّمَا عَلَيْهِ مَا حُمِّلَ وَعَلَيْكُمْ مَا حُمِّلْتُمْ ۖ وَإِنْ تُطِيعُوهُ تَهْتَدُوا ۚ وَمَا عَلَى الرَّسُولِ إِلَّا الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ [٢٤:٥٤

ކަލޭގެފާނު ވިދާޅުވާށެވެ! ތިޔަބައިމީހުން اللَّهއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން رسولއާއަށްވެސް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! ފަހެ، އެއުރެން ފުރަގަސްދީ ހިނގައްޖެނަމަ، ފަހެ، އެކަލޭގެފާނުގެ މައްޗަށް އޮތްކަން ކަށަވަރީ އެކަލޭގެފާނާ މަތިކުރެއްވި ކަންތަކެވެ. (އެއީ رسولކަން އިއްވެވުމެވެ.) އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ މައްޗަށްއޮތީ ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނާ މަތިކުރެއްވި ކަންތަކެވެ. (އެއީ إيمانވެ ކިޔަމަންގަތުމެވެ.) އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން އެކަލޭގެފާނަށް ކިޔަމަންވާނަމަ ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނަށް ތެދުމަގު ލިބޭނެތެވެ. بيانވެގެންވާ އިއްވެވުން މެނުވީ رسولއާގެ މައްޗަކަށް ނުވެއެވެ.

[024:054] Say: "Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam], but if you turn away, he (Messenger Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) is only responsible for the duty placed on him (i.e. to convey Allâh's Message) and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger's duty is only to convey (the message) in a clear way (i.e. to preach in a plain way)."

An Noor ch 24 v 56

وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ [٢٤:٥٦

ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ނަމާދު قائمކުރާށެވެ! އަދި زكاةދޭށެވެ! އަދި رسولއާއަށް ކިޔަަމަންވާށެވެ! (އެއީ) ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނަށް رحمةލެއްވުމަށްޓަކައެވެ.

[024:056] And perform As-Salât (the prayers), and give Zakât (obligatory charity) and obey the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) that you may receive mercy (from Allâh).

Muhammed ch 47 v 33

۞ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ وَلَا تُبْطِلُوا أَعْمَالَكُمْ [٤٧:٣٣

އޭ إيمانވެއްޖެ މީސްތަކުންނޭވެ! ތިޔަބައިމީހުން اللَّهއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި رسولއާއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ عملތައް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން باطل ނުކުރާހުށިކަމެވެ!

[047:033] O you who believe! Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]) and render not vain your deeds.

Al Mujadilah ch 58 v 13

أَأَشْفَقْتُمْ أَنْ تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيْ نَجْوَاكُمْ صَدَقَاتٍ ۚ فَإِذْ لَمْ تَفْعَلُوا وَتَابَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْكُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ [٥٨:١٣

ތިޔަބައިމީހުން رسولއާއަށް مناجاةއެއް ދެންނެވުމުގެކުރިން صدقاتއެއް ކުރިމަތިކުރުމަށް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ބިރުގަތީހެއްޔެވެ؟ ފަހެ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުންނަށް އެކަންތައް ނުކުރެވުނުހިނދު، އަދި اللَّه ތިޔަބައިމީހުންގެ މައްޗަށް توبة ލައްވައިފިހިނދު، ފަހެ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ނަމާދު قائمކުރާށެވެ! އަދި زكاةދޭށެވެ! އަދި اللَّهއާއި، އެކަލާނގެ رسولއާއަށް ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! اللَّهއީ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުން ކުރާކަންތައް މޮޅަށް ދެނެވޮޑިގެންވާ ރަސްކަލާނގެއެވެ.

[058:013] Are you afraid of spending in charity before your private consultation (with him)? If then you do it not, and Allâh has forgiven you, then (at least) perform As-Salât (the prayers) and give Zakât (obligatory charity) and obey Allâh (i.e. do all that Allâh and His Messenger order you to do). And Allâh is Well-Acquainted with what you do.

At Taqahabun ch 64 v 12

وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا الرَّسُولَ ۚ فَإِنْ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ فَإِنَّمَا عَلَىٰ رَسُولِنَا الْبَلَاغُ الْمُبِينُ [٦٤:١٢]

ތިޔަބައިމީހުން اللَّهއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! އަދި ތިޔަބައިމީހުން رسولއާއަށް ކިޔަމަންވާށެވެ! ފަހެ، ތިޔަބައިމީހުން (އެކަމަށް) ފުރަގަސްދީފިނަމަ، ފަހެ، ތިމަންރަސްކަލާނގެ رسولއާގެ މައްޗަށް އޮތްކަން ކަށަވަރީ، بيانވެގެންވާ އިއްވެވުމެވެ.

[064:012] Obey Allâh, and obey the Messenger (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu 'alayhi wa sallam]); but if you turn away, then the duty of Our Messenger is only to convey (the Message) clearly.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/47763320/Obey-Prophet-SAW

Muslims celebrating at the time of Christmas

Prohibition on celebrating the festivals of the kuffaar

Is it permissible for Muslims to take part in their festivals, such as Christmas?

Praise be to Allaah.
It is not permissible for the Muslim to join the kuffaar in their festivals and to express joy and happiness on these occasions, or to take the day off work, whether the occasion is religious or secular, because this is a kind of imitating the enemies of Allaah, which is forbidden, and a kind of co-operating with them in falsehood. It was proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Help you one another in Al‑Birr and At‑Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is Severe in punishment”[al-Maa'idah 5:2]
We advise you to refer to the book Iqtidaa’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him), for it is very useful on this topic. [Translator’s note: This book is available in English under the title “The Right Way,” published by Darussalam, Riyadh].
And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace.
Standing Committee on Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas, Fatwa no. 2540.
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Attending the festivals of the mushrikeen and congratulating them

Is it permissible to attend the celebrations of Christian festivals and congratulate them?

Praise be to Allaah.
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: it is not permissible for the Muslims to attend the festivals of the mushrikeen, according to the consensus of the scholars whose words carry weight. The fuqaha’ who follow the four schools of thought have stated this clearly in their books… Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a saheeh isnaad from ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab that he said: “Do not enter upon the mushrikeen in their churches on the day of their festival, for divine wrath is descending upon them.” And ‘Umar also said: “Avoid the enemies of Allaah on their festivals.” Al-Bayhaqi narrated with a jayyid isnaad from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr that he said: “Whoever settles in the land of the non-Arabs and celebrates their new year and festival and imitates them until he dies in that state, will be gathered with them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Ahkaam Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/723-724).
With regard to congratulating them on their festivals, this has already been answered in Question no. 947, which we advise you to refer to.
Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid
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His company gives its employees a Christmas bonus

I live in the u.s. and am employed with a retail clothing company that has two end-of-year traditions effecting its employees.
1. Issuance of a "christmas" bonus in an amount determined by salary and company sales performance.
2. An allotment of $50 to be used for, or towards a "holiday" meal of their choosing.
Are these actions considered unacceptable gifts?.

Praise be to Allaah. There is nothing wrong with a company giving its employees bonuses or gifts, whether in the form of cash, coupons or specific gifts. But if the gift is connected to Christmas and is a kind of celebration or congratulations on the occasion of that festival, it is not permissible to accept it, because it is a kind of honouring their festivals and approving of them, and helping them in their falsehood.
There is nothing wrong with the employee eating at the restaurant chosen by the company so long as there are no evils involved that the employee cannot denounce or remove, such as drinking alcohol, music, dancing and so on, in which case it is not permissible for him to go there unless he is compelled to do so.
And Allah knows best.
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Ruling on the Muslims celebrating at the time of Christmas and decorating their homes with balloons

What do you say to Muslims in the United Kingdom who celebrate at Christmas time by holding dinner parties in their houses on Christmas or afterwards, for their Muslim families, such as preparing roast turkey and the other dishes of the traditional Christmas dinner, and they adorn their houses with balloons and paper chains, and they do the “secret Santa” tradition, whereby each relative brings a gift for one of the people present and these gifts are brought to the party to be given to the one for whom he bought it, without the recipient knowing who he is. [“Secret Santa” is a new, growing custom among non-Muslims who celebrate Christmas, and is in accordance with their belief in the myth of Santa Claus].
Is this action regarded as halaal or haraam, if no one is attending this party except Muslims (relatives and family members)?.

Praise be to Allaah.
There is no doubt that what is mentioned of celebrations is haraam, because it is an imitation of the kuffaar. It is well known that the Muslims do not have any festival apart from Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and the weekly “Eid” which is Friday (Yawm al-Jumu‘ah). Celebrating any other festival is not allowed and is either of two things: either it is an innovation (bid‘ah), if it is celebrated as a means of drawing close to Allah, such as celebrating the Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid); or it is an imitation of the kuffaar, if it is celebrated as a tradition and not as an act of worship, because introducing innovated festivals is the action of the people of the Book who we are commanded to differ from. So how about if it is a celebration of one of their actual festivals?
Decorating the house with balloons at this time is obviously joining in with the kuffaar and celebrating their festival.
What the Muslim is required to do is not to single out these days for any kind of celebration, decorating or adornment, or special foods, otherwise he will be joining the kuffaar in their festivals, which is something that is undoubtedly haraam.
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Similarly it is forbidden for the Muslims to imitate the kuffaar by holding parties on these occasions, or exchanging gifts, or distributing sweets or other foods, or taking time off work and so on, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in his book Iqtida’ al-Siraat al-Mustaqeem Mukhaalifat Ashaab al-Jaheem: Imitating them on some of their festivals implies that one is happy with the falsehood they are following, and that could make them (the non-Muslims) take this opportunity to mislead those who are weak in faith.
Those who do any of these things are sinning, whether they do it to go along with them, or to be friendly towards them, or because they feel too shy (to refuse to join in) or any other reason, because it is a kind of compromising the religion of Allah to please others, and it is a means of lifting the spirits of the kuffaar and making them proud of their religion,
End quote from Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 3/44
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about a Muslim who makes the food of the Christians on Nawrooz (Persian New Year) and on all their occasions such as Epiphany and other feast days, and who sells them things to help them celebrate their festivals. Is it permissible for the Muslims to do any of these things or not?
He replied: Praise be to Allah. It is not permissible for the Muslims to imitate them in any way that is unique to their festivals, whether it be food, clothes, bathing, lighting fires or refraining from usual work or worship, and so on. And it is not permissible to give a feast or to exchange gifts or to sell things that help them to celebrate their festivals, or to let children and others play the games that are played on their festivals, or to adorn oneself or put up decorations. In general, (Muslims) are not allowed to single out the festivals of the kuffaar for any of these rituals or customs. Rather the day of their festivals is just an ordinary day for the Muslims, and they should not single it out for any activity that is part of what the kuffaar do on these days.
From al-Fataawa al-Kubra, 2/487; Majmoo‘ al-Fataawa, 25/329
And Allaah knows best.

Be aware of Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh (Tablighi Jamat)

Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh (Tablighi Jamat)

Name of group - Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh, also known as Tablighi Jamat
Adherent to group - Tableeghee, also known as Tablighi, or T.J.

The da'wah of the Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh is based upon spreading the merits of Islaam to everyone they are able to reach. This entails it's adherents to give up some of their time to go out and spread and propogate the da'wah keeping well away from political and partisan issues.

It's members are compelled into going out (khurooj) to give da'wah and mix with the Muslims in their masaajid, houses and businesses and give words of advice and encourage them to come out with them to give da'wah.

They advise that no members should get themselves involved in any quarrels with the Muslims or the government.

Foundation and major personalities

- The founder was called Shaykh Muhammad Ilyaas al-Kaandahlawee who was born in Kaandahlah, a village in the region of Sahaaranfoor in India in 1303 A.H. (1887 C.E.) (died 1364 A.H. / 1948 C.E.).

Initially, he sought knowledge in this village, then later travelled to Delhi where he completed his studies at the Madrasah Deoband which is amongst the biggest Hanafee schools in the Indian sub-continent, which was setup in the year 1283 A.H. (1867 C.E.).

He also sought knowledge under the guardianship of his older brother, Shaykh Muhammad Yahya, who was a teacher at the Madrasah Mathaahir al-'Uloom in Sahaaranfoor.

Later, he studied under Shaykh Ashraf 'Alee Thanwee (1280 A.H. (1863 C.E.) - 1364 A.H. (1943 C.E.)), who was known to them as ((Hakeem al-Ummah)).

Likewise, he also studied under Shaykh Mahmood Hasan (1268 A.H. (1851 C.E.) - 1339 A.H. (1920 C.E.)) who was amongst the major scholars of the Madrasah Deoband and the Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh.

As for Shaykh Rasheed Ahmad al-Kankoohee, born in 1829 C.E. (died 1905 C.E.); Shaykh Muhammad Ilyaas actually gave bay'ah (oath of allegiance) to him in 1315 A.H. (1899 C.E.).

He later renewed his bay'ah (oath of allegiance) to Shaykh Khaleel Ahmad as-Sahaaranfooree who was one of the scholars of the Deobandiyyah group.

- Shaykh 'Abdur-Raheem Shaah ad-Deobandee at-Tableeghee spent alot of time in organising the affaris of the Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh along with Muhammad Ilyaas and his son Shaykh Muhammad Yoosuf after him.

- Shaykh Ihtishaam al-Hasan al-Kaandahlawee married the sister of Muhammad Ilyaas, and spent a long time commanding the Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh whilst in the companionship of Shaykh Muhammad Ilyaas, its founder.

Thoughts and beliefs

The founder stipulated six maxims which he established as the fundamentals of his da'wah, with all members taking care to memorise them and propogate them in their da'wah efforts:

1) al-Kalimah at-Tayyibah (declaration of faith - ((Laa ilaaha il-Allaah Muhammad Rasool-Allaah))) ;

2) al-Khushoo' fis-salaah (offering prayers with full concentration);

3) al-'Ilm wadh-Dhikr (knowledge and remembrance);

4) Ikraam al-Muslimeen (honouring the Muslims);

5) al-Ikhlaas (sincerity);

6) al-Khurooj fee sabeel-Allaah (going out in the path of Allaah).

Their manner of propogating their da'wah is as follows:

A group from amongst them is designated to go to a particular area/town/country, whereby each member of the goup takes with them basic means upon which to sleep and other basic items which shall suffice.

When they arrive at their destination, they organise themselves in a manner whereby some of them begin cleaning the place where they shall be resting during their stay in the area; Whilst others amongst them will go out to the market places and the like remembering Allaah and calling the people to listen to their talk (bayaan - as they call it).

When the time for the bayaan arrives, they all gather together to listen to it. And after the bayaan has finished, they request members of the gathering to come out with them in the path of Allaah. And after Salaat al-Fajr, they divide the group of people who are present into groups where a group leader is appointed for each group. Then the group leader undertakes the responsibility of teaching his group members Soorah al-Faatihah and other small Soorah's of the Qur.aan. They continue in this way day in day out.

Before their period of stay is over, they encourage the people of the area to come out with them to spread their da'wah, such that some people volunteer to join them for three days or a week or a month. Each one according to his ability and circumstances, their giving up their time in accordance with the saying of Allaah:

{You are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind}, [Soorah Aal-'Imraan, Aayah 110].

And the preferred time for going out is a day in a week, and three days in a month and 40 days in a year and 4 months in a lifetime.

- They refuse invitations to attend social functions made by the people of the area they have settled in for their period of da'wah; their intention being not to busy themselves with anything other than issues of da'wah and remembrance, and that their actions are soley for the sake of Allaah.

- They do not interfere in issues of forbidding the evil, believing they are at the stage of establishing an appropriate climate for Islaamic living, and that if they were to involve themselves in such issues, then this would place obstacles in their way and turn the people away from their da'wah.

- They believe that if they correct their individuals (members) one-by-one then the evil will be automatically eradicated from amongst the masses.

- That going out and propogating their da'wah da'wah to the people helps in nurturing the da'ee and cultivating his actions, such that he feels he is an example for others to follow and that he adheres to that which he is calling the people to.

- They believe that blind following a madhhab is obligatory, and they do not permit ijtihaad, believing that the conditions of a mujtahid (one who is qualified to make ijtihaad) are not present amongst the scholars of this time.

- They have been affected by the ways of the Soofiyyah, whose da'wah is widespread in the Indian sub-continent. For example:

- It is imperative for every member of the Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh to have a Shaykh to whom he makes bay'ah (oath of allegiance) to, and whoever was to die whilst not having made bay'ah, then he has died the death of those in pre-Islaam. And often is the case that the bay'ah takes place in a public gathering so as to encourage all present to do likewise and give them all an impression that they are all in this together as one group. And the same is done amongst the women also.

- Excessive love and respect is shown to the Shaykh to whom bay'ah has been given, as is excessive love shown to the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam), that which often takes them out of the fold of displaying appropriate respect to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam).

- Their belief that the way of the Soofiyyah is the closest way to taste the sweetness of eemaan in the heart.

- Their being taught the names of the major personalities of the Soofiyyah such as 'Abdul-Qaadir al-Jeelaanee, who was born in Jeelaan in 470 A.H., and also as-Sahrooree, and Abu Mansoor al-Maatureedee who died in 332 A.H., and Jalaal ad-Deen ar-Roomee who was born in 604 A.H., who wrote the book al-Mathnawee.

- They have been affected by the way of the Soofiyyah, in particular the Chishtiyyah, the Qaadiriyyah, the Naqshbandiyyah and the Sahroordiyyah in India.

- There are some members who claim to have adopted the thoughts of the Jamaa'ah an-Noor of Turkey.

- Their da'wah is based upon the arousal of interest and intimidation combined, and thereby causing emotive and affective feelings. They have, thereby managed to enlist in the name of eemaan, many who have immersed themselves into sins and desires, and have directed them to worship and remembrance.

- They do not speak about political issues, and discourage their members from getting involved in these problematic issues, criticising those who do get involved. They say that politics is to leave politics.

- They misinterpret the ahaadeeth pertaining to jihaad, claiming it means to go out and give da'wah, this being to such an extent that their members quite possibly have forgotten about the real meaning of jihaad in the path of Allaah.

- They are very lenient when it comes to narrating weak ahaadeeth.

- Their main points of reference appear to be the Qur.aan and the Sunnah, however, in terms of 'aqeedah, they turn to the understandings of their founding Shaykhs of the Indian sub-continent, and that being the 'aqeedah of the Maatureediyyah upon the Hanafee madhhab.

- In the Arab lands they make a point of referring to Imaam an-Nawawee's Riyaadh as-Saaliheen, whereas in non-Arab lands they refer to the Tableeghee Nisaab (Tablighi Nisab) and Hayaah as-Sahaabah (Hayat Al-Sahabah), and this being full of incorrect information and weak ahaadeeth.

Their da'wah began in India, and then spread to Pakistan and Bangladesh, then later spreading to the rest of the Islaamic world, even in Arabia - such that they now have followers in Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

They also have followers in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

Their worldwide headquarters is in Nizaamuddeen in Delhi, where they administer their da'wah affairs worldwide. Their headquarters in the western world is in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, UK.

Further reading
al-Mawsoo'ah al-Harakiyyah - Fat.hee Yakun;
Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh, aqeedatuhaa wa afkaar mashaayikhihaa - Mian Muhammad Aslam al-Pakistaanee (research paper submitted to the Faculty of Sharee'ah at the Islaamic University of Madeenah in 1976 C.E.);
at-Tareeq ilaa Jamaa'ah al-Muslimeen - Husayn ibn Muhsin ibn 'Alee ibn Jaabir;
Mushkilaat ad-Da'wah wad-Daa'iyah - Fat.hee Yakun;
as-SIraaj al-Muneer - Dr. Taqqee ad-Deen al-Hilaalee;
ad-Da'wah al-Islaamiyyah fareedah Shar'iyyah wa daroorah bashariyyah - Dr. Saadiq Ameen;
Haqeeqatud-Da'wah ilaa Allaah Ta'aala wa maa ikhtassat bihi Jazeeratul-'Arab - Sa'd ibn 'Abdur-Rahmaan al-Husayn (introduction by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fowzaan);
Ra.yu aakhar fee Jamaa'ah at-Tableegh - Sa'd al-Husayn.