The Permissibility to call to the Prophets and Saints

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Proclaiming_YaRasoolALLAH.pdf

Answer by A'LA HAZRAT, IMAM AHMED RAZA Rehmatullah Alaih

QUESTION: What is the ruling of the Ulema of Islam on the following matter:
Zaid, who is a Muslim and believes in Almighty Allah and the Prophethood of his beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), recites after every Salaah and at other times, the following verses:As Salaatu Was Salaamu Alaika Ya
Rasoolullah - "Peace and Blessings upon you, O Messenger of Allah."Or As Alukash Shafaa'atu Ya Rasoolullah - "I seek from you Shafaa'at (Intercession), O Messenger of Allah."
I ask the learned Scholars of Islam:
1. Are such calls to the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) permitted in Islam?
2. What is the ruling of the Learned Scholars concerning individuals who refer to those who call to the Prophets and Saints as Kaafirs and Mushriks?

Please enlighten us on this. We pray that you enjoy the mercy of Allah on the Day of Judgement. Aameen.

ANSWER:
Alhamudullilahi wa Kafaa Was Salaatu Was Salaamu alaa Habeebihil Mustafa wa Aalihi Wa Ashaabihi Oolis Sidqi Was Safaa The utterance of the above words are indeed permitted and no person other than those who are misled would argue with it. For reference on this matter, we shall consult the following great Jurists of Islam and their books:-
A. "Shifa-us-Siqaam",by Imaam Taqi'udeen Abul Hasan Subki (radi Allahu anhu),
B. "Mawaahibbe Ladunnia", by Imaam Ahmed Qastalaani (radi Allahu anhu), being the Sharah (Commentary) of Sahih-ul-Bukhari,
C. "Sharah of the Muwaahibbe Laddunnia", by Allama Zarqaani (radi Allahu anhu),
D. "Mutaali-ul-Mussarraat" by Imaam Allama Faasi (radi Allahu anhu),
E. "Sharah of Mishkaat", by Allama Mulla Ali Qaari (radi Allahu anhu),
F. "Ashatul Lamaat", including the books, "Jazbul Quloob" and "Madaarijun Nubuwat", by Shaikh Muhaqqiq Allama Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlwi (radi Allahu anhu),
G. "Afdalul Qur'a", which is the "Sharah of Ummul Qur'a" by Imaam ibn Hajar Makki (radi Allahu anhu).
I will now quote a Hadith, proving that it is permissible to utter the above mentioned words. This Hadith has been certified authentic by the following great Scholars of Islam:-
A. Imaam Nisaai (radi Allahu anhu),
B. Imaam Tirmidhi (radi Allahu anhu),
C. Imaam ibn Maaja (radi Allahu anhu),
D. Imaam Haakim (radi Allahu anhu),
E. Imaam Baihaqi (radi Allahu anhu),
F. Imaam ibn Hazeema (radi Allahu anhu),
G. Imaam Abul Qasim Tabraani (radi Allahu anhu),
H. Imaam Manzari (radi Allahu anhu),
I. Imaam Muslim (radi Allahu anhu),
J. Imaam Bukhari (radi Allahu anhu).

1. All the above mentioned Scholars of Ahadith, narrate on the authority of
Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef (radi Allahu anhu), that a Sahabi who was blind by birth was taught a special Du'a by the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), which he was to recite after every Salaah.
The Du'a is as follows: Allahumma Inni As Aluka Wa Ata Wajjahu Ilaika Binabiyika Muhammadin Nabiyyir rahmati Ya Muhammadu Inni Ata Wajjahu Bika ila Rabbi Fi Haajati haazihi lituqda li. Allahumma Fashaf'fi'u Fiya.
"O Allah, I ask from you, and turn towards you through the Wasila (Medium) of Your Nabi Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), who is indeed a Prophet of Mercy. O Muhammad, with your Wasila (Medium) I turn towards Allah for my need so that it may be bestowed. O Allah, accept the Prophet's intercession for me."

2. Imaam Tabraani (radi Allahu anhu), in his "Muhjam" records the following incident:
A person in dire need visited Ameerul Mu'mineen Hazrat Uthman Ghani (radi Allah anhu). The Caliph was busy with some other work and he did not attend to his need. Thereafter, the person went to Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef (radi Allahu anhu) and complained about the matter. Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef (radi Allahu anhu) ordered the man to perform the Wudhu (ablution), enter the musjid and to offer two Rakaats of Nafil Salaah.
He was then to recite the following Du'a:Allahumma Inni As Aluka Wa Ata Wajjahu Ilaika Binabiyina Nabiyyir rahmati Ya Muhammadu Inni Ata Wajjahu Bika ila Rabbi Fayadiha Haajati wa tazkuru haajataka wa ruh illaya hatta arooha ma'aka. "O Allah, I beg of you and I seek your assistance, with the Wasila (Medium) of your beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is the Prophet of Mercy. O Muhammad! I turn to Allah with your Wasila so that my needs be fulfilled."
Thereafter, he was told to mention his need. On completion, he was told to visit Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef (radi Allahu anhu), so that both could visit the august court of Hazrat Uthman Ghani (radi Allahu anhu). When he presented himself in front of the great Caliph, he was not only shown great respect, but his need and wish were also immediately granted. The Caliph, then addressing the man stated: "In future if you require any favour, come immediately to me."
After they had left the court of the great Caliph, the man thanked Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef (radi Allahu anhu) for mentioning him to the Caliph, the latter clearly stated that he had not even approached the Caliph. He then
stated: "By Allah, I saw the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) teaching the very same Du'a to a blind man. Miraculously, the blind man then approached us before we could even complete our conversation, and it
appeared as if he had never been blind."
Imaam Tabraani and Imaam Munzari (radi Allahu anhuma) have both stated that this Hadith is authentic.

3. Imaam Nawawi (radi Allahu anhu) in his commentary of the Sahih Muslim, including in his book, "Kitaabul Azkaar", records that some individuals were sitting in the company of Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu), when suddenly one of them suffered from cramps. The great companion advised the man to remember the person whom he loved the most. The man proclaimed, "Ya Muhammadah." He was immediately cured. There are in fact many Ashbaab who narrate incidents of similar incident.

4. Imaam Allama Khairudeen Ramli (radi Allahu anhu), the illustrious teacher of the scholar who has written the authentic book on Islamic Jurisprudence, "Durre Mukhtaar", states in his "Fatawa Khayria": "People who proclaim, Ya Sheikh Abdul Qaadir (are merely emulating) a call, what, therefore, is the reason for it, not to be permissible?"

5. Sayyidi Jamal bin Abdullah bin Omar Makki (radi Allahu anhu), in his Fatawa states that he was questioned about those people who proclaim in times of difficulty, "Ya Rasoolullah, Ya Ali, Ya Sheikh Abdul Qaadir" as to these proclamations being permissible in Islam. The great scholar replied: "Yes, these proclamations are permissible, to call to them is permissible including using their names as Wasilas. This is permissible in the light of the Shari'ah. Such an act is desirable and approved. Only those individuals who are stubborn and arrogant would oppose or question this reality, and they certainly are unfortunate and deprived of the Barakaat (blessing) of the Awliya Allah."

6. Shah Abdul Aziz (radi Allahu anhu), then quotes two sentences stated by Hazrat Ahmed Zarooq (radi Allahu anhu), which further highlights his greatness, "I indeed bless my (Mureeds) with tranquillity during times of difficulty and perplexity, when cruelty and evil oppresses them and in times of misery and fear. Therefore (during these times) call to me 'Ya Zarooq', I will immediately come to your assistance."

7. Allama Ziyadi, Allama Ajhoori, Allama Dawoodi (who also happens to be the marginal writer of the "Sharah Minhaat") and Allama Shaami (radi Allahu anhum), have all prescribed a method for finding mislaid items. They state: "One should climb on to a high spot and offer Faatiha for Hazrat Sayyidi Ahmed bin Alwaan Yamaani (radi Allahu anhu). Thereafter invoking his name one should say, 'Ya Sayyidi Ahmed, Ya ibn Alwaan'."
All praise is due to Allah, in that this servant has compiled a book in which quotations from the generation of the Sahaba and from the generations of Ulema and Awliya following them have been mentioned.

8. The most beautiful proof of calling to the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Attahiyaat, wherein every worshipper salutes and calls unto the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). If by using the Nida, causes one to be guilty of Shirk, then how is it that it is found in the Salaah?
Some individuals state that, one does not have the intention of calling to the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in the Attahiyaat, rather one is merely conveying a message. This opinion is without basis. The religion of Islam has never commanded us to recite any Zikr, without pondering on its meaning. Therefore, when we are reciting the Attahiyaat, we should not possess this belief, rather we should believe that we are directly addressing the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and sending Salaams to him, upon oneself and upon all the pious of the Ummah.

As to those who are corrupted and hope to corrupt, we ask them what are their views on these great scholars and Saints who also believed that it was permissible to call out to great Saints and Prophets for assistance with
the Harf-e-Nidaa? What will they label such great personalities, which include among others:
1. Hazrat Uthman bin Haneef (radi Allahu anhu),
2. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu),
3. Imaam Taqi'udeen Abul Hasan Ali Subki (radi Allahu anhu),
4. Imaam Ahmed Qastalaani (radi Allahu anhu),
5. Imaam Abdul Azeem Munzari (radi Allahu anhu),
6. Imaam Bukhari (radi Allahu anhu),
7. Imaam Muslim (radi Allahu anhu),
8. Imaam Tabraani (radi Allahu anhu),
9. Imaam Baihaqi (radi Allahu anhu),
10. Imaam Tirmidhi (radi Allahu anhu),
11. Imaam Nisaai (radi Allahu anhu),
12. Imaam Nawawi (radi Allahu anhu),
13. Imaam Shahab Khafaaji (radi Allahu anhu),
14. Imaam Bilal bin Haarith Munzani (radi Allahu anhu),
15. Sayyedi Abdur Rahmaan Huzaili (radi Allahu anhu),
16. Shaikul Islam, Shahabudeen Ramli al Ansaari (radi Allahu anhu),
17. Allama Khayrudeen Ramli (radi Allahu anhu),
18. Sayyidi Jamal bin Abdullah bin Omar Makki (radi Allahu anhu),
19. Imaam ibn Jouzi (radi Allahu anhu),
20. Ghousal A'zam, Syed Abdul Qaadir Jilaani (radi Allahu anhu),
21. Imaam Jalalludeen Suyutwi (radi Allahu anhu),
22. Imaam Abul Hasan, Noorudeen Ali bin Jareer (radi Allahu anhu),
23. Imaam Abdullah bin Asad Yafa'ee Makki (radi Allahu anhu),
24. Mulla Ali Qaari (radi Allahu anhu),
25. Moulana Abul Ma'aali Mohammed Muslimi (radi Allahu anhu),
26. Taajul Aarifeen, Sayyidi Abu Bakr Taajudeen Abdur Razzaq Qaderi (radi Allahu anhu),
27. Shah Abdul Haq Dehlwi (radi Allahu anhu),
28. Sayyedi Abu Swaleh Nasr (radi Allahu anhu),
29. Imaam Shamsudeen Zahbi (radi Allahu anhu),
30. Mohammed bin Mohammed Al Hizri (radi Allahu anhu),
31. Imaam Abdul Wahab Sha'raani (radi Allahu anhu),
32. Sayyedi Mohammed Ghazni (radi Allahu anhu),
33. Sayyedi Shamsudeen Mohammed Hanafi (radi Allahu anhu),
34. Sayyedi Ahmed Kabeer-e-Awliya Badawi (radi Allahu anhu),
35. Sayyedi Mohammed bin Ahmed Farghal (radi Allahu anhu),
36. Sayyedi Madeen bin Ahmed Ashmooni (radi Allahu anhu),
37. Sayyedi Moosa Abu Imraan (radi Allahu anhu),
38. Imaam Noorudeen Abdur Rahman Jaami (radi Allahu anhu),
39. Arif Billah, Moulana Jalaalludeen Rumi (radi Allahu anhu),
40. Shah Wali'ullah Dehlwi (radi Allahu anhu),
41. Allama Ziyaad (radi Allahu anhu),
42. Shah Abdur Raheem Dehlwi (radi Allahu anhu),
43. Allama Ajhoori (radi Allahu anhu),
44. Allama Shaami (radi Allahu anhu), and
45. Sayyidi Ahmed bin Alwaan Yamani (radi Allahu anhu).

Now what is your opinion about these great Luminaries of Islam, who so clearly substantiate the belief that it is permissible to call upon Prophets and Saints for assistance. If you consider them to be Muslims, then Alhumdulilah, you are on the straight and correct path. On the other hand, if you consider them disbelievers then all we say is, "May Allah assist you in seeing the correct path." Aameen.

We would like to categorically state an amazing fact - how unfortunate is that group which considers Muslims from the generation of the Ashbaab to the present times as disbelievers and Mushriks (because they call upon Prophets, Saints and Ulema to help them in times of difficulty). They cannot be true "Muslims" who respect the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), if this is their belief concerning the Ulema and Saints of his Ummah.

The question of Disbelief and Belief has very clearly been explained in the book of Jurisprudence, "Durre Mukhtaar", yet there are individuals who themselves are misled and hope to deliberately mislead and confuse the Muslims so that their true state is not revealed.

Substantiating this, I will conclude this book by mentioning a Hadith reported by Hazrat Imaam Abdullah ibn Mubarruk (radi Allahu anhu), narrated by Hazrat Sa'eed ibn Musayyib (radi Allahu anhu), who states: "Not a day or night passes by, without the deeds of the Ummati are being placed in front of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Therefore the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) recognizes his followers in two ways, firstly by their Alamat (signs) and secondly by their Amaal (deeds)."

However, this is ample proof for a person possessing qualities of piety, justice and honesty. Certainly, for those who have Allah's guidance, a single letter is sufficient.

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The Permissibility to call to the Prophets and Saints