By Abu al-Hassan al-Nadwi | Translated by Suhaib Webb

Imam al-Dahlawi undertook efforts towards revival and reform by focusing on the following:

1. During his age, the majority of Muslims had major shortcomings in understanding how to have faith in God (Ar. tauhid). It was clouded by numerous ignorant ideas, corrupted philosophies, and un-Islamic customs, so It was incumbent to clarify the true faith in all its purity and clarity, explaining what the people of ignorance (before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, peace be upon him) believed, until the difference between their faith and what Islam brought was clear.
2. It was incumbent for the Muslim community to have direct access to the Qur’an and Sunnah (teachings of the Prophet ﷺ). A gulf occurred between the scholars and the teaching of the Qur’an to the masses, which prevented and weakened the common person’s ability to understand revelation. This was due to the scholars’ fear of losing their status, whether political or religious. Due to this, they did not translate it into the native language and they failed to teach the books of Prophet’s ﷺ traditions. Thus, it was imperative that the meanings and rulings of the Qur’an be rendered into the language of the people along with returning to the six authentic books of hadith (prophetic narration).
3. Religious knowledge in India had reached an all time low in general, and particularly in the knowledge of hadith. It was imperative to spread the knowledge of hadith. Thus, the sahih (authentic) texts (al-Bukhari and Muslim) were taught, as was the Muwatta of Imam Malik, until India became renowned in the Muslim world as a place that specialized in the science of hadith.
4. He noted that the world was about to welcome a new intellectual age. An age in which political upheaval was about to run rampant. Thus, it was incumbent to explain the idea of the Caliphate, as well as the different approaches and fundamentals that Islam employed in running a state and day to day activities. Therefore he wrote a number of books, which are still beneficial till this day: The Clear Proof of God and Removing the Doubts Surrounding the Differences of the Caliphs.
5. He noted that there was no hope in reforming the royal families or their youth of his time for reasons explained in the quote by Ibn Khaldun: “If a pyramid is established in a country, it will never rise again.” (Meaning: opulence tends to corrupt and pacify.) Thus, there was no hope in reforming them. True reform must start with a new group, from the bottom up, who could reform the society in the correct way.

Translated from pgs. 83-85 of Rabaniyya la Rahbaniyya fi al-Islam by Sh. Abu al-Hasan al-Nadwi (God be pleased with him)

Recently, a very close member of my family died. While the dead body lay inside one of the rooms of my house, two thoughts continuously went through my mind. The body reminded me that one day, I would be lying in the same manner, motionless, and my close ones would be looking at me, remembering the treasured moments we had together. Another thought that occurred to me was what would remain of the dead body while it lay so still, ready to be buried; and what it would take with itself for the Day of Judgment was a question that kept coming back to me again and again. This question has been answered in the Qur’an in various places and it reminds us of the fact that death is the biggest reality of this life and the real struggle in this life should be to acquire good deeds so that one is able to attain a higher status in the Hereafter. As the Qur’an says, “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldy life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for rewards and better for [one’s] hope,” (Qur’an 18:46).

The Qur’an in Surah Raad has pointed out that in the creation of the heavens and the earth, the rising of the sun and moon are signs for those who believe in the meeting with their Lord (Qur’an 13:2-4). What we have to understand is how these signs indicate that there will be a Hereafter. One course of thought is that if God can create the heavens, earth, mountains and rivers then why can He not raise us all after we are dead. The second reasoning is that there is so much wisdom behind the Creation of this Universe and each object follows such an impeccable order, that it cannot be that the Creator of this galaxy with His infinite Wisdom will treat the oppressed and oppressor in the same manner. How can it be that one who commits murder and rape will be treated in the same manner as one who uses his wealth in helping the poor and needy?  That is why the Qur’an has said in Surah Rahman, “Is the reward for good [anything] but good?” (Qur’an 55: 60).  Another confirmation of the Day of Judgment through the message of the Qur’an can be seen in Surah Ash-Shura, “Respond to your Lord before a Day comes from Allah of which there is no repelling. No refuge will you have that day, nor for you will there be any denial,” (Qur’an 42:47).

From these ayaat (verses) we can say that the main purpose of this life is to prepare oneself for the Day of Judgment. The Qur’anic description of that day is one of distress and anguish for those who have committed more sins than good in this worldly life. For example in Surah Al-Waqia ((Other references to such sinners are Qur’an 70:11-18, 74:26-29)) , the treatment of sinners is described as follows:

“Then indeed you, O those astray [who are] deniers, will be eating from trees of zaqqum, and filling with it your bellies, and drinking on top of it from scalding water, and will drink as the drinking of thirsty camels. That is their accommodation on the Day of Recompense.” (Qur’an 56:51-56)

On the other hand, those who were righteous and God-fearing in this world will be granted a place in Heaven wherein lies great rewards for them. The rewards for such people have been described in many different places of the Qur’an ((Qur’an 55:46-77, 78:31-36. There are many other references as well)) .

What an individual has to remember is that he is answerable for his actions and God is watching over us all the time. Allah subhanahu wa ta`ala (exalted is He) keeps on reminding us that He is watching every action of ours and has informed all believers that He is All- Knowing and Wise. In Surah Taghabun it is said, “He knows what is in the heavens and earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts,” (Qur’an 64:4).

God Almighty has said in the Qur’an that He created men and jinn for no other reason but to serve (worship) Him (Qur’an 51:56). But, God did not leave man astray and gave him guidance in the form of His revelation so that he may be led to the right path. As the Qur’an says:

“It is He who sends down upon His Servant [Muhammad] verses of clear evidence that He may bring you out from the darkness into the light. And indeed, Allah is to you Kind and Merciful,” (Qur’an 57:9).

The first nine ayaat of Surah Mu’minun are describing the characteristics of one who will be awarded a place in Paradise. These individuals will be those who are careful of their prayers, keep their promises, confine themselves to the limits set by Allah and are active in deeds of charity (Qur’an 23:1-9). God Almighty has assured man that He is very forgiving and will forgive his past sins if he repents. The following ayaat are an indication of God’s mercy towards His creation.

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” And return [in repentance] to your Lord and submit to Him before the punishment comes upon you; then you will not be helped.’” (Qur’an 39:53-54)

We as individuals should try to read the Book of Allah (swt) more often so that we are guided towards the right path and so that the concept of death does not become a shock for us but a warning that one day we will all die and will be answerable to our Lord for our each and every action. It is our responsibility to read the Qur’an with understanding so that we can comprehend the message of Allah (swt) and the purpose of this life becomes clearer to us all. The Qur’an is Allah’s Mercy upon His creation and we should not neglect the warning that the Book of God sends to the whole of mankind. The Qur’an has further ensured mankind that in its reading do hearts find ultimate rest and peace. The following verse of Surah Raad points out the same concept:

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah are hearts assured,” (Qur’an 13:28).

The main point behind this article is to remind each reader that one day we will all have to go back to our Lord. Hence, we must strive to earn good deeds in this world, as this life will be our only opportunity to present something in front of God on the Day of Judgment. The funeral should not be confined to just a ceremony but serve as a reminder to each of its participants that our return is to our Lord and the only thing that will help us on that Day will be good deeds. May Allah (swt) guide us all to the right path and help us in earning good deeds and may He forgive our past sins. Ameen.