Chapter 7: TO STAY AWAY FROM VAIN (USELESS) THINGS

This lesson will explain the most important conditions of piety. A Muslim should spend every moment of his life trying to achieve the everlasting benefits of the Aakhirah. He should not only avoid sins, but also useless and destructive customs which negatively affects our Deen and beliefs. Although many deeds and hobbies may not be sinful, yet they are an absolute waste of time and energy which could be rather used for constructive things. This is the characteristic of a true believer that he spends his time only in virtuous deeds, remembers Allah Ta’ala as much as possible, avoids all forbidden things, does not indulge in useless things, and is polite and humble towards other Muslims. If one does not avoid vain talk and vain deeds, one is likely to indulge in shameful sins. It has been mentioned in a Hadith that when a Sahaabi of Rasulullah ﷺ passed away, a Muslim said to him, “I give to you the happy news of Jannah!” When Rasulullah ﷺ heard these words, he said, “You are giving him the happy news of Jannah, while you do not know that he might have indulged in vain talk, or might have been a miser in spending his wealth for the good of others, which really does not decrease by spending in good causes.” This evidently means that one should be very cautious in his speech and should avoid vain talk, for one’s tongue is likely to talk nonsense. Another Hadith says, “A man does not slip so much by his feet as by his tongue.”

Another Hadith says, “Sometimes a man speaks an offensive and sinful thing subconsciously, by which he is thrown into Jahannum deeper than the distance between east and west!” (Bukhaari & Muslim) Therefore, every believer should be cautious in his speech and should spend every moment of his life in good deeds. He must avoid useless things particularly during the period when he has left home to learn Deen or to invite towards Deen. Someone asked Luqmaan Hakeem (the wise), “How did you attain so much wisdom?” He answered, “Because I speak the truth, return the trusts to their rightful owners, and avoid useless (vain) things!” (Muatta Imaam Maalik) Hadhrat Sahl Tastari رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says, “Anyone who desires that the qualities and signs of the truthful be visible upon him, must not eat anything besides that which is pure and halaal and should strictly follow the Sunnah.” (Ihyaaul-Uloom) In another Hadith Rasulullah ﷺ said, “The perfection of one’s Imaan requires that one should totally give up vain and useless things.” The Qur-aan-e-Kareem mentions a great quality of true believers,

Translation: “Those who do not indulge in useless things!” (Surah Mu’minoon Aayah 3)

NB. All the Ahaadith, which have no references have been quoted from ‘Mishkaat Shareef’.

1. When a believer has decided to undertake such a journey, he should make the following Dua,

Translation: “O Allah! I attack the enemy with your help, I plan my work with Your help, and I walk on the earth with Your help.”

Translation: 2. When he has left home, he should read.

Translation: “I start my journey with the name of Allah, I entirely depend on Allah; the power to do good and to avoid evil is from Allah.”

Translation: 3. The Jamaat going in the path of Allah Ta’ala should have an Ameer for safr (travelling), who could be another person other than the Ameer of the Jamaat.

Translation: 4. When he rides and puts his feet in the stirrup, he should say بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ (Bismillaah) and when he sits on the back of the animal he should الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ (Alhamdu lillaah) and then he should read this say الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ Aayah,

Translation: “Glory be to Allah, who has subjected this animal to us, and we could not overpower it without His help; and at last we have to return to our Sustainer”

He should then sayالْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ (Alhamdu lillaah) thrice and then الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ (Allaahu Akbar) thrice and he should then say,

Translation: “O Allah! You are clear of evil; I have been unjust to my soul; therefore, forgive me, for no one forgives sins, but You!”

Translation: 5. When he has ridden and the animal walks, or when he himself begins to walk, he should say,

Translation: “O Allah! I seek Your refuge from the hardships of this journey, and from difficulties on my return, and from failure after success, and from the curses of the oppressed, and from loss of wealth and my family.”

Translation: 6. When he climbs to some high place, he should say; اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allaahu Akbar) thrice and when he descends, he should say; سُبْحَانَ اللّٰهِ (Subhaanallaah) thrice and when he passes through a لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ (Laa ilaaha illallaah) field or a stream, he should say; اللّٰهُ أَكْبَرُ (Allaahu Akbar). (Hisn Haseen) 1

Translation: 1 The same Duas apply for the person travelling by car, bus, plane etc.

Translation: 7. He should not only be pleased to walk in the path of Allah Ta’ala, but he should rather prefer to go on foot, because this is a Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ and his Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ . He should therefore, get himself used to the sacrifices of this journey, which is a source of blessings and favours of Allah Ta’ala in the Aakhirah.

8. If his foot slips somewhere or hits some obstacle, he should say بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ (Bismillah). (Hisn Haseen)

9. When he sets foot at some station or destination, he should say;

Translation: “With the complete words of Allah, I seek refuge from the evil of whatever He has created”.

Translation: 10. When he enters some village or a city, he should say thrice,

Translation: “O Allah! Let it be auspicious for us.”

He should then recite this Dua,

Translation: “O Allah! Let us enjoy the fruits of this city, and fill our love into the hearts of the people of this city, and cause the love of the pious of this city to enter our hearts.” (Hisn Haseen)

Translation: 11. He should serve his companions as much as he can and should take pride in it. It has been mentioned in a Hadith, “That person who serves his companions the most is most worthy of being an Ameer in a journey. None can attain his rank except a Shaheed.” (Mishkaat)

Here are the duties of an Ameer on a journey in the path of Allah Ta’ala:

1. He should provide comfort for his companions. He should make mashwara (consult) with his companions and if he disagrees with anyone on a certain topic, then he should not discourage him, but should rather politely inform him of someone else’s opinion which maybe more useful.

2. He should not be hard upon any companion and should not speak to him in a commanding tone.

3. He should treat each of his companions according to their status.

4. If any of his companions has the ability of giving a bayaan (speech), he should give him an opportunity to deliver a speech, and if somebody’s talk is not according to the aims and objects of the Jamaat, he should not allow him to give a talk. He should be told in such a way that it would not displease or dishearten him.

5. He should prevent his companions from useless things in a polite and encouraging manner.

6. He should encourage them to complete their zikr in the morning and evening, more particularly when they are out for Tabligh work.

7. He himself should appoint a person to give Dawat (Mutakallim), a person to give the talk (bayaan), and if he does not find any suitable person for this purpose then he should do it himself.

8. Even whilst travelling, he should encourage his companions to learn the Tabligh lessons (qualities) well and he should advise them to memorise and remember the Masnoon Duas for all occasions.

9. He should pair the new brothers with one of the learned ones so that they may learn the Masnoon Duas, etc. from him.

10. He should distribute various duties among his companions. For instance, some of them should awake others for Tahajjud Salaah, some of them should encourage them for Chaasht and Ish-raaq Salaah and some of them should encourage others to complete the morning and evening zikr.

11. If there is some dispute or disunity among his companions, he should reconcile them.

12. He should talk to his companions again and again about the fear of Allah Ta’ala and preparation for the next life and sincerely advise them in the following words: “We have left our homes to reform ourselves before we reform others. Our real aim and object during this journey is to be in the company of the pious and the Muttaqee (God-fearing), thereby strengthening our relationship with them and performing our Ibaadah in the best possible manner. Thus we should remember Allah Ta’ala as much as possible, serve one another sincerely, devote ourselves to all good deeds and prevent ourselves from forbidden things. The time that we have devoted to Tabligh work is not ours at all, but rather for the promotion and establishment of the true Deen of Allah Ta’ala. We should, therefore, value this time and learn and teach our Deen. We had spent our lives in useless things, but we should now be determined to spend the rest of our lives as true Muslims. We should fulfil the object of this journey to the best of our ability.”

1. As far as knowledge is concerned, the Tablighi Jamaat is to have a complete and reliable knowledge of Islam and to teach it to other Muslims so that they also develop a keen interest in Islam. Moreover, this Jamaat must know the promises and the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and should practically implement them in their lives.

2. Whilst out in the path of Allah Ta’ala, the learning of Salaah and the Qur-aan-e-Kareem must be given great importance. The time required to learn these cannot be acquired on this brief Tabligh journey. Therefore, the companions are expected to realize the importance of learning about Salaah and the Qur-aan-e-Kareem whilst on this journey and they should devote more time for this in the future.

3. The members of the Jamaat should also think of their past life and show remorse and regret for not devoting themselves to Tabligh work in the past for which they should seek the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala. If they are still ignorant of their Deen, they should be sorry for this negligence, make taubah and make amends for the future.

4. In their spare time they should remember Allah Ta’ala, i.e. engage in zikr not only verbally, but also in their hearts by contemplating.

5. Those who are learned in Deen should teach it to others as a responsibility and those who are still ignorant should make an attempt to learn.

6. One cannot learn all the teachings of the Deen by studying from the books or by listening to talks only, but rather also practicing on it. Acquiring the knowledge of Islam and thereafter practicing upon it is essential and, perfection in Imaan cannot be acquired without action. Therefore, one must practice what he knows and also encourage others with the same.

7. The correction of mistakes, that one commits whilst reciting the Qur-aan-e-Kareem or performing Salaah, should not be limited whilst out in the path of Allah Ta’ala or conducting taleem, but also during ones free time at home.

8. All the members of the Jamaat should sit silently and respectfully whilst taleem is being conducted and should not pay attention to anything else. The person conducting the taleem should point out and correct their mistakes whilst the others should keep silent. Having regard for the words of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul ﷺ , they should sit motionless, as if birds were sitting on their heads.

9. In the halaqa of taleem, special attention should be given to the following; (a) The teachings of the Qur-aan-e-Kareem, particularly in relation with tajweed; all the possible mistakes concerning ذ zaal, ز Zaa, س Seen, ص Saud, ح Haa, ھ Haa, ع Ayn, ء Hamzah, ت Taa, ط Tau, َ Fatha/Zabar etc., should be avoided with great care. (b) The words of Kalimah Tayyibah should be learnt properly and the meaning should be understood thoroughly, so much so that everyone should believe that Islam is incomplete without putting the Kalimah into practice. (c) The basic conditions, and whatever is read in Salaah should be learnt and remembered well. The rewards and virtues of Salaah should be stressed and the punishment for neglecting it should be repeated again and again. Moreover, the methods to attain concentration in Salaah should be practiced. (d) All the punishments that are mentioned in the Qur-aan-e-Kareem and Hadith for neglecting the basics of the Kalimah, Salaah, Deeni knowledge, zikr, respect for a Muslim, Tabligh work etc., should be read out and also the virtues and rewards for observing them should be explained from reliable kitaabs. (e) The Sunnah way of life of Rasulullah ﷺ should also be discussed in the halaqa of taleem. For instance, how he observed Salaah and led his daily life. Thus, by studying the Seerah of Rasulullah ﷺ and his Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , a Muslim will learn that in spite of all the difficulties and obstacles how they spread Islam far and wide, and at the same time how they fulfilled their responsibility towards their families and business. They fulfilled their Deeni and worldly responsibility by being true and just to both. (f) All the members of Jamaat should assist one another in learning their Tabligh lessons, viz., the Kalimah, Salaah, Islamic knowledge, Zikr, honour for a Muslim, sincerity, setting aside time to do good deeds, and abstaining from useless things. They should then encourage each other to lead their life practically according to these lessons.

10. They should read one Tasbeeh of Durood Shareef, one of the Kalimah Tayyibah and one of Istighfaar, every morning and evening. If they have any authentic Dua kitaabs e.g. ‘Dalaail-ul-Khairaat’, ‘Hizb-ul-A’azam’, ‘Munaajaate Maqbool’, they should also read them regularly.

11. They should spend all their free time in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala and should keep their tongues busy with zikr.

One should try to perform the “Nawaafil” (the optional Salaah) during the Tabligh journey. The Ishraaq, Chaasht, Tahajjud, Awwaabeen, the Nawaafil after fardh and the Sunnah Salaah, should be performed properly. These Salaah are generally neglected at home, but they can be performed during the journey during the free time. All the persons in the Jamaat must give preference to the Ijtimaaee Aamaal (collective Aamaal) over the optional Salaah. The Ijtimaaee Aamaal (collective Aamaal) has priority over the Nawaafil and you can easily give up the latter for the former. Complete all objects of Tabligh first and thereafter perform the Nawaafil afterwards.

1. The real object of going around for an informal visit (Umumi Gasht) or a special visit (Khususi Gasht) whilst out in Tabligh is that the worldly and business places like bazaars, streets and the market places should also be blessed and benefitted with the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala, and the Imaan of the Jamaat would help to strengthen the Imaan of others, and vice versa. Remember, this Tabligh work is exactly following the work which was carried out by Rasulullah ﷺ , who went from house to house.

2. When you go out for Gasht, lower your gaze and keep your tongue and heart busy with the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. This attitude of yours will affect the hearts of others to a great extent.

3. Going out for Gasht must be done before the Salaah time. During your Gasht, encourage others with the basics of the Kalimah and the principles of Islam and then politely invite them to Salaah in the masjid and ask them to join your Tabligh group.

4. Neither ask anyone to recite the Kalimah nor compel them to perform Salaah, for such an attitude would sometimes discourage them. It is for this reason that we are advised to take those who are educated and also the influential people of that locality with us, so that they will talk to the people according to their status.

5. Before going out for Gasht, make Dua to Allah Ta’ala and ask Him in all humility, saying; “O Allah! We are weak and helpless and nothing can be achieved without Your assistance. Therefore, assist us in this sacred cause and direct the hearts of Your servants to Your true Deen, and to the life of the Aakhirah and let us be a means for this service. O Allah! Accept this humble service of ours, and establish Your Deen with it. O Allah! Save us from the evil of those whom we have come into contact with in this work, and also save them from the evil of ourselves. Let them benefit from the good in our souls, and let us benefit from the good in their souls!” (One could also make any other suitable Dua according to the occasion).

6. You should neither engage in controversial discussions with anyone, nor arrange any debates.

7. When going out for Gasht, take the local pious people with you, so that they can see the impiety and transgression of the people of their town with their own eyes and then they may join you in Tabligh effort.

8. When you reach a certain city or village, meet the influential people and explain to them the method, aims and objects of the effort of Tabligh, and stress the importance of this deeni responsibility, and then invite them to join your Jamaat. By the influential people we mean the pious or the wealthy who are one way or another, influential in their city, mohalla or village. One should be very cautious, reasonable and to the point, while talking to them.

1. Talking to people eloquently is not the real aim and object, but rather it is only a medium of instruction. One should try to make the people understand the real meaning and the purpose of the work of Tabligh. Explain yourself clearly to the listeners in simple and easy language. Do not adopt the style of a bayaan and do not talk about things which the listener would not understand. Rasulullah ﷺ repeated every sentence of his thrice, so that his audience would understand it easily. His words were spoken slowly and clearly, so that the listeners could follow.

2. In your speech you should explain the uselessness of this material world and the great and eternal blessings and enjoyments of the Aakhirah. Encourage the people to do good deeds and prepare for the life in the grave so that they would attain peace and salvation on the Day of Qiyaamah. Encourage them to live a life of piety because this will save them from the punishment of Jahannam. Explain to them about the impiety and negligence of the present day Muslims, particularly the condition of local people whom you will come to know during your Gasht visits.

3. Tell them the spiritual and Deeni benefits of joining the Tabligh Jamaat and invite them to join.

4. Explain to them the punishment for not encouraging people towards good and preventing them from evil. Explain to them the reward of being faithful to Islam during this era of sin and disobedience.

5. Do not adopt a commanding tone and an attitude of superiority while speaking to people.

6. In every speech, one should advise the people to put into practice whatever they know about Islam.

Every order of the Ameer should be obeyed, provided he does not ask you to commit a sin. Obey him even though he may not be as educated as you are. Rasulullah ﷺ has said in a Hadith, “If a leader has been appointed over you, whose nose and ears are cut, you should obey him, as long as he instructs you with the Qur-aan-e-Kareem.” Sometimes the leader will honour a person or give him the right of speech, though he is inferior to you in status. In such a case, you should neither object to it nor raise any objections against him. Hadhrat Ubaadah bin Saamit رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says, “We took a pledge at the hands of Rasulullah ﷺ that we will obey him in affluence and in difficulty, in pleasure and sorrow and will not obey the suggestions of our nafs against his wish. We will not prefer ourselves to others against his choice and we will not try to snatch away leadership from another person. We will speak the truth wherever we are and will not mind the criticism of anyone, while obeying the commandments of Allah Ta’ala.” (Mishkaat Shareef)

1. Wash your hands before and after meals and rinse your mouth also.

2. Before eating say;

Translation: “Bismillaah wa’alaa barkatillaah”

Translation: 3. Eat with your right hand.

Translation: 4. Eat the food that is in front of you. If there are different types of food in the utensil from which you are eating, then you may eat from wherever you please.

Translation: 5. Place the food on a cloth (dastarkhaan) and then partake from the food.

6. Do not eat from the center of the utensil because the blessings of Allah Ta’ala descend at that point.

7. Finish all the food in the utensil. Do not leave anything for Shaytaan. When all the food is eaten, the utensil make Dua to Allah Ta’ala to save you from Jahannam.

8. Lick your fingers before washing your hands. It is mentioned in a Hadith, “One does not know in which particle of the food the blessing of Allah Ta’ala is.”

9. Eat with three fingers of the right hand.

10. If a morsel falls on the cloth (dastarkhaan), pick it up and eat it and do not leave it for Shaytaan.

11. One should not lean on a cushion or arrogantly recline whilst eating.

12. Do not object to the quality of food; if you like it, eat it otherwise keep silent.

13. All of you should eat your meals together as a Jamaat and not separately.

14. Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says, “I saw Rasulullah ﷺ taking his meals in a squatting position.”

15. If few companions are eating sweetmeats or dates together, do not take two pieces at a time without their permission.

16. If you forget to read بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ (Bismillaah) before you begin eating, then say,

Translation: “Bismillaahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu” “With the name of Allah in the beginning and at the end of it”

Translation: 17. Do not eat onions while you are in the masjid and if you have eaten them out of the masjid, then do not enter until such time that there is no smell left in the mouth.

Translation: 18. After eating your meals, say;

Translation: Alhamdu lillaahil lazee at'amanaa wasaqaanaa waja-alanaa minal muslimeen “All praise is due to Allah who has nourished us and has quenched our thirst and has assisted us to be Muslims.”

Translation: 19. First pick up the cloth and then get up.

Translation: 20. Do not eat food which is too hot.

Translation: 21. If you have finished eating, do not get up before your companions, rather keep eating slowly. If you do have to get up for some reason, then excuse yourself and ask them to continue.

Translation: 22. If you drink water, milk or any other liquid say, بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ (Bismillaah) at the beginning and الْحَمْدُ لِلّٰهِ (Alhamdulillaah) at the end.

23. Do not drink continuously in one gulp like a camel.

24. Do not breathe in a utensil nor blow into it.

25. If the utensil is broken or chipped at a certain point then do not eat or drink from that point of the utensil.

26. Wash your mouth after drinking milk and read this Dua;

Translation: Allaahumma baarik lanaa feehi wa zidnaa minhu. “O Allah! Let it be a blessing for us and increase it for us.”

All these Aadaab (etiquettes) of eating and drinking have been quoted from ‘Mishkaat Shareef’.

1. Sleep with wudhu.

2. Dust the bed thrice before going to sleep.

3. Lie on the bed on your right side, place your right hand under your right cheek, and read;

Translation: Allahumma bismika amootu wa ahyaa “O Allah! In Your name do I die and live.”

Translation: 4. Read “Aayatul Kursi” and “Aamanar Rasoolu” (up to the end of Surah) before going to sleep.

Translation: 5. Read “Subhaanallah”, “Alhamdulillaah” and “Allaahu-Akbar”, thirty three times each, before going to sleep.

6. Read all the four Surahs beginning with “Qul”, then blow on your hands and pass them over your whole body; do this thrice.

7. Read Surah “Alif laam meem sajdah” and “Tabarakal-lazee beyadihil mulk” before going to sleep.

8. When awakening from your sleep read;

Translation: Alhamdu lillaahil lazee ahyaanaa ba’da maa amaata-naa wa ilayhin nushoor “All praise to Allah who gave us life after giving us death and to Him we shall have to return.”

Translation: 9. Apply Surmah (collyrium) to your eyes thrice before going to sleep.

Translation: 10. If you want to get up for Tahajjud Salaah, read the last few Aayaat of Surah Kahf, from “In-nallazina aamanu” till the end of the Surah (Ayah 107 till Ayah 110). All these Aadaab (etiquettes) of sleeping have been quoted from the Ahaadith.

1. If you are leaving on a journey and the time of Salaah is near, then perform wudhu before leaving. Also take a Lota (utensil for the purpose of wudhu) and a yard rope to draw water from a well if the need arises.

2. The water from the railway station taps and that from the toilet in the train is clean. If this water is not available then only will Tayammum be permissible.

3. The time for Maghrib Salaah begins after sunset and ends when the redness in the sky disappears. The general belief that Maghrib Salaah cannot be performed a short while after sunset is incorrect.

4. If the distance of your journey is more than forty eight miles (77,248 Kilometers) then instead of performing four rakaats fardh, you should perform only two.

5. Do not postpone any Salaah during the journey because postponing even a single Salaah will render your journey useless. If you have forgotten a certain Salaah, or its time has passed whilst you were asleep, then perform it as soon as possible. If the Salaah of a journey (i.e. qasr) are performed after reaching home (i.e. Qadha), then read two rakaats for Zuhr, Asr and Esha. If on the other hand, Salaah that was made Qadha at home and is performed during the journey then read four rakaats for Zuhr, Asr and Esha.

6. There are many Muslims on whom Qadha Salaah for many years is due. They are advised to perform these Salaah as soon as possible, whilst on a Tabligh journey. The opportunities are numerous, so perform as many Qadha Salaah as possible. Rather perform the Fardh Qadha instead of the Nawaafil. Remember that Qadha Salaah is only performed for the Fardh and Witr Salaah.

7. The Jamaat Salaah (congregational Salaah) is necessary even during the Tabligh journey. When the time for Salaah sets in, give the Adhaan (the call to prayer) and then say the Iqaamah and perform the Salaah with Jamaat. If for some reason all the members cannot perform the Salaah together then let them perform it in pairs.

8. If you are in a hurry, then you may leave the Sunnats before and after the fardh Salaah, but not those of the Fajr Salaah. And if you are not in a hurry then perform all the Sunnats.

9. If you have put your luggage in a railway compartment or in a bus and it is about to depart, then terminate the Salaah. Perform the Salaah in the train or vehicle if it is possible.

10. To face the qiblah is necessary even in a railway compartment, therefore perform your Salaah in the correct direction and if you do not know the direction of the qiblah, nor is there anyone to show you, then establish the qiblah by careful estimation. If the train or vehicle takes a turn, while you are performing the Salaah, then turn yourself accordingly.

11. Even if the train is moving, it is fardh for you to stand and complete your Salaah. If you are healthy and strong enough to stand, then do not sit and read Salaah. One can easily perform the Salaah in the passage or in between the seats. You can perform the Salaah in pairs with jamaat in the space between the two rows of seats.

1. Every member of the Tabligh Jamaat is responsible for his own expenditure during the journey.

2. Be courteous and polite to every Muslim whom you meet during your journey. Be courteous to the non-Muslims also and show them good akhlaaq (Islamic manners). If you sometimes talk to them, tell them that humanity is generally negligent of Allah Ta’ala; therefore, they must submit to Him for their salvation.

3. When you reach a certain destination, consult the people of the locality before you start your work of Tabligh.

4. When you reach a city, town or village, do not stay anywhere except in the masjid, even though someone may insist on doing otherwise.

5. In the masjid where you are staying, extinguish the lamp or the light at the normally fixed times, for it is not correct to use it only for personal use. Put out the lights after Esha Salaah when the musallies (worshippers) have departed; then light a candle or torch of your own if it is needed.

6. Do not ask for any bedding or any utensils from the people of the locality. Do help one another in the Jamaat if there is a shortage of bedding.

7. Fix a fee before engaging any labourer. If you employ any labourer without fixing a fee, then pay him his full remuneration. If you pay him less than the local rate and he is unhappy and kept asking for more, until he went away disappointed, then you will have to pay him on the Day of Qiyaamah. Remember, oppression or forced agreement concerning fixing a fee before engaging any labourer is not recognized. Therefore, if anyone gives up his right by oppression, then the oppressor cannot be forgiven by that person.

8. Avoid all useless talk during your Tabligh journey and be cautious of everything you do. In short, spend your time carefully during this journey and pay special attention to the Tabligh work. Neither talk too much nor laugh unnecessarily, for it is mentioned in a Hadith that, “Too much talk hardens the heart, too much laughing kills the heart and the noor of the face is lessened.”

9. Every action of yours must be based on sincerity and you should not despair of the reward from Allah Ta’ala. In whatever you do, you must make a good niyyat (intention).

10. Make your return journey home also a Tabligh journey and observe the same as you had observed while going out in the path of Allah Ta’ala.

11. All the basics of Islamic Aadaab (etiquettes) that you learnt and all the Salaah that you performed during the journey, should also be maintained when you return home. Humility in Salaah, constant zikr, service to humanity, sincerity and all the good actions that you practiced during the journey, should be observed at home also because the main object of this journey was to bring all these good deeds practically in one’s life.

12. If you happen to undertake a journey not purely for Tabligh work but rather for worldly reasons, even then observe Islamic Aadaab and Duas, perform your Salaah regularly with Jamaat and if there are three people travelling together, one of them should be made the ameer.

13. During the Tabligh journey keep all the books of Tabligh with you, namely Hikaayaat-e-Sahaabah, Fadhaa’il-e-Namaaz, Fadhaa’il-e-Tabligh, etc. and you should also keep a miswaak, lota (utensil for holding water for the purpose of wudhu), musallah (prayer mat), soap, thread and needle, cloth (dastarkhaan), mud lumps or tissue for the purpose of Istinja, matches, candle, comb, surmah daani (surmah dispenser), torch and staff (which could be used as a Sutrah – A barrier in front of the person reading Salaah).

14. If the Ameer asks you to prepare food for the Jamaat, or to do some other service, obey his orders happily. Don’t think that you will be deprived of the reward of doing Tabligh work when your companions leave you with your task, because you will deserve double reward, one for making Khidmah for your companions and the other for relieving your companions of carrying out those tasks so they are able to do the Tabligh work freely.

15. The Tabligh journey is a good period in which to practice the Islamic routine. Therefore, be helpful to one another, and promote unity. Don’t insist on your own proposal, but only suggest it and explain the benefits. If your companions do not accept your proposal, then don’t be disappointed. If the proposal of somebody else is accepted by the group and the outcome is not positive, then don't say, “What did I suggest to you? Had you only accepted my advice, you would have not gone wrong!”

16. During Gasht, or during the halaqa of Taleem, or at the time of giving da’wat, don’t discuss any controversial subject, but rather invite people to the of Islam and Tawheed (Oneness) of Allah Ta’ala, because when one understands the meaning of the Kalimah, he will then want to know more about Imaan and Islam.

17. Remain in any city or village that you visit as long as its inhabitants can easily understand the main object of the work of Tabligh and are prepared to observe all the rules of Tabligh work. It is not correct to be at one place in the morning, at another in the evening, at one place at Zuhr and at another at Asr. One cannot do justice to Tabligh work if you visit only a few persons, or only deliver a speech in the masjid. Your attempt in this task can be successful and beneficial only when you stay in a town for a required period of time.

18. When you are nearing your city or village when returning from a journey, read the following Dua;

Translation: Aa-iboona, taa-iboona, ‘aabidoona lirabbinaa haamidoon “We are returning (to piety); we are repenting; we are worshipping Allah; and we are giving praises to Allah.”

Translation: 19. When you return from the journey and enter your home say;

Translation: Owban, owban, lirabbinaa towban, laa yughaadiru alaynaa howban “I have returned, I have returned to my Sustainer with repentance, which would cleanse us of every sin.”

Translation: 20. It is preferable to reach your town after sunrise. First perform two rakaats nafl Salaah in your local musjid, then talk to your Muslim brothers for a while and then enter your home. This was the practice of Rasulullah ﷺ when he returned from a journey. (Mishkaat)

Translation: 21. Whenever Rasulullah ﷺ returned from a journey during the night, he did not enter his home, but rather on the next morning or evening. (Mishkaat)

22. It has been reported by Jaabir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Whenever you return from a journey after sunset and wish to go home to your wife, then give her sufficient time to remove unwanted hair and to comb the hair on her head (in order that she groom herself in preparation for your return). (Bukhaari, Muslim)

23. After returning from a journey, one should hastily rejoin the Tabligh workers in his locality. Successful and fortunate is he who observes the requisites of this journey sincerely and returns home with a great spiritual improvement.

(Selected from the sayings of Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Ilyaas رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ

1. The first and the main object of knowledge is that one should examine his actions, realize his duties and shortcomings and seek the means to overcome them. If you only judge the actions of others according to your ilm (knowledge), then this pride will destroy those who have ilm.

2. The real remembrance of Allah Ta’ala is that a Muslim should always obey the commandments of Allah Ta’ala and keep them in mind at all times.

3. The main object of our Jamaat is to teach the Muslims the original and complete Deen which was taught by Rasulullah ﷺ . This is our real object. As for our Tabligh journeys in groups, this is a preliminary means to carry out our work. The instruction of Kalimah Tayyibah and Salaah is the initiation of our course.

4. Our workers should remember that if their da’wat is not accepted anywhere, they should not be disappointed. They should remember that they are following the Sunnah of the Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ and particularly the Sunnah of Rasulullah ﷺ . How many people there are who go out in the path of Allah Ta’ala, bear hardships and yet they are disgraced? On the other hand, if they are welcomed and honoured somewhere, they should think it to be a favour of Allah Ta’ala and should have great regard for it. When you teach Deen to those who pay attention to it, though they are common people, you should thank Allah Ta’ala for this favour.

5. Our workers should not desire for difficult and trying conditions from Allah Ta’ala. Should any misfortune befall them, they should accept it to be the mercy of Allah Ta’ala, a compensation for their sins and a means to raise their ranks.

6. When you are explaining something, you should have the intention to please Allah Ta’ala only and not your audience. In the Tabligh journey we should bear in mind that we have left our homes in obedience to the command of Allah Ta’ala and not by our own wish, therefore, it is He who will assist us. When you have such an intention, you will neither be angered by the ill treatment of the people whom you talk to nor will you be discouraged by them.

7. We become disappointed if the people we are giving Dawat to, do not follow our advice and we regard ourselves to be losers. Actually it is in fact a loss to the listeners because they refuse to obey the teachings of Deen. Our success lies in discharging our duty to deliver the truth. We should therefore, not regard ourselves to be unsuccessful due to the negligence of others, as our duty is to present Islam in the best possible manner. Even the Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ were not held responsible when the people did not follow them. When people reject your Dawat, then it is an opportunity to learn a lesson because maybe your approach to this work may not be perfect and faultless. Therefore, you will improve your future attempts and ask Allah Ta’ala for complete guidance.

8. If the Ulama and pious people of a town show no keenness and are not sympathetic towards the work of Tabligh, then do not doubt their sincerity and don’t have any ill feeling for them in your heart. You should realize that maybe the object of the Tabligh work is not clear to them as yet.

9. Wherever you go, you should visit the Ulama and pious people of that place, so that you can benefit from their knowledge and piety. You should not invite them to the work of Tabligh, for they know their duties best and the benefits thereof. The Ulama may not understand the real object of the work of Tabligh just by giving them an explanation. Therefore, they will neither readily accept nor even acknowledge it, but rather question it, hence, meet them only for your benefit, as long as you are in their town. You should yourself make an effort to follow the lessons and principles of Tabligh very strictly. When the Ulama and pious ones come to know of your work, they will be interested in it, thereafter, in a very honourable and respectful manner explain to them what your aims and objects are.

10. One of the principles of Tabligh is that a speaker should be very polite, courteous and to the point in his speech when addressing a particular person. He should instruct a person in a general way, not picking on his personal faults. Whenever Rasulullah ﷺ came to know of the wrong actions of a particular person, he disapproved of it in general terms and said, “What will the result of such a nation be, who commits wrong actions.”

11. We are used to be pleased with talks only. We merely talk about good deeds and think that our words alone are sufficient which will replace practicing on it. Therefore, try to refrain from this habit.

12. Whatever good deeds you do, attribute them to Allah Ta’ala and seek His forgiveness for verily you should keep in mind that whatever action you did was not the best and that there was fault in it. Rasulullah ﷺ used to seek the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala at the end of his Salaah. The responsibility of the work of Allah Ta’ala cannot be completed in anyway by His servants. When we are busy with a certain work, this should not stop us from doing other work, and we should seek the forgiveness and assistance of Allah Ta’ala at the completion of all good work.

13. All your Tabligh journeys will be worthless if you do not continue to study deeni ilm (knowledge of deen) and practice regular zikrullah. There is fear that negligence of these two essential things could be a cause of confusion and you may be led astray. Without deeni ilm, Islam and Imaan is only for namesake and a customary ritual, because no good deed is possible without sound Deeni knowledge and knowledge without zikrullah is but darkness and no noor can be derived from it and this is what our workers have neglected.

14. When Dawat is being given during the Gasht, the jamaat members are advised to remain in Zikr and Fikr. The reason for this is that whilst Dawat is being given towards the truth, all the hearts in the Jamaat must have the same fikr, because this will have an effect on the hearts of others.

15. When unfavourable and adverse conditions are encountered by the Jamaat, they must increase their zikrullah to attract the help of Allah Ta’ala. This will protect them from the evil effects of human and jinn shayaateen.

16. Sincerity and good intention is the basis of Tabligh work and steadfastness in sincerity is very important. Therefore, Tabligh workers should at all times only seek the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and obey His commandments. The greater the extent there is sincerity and steadfastness, the greater will be your reward from Allah Ta’ala.

17. At the end of your good actions you should always admit your weakness and negligence and should have the fear that this deed may not be accepted by Allah Ta’ala.

18. In our Tabligh work, in addition to sincerity and truthfulness, unity and mashwara (mutual consultation) is essential. Without these there is a great danger of making mistakes.

19. Those high positions which Rasulullah ﷺ showed us and which was also attained by the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ by undergoing sacrifices and hardships, could also be attained by us by showing love and dedication to Deen. Do you wish to attain that status by merely reading books? Those lofty favours and rewards were obtained through sacrifice and therefore, we should also sacrifice and work for it.

20. What benefit is there in only remembering what work we have completed. One should plan for the future to complete the remainder of the mission and take stock of the shortcomings of the work done in the past.

21. Don’t be satisfied with only a single person accepting or understanding your message, but always be mindful of the millions of people who are left to whom the message of Allah Ta’ala did not reach. How many more are there who accepted your message and were aware of it but due to your negligence did not carry out the commandments of Allah Ta’ala?

22. Many are of the view that to only convey the message is Tabligh, this is a serious misunderstanding. The meaning of Tabligh is that a person, according to his ability and experience, should convey the message of deen in such a manner that there is hope for the people to accept what is being said. This was the method practiced by the Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ .

23. Those who go out for Deeni work or for Gasht, their hearts will be affected and influenced by meeting unmindful and negligent people or visiting irreligious places. They should wipe out this influence by making zikrullah and fikr of Deen in seclusion.

24. Basically every good deed is for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and to gain reward in the Aakhirah. These good deeds will also benefit us as far as the worldly gains are concerned and this should also be mentioned for encouragement towards piety. In the beginning, some people do Deeni work just for worldly gain, but due to the blessing of the work, they are later favoured by Allah Ta’ala with sincerity.

25. Plan, suggest and propose ways and means to call people towards Deen and doing the work of Deen. Approach them in a manner that will draw their attention and attract them towards Deen.

26. The object of going out for the Tabligh journey is not merely to advise and guide others, but rather it is to reform ourselves and develop good habits. Hence, during the journey we should be engaged at all times with zikrullah and acquiring deeni ilm (knowledge of deen). These should be practiced with the advice and guidance of our learned elders and Ameer (leader). Be mindful of these because going out for Tabligh will be useless if these are neglected.

27. In this work of Tabligh, to establish deen firmly is more important than its expansion. The method of this is that with establishing Deen, its expansion must be simultaneous. How could this work of Tabligh be established without travelling to different villages, towns and countries?

28. One of the principles of Tabligh work is that one stays away from making independent decisions and freedom of movement. At all times one should abide by the guidance of the recognized learned elders.

29. The general practice of Tabligh workers is that they give full attention to prominent personalities and are less attentive towards other pious and humble not well to do persons who offer their services. It must be understood that this is an approach which is totally for worldly gain. Keep in mind that the pious and humble who are very poor and needy, and who offer their services out of dedication for guidance, are a blessing from Allah Ta’ala. Therefore honour and be grateful to them.

30. Womenfolk should assist the men and give them the opportunity to do Deeni work. We should make their household chores lighter for them so that they may also do deeni work without any difficulty. If the women do not cooperate with us in our deeni work, then they will be the victims of becoming a trap of Shaytaan.

31. It is very important that when one goes out for Tabligh work, one remains occupied in the activities of the jamaat and does not get involved in other things. The work of the jamaat is as follows; a. To go around meeting Muslims for the upliftment of Deen. b. The acquiring of Deeni ilm (knowledge of deen) and the development of a habit of constant zikrullah. c. To be helpful, particularly to your close associates. d. The correction of intention and working towards the development of Ikhlaas (sincerity) and exercising Ihtisaab, i.e. making a concerted effort of taking stock of oneself under the guidance of a senior to attain purity and clarity of niyyah. One must also regularly entrench the thought in his heart that his going out is solely for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala alone. Therefore, one will definitely be blessed with the promise in the Qur-aan-e-Kareem and Hadith for his full dedication with this refined quality. It is this Ikhlaas that is kept in check by Ihtisaab (taking stock of oneself) which is termed true Imaan, and is also the essence of all our deeds.

32. Shaytaan’s desire is to wipe out and destroy the progress and higher positions which would be attained by being punctual with the Faraa’idh, therefore all ones free moments must be spent in nafl zikr (optional zikr), so that Shaytaan is unable to influence you into useless things which would result in harm.

33. One of the principles of Tabligh work is that you honour every Muslim and respect the Ulama.

34. Understand that when some of your companions intend returning home, don’t desire to follow them, but rather suppress your desire and continue with the Tabligh work, because great virtues have been promised for it. The example of those who suppress their desire and remain steadfast on this work is like that of a fighter who remains fighting on the battlefield whilst his companions disappear in retreat.

35. The condition of attaining the assistance of Allah Ta’ala is that you should first assist His true Deen. If you offer assistance to His deen, then difficulties and obstacles in this world will turn into a means of pleasure, and the earth, skies and whatever it contains will be of assistance to you. Those who, after carrying out the work of Allah Ta’ala despair in the mercy and pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, would be most unfortunate and knowingly transgressing His laws.

36. What is termed to be divine assistance (i.e. help of Allah Ta’ala) and unforeseen power is not bestowed in the beginning, but is granted at the appropriate occasion and time.