Vibrant Celebration of Independence Day at Darul Uloom Anwar-e-Raza Navsari, Gujarat
Reported by: Abdul Raqeeb Malik, Darul Uloom Anware Raza, Navsari, Gujarat
On August 15, 2023, a significant Independence Day event took place at Dar-ul-Uloom Anwar-e-Reza Navsari, Gujarat, under the guidance of the Caliph of Hazrat Taj-ul-Shariah and Hazrat Ashraf-ul-Fuqaha Hazrat Molana Gulam Mustafa Sahab Qibla Qadri Barkati, the founder of this madrasa. The program was skilfully hosted by Hazrat Allama Molana Sarfaraz Ahmad Sahab Qibla Azhari, the caliph of Huzur Ashraful Fuqha. His adept management added grace and dignity to the event, reflecting his extensive knowledge and studies. The event aimed to pay tribute to Muslim freedom fighters, particularly respected scholars (Ulema Kiram). The program spanned from 7 AM to 1:30 PM.
Define Your Life's Objective: Hazrat Maulana Sarfaraz Ahmad Azhari
During the program, Maulana Sarfraz Ahmad Azhari emphasized the importance of setting goals and defining life's purpose. He stressed the need for continuous learning and collaboration to achieve progress.
During the Independence Movement, the scholars played a significant role in freeing India from British colonialism. He urged students to avoid wasting time on useless activities and work towards their objectives. He reminded them that small efforts contribute to larger goals and advised students to prioritize selflessness.
Organize the Time: Mufti Shabeer Alam Sahib Misbahi
Hazrat Mufti Shabbeer Alam Misbahi shared the analogy of "How to Organize Our Time" and emphasized the importance of using time effectively. He explained that for every task, there's a designated time, just like there's a specific time for each prayer. He further mentioned Molana Nomani Sahab and Misbai Sahab as examples, emphasizing that scholars devoted their time to three essential activities: studying, writing, and prayers. Therefore, he advised the students to emulate their dedication in order to achieve success in their own lives.
Islam and health: Mufti Shahid Raza Azhari
Renowned scholar Hazrat Mufti Shahid Raza Azhari Noorani, the Sheikh-ul-Hadith of this Dar-ul-Uloom, enlightened the students about the correlation between Islam and health. He emphasized that Islam is in perfect harmony with human nature, meaning that it does not command anything contrary to human nature. Every directive in Islam aligns with the innate disposition of humans.
Islam encompasses comprehensive care for human health, incorporating both ancient and modern medicine. He explained that Allah has provided remedies for every ailment and provided evidence to prove that illnesses are a form of divine mercy. According to research, humans are born with the potential to develop illnesses, but their immune system is so robust that diseases remain dormant. When the immune system weakens, illnesses manifest. Putting faith into practice in line with the teachings yields improved health.
Maulana Mufti Shahid Raza Azhari shed light on the significance of honey and black seeds (kalonji) as remedies for various illnesses. He highlighted detrimental substances such as tobacco, betel nut, cigarettes, and other narcotics, urging students to avoid their harmful effects.
Adorning Oneself with Good Character: Noor Saeed Markazi
Hazrat Allama Molana Noor Saeed Sahab Qibla Markazi delivered an awe-inspiring speech. In his eloquent discourse, he conveyed the means and methods of adorning oneself with good character. His advice included the following points:
1. Make Quran recitation a regular habit, as it dispels darkness from the heart and brings the light of guidance.
2. Pray earnestly to acquire good character from Allah, as many blessings are attained through supplication.
3. Focus on the positive outcomes of good character, as virtuous conduct yields positive results.
4. Reflect on the negative consequences of bad behaviour, as it always leads to adverse outcomes.
5. Study the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and emulate his way of life.
6. Observe proper etiquette in prayers.
7. Choose the company of virtuous individuals and steer clear of negative influences.
8. Study the lives of the Companions and the righteous predecessors and put their teachings into practice.
9. Avoid circumstances that lead to bad behaviour, such as unnecessary arguments, provoking anger, excessive jesting, etc.
10. Endeavour with sincerity to cultivate good character traits from within and converse with a smile.
People of Madrasas should not forget the Freedom Fighters: Maulana Ghulam Yazdani Saadi
Hazrat Allama Maulana Ghulam Yazdani Saadi Sahab Qibla emphasized the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifices of the country's freedom fighters. He urged people, especially students, to not forget the role played by the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence. He accentuated that neglecting these heroes can lead to future generations losing touch with their true history and the sacrifices made for their freedom.
Express Gratitude to Allah: Maulana Abdul Raqeeb Malik Alimi
Hazrat Maulana Abdul Raqeeb Sahab Alimi spoke about being grateful for Allah's blessings. He reminded students that thanking Allah is not limited to moments of happiness; rather, even in times of hardship, gratitude is essential because Allah's countless blessings are always present. He emphasized that the value of the breaths we take in twenty four hours, which is worth more than four lakh rupees in today's world, is a blessing from Allah for free of costs.
The importance of freedom can only be understood by someone who has once been enslaved: Molana Ansar Ahmed Masbahi
Hazrat Molana Ansar Ahmed Masbahi Sahab Qibla emphasized the significance of freedom in relation to India. He highlighted that while Allah created humans as free beings, some individuals attempted to forcefully make others slaves. Only those who have experienced slavery can truly appreciate the value of freedom, and we should be thankful that Allah has granted us freedom. He elaborated on how the British manipulated Nawabs against each other and used deceit to subdue prominent figures like Siraj ud-Daulah, Tipu Sultan, and Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. Despite the brutal killing of over fifty five thousand scholars. Those who contributed their sweat are often hailed, while those who selflessly offered their blood are regrettably left unnoticed.
How to Become Thankful?: Molana Abdul Qadir Saheb Sadi
Hazrat Hafiz and Qari, Molana Abdul Qadir Sahab Sadi extolled the virtue of gratitude, affirming that it springs forth from the depths of the heart upon recognizing acts of kindness. The numerous bounties bestowed by Allah often go unnoticed, and even within a single bite of sustenance, countless blessings reside, too vast to be fully tallied. Our very limbs, granted by Allah's grace, should be used judiciously and purposefully. Gratitude extends beyond merely acknowledging our advantages over others; it involves acknowledging Allah's blessings, even in moments of self-perceived inadequacy. He shared five precious nuggets of wisdom:
1. Choose eight hours of dedicated study over a labourer’s twelve-hour toil.
2. Embrace the guidance of elders to sidestep unwarranted critique.
3. Strive for your own dreams now, preventing a future where you labour for others' ambitions.
4. Extend solace and support to parents who weathered poverty in their youth.
5. Remember, the chance for education knocks but once—don't allow it to elude your grasp.
The Role of Muslims in the Country's Freedom: Hafiz and Qari Ghulam Mustafa (Sadesa) and Muhammad Adam (Hifz)
Hafiz Ghulam Mustafa succinctly recounted the British arrival in India, detailing their actions and tactics of division for conquest. He painted a vivid picture of the nation's hard-won independence, achieved through scholars' declaration of Jihad, incarceration, and facing the gallows. Notable figures like Allama Kifayat Ahmad Kafi Moradabadi and Molana Inayat Ahmad Kakrovi's contributions to the freedom movement were highlighted. Additionally, Muhammad Adam (Hifz) shed light on the conditions surrounding India's independence era.
Students, always keep your goals in mind: Molana Ghulam Mustafa Barkati
As the proceedings approached their culmination, the presence of esteemed figure, the Caliph of Hazrat Taj-ul-Shariah and Hazrat Ashraf-ul-Fuqaha, the venerable Hazrat Allama Maulana Gulam Mustafa Sahab Qibla Barkati, the visionary founder of Dar-ul-Uloom Anwar-e-Reza, infused the atmosphere with a sense of reverence and gratitude. With heartfelt emotion, Hazrat Allama Maulana Gulam Mustafa Sahab expressed his profound joy and appreciation towards all the revered scholars gathered there. In his words of wisdom, he extended invaluable advice to the students, impressing upon them the importance of consistently harboring the intention to attend the madrasa and to nurture an unwavering commitment to their pursuits. In an insightful analogy, he likened the essence of dedication to the persistent ticking of a clock, emphasizing how tasks, like the constant movement of time, retain their significance until they reach fruition. Through a poignant illustration, he further highlighted the regret that accompanies neglect, drawing a parallel to how people discard a clock that loses its ability to fulfill its primary purpose of telling time. The presence of these profound insights added depth and resonance to the conclusion of the event.
“Conclusion of the Event"
All the teachers of Darul Uloom Anwar-e-Raza enthusiastically participated, boosting the spirits of the event. Students remained engaged from beginning to end, deriving inspiration from the scholars' speeches and jotting down important points. The event ended with “Salame Raza” and mesmerizing prayers in the presence of respected scholars, particularly Molana Ghulam Mustafa Barkati.
(Reported by: Abdul Raqeeb Malik, August 18,2023)