The Menace Of Grave-Worship

[ummtaalib]

In the East, in countries such as India and Indonesia, the bane of Muslim association and companionship with Hindus, Bhuddists and other Mushrikeen (polytheists) have resulted in a high degree of social and religious integration. The impact of such integration on Muslims has been adverse and highly detrimental since Muslims absorbed the cultural and religious influences of the Mushrikeen cults. In the wake of Muslim association with the Mushrikeen followed the wholesale abdication by Muslims of Islamic values and of the pure and simple Ibaadat practices of Islam. The Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sacrificed.

 

Every case of social integration, in which Muslims fused their Islamic culture - the Sunnah - with the influences of the Mushrikeen, was at the peril of Imaan since it resulted in the Muslim abandoning the true and simple Sunnah acts and practices of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and of the Sahaabah. The process of spiritual and Deeni degeneration ensuing in the wake of such social assimilation did not terminate at the point of only abandonment of the Sunnah. Such abandonment resulted in a spiritual and cultural (pertaining to the Sunnah) vacuum which was filled by a mass of accretions - additions and introductions - borrowed from the cultures and religions of the Mushrikeen. Kufr and shrik trappings became interwoven in the pure and priceless Fabric of Islam.

 

The accretions, in many instances, battered the pure teachings of Islam beyond recognition. As the accretions dug deeper into the bodywork of Islam, the ignorant and the unwary led along by unscrupulous swindlers parading as religious divines, considered the new introductions into the Deen as integral parts of Islam. The pure and holy Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came to be regarded as alien by the very people who professed to be Muslims and who vociferously asserted their love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Under the colourful slogan of "Hubbe Rasool" (Love of Rasulullah), they perpetrated the worst of abominations--shirk and kufr. They destroyed the beloved, pure, simple and holy Sunnah practices and acts of Ibaadat which that same Rasool (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) whom they professed to love, planted and nurtured with his holy sweat and blood.

 

In the terminology of the Shariah, accretions which displace or tamper with the Sunnah of Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are described as "bid'ah" or innovations. In regard to bid'ah, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Every act of bid'ah is deviation (dhalaal), and every act of deviation will be in the Fire."

Bid'ah in the Eyes of the Shariah, is highly reprehensible. Its villainy is such that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Whoever honours a bid'ati (perpetrator of bid'ah) helps in the destruction of the foundations of Islam."

 

Since bid'ah is the displacement of the Sunnah, it will be simple to understand the harsh attitude which Islam adopts towards the perpetrators of bid'ah. If bid'ah was allowed to flourish, the whole of Islam would long ago have been distorted beyond recognition. In fact, there would have remained nothing of Islam. But, Allah Ta'ala willed otherwise. From time to time, Allah Ta'ala raised a small band of devoted and uprighteous Ulama who diligently and resolutely purified Islam of the noxious accretions which the Ahl-e-Bid'ah attached to the Deen.

 

Muslims who have taken to bid'ah, thus renouncing the Sunnah, and adopting acts and practices which have neither origin nor sanction in Islam, come within the purview of the following Qur'aanic aayat: "Many among them accept Imaan while (in fact) they are Mushriks."

 

In other words, they profess to be Muslims, but they perpetrate acts of shirk such as worshipping the graves by performing ruku, sajdah and tawaaf to the graves of the Auliya. The fitnah of bid'ah in our time revolves around the cult of grave-worship (qabar puja). A fundamental doctrine of the Bid'ah cult in our day, is belief and practice in grave-worship. Among the acts of shirk offered to the graves by members of the grave-worshipping cult are:

 

* Making ruku of the graves.

* Making sajdah to the graves.

* Making tawaaf of the graves.

* Kissing the graves.

* Reversing away from the graves in a show of excessive veneration for the graves.

* Decorating the graves with expensive bedding.

* Placing foodstuff at the graves.

* Arranging festivals and fairs at the graves. Such fairs are called "urs" by the grave-worshippers.

 

Bid'ah stunts the intelligence of those who indulge in it. It blinds the spiritual eyes of people. It leads unwary and ignorant people far from the straight path and sends them plunging head-long into an abyss of roohaani (spiritual) darkness. The fall into spiritual ruin is described in the following aayat of the Qur'aan Majeed:

 

"One who commits shirk with Allah, is as if he has fallen from the sky; then some bird (of prey) snatched him or a wind blew him and deposited him in afar away deep pit (of darkness)."

 

PEER-WORSHIP

Another vile facet of the bid'ah-"grave worship cult" is the pernicious practice of peer-worship. A "peer" is a spiritual mentor or a guide who has to guide disciples (mureeds) along the spiritual path leading to proximity with Allah Ta'ala. But, the "peers" heading the grave-worshipping sect are no true spiritual guides. They are wolves in sheep-clothing. About such spiritual frauds who pillage and plunder the Imaan of unwary and innocent people, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "There will dawn an age when (some) men will don long woollen (religious) garments. Their tongues will be sweeter than sugar, but their hearts will be the hearts of wolves."

 

In one narration, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) described such religious frauds as "shayaateen (devils) in human bodies." These "peers" have cast numerous unwary persons into the dregs of shirk and kufr by prevailing on them to execute acts of worship, not only to the graves, but, also to themselves (i.e. to the "peers"). Thus, we find in this vile cult of grave-worship, its members performing ruku to their "peers" and kissing the feet of these impostors. And to crown their villainy, they have an elaborate system of fees which their gullible and ignorant members have to pay for the supposed spiritual guidance offered by the deviates dwelling in bid'ah.

 

In the cult of qabar-puja and peer-puja (grave-worship and peer-worship) greater importance and significance are attributed to acts of graveworship than to even the Fardh Salaat and acts of the Sunnah of Nabi-eKareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Prostrating to the graves of the Auliya is considered a greater act of ibaadat than prostrating in the Musjid in the presence of Allah Ta'ala. The fun-fair "urs" festival is considered superior to the Hajj of Islam; hence the chiefs of the grave-worshipping sect decreed the cancellation of Hajj because of the regime of Ibn Saud. Hajj was performed during the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) even at the time when Makkah Muazzamah was under Kuffaar domination--when the Ka'bah was under the control of the Kuffaar. But, the "muftis" of the grave-worshippers have decreed the permissibility and the validity of the cancellation of Hajj in present times merely because of the Saudi regime. The Bareilli molvis, some time ago, published a booklet, "Tanweerul Hujjah", which explained their fatwa of the cancellation of Hajj in our times. Thus, according to the grave-worshippers, qabar-puja is an adequate or even a superior substitute for the Fardh Salaat! It is for this reason that we find them so lax in Salaat. Even their "peers" are careless regarding the observance of Salaat. Their indifference to the Masnoon (Sunnat) formulae of Durood Shareef is amply illustrated by the fact that they prefer to recite their own concocted "praises" and songs about Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) instead of adhering to the forms of Durood taught to the Ummah by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 

It will be discerned among the grave-worshippers that, in general, they suffer from the malady of total indifference to the ordained acts of Islamic Ibaadaat. They accord greater emphasis to customs, shirki rituals and baseless innovated practices which were introduced into the Ummah centuries after Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They are able to shed without compunction the most vital acts of Islamic worship in order to uphold their dark, evil and pernicious acts of grave and peer-worship. While they regard their acts of qabar-puja to be adequate substitutes for the Fardh and Masnoon acts and practices of Islam, they never consider the acts of Islamic worship sufficient and adequate substitutes for graveworship which is a must in their cult. In there belief, there is not a single act of Islamic Ibaadat which is on par with qabr-puja.

 

SHIRK AT THE GRAVESIDES

When they congregate at the grave of a Wali, they stand there like statues expressing great humility and veneration. In fact, the humility and reverence which they display at the graves of the Auliya are never shown in the Musjid when they have to perform Salaat for Allah Ta'ala.

 

At the graves of the Auliya they indulge in a variety of acts of shirk and kufr. They make sajdah to the graves and they make tawaaf thereof. But, according to Islam, Sajdah is to be rendered exclusively to Allah Ta'ala and Tawaaf exclusively to the Holy Ka'bah. They burn incense at the graves and they adorn the graves with lamps and lights in open violation of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam's) prohibition to do so.

 

Grave-worship is not a new cult. It came into being after the age of Nooh A.S. Even the Christians and the Jews practised grave-worship, hence Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah cursed the Yahood and the Nasaara because they converted the graves of their Ambiya into places of worship."

 

This hadith as well as other narrations inform us that Allah's curse settles on the cult of grave-worship. Muslims should, therefore, never be misled by the false slogans raised by the grave-worshippers. Participation, in the activities of the qabar-puja cult occasions the La'nat of Allah Ta'ala according to the explicit statement of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 

The members of the grave-worship sect loudly proclaim their "love" for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), but they ignore his condemnation of grave-worship. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commanded: "Do not make an idol of my grave so that it be worshipped."

 

On another occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: `O Allah! Do not let my grave become an idol which will be worshipped."

 

When even worshipping the grave of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is prohibited, then by what stretch of imagination can the worshipping of the graves of the Auliya be permissible?

 

Many people not acquainted with the cult of the grave-worshippers are misled by slogans of "Hubbe Rasool" (Love of the Rasool) trumpeted by the leaders of this devious sect. Innocent and unknowledgeable people are ensnared by the sweet talk of Deen, expressed in flowery but insincere language by the peers of this cult of abomination. They vociferously proclaim their love for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) but their life is devoid of the Sunnah of Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Expression of the Sunnah in practical terms is the natural consequence of Hubbe Rasool (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). But, far, far from introducing the Sunnah in their lives, they eliminate the Sunnah and replace it with the rituals of shirk. Thus, their religion consists of graveworship, qawwaali, dancing, fun-fairs, eating, drinking in the name of dead saints and a host of other hotch-potch shirki rituals and beliefs, all borrowed from other religions of shirk and modified for the consumption of unwary and ignorant Muslims.

 

Grave-worship negates Imaan. It destroys Imaan since it is the very antithesis of Imaan. Islam does not subscribe to the marxist theory of the synthesis of opposites which the atheist asserted. Such ludicrous theories are spawned by minds maddened by atheism. Thus, Imaan cannot fuse with its opposite, viz., grave-worship, to produce a superior hybrid concept which according to the Ahle Bid'ah is the cult of grave-worship - a cult superior in their minds, to all forms of Islamic Ibaadat. Islam is uncompromising in its doctrine of Tauheed. Its monotheism is unique since it is not tainted by the slightest vestige of shirk. A Muslim, the bearer of Tauheed, cannot therefore participate in grave-worship and remain a Muslim. Qabar-puja eliminates Imaan.

 

THE STRATEGY OF THE QABAR-PUJARIS

The first strategy adopted by the grave-worshippers in places where qabar-puja does not exist, is to set up, by hook or by crook, a dargah or a mausoleum--a tomb around which they execute their acts of qabar-puja and which acts as their headquarters. The central institution of Muslims is the Musjid, but the pivot of all activity of the grave-worshippers is the grave of some person. Sometimes the grave happens to be that of a genuine Saint of Allah while in many cases the mausoleums are raised on the graves of non-entities and in some cases, even animals. Gullible people are then made to believe that some great buzrug (saint) lies buried in the grave.

 

Muslims should understand that we stand in no need of any cult or any act of worship which has no origin and no sanction in Islam. Graveworshippers claim that they are beautifying Islam by their innovated acts. But, the Ummah does not need such fallacious adornments. The Ummah needs the Islam of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Najaat of Muslims lies in the Islam handed down to the Ummah by the illustrious Sahaabah and not in the brand of "Islam" offered by graveworshippers.

 

It is most surprising to observe unwary Muslims allowing themselves to be entrapped in the webs spun by the grave-worshippers, despite the fact that they express belief in only Allah Ta'ala. Every Muslim is fully cognizant of the Islamic belief of Tauheed. Every Muslim understands, or should understand, that in his declaration of the Kalimah LAA ILAAHA ILLALLAAH

 

he negates all objects which human shayaateen and jinn shayaateen offer as deities to be worshipped. The Muslim staunchly professes his belief in ONE Allah and he jealously guards that Imaan. He prides himself with the exceptionally pure and unique concept of Islamic monotheism. Daily, the Muslim declares no less than 48 times in his Salaat:

 

IYYAKA NA'BUDU WA IYYAAKA NASTA EEN (O Allah!) Only You do we worship and only from You do we seek aid.

 

But, the "Bid'ati" Muslim then goes and neutralizes his Imaan by bowing and prostrating, kissing and circumambulating the graves of the Auliya who were all creatures of Allah Ta'ala, who could not say or do anything without the permission of Allah Ta'ala.

 

Instead of supplicating--making dua--to Allah Ta'ala, the members of the qabar-puja sect petition the graves for their worldly needs and requirements. They pray to the inmates of the graves to grant them children, sustenance, desires and hopes. In order to appease the dead saints, the grave-worshippers offer holy vows and fast in the names of the Auliya. Yet, Islam teaches that Allah Ta'ala Alone is Khaaliq, Raaziq and Maalik. Not an atom can stir without His express Command. Not a leaf stirs in the breeze, but with the express Command of Allah Ta'ala. He knows and He commands. He has no partner. That is the uncompromising belief of Islam and so we believe.

 

Those Muslims who are not acquainted with the cult of the grave-worshippers should beware. Participation in the functions and rituals of the qabar-puja sect is at the peril of one's Imaan. The rites of graveworship and peer-worship are impregnated with shirk which negates the belief in Tauheed. The strategy of the grave-worshippers is never to expound their shirki acts of grave-worship at their gatherings and functions. Their tactic is to dupe unwary and unacquainted Muslims. To achieve this pernicious aim, they project and display a conspicuous slogan and clamour of "Hubbe Rasool" while in reality they are devoid of the Love of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Their functions of meelaad and moulood are punctuated with calls and cries of "Hubbe Rasool." This veil of deception deludes people into believing that these functions are designed in honour and love of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). At these functions ostentatious acts of shirk, e.g. sajdah and ruku to the "peer saheb" are not committed. Innocent and gullible people, therefore, are unable to detect the evil of this sect. The perpetration of the acts of shirk and kufr occurs at the graves of the Auliya and in the private haunt of the "peer."

 

The illustrious Sahaabah, when they set out into the world to raise the glory of Allah's Name, erected Musaajid in all places where they went. The Ummah has been following this Sunnah throughout the corridor of Islamic history. But, the followers of the qabar-puja cult set up tombs to worship wherever they go. Their headquarters are tombs and their gods are dead saints.

[ Awake vol.4 No.2 - YMMA ]

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