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.

(31) 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.

(32) It is recorded in the books, "Tanweerul Absaar" and "Sharah Durre Mukhtaar" that, "The

intention which one must possess at the time of reciting the Tashahud is the concentration

on the meaning of this, that is, in other words, one must remember that one is sending

Salaams upon the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and that one is praising Allah

Almighty. One must be assured of the fact that one is sending Salaams and not merely

relaying a message."

(33) Words of similar effect are also found in the books of Jurisprudence, "Fatawa

Alamgeeri" and "Sharhe Qudoori".

(34) Allama Hasan Sharanbulaani (radi Allahu anhu), in his book, "Maraqi-ul-Falah" states:

"Numerous Ulema have in fact clarified this belief. There are some misled individuals who

profess that because Angels are deputized to convey the Salaams to the Holy Prophet (sallal

laahu alaihi wasallam), one should not use the Harf-e-Nidaa. What these enlightened

individuals have forgotten is that twice daily the deeds of the Ummati are placed in front

of the Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). In many authentic Ahadith, it is quite

clearly stated that all deeds of the individual are placed in front of the Holy Prophet

(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the deceased family and the deceased parents."

The numerous Ahadith on the above topic, is evident in the book composed by this servant of

Islam entitled, "Saltanatul Mustafa fi Malakoot-e-Kullil Wara."

(35) 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)."

This humble servant of Islam, with the Infinite Mercy of Allah could have compiled a more

lengthy book concerning this issue, 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.

Ikfina sharal mudilleena Ya Kaafi wa salli ala Sayyidina wa Maulana Muhammadinish shaafi wa

Aalihi Wasahbihi Humaatid Deenis Saafi Aameen wal Hamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen.

Regards:

Eshaal Ahmed Siddiqui