Shaikh Ali Abbaasi, the Imam of Masjid-e-Aqsa, had asked Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee دامت برکاته , the principal of Madrasah Taleemuddeen, about the sad and distressing condition of Palestine and asked why there is no support from the Muslim countries.
Hadhrat Mufti Saheb دامت برکاته explained that he had read in the Tafseer of Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله that Allah Ta’ala has different systems for Masjidul Haraam in Makkatul Mukarramah and for Masjidul Aqsa.
Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله had explained in his Tafseer that Masjidul Haraam is continuously under the protection of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. The Kuffaar will not be able to gain control of Baitullah, and the condition of the Muslim Ummah does not affect this protection. This protection has no interruption.
The condition of Masjid-e-Aqsa is centred and based on the condition of the Muslim Ummah.
If the Ummah is obedient to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, then Masjid-e-Aqsa would be in their full control. If the Ummah is in the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, then the Muslim Ummah loses control of Masjid-e-Aqsa and the land of Palestine. Control is handed over to our enemies.
This is what we see today. A great majority of the Muslim Ummah are heedless of the Commandments of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله; even engaging recklessly in sins.
We raise our voices against the Israeli Zionist forces who desecrate our beloved Masjid-e-Aqsa; we march against the injustice, we wave the Palestinian flag everywhere, and we wear its colours in some way or the other – all in solidarity. …However, if we are not performing Salah and if, in our lives, there is disobedience to Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, then let us understand the very, very sad reality: We are instrumental in the desecration and violation of Masjid-e-Aqsa and the oppression of the Palestinian people. Then our role is not constructive; rather it is destructive – because we are a contributing factor to the Israelis having control of Masjid-e-Aqsa.
Imam Maalik رحمه الله had said so aptly, in his time: “The last generations of the Ummah can only be reformed by that which reformed its first generations. What was not part of the religion then, cannot become part of the religion now.”
The first step is establishing Salah in our lives and working towards bringing the whole of Islam into our lives, practically. If we really want to solve our problems, this is the only way.
Reflections
There is un urgent need to take Muhaasabah (take stock) of our actions and ascertain whether our actions are attracting or repelling the help of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. This must be done on an individual and collective level in our households.
Over and above this, Sheikhul Islam Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Taqi Uthmani Sahib حفظه الله has advised that each one of us sacrifice a few minutes in our daily schedule and perform two rakaats Salatul Haajah and make a short dua for the suffering Ummah. This is the very least we can do.
May Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله grant us the tawfiq to rectify our actions and make them a means of securing His assistance. آمين