A request to those who distribute niyaz[1]
By the renowned spiritual guide and Amir of Ahl al-Sunnah, Mawlana Muhammad Ilyas Attar al-Qadiri دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ
اَلْـحَمْـدُ لـِلّٰـه! Countless Muslims arrange niyaz during Muḥarram, on 12 RabīꜤ al-Awwal, on 11 RabīꜤ al-Ākhir and for Khawājah Gharīb Nawaz, Imam Aḥmad Razā Khan and on the aꜤrās (passing away anniversaries) of other notable religious personalities in order to transmit reward to them, and they spend their money generously to this end. There is no doubt that reward is granted for every righteous deed that is carried out for the sake of Allah Almighty whilst remaining in the boundaries of Islamic law, and this reward can be transmitted to others too.
O devotees of the Prophet! You must be aware of the current financial state of people; there are some unfortunate individuals who do not have enough food to suffice their own homes, and they get by with great difficulty. They have outstanding utility bills and do not have enough money to pay their rent, leading to the landlord demanding payment. The little amount that they do earn through labouring or working is spent on treatment for their sick children or other essentials, landing them in a desperate situation. You can even find such individuals among your family members or neighbours.
Therefore, it is my request to those who arrange large amounts of niyaz – may Allah Almighty accept it– that continue giving niyaz as this is from the practices of the Ahl al-Sunnah, but as this is a recommended action, then it is my advice that spend 50% on food and drink, and distribute the remaining amount to less fortunate neighbours and needy family members. If you wish, you can donate the money to a masjid or madrasah or purchase Islamic books for distribution. Spending in matters such as these is not generally referred to as niyaz, but as your intent is to transmit reward, you can transmit the reward that you receive through spending on causes like this too.
If you were to kindly accept my request, then اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه countless less fortunate people will benefit. It is a request in particular to those who prepare and distribute kichra[2] in Muḥarram that you should still continue this practice, but allocate most of your budget to helping the poor and needy. Also, due to these days having a special connection with the Prophetic Household, any money that is leftover after distributing niyaz should be gifted to the family of Sayyiduna Imam Ḥusayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, i.e., to Sayyids. By doing this there is hope that the Martyr of Karbala, Imam Ḥusayn رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ will be pleased, and so too will his noble grandfather صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. If they become pleased with us, we will attain success in both worlds.
Attention: Those who collect donations for niyaz must only spend it on niyaz. Without the permission of the donors, the money that is collected for niyaz cannot be used to help the less fortunate, for the distribution of Islamic literature, etc.
Note: This article was prepared with the help of the Madani Muzakarah (ep: 1621) which took place after Isha salah on 8 September 2019. It was then given to the renowned spiritual guide and Amir of Ahl al-Sunnah, Mawlana Muhammad Ilyas Attar al-Qadiri دَامَـتْ بَـرَكَـاتُـهُـمُ الْـعَـالِـيَـهْ for it to be reviewed before being presented here.
[1] Niyaz refers to the food that is prepared and offered to others in order to convey its reward to a saint or other religious personality.
[2] Kichra is a popular dish in the Indian subcontinent which is prepared using wheat, meat, lentils and spices. It is cooked all year round, but particularly on 10 Muḥarram.
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