Which Day is ill Omened?

Questions and answers of Madani Muzakarah

1. Which day is ill-omened?

Question: Can someone refer to their home, shop, car, daughter-in-law, or wife as ‘ill-omened’ and say that they caused loss ever since their arrival?

Answer: These superstitious matters are made up by society. Neither is any place ill-omened, nor any day. All days belong to Allah Almighty. Nonetheless, the moment in which someone commits a sin is indeed ill-omened for that individual. (Tafseer Ruh-ul-Bayan, Part 10, Surah At-Taubah, under verse 37, vol. 3, p. 428, Derived from Madani Muzakarah, 20 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1441 Hijri)

2. Meaning of Mahi-e-Bid’at

Question: Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه is referred to as Mahi-e-Bid’at. What does it mean?

Answer: Mahi-e-Bid’at is an honorific title and literally means ‘the one who eradicates heresy and revives the Sunnah.’ Since Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه eradicated the heresies and misguidance that were prevalent in his era, he is referred to by this title, (Madani Muzakarah, 20 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1441 Hijri).

3. Reading Surah Al-Muzzammil in the month of Safar

Question: Is it necessary to recite Surah Al-Muzzammil in the month of Safar?

Answer: Whether in Safar or not, reciting Surah Al-Muzzammil is a commendable act. Similarly, it is also permissible to recite it on any day or night. However, it is incorrect to recite it in Safar, believing that if it is not recited, jinn will possess you or calamities will strike. Surah Al-Muzzammil should be recited in every month, but only to please Allah Almighty. If Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ gives you the ability, recite it every day, (Madani Muzakarah, 27 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1441 Hijri).

4. Meaning of ‘following A’la Hadrat with eyes closed’

Question: You mention that you ‘follow A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه with your eyes closed.’ What does this mean?

Answer: Of course, we do not mean physically closing one’s eyes in this context! To follow Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه with our eyes closed means that we trust his teachings and never criticise him or any of his judgements. Success lies in following A’la Hadrat with your eyes closed. Having reservations regarding him entails loss. A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه is not a prophet of course but he is a great a man of Allah Almighty and from the many saints of this Ummah. The door of sainthood has not been closed but the door of Prophethood has been sealed; no new prophet will come now, (Madani Muzakarah, 25 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1440 Hijri).

5. What has impressed you the most about A’la Hadrat?

Question: There are many praiseworthy things about Ala Hadrat رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه, but as a passionate follower of his, do you find some things about him more impressive than others?

Answer: Since I do not see a deficiency in any of his traits or qualities, I cannot give preference to one aspect of his person. He excelled in all areas.

He is matchless in his love for Allah Almighty, and his love for the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم is of the highest standard. His understanding of the Quran and Sunnah is unparalleled, making him an unmatched exegete and hadith specialist. In Fiqh, he was a nonpareil jurisconsult. Essentially, he excelled in every field that he contributed towards, (Madani Muzakarah, 25 Safar-ul-Muzaffar 1441 Hijri).

6. Will a husband and wife be together in Paradise?

Question: Will a husband and wife be together in Paradise?

Answer: Yes they will if both die as Muslims, (Al-Tazkirah bi Ahwal al-Mawta wa Umoor al-Aakhirah, p. 462). Otherwise, if one of them apostates—and we seek refuge with Allah—Hell will be the final abode of that individual, and their spouse will be married to someone else in Paradise. Such a separation will not distress the spouse in Paradise, as Paradise is free of distress and worry, (Madani Muzakarah, 21 Zul-Hijja-til-Haraam 1439 Hijri).

7. Performing ‘Aqeeqah on behalf of one’s parents

Question: Can children perform ‘Aqeeqah on behalf of their parents? Also, if someone’s ‘Aqeeqah has not been performed, can they perform it during their wedding reception (Valimah)?

Answer: If ‘Aqeeqah has not been performed for someone’s parents, it can be performed on their behalf with their consent. And if someone’s ‘Aqeeqah was not performed during childhood, it can be performed during their wedding reception, (Madani Muzakarah, 21 Zul-Hijja-til-Haraam 1439 Hijri).

8. Someone’s parent(s) passing away while their relationship with them was strained

Question: If someone’s parent(s) passed away while the person had started acting in a way that he was upset with his parent(s), what should this person do now?

Answer: In such a situation, the person should observe the commands of Islam: arrange their shrouding and burial, pray for their forgiveness, and convey the reward of good deeds to them, (Isal-e-Sawab), (Madani Muzakarah, 12 Muharram-ul-Haraam 1440 Hijri).

9. The spiritual allegiance (bay’at) is not invalidated by sins

Question: If the disciple does not pray Salah, recite the Quran, or perform other good acts, will his or her spiritual allegiance be nullified?

Answer: By abandoning Salah and committing sins, the disciple is certainly neglectful of his Islamic duties, however, this does not invalidate his spiritual allegiance. A disciple should offer Salah, live according to the teachings of Islam, and refrain from flouting Islamic values. Although a sinner does become worthy of Hell, his spiritual allegiance remains in place, (Madani Muzakarah, 12 Muharram-ul-Haraam 1440 Hijri).