As a student of Islam, or simply as a Muslim, we often feel the zeal to educate people about the Sunnah of our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. Unfortunately, such enthusiasm is often accompanied by doubts and accusations.
“Ah it’s not from the Hanafi Madhab! Out forefathers never did this.”
“This sounds something new. This must be an innovation – it’s not according to ahl-e-hadith.”
The so called learned society says it is not from our culture! The modernists argue, “How can we follow something which is 1400 years old? It’s outdated.”
But have you ever pondered on the ayah, “Oh, you have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger.” (Surah Nisa: 59)
Allah never said to obey our forefathers! He never said to blindly tread the path of culture. Or change your Iman according to the surroundings you’re in or the society you enter. It was never said follow your imam.
No, He asked us to follow Him and His Messenger.
Why did he choose the Prophet (PBUH)?
Because, everything he taught and spoke was from Allah (SWA) and not from his personal desires. Allah Knows His creation, He will never reveal anything that would be outdated in a few years. His teachings still remain important, the rules He laid down is still vital for our survival.
What was evil 1400 years ago is still considered evil today, e.g. robbery, extra marital affairs, incest, taking property of orphan, killing without haqq are sins which corrupts the society. And what was beneficial 1400 years ago is still beneficial and will remain so till judgement Day, like protecting the property of the orphans, polygamy to give the rights of the woman, hijab to give identity to the Muslim women and protect them from perverts, good manners, fair treatment with non believers and women, etc.
Therefore in these conflicting times when one is faced with doubts one should refer the matter to prophet (SAW). “And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result” (surah Nisa :59)
The condition of any deed in religion to be accepted is to have a sincere intention i.e doing it only for the sake of Allah and it should be according to the Sunnah. Remember if one is doing the deed just because the forefathers have been doing it, then it is the sign of weaknesses of eemaan. Ask yourself are you doing it for Allah (SWA) ,who wants you to follow the example of prophets (SAW) or for your forefathers. The choice is yours , the Sunnah of prophet with pleasure of Allah (SWA) or the Sunnah of your forefathers with His displeasure.
By: Bint_Rafiq
Team IR
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