Before reading ahead and sparing a few minutes of your precious time to this blog, I request my ardent readers to consider the following:
1. This blog contains my personal experiences with Tablighi Jamaat and does not necessarily reflect the experiences of others.
2. I believe it would be fair to read this blog without any connection to the COVID-19 incident that occurred in Nizamuddin, New Delhi India.
There was something different about this man altogether. His eyes did not display even a speck of restlessness. The forehead bore a slightly dark horizontal mark which complimented the spark on his face that sported a find dark beard. The outfit he had on was strikingly white, wrinkle free and carried with it a pleasing fragrance that did not seem to fade away. Wrapped with a dark brown cotton cloth his cap was neatly designed into a unique turban with the extra cloth running down the back of his shoulders. The shining white teeth were evident of continuous usage of the wooden twig (Miswak) which was visible from his chest pocket. His cheeks were brimming with life and the words coming out of his mouth spoke highly of the Creator and His unlimited bounties. Followed by a warm hand shake, this guy wrapped his arms around me with an embrace full of vigor and compassion.
Such was the aura of a gentleman I met with my cousin at a famous religious congregation in Karachi. He led a group of like-minded individuals who were out with the objective to urge fellow Muslims to return to practicing the teachings of Islam as they were practiced during the lifetime of our Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). A group known as Tablighi Jamaat, shortened as TJ. Although I have never been associated with a TJ in its religious missionary movement, there have been several instances when I got the valuable opportunity to observe their undertakings closely. In light of my experiences with a TJ, I can conclude that this particular organization of Muslims has set an excellent example of organizational behavior.
Muslim brethren from all walks of life around the globe pool in their mental, physical and monetary contribution to form organized groups entrusted with the task of promoting the teachings of Islam. What is it that drives these people? Are they working in TJ for some form of monetary ROI? Do they get financial benefits for this job? I have seen people coming to Pakistan from as far as USA, China and Africa dedicating their time and money in the way of Allah and that too without any profit in return.
What is really striking and commendable is that the TJ believes in working via group diversity. The group may consist of a very rich person, a destitute, a cobbler, a scientist, a rickshaw driver, an army official, a young student or a political figure. What is even more striking is that such a diverse group travels together in harmony on a nationwide or global scale, often on foot and for a year at a stretch, with the common objective of reviving faith of fellow Muslims.
The level of patience exhibited by these groups is worthy of praise. Many a times the group faces retaliation and rejection from people of their own faith. In the face of such adverse moments, the TJ members exercise compassion and maintain their cool at all times. Seldom do we hear or see a member of such a group using bad language or engaging in any sort of violence while promoting the word of Allah. Patience is a virtue truly practiced by TJ members.
Upon completion of the jamaat’s assigned tenure and returning to the center, the Ameer of the group and all the members as well keep a close check on their progress. They are in terminal self-correction and keep themselves under the realization that if given the opportunity again, they will put in more positive efforts to help revive Muslim faith, as well as their own.
Interesting fact
How did a small group of Dawah promoting Muslims came to have adherents in millions?
“The Tablighi Jamaat was set up under the British Rule in India. After closely watching the Jamaat for some time, the British realized that here was exactly what they were looking for, a movement that totally absorbed the energy of its members and yet did not threaten British domination in any way as the doctrine of Jihad was totally absent in this movement. They saw that instead of the Jamaat’s directing their energies outwardly towards their legitimate Kaafir enemies, was now directed inwardly towards the rest of the Muslims. Therefore, it was a group that was allowed to flourish”
From the diaries of TJ founder Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Khandlawi
Excellent. Superb.