It is not unusual to find in one’s driveway brochures or leaflets from restaurants, shops, tutors and repairmen offering their respective cuisines, goods and services. As a rule, one drops such stuff into the trashcan without as much as a superficial reading.
There are occasional exceptions to this rule however. As was the case last Saturday when a flyer (in Urdu) not only caught my eye but managed to leave an impression. So much so that, far from disposing it off unceremoniously, I intend to keep it as a memento.
Translated into English (although I realize that no translation can quite do justice to the original text), it is entitled ‘A Momentous Occasion’. It has apparently been printed and distributed by the ‘Meelaad and Seerat Committee’ (Prophet’s – peace be upon him – Birth and Life Committee) of the residential society where I happen to live. I am willing to testify on oath that up until reading the leaflet I did not have the slightest idea that such a committee even existed.
Although many Muslims manage to make a right royal mess of it, the rule of thumb regarding the whole ‘innovations’ issue could not be any simpler: When it comes to worldly affairs, everything (old or new) is permissible unless it is prohibited; whereas in religious matters, everything (old or new) is forbidden unless it is prescribed. Islam requires no improving whatsoever, thank you very much. Enterprising Muslims would be well-advised to divert their innovative juices towards the realms of science and arts instead
The flyer goes on to announce that the aforementioned meeting has been arranged, after the Isha prayer on the following day, in order to ‘mark the luminous and spiritual occasion’ of 15 Sha’ban and to avail of the ‘blessings of Quran- and Naat-khwaani in the blessed atmosphere of Shab Baraat’ (‘Night of Repentance’ in paratheses). A sermon on the ‘distinction’ of this night, followed by a ‘special supplications session’ has also been arranged, the leaflet further informs its readers.
The leaflet goes on to cordially invite all residents of the neighbourhood, but not before sharing two more pieces of information. One, that there is a separate ‘covered’ (‘baa-parda’) arrangement for ladies. Two, that dinner will be served after the proceedings. The word used for dinner (‘lungar’) is deserving of a column in its own right.
Although the flyer is jampacked with information; it falls short of enlightening the residents of the area regarding some vital questions. For example, what has the so-called ‘Night of Repentance’ got to do with repentance? Isn’t every day a day for repentance and every night a night for repentance? Also, the flyer sheds no light on what this particular night has to do with the birth and the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him), and therefore with the Meelaad and Seerat Committee.
The fancy flyer may be a novelty but Shab Baraat itself is old hat. What is equally old news is that there is no basis for it whatsoever, either in the Quran or in the Sunnat. But the practice goes on regardless, because few laymen bother to verify their beliefs and practices from the sources of religion. No matter how painstakingly meticulous they may be in their consideration of worldly matters, they are not remotely careful enough when it comes to accepting something in their religious framework.
There is a set script to how all conversations on the subject of any and all innovations proceed. First, evidence from the life of the Prophet (PBUH) is demanded from the individual who encourages or invites others to participate in such practices. When none is forthcoming (unsurprisingly so, since by definition all innovations are of a much later vintage), the proponent of such practices immediately decides to switch to Plan B, which always remains the same. Namely, ‘But what, in God’s name, is the harm in the practice anyway?’
When it comes to religion, the problem with ‘arguments’ such as ‘What is the harm in this or that?’ is that they prove to be their own undoing. Even if, for the sake of the argument, man can figure out all the harms (present and future) of his beliefs and actions (a very big if indeed), this type of reasoning demolishes itself.
For if nothing is wrong with observing something on 15 Sha’ban, nothing is wrong with observing it on any other day either. Which would invalidate all talk about the ‘spiritual’ and ‘luminous’ aura associated with the night, and in turn any ‘distinction’ of the occasion as well. Besides, the ‘What is wrong with it?’ question could be used to support any number of religious practices, including many which the Shab Baraat enthusiasts would be the first to oppose, and justifiably so.
As if the above were not harmful enough, there is an even graver issue associated with such innovations and additions in religion. While they do not say so in so many words, the attitude of advocates of such innovations smacks of a desire to improve upon the religion of God as given to us by the Prophet (peace be upon him). May God preserve us all from such delusions!
Although many Muslims manage to make a right royal mess of it, the rule of thumb regarding the whole ‘innovations’ issue could not be any simpler: When it comes to worldly affairs, everything (old or new) is permissible unless it is prohibited; whereas in religious matters, everything (old or new) is forbidden unless it is prescribed. Islam requires no improving whatsoever, thank you very much. Enterprising Muslims would be well-advised to divert their innovative juices towards the realms of science and arts instead.
