MAULANA ASHRAF ALI THANVEE ON HADRA

Hakim al Ummat Maulana Ashraf ‘Ali Tahanawi al Hanafi al Chishti al Maturidi’s

Abridged Fatawa on the Permissibilty of the Shadhili Hadra

From his Imdad al Fatawa, Vol 5, Pg: 151-155 (Maktaba Dar al 'Ulum: Karachi)


Question: The manner in which the Shadhili’s partake in loud dhikr, done with many individuals standing together; is it permissible or not?

Answer: Dhikr is of two types:(a) Maathur This is the type [of dhikr] that has been fixedly established by the manner and way of the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace), loudly or silently. Examples of this are the call to prayer (adhan), the iqama, the takbirat, and the recitation in prayer, tashahud, tasbih’s, and so forth. The ruling on these forms is that they are to be done in the way they were prescribed.(b) Ghayr MaathurThis is both loud and silent. There is agreement that silent dhikr is permitted. When it comes to loud dhikr there are two positions. Some scholars state that it is permitted and approved of. Others say it is not approved of. Those who say it is not approved, further, have two positions. Some say that it is impermissible (haram). Others say it is disliked (makruh).Those who say it is approved of and permitted have three positions. Some say that loud dhikr is preferred and most desirable, and silent dhikr is of a lesser degree. Some say that silent dhikr is preferred and loud dhikr is of a lesser degree. Some say that both are equal, in themselves (fi nafishi), but due to specific reasons in specific circumstances loud dhikr may be given preference whereas at others times silent dhikr will be preferred. [Maulana then goes through the evidences of each of the above mentioned positions which will not be detailed here]In the opinion of the writer (i.e. Maulana talking of himself) the position of those who permit loud dhikr is correct…Therefore, after looking at the legal proof, loud dhikr is not confined to any single form. Rather, due to the absolute terms in the texts, absolute and generalized meanings are meant, whether [this dhikr] is done individually, or by gathering in circles, or standing in lines, or any other modality of standing and sitting, all are permitted.It is narrated from Buraydah and Abi Sa’id al Khudri that the Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “There are no people that gather for dhikr except that the angels envelop them.” (Sahih Muslim)It is narrated from Abu Hurayra that the Prophet said, “Allah Most High said ‘I am to my servant as he expects of Me, I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than his.’” (Agreed upon)It is narrated from Anas who said that the Prophet said, “One who gathers with a people in order to remember Allah from the ‘Asr prayer till the setting of the sun is more beloved to me than freeing forty slaves. “ (Abu Dawud)It is narrated from the Anas that the Prophet said, “When you pass by the gardens of Paradise, avail yourselves of them. The Companions asked, "What are the gardens of Paradise, Oh Messenger of Allah?" He replied, “The circles of dhikr.” (Tirmidhi)Thus, it is proven that loud dhikr is permitted in all its forms and no one should forbid anyone from any modality.

The sama’

Once a Shadhili inidividual invited Shaykh al-Arab wal-A’jam Hadhrat Haji Imdadullah mohajir Makki (may Allah have mercy on him) and his close companion for dinner. Hadhrat Haji sahib accepted on the condition that there must be sama’ (audition) accompanied with it.

Some of his close scholar (ulema) companion were reluctant to go and excused themselves out. However, Hakim al-Umma accompanied Hadhrat Haji sahib without any hesitation. While the companions were discussing this issue amongst themselves, Hakim al-Umma reiterated that he was going to attend this event, indeed. If Hadhrat Haji sahib was going what questions other could have. None of them was more pious then him.

At the event prior to meal being served, the (Shadhili) Shaykh’s companions stood up in a circle and one of them started to recite a Divine Name. Others chanted the same in chorus. The person leading this is called the munshid. After a while all became silent and munshid recited some poetry related to Divine Love. It was in a simple but very pleasant tone. The munshid was an old person. After it they recited another Divine name similarly. In summary, this sama’ was a very fine, pleasant and enjoyable event.

After its completion Hadrat Haji sahib inquired, ‘Did you enjoy?’

Hakim al-Umma replied affirmatively that, ‘Hadhrat indeed it was very enjoyable’.

Hahdrat Haji sahib then said that, ‘This is (in reality) the sama’. Some of our companions were uncomfortable with it for no definite reason. I had purposefully asked for this condition (sama’) just to show what are it limits.”

Ashraf us Sawanih, volume 1, page 262-

http://www.ashrafiya.com/2008/04/29/the-sama/