Hujjatul Islam Ustad Syed Jawad Naqvi
(Principal Jamia Orwatul Wuthqa – Lahore)
Delivered at: Masjid Baitul ul Ateeq
Lahore – Pakistan
Friday Sermon – 28th April, 2023
Sermon 1 : Taqwa in eating food
I invite you all, myself and emphasize you to acquire Taqwa in your lives and make your lives in accordance with Taqwa. It is the plan for divine protection from Allah for human life and all its aspects. The most important segment of life is eating and drinking, hence Taqwa is essential for this. Human beings spend most of their time and energy on this , hence all other segments of life are dependent on it. Allah has created the system of man in such a manner that man needs food several times a day on which his survival depends. The existence of plants, animals and man depends on food to survive as well as to grow. For other creation their survival is auto and they don’t need to strive for their food but man has to acquire his sustenance himself. In this acquisition Allah has guided man as well which is more as compared to other aspects of life. How man has to grow food, acquire and consume has been guided.
There are certain sciences also specific to the sustenance of man. How to develop, grow food are the specifics of certain sciences. Today this topic has got more importance because in the past population was less and food growth from earth was less but now it has become opposite. Hence in order to grow more food various means have been adopted successfully. There are artificial, chemical and natural means used to fulfill the need of provisioning for man.
One dimension of this subject is that man should get enough food and Taqwa should remain preserved in growth of food as well consumption. It should not be produced less and neither should be consumed in excess. In a life without Taqwa both the departments get effected, whereby the production reduces or opportunity to produce reduces and consumption increases. The greedy people are converting production , agricultural lands for their interests into residential societies and on other hand they are increasing the consumption. Every person, family and society are competing with each other in consumption. They eat less and waste more, hence Allah has ordained Taqwa in both the fields. The third item related to Taqwa in this field is the quality of food being produced. Quran has divided the quality as well for food and the first division is between Halal and Haram. Irrespective of food being less ore more it is essential to see if it is Halal or Haram. Since man needs diversified food like some part of food is presents in vegetables, some in grains, some in meat or animal produce like dairy. All these three types of food should be present in the diet of man to maintain balance. Man should avail the required nutrition from all these three to maintain a healthy body. In this division where Quran has divided food into Halal and Haram, there is one other classification done by Quran is Tayyabat (Pure) and Khabisaat (Impure). It is only pure things that become the food of man irrespective of vegetables, grains or animal produce. Despite of being Halal it should be Tayyab as well. if not then this is not suitable for man hence it is forbidden in Shariah. The things being prohibited or permitted in Shariah are based on the effects it has on man. The restrictions of Shariah are based on need of man. Those things utmost essential for man are obligatory and those dangerous are Haram. This is not just related to the body of man and the Shariah laws made are mostly related to social issues and not just individuals. The social crimes, corruption are considered as crimes of individuals as well. The Tayyabat which Quran has discussed is more related to social and spiritual. It is possible that at times something mighty be good for the body of man, like if someone eats swine then it has more fat which could be beneficial for some human beings’ body but it is dangerous for human society. Hence something safe for individual might not be for society.
In Surah Maida , verse no 4
يَسْأَلُونَكَ مَاذَا أُحِلَّ لَهُمْ ۖ قُلْ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ ۙ وَمَا عَلَّمْتُمْ مِنَ الْجَوَارِحِ مُكَلِّبِينَ تُعَلِّمُونَهُنَّ مِمَّا عَلَّمَكُمُ اللَّهُ ۖ فَكُلُوا مِمَّا أَمْسَكْنَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَاذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ {4}
They ask you as to what is allowed to them. Say: The good things are allowed to you, and what you have taught the beasts and birds of prey, training them to hunt– you teach them of what Allah has taught you– so eat of that which they catch for you and mention the name of Allah over it; and be careful of (your duty to) Allah; surely Allah is swift in reckoning
The verse prior to this also narrates the same meaning
حُرِّمَتْ عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَيْتَةُ وَالدَّمُ وَلَحْمُ الْخِنْزِيرِ وَمَا أُهِلَّ لِغَيْرِ اللَّهِ بِهِ وَالْمُنْخَنِقَةُ وَالْمَوْقُوذَةُ وَالْمُتَرَدِّيَةُ وَالنَّطِيحَةُ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ إِلَّا مَا ذَكَّيْتُمْ وَمَا ذُبِحَ عَلَى النُّصُبِ وَأَنْ تَسْتَقْسِمُوا بِالْأَزْلَامِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ فِسْقٌ ۗ الْيَوْمَ يَئِسَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ دِينِكُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِ ۚ الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا ۚ فَمَنِ اضْطُرَّ فِي مَخْمَصَةٍ غَيْرَ مُتَجَانِفٍ لِإِثْمٍ ۙ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ {3}
Forbidden to you is that which dies of itself, and blood, and flesh of swine, and that on which any other name than that of Allah has been invoked, and the strangled (animal) and that beaten to death, and that killed by a fall and that killed by being smitten with the horn, and that which wild beasts have eaten, except what you slaughter, and what is sacrificed on stones set up (for idols) and that you divide by the arrows; that is a transgression. This day have those who disbelieve despaired of your religion, so fear them not, and fear Me. This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion; but whoever is compelled by hunger, not inclining willfully to sin, then surely Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.
In verse 5 then
الْيَوْمَ أُحِلَّ لَكُمُ الطَّيِّبَاتُ ۖ وَطَعَامُ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ حِلٌّ لَكُمْ وَطَعَامُكُمْ حِلٌّ لَهُمْ ۖ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْمُحْصَنَاتُ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ إِذَا آتَيْتُمُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ مُحْصِنِينَ غَيْرَ مُسَافِحِينَ وَلَا مُتَّخِذِي أَخْدَانٍ ۗ وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِالْإِيمَانِ فَقَدْ حَبِطَ عَمَلُهُ وَهُوَ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ {5}
This day (all) the good things are allowed to you; and the food of those who have been given the Book is lawful for you and your food is lawful for them; and the chaste from among the believing women and the chaste from among those who have been given the Book before you (are lawful for you); when you have given them their dowries, taking (them) in marriage, not fornicating nor taking them for paramours in secret; and whoever denies faith, his work indeed is of no account, and in the hereafter he shall be one of the losers
The same subject is being guided in specifics as to what is permissible, prohibited to eat.
In Verse 4, it says that the Prophet (s) is being asked as to what is permissible or not to eat. Since prior to this there was no division on the basis of Halal and Haram. They have divided based on their taste and desire since there was no law of Halal and Haram. The various foods that were naturally present they would transform in various ways like cooking due to which some would change taste or some might lose their permissibility. Like if grapes, raisins, dates when cooked beyond certain threshold then they become Haram. All these guidance’s were given to them. Since it was beginning of Islam they would listen to a new order every day. The things that was a normal food for them they were prohibited. Like Wine made from grape, dates, barley was normal for them but was made Haram for them. They would get astonished if this was Haram then what else should we eat. When the domain of Haram increased, then there were some who would refrain but some had the taste so deep that it was not possible for them to abandon these. They would argue or consume in secrecy. Today we have all the Halal Haram in details present in the Fiqh books but even now, in fact more attraction is towards Haram. There are certain things which have become so general. Like alcohol and Reba is done by Muslims despite of these being Haram.
In food what the Quran mentions is that it should be pure. The criteria is being mentioned and not list of food on what to eat. They would ask what foods are Halal which are left. They were scared that everyday one thing becomes Haram so might be milk, vegetables might also become Haram. Hence they asked the Prophet (s) what foods are Halal. The answer came in general that all Tayyabat are Halal.
Tayyab means things which are desirable, liked by man and also in taste. Man becomes used to or accepts even alcohol though taste is not good or cigarette. The desirable things are those which are generally liked by everyone. They are Tayyabat. Like urine, dung of animal are not acceptable in general. Some grasses, bushes or even certain fruits do not taste good at all are Khabisat. The Tayyabat are those which are in accordance to the taste of man. In Tayyabat Allah has not made anything Haram. In Surah Baqra, the people of book are condemned as to why they made certain things Haram. Some people say we don’t eat this, our family does not eat this and they have made certain things Haram on their own. They are condemned on why you have made these Haram. There are some from Sufi religion who say we don’t eat meat. This is Halal and should eat as per need and not excess. To present this philosophy that by eating meat you develop animal traits is wrong. Then the Prophet (s)s, Imams used to eat meat. It was Bani Israel who made this that by eating meat you become barbaric. Some say proudly that we are vegetarian. The animals like cow, sheep they eat vegetables. The Quran also says that whatever grows in farms are yours and animals’ food both. Hence both eat certain things. It is not that by eating or leaving certain food you develop beastliness. Modi is the cruel barbaric person and is purely vegetarian. The Buddhists do not even kill insects but in Rohingya they killed Muslims and became beastly more than animals. These are not effective that if you eat meat of sheep you will become Sheep, if you eat meat of chicken then you will lay eggs. These are the food which should be eaten as per Shariah laws. The beastliness comes from other means on which as well Quran has guided. The actual criteria for food is that it should be desired food liked in general which are then Tayyabat. There are exceptions who dislike even good things. They become allergic to certain foods. They are sick and they cannot be considered criteria for making Shariah laws. The healthy persons are criteria.
Then the verse says that the second thing questioned by Arabs was about hunted animals if that is Halal or not. First not all animals are Halal, but if an Halal animal is hunted then it is Halal. To hunt animals one way is through traps and second is through hunting dogs which catches any type of animals. The pet dogs have left their nature and developed more human traits. The dogs on natural state they pounce on everything. There is one type of dogs that is hunting dogs who are tamed and trained for hunting. They jump on that thing which their owner asks them to attack. They do not kill but instead hold the animal till the owner comes. The Arabs used to question about hunting dogs caught animals being halal or haram.
The background of this verse mentioned by Sheikh Sadooq. The Prophet (s) was visiting the house of one companion who had a dog and when Gabriel descended and told him that it is order of Allah that we are not permitted to enter the house of those who have dogs. Then the Prophet (s) ordered all in Medina to eliminate all dogs from Medina. Then the question came that there are some hunting dogs so they should be also killed. Then this verse came that they should not be killed and if the hunting dogs catch any Halal animal then it is Halal to eat. Then after this the Halal animals should be slaughtered as per Islamic Shariah. If they are slaughtered in front of idols means not slaughtered in the name of Allah then they are not Halal. Then after mentioning this Allah says you should acquire Taqwa.
وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ سَرِيعُ الْحِسَابِ
This is one essential field of Taqwa whereby your food should be Tayyab. The food of Taqwa are not veggies or pulses but those which are Tayyab and do not eat in excess. If you eat anything in excess it is against Taqwa. The food can be Biryani or pulses it should be Tayyab. This is the food of Taqwa. The Halal should be in essence, in money used, the way it is slaughtered and consumed. The Taqwa means those food that are Tayyab. This is the essential field of Taqwa. If man does not protect himself in this field, then he will become sick, develop negative traits and crimes. We generally don’t take care of Taqwa in food, we are only concerned if this is tasty. We don’t see if this belongs to me, if this is someone else’s rights. The Quranic Taqwa is that it should be Halal, through Halal money and consumed in limit. If this law is practiced then no one will starve. The things that earth produces are enough if distributed fairly. If some people due to their greed export the food to other countries like Pakistan exports salt to India at two rupees. The salt has played an important role in history where wars were fought. Today sea salt is present in abundance but the mineral salts is unique. If the country runs as per Quranic economy and greedy brokers do not come in between then everyone would get food. We need an economy of Taqwa. Our scholars are specialized in making Haram as Halal. They have made Reba as Halal, some by giving titles of Islamic banking to make it Halal. They say Reba should be ended but what they have ended is prohibition of Reba. Taqwa means to produce enough and distribute in fair manner. If the economy is just and balanced, then religion will also be fair and just. The economy of Pakistan is falling down due to people without Taqwa. The Quran says that if the hunting dog catches a prey it is Halal. But today the wild dogs of international institutes have pounced on Pakistan who have destroyed your economy. They are struggling now to even talk to IMF forget about getting the installment of loan of 2022. They are not ready to even talk on that. They are increasing inflation, rates of petrol and after destroying your economy you approach them and they do not even talk. Hence a system with Taqwa is the last hope and there is nothing that can be improved through beasts. If the economy descends then everything falls. Like Ethics, religion , systems, nation will fall apart if economy gets destroyed. The family in which the economy is down you can see everything gets destroyed and same for communities. These political beasts have pounced on this dead corpse to even get the bones and scratch the dead body. After creating this state of national economy they are now scratching the base. May Allah relieve everyone from poverty and give Taufeeq to acquire Taqwa in routine life.
SECOND SERMON
Sermon 2: Best business is Amale Saaleh
The means through which man can acquire; one of them are Infallible and amongst them is the Seerah of Amirul Momineen (a) and his wise sayings. In his wise saying 113 he expresses the principles of successful life.
In saying number 113, Imam Ali presents a beautiful system for believers.
وقال عليه السلام : لاَ مَالَ أَعْوَدُ مِنَ الْعَقْلِ، وَلاَ وَحْدَةَ أَوْحَشُ مِنَ الْعُجْب، وَلاَ عَقْلَ كَالتَّدْبِيرِ، وَلاَ كَرَمَ كَالتَّقْوَى، وَلاَ قَرين كَحُسنِ الخُلْقِ، وَلاَ مِيرَاثَ كَالاْدَبِ، وَلاَ قَائِدَ كَالتَّوْفِيقِ، وَلاَ تِجَارَةَ كَالْعَمَلِ الصَّالِحِ، وَلاَ رِبْحَ كَالثَّوَابِ، وَلاَ وَرَعَ كالْوُقُوفِ عِنْدَ الشُّبْهَةِ، وَلاَ زُهْدَ كَالزُّهْدِ فِي الْحَرَامِ، ولاَ عِلْمَ كَالتَّفَكُّرِ، وَلاَ عِبَادَةَ كَأَدَاءِ الْفَرائِضِ، وَلاَ إِيمَانَ كَالْحَيَاءِ وَالصَّبْرِ، وَلاَ حَسَبَ كَالتَّوَاضُعِ، وَلاَ شَرَفَ كَالْعِلْمِ، وَلاَ مُظَاهَرَةَ أَوْثَقُ مِن مُشَاوَرَةٍ
113. Amir al-mu’minin, peace be upon him, said: No wealth is more profitable than wisdom, no loneliness is more estranging than vanity, no wisdom is as good as tact, no honor is like Taqwa, no companion is like the goodness of moral character, no inheritance is like civility, no guide is like promptitude, no trade is like virtuous acts, no profit is like Divine reward, no self- control is like inaction in time of doubt, no abstention is like that (which is) from prohibitions, no knowledge is like thinking, no worship is like the discharge of obligation, no belief is like modesty and endurance, no attainment is like humility, no honor is like knowledge, no power is like forbearance, and no support is more reliable than consultation.
وَلاَ تِجَارَةَ كَالْعَمَلِ الصَّالِحِ
He says the best business is Amale Saaleh. There is nothing more beneficial in trading other than Amale Saleh. The actual subject of Amale Saaleh is qur’anic which we will talk in details in our lectures of Tabeen. In context to this saying, we have mentioned before that as the Prophet (s) has said that you need to release your soul through Amale Saaleh.
The criteria which Quran sets for us we generally abandon those and replace them with self-carved principles. First scholars do this and then people follow them. The people give reference to scholars when questioned on this. We read various narrations and traditions, but we also now listen to dreams and fabricated things. They say we have seen so and so in dream; he was seen in heaven and when asked he said when I was passing, a cold breeze came and took me to heaven. This kind of fabricated talks have distanced people from Quranic criteria. The Quran has given criteria and we should assess everything on that criteria and anything that does not fits this is not religion. The criteria set by Quran is Emaan and Amale Saaleh. We have expressed what is the meaning of Emaan several times. The second thing is Amale Saaleh which is the act done by man himself. The term used against Saaleh is Faasid. The Faasid is that thing which has left its natural state. The Saaleh means that the actual foundation, base, map that was made for it, it is in accordance with that. A Saaleh person is one on his Fitrat and no corruption has come on it. Similarly the Amal also has a map, design and if the act is done in accordance on that foundation then this is Amale Saaleh. For Amale Saaleh means to sit in mosque. The Quran does not mention Amale Saaleh like this. The Amale Saaleh is the scale, criteria for deeds of man. Against Amale Saaleh is Amale Faasid. Like education is an act, but Saaleh Amal in education would be if done as per the criteria set for education. The education can be of two types, it could be Saaleh or Fasid. Similarly speaking, eating can fall in any category. These two categories is for every act and deed. The Amale Saaleh is not a specific list of acts. Every act of yours is Saaleh if it is in accordance with the criteria. Every act should be Amale Saaleh. The best business, trade is Amale Saaleh. The Tijarah means to give something and take something. If you give something and take same back this is loan and not business. In business when you give something and get some profit also in return then this is Business. Our life, time is also trading in context to Quran. It is our asset of life, age, time which is passing but what are we getting in return. What have we achieved on this day of Friday. If we are traders then what profit we get, then did we get loss or nothing. Ali (a) says if you do not achieve anything then man is in loss and such life is harmful in hereafter. Whatever you are doing and you earn more then you are trader or businessman. Which market is there where you spend less, give less time and get more profit is Amale Saaleh. If every act is as per the design of Allah then this is Amale Saaleh. Like you don’t see your only comfort, temperament then this is not Amale Saaleh. The education, infaq or Salaat if you are not doing as per the design then this is not Saaleh. Salaat is not Amale Saaleh in all forms. It would be Amale Saaleh when if it is done with proper laws, etiquettes and secrets. Similarly the trading if you are doing on shops with lies, deception, cheating then this is not Amale Saaleh. The Amale Saaleh is whatever is the rights you do that. You should make clients aware about the quality of product you are selling. The Prophet (s) would say when asked that this is not the best quality product I have. The other traders would laugh. The entire market became popular about this merchant that this merchant says the truth and all his goods gets sold. Todays’ businessman should not say that if you speak truth then product won’t be sold. We are not concerned on how we act but just have plan to get salvation from Ahlulbayt (a). First you should become Saaleh human being, then do Amale Saaleh and this has the best profit. Perform your act as per its requirement, criteria and design. This is the life which Ali (a) wants us to spend. We should see who is spending Saaleh life. Is there anyone, any scholar, any student who is delivering every act as per its rights and criteria. May Allah grant us Taufeeq to spend life as per Amirul Momineen’s Seerah.
