And when you are told to rise up, rise up.Allah will raise to ranks (and degrees) those of you who Believe (Qur�an, al-Mujadila 58:11)

(English translation of Salam-o-Qayam)

By

Professor Dr. Mu�ammad Mas`ud A�med, M.A; Ph.D

Translated By

Professor Azimi F.M.Shaykh

6/2, 5-E Nazimaliad,

Karachi. (Sindh)

(Islamic Republic of Pakistan)

1416/1996

In the name of Allah most Gracious most Merciful

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Allah the Almighty created the Nur of the Holy Porphet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and resolved to extol and perpetuate of his mention throughout the world. In order to demostrate what reverential and beloved is the personality of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is in the Presence of the almighty Creator, it was proclaimed through the Quranic Message that Allah and His Angels send Greetings (Salutation) on the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). How pervasive is the Divine Message of sending salutation on the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) can be gauged from the truth that there is not a single place in the Universe where Allah is not present. This, in other words, means that in every nook and corner of the expanse of the world the august name of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) reverberates. This constant chanting and blissful echoing of the Durud-o-Salam (sending blessing, and salutation) fills the Time and the Space and all that these contain with the charms and the felicitations of the eternal spring. However, it is beyond the ren and propability of human senses to assess the sweetness and fascination of these Divine lyrical melodies.

In the Divine Scheme of creation there was the time when after the creation of the �Nur-i-Muhammadi� there existed none other in the Expanse of the entire Universe than Almighty Allah the Creator and the Nur of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). And when the angels were created, they too participated in the greetings followed by the chosen righteous persons (Momins) thus marking the Fullness of the complement namely Allah the angels and the righteous Momins who send Greetings and Salutaion (Durud-o-Salam) on the Holy Prophet Ha�rat Mu�ammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) which continue even today and shall continue till Eternity.

If the complex of the entire creatures consisting of the angels and the mankind and the rest be divided into ten parts, the ratio of the angels will he nine-tenth (9/10) parts thereof, leaving only one part (1/10) to comprise the rest of the creatures. The point in this behalf should not be lost sight of that the angels who are themselves the dominant creation not only in numbers being nine-tenth (9/10) of the entire Makhluq remain ceaselessly engaged in sending greetings as commanded by Almighty Allah . This illustrates and indicates the prominence and exalted station of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) in the Presence of Almighty Allah and the entire creatures taken together.

It is reported that when the verse "-------------------------"Lo! Allah and His angles shower blessings (Salawat/Durud). O ye who believe! Ask blessings (Duruds) on him and salute him with a worthy salutation, was revealed the Holy visage of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) glowed with pleasure by way of submission and thanks-giving to Allah for His Unbounded kindness and mercy towards him. The companions congratulated and greeted him for this unique and sublimest blessings from the Lord Creator and the Subtainer of the Universe. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) himself asked the Companions to greet him on this occasion in order that the Companions may also share the blessings and offer thanks in that behalf. There are hundreds of verses in the Holy Qur�an, but this verse is singularly appreciative of the unmatched eminence and exalted prominence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) among the entire composition of the Universe each creature of which remains engaged in the recitation of its own Salawat (Durud) and glorification (Tasbih) of Allah.

Blessed is the soul which immerses itself in the spiritual depths of this verse and makes it as the halmark of its own indentification in the comity of the vast paraphernalia of men and material scattered all over the expanse of the Universe.

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All these spiritual or heavenly congregations have been impliedly or otherwise mentioned in the Holy Qur�an. Through the Holy Qur�an we deduce the propriety and the sanctity of conveying of Durud-o-Salam to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) as the Divinely approved practice by each promment groups of creations namely the Apostles Prophets of Allah, the Angels and the mankind (even the animals and birds) of sending salutation and greetings (Durud-o-Salam), which felicitations shall continue unabated till the Day of Resurrection, and even beyond in the Hereafter when the people of Paradise will resume their spiritual functions within the Domains of the Janna-al-Firdaws. The sacred name of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) has been the source of diliverance and redemption ill-fares (or even calamities) visited upon by every generation of mankind right from the inception of the Universe. Even the prophets of Allah took recourse to this most auspicious name as a medium for alleviation of their grievanves. To name a few of these prophets we might with due respect and dignity, mention the well known events linkng with the names of Hazrat Adam, Hazrat Nuh, Hazrat Yunus, Hazrat Yusuf, Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Musa, Hazrat Eisa (peace be upon them). The Divine Blessings are so extensive and all-embracing that Allah the Lord creator has out of His Grace and Beneficence, mentioned and included the Momins, the righteous faithful ummatis of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) along with His own Self, and His angels for sending the greetings and salutation (Durud-o-Salam) to the most August Personality of the entire cosmology, (the Universe), an Honour and affection which the umma can not redeem or adequately offer thanks-giving to the Lord Cherisher of all the World � Rab al-`Alamin.

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Allah the Almighty is sending Durud (Spritual Blessings) on His Beloved Apostle Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). This confirmed and authenticated through the above quoted and universally acclaimed verse of the Holy Qur�an. It is therefore incumbert upon us as His humble servants to emulate Him when He has expressly commanded us-the -Momins or the people of Eiman that in emulation to Him and His Angels, with all humility and Devotion we should also send greetings of Durud-o-Salam into the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). The Almighty Allah and His Angels are above and beyond material drossness and not confined to shapes and forms and unbounded by human postures and stances, then in what manner and form does Allah send greetings to His Beloved and Chosen Apostle (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) ? None can comtemplate and visualise this aspect of the enquiry as indulging in and involving ourselves such like queries might lead us to a point where Divine disapprosbatron and chastisement might unfortunely become our fate.Therefore leaving the delicate point in abeyance we should better probe through enunciations of Qur�an and Hadith what we are expected to present our share of responsibility in obedience to Divine and Prophetic commands.

There are glimpses first in the Holy Qur�an relating to norms and postures of the angels. At one place it is deduced that the angels send greetings not in isolation or individual capacity, rather,they do so in vast congregations, rows upon rows.

The standing upright stance is the tradition (sunna) of the angels and the above quoted verse demands that angels is sending Salawat-o-salam in upright stance to the august personality of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam).They are to our right and left.They are sending greetings right in front of us as well as behind us. If we are lethargic and negligent in obeying the Divine command, the angels remain unconcerned to our behaviour. The Holy Qur�an tells us that the angels offer salutation in grand fashion in congregation rows upon rows, and in confirmation of this majestic spectacle the Qur�an echoes the Divine Oath by these Angles. The Companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to recite Durud in standing position while offering Prayer in his presence, as a mark of respect.

After the wisal of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam), when his sacred body was placed on the wooden plan wrapped in coffin shoroud In Madina al-Munawwarah, the hierarchy of the dignified Principal angels namely Hazrat Jibra`il, Hazrat Mika`il, Hazrat Iara`fil and Hazrat `izra`il followed by countless numbers of other angels, recited the Salawat-o-salam (in standing stance). After the recitals by the angels came the multitudes of men, women and children of Madina in that order offered Durud-o-Salam unto the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) This was according to Holy Prophet own desire, each group forming its own row of congreation. The whole ceremony lasted over twelve hours without break. This confirms and authenticates the belief that the offering of Durud-o-Salam to the Holy Porphet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) in upright stance is the sunna (tradition) of the angles and his companions. This is in emultion of this sacred tradition (chain of Practices) down the ages that even in the present age people of all walks of life stand in reverence before the Holy Grave of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and offer Durud-o-Salam at all hours of the day in upright stance.

The command for upright stance (Qayam) for offering prayers and other rituals of worship is manifest at various places of the Holy Qur�an and it can be safely inferred that the command for Qayam (upright stance) is also embracive of other rituals besides the Namaz and other obligatory functions in the domain of religion and shariah. It can be safely assumed that the precept of Salam-o-Qayam was in the Divine knowledge the practice of which was to assume vaster and longer proportions in due course of time. There are clear indications in the Holy Qur�an that the new emerging modes and means of transport and communications will have to be accomodated in the new set up of things which were making their headway practically in every nook and corner. For example, while mentioning the necessity of animals for transport and conveyance it is said in the Holy Qur�an: �Allah has created horses, mules and donkeys for you to ride and use for show. And He will create other things of which you have no knowledge. The modern plethora of modes and means of transport and travel is nothing but elaborate and interpretative exposition of the said verse, which we ourselves are witnessing or shall continue to witness as new and mew means of conveyance crop up as a result of more and more researches and exploration in practically every branch of life. At another place it is said: We shall show them our Signs all over the Universe, and (even) within their inner beings (which is itself a separate universal entity, apart from and in conjunction to our physical world). We have witnessed countless Signs of the Power and Knowledge of Allah all over the world. As for the inner being, today, the scientific researches have established that down the breathing pipeline, the lungs bear the distinctive literal formation of the Kalima-e-Tayyiba, in that on the left the part of the lungs the fleshy inscription of "La Ilaha-Illa Allah" and on the right part of the lungs the words "Muhammad al-Rasul Allah" are visibly inscribed.

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No doubt it is within the knowledge of Almighty Allah that the faithful followers and devoted bondsmen of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) would instinctively and unhesitatingly rise up to offer any service including presenting Salam-o-Salawat whenever they are asked to demonstrate their dignified love and sublime devotion to Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). The Holy Qur�an echoes this unmatched humble submission by the men of Faith (Momins) when it addresses them thus. "And when you are asked to rise up, rise up. Allah will raise you up to (suitable ranks and degrees) those of you who believe and who have been granted knowledge. And Allah is well acquainted with all you do." This clearly means that if the Head of the Majlis (Assembly) or its organiser asks of the people to rise up (in reverence and respect etc). For some one, or in celebration of some solemn occasion, then it becomes binding to respond to this call. It is for their own good because this unhesitant response of the listeners pleases Allah who has promised to elevate and upgrade them in worldly well-being and in the Hereafter.". At another place it is said, "verily Allah sees when you rise" (up in prayer). Even the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) also witnesses our stance of rising up to celebrate Salam-o-Qayam.

When Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) witness (with pleasure and satisfaction) the rising up of the people of faith, can there be any muslim of such who would deliberately shirk and shun from standing up for Salam-o-Qayam at the opportune moment when he happens to be in a majlis where such a call is made or when he is fortunate enough to be present at a blessed place where he can demonstrate his regard for the celebrity by presenting Salawat-o-Salam in standing posture which is the most significant part of celebration of Salam-o-Salawat. It is a most depressing sight that in spite of such a high rewarding promise by Almighty Allah for rising up in the majlis where holy acclamations are offered in Praise of Allah and His Most Beloved Apostle Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) there are some Muslims who leave the Majlis in order to display their contempt and abhorence for rising up at the time of Salam-o-Qayam, withoust least regard as to how they would plead their case on the Day of Judgement when every limb of a defaulter would testify against him. The deprisual of such a people become all the more tragic when these very people actively take part in so called social functions at home or in fashionable hotels when in the mixed gathering of young men and women in the midst of tender-aged youngster to prolonged sessions of standing of clamourous clapping in upright posture and conducted without any one peeping and praying into his conscience as to what good of this world and the Hereafter will accrue to them and where all these tendencies will lead them to? It has been stressed again and again that standing in congregation and offering Salawat-o-salam has been the sunna (practice)of the angels as will as the sunna of the companions and those of religious scholars, learned people and the righteous ones in the Umma.

Some seven hundred years before there lived great scholar and savant Imam Taqi ad-Din Subki (d-756 AH/-1355 AD). On one occasion there was a great congregational Assembly in which prominent ulema were present. In that auspicious assembly a true lover and devotee of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) recited a poetic couplet of Imam Sarsari which purported that the people of honour and dignity on hearing the beauteous mention of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) in any Majlis at once stand up as a mark of respect and a manifestation of orderly and dignified reverence to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). On hearing the couplet, Imam Taqi-al-Din at once stood up, and following him the entire Majlis stood up as a tribute to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) Qur`an says the angles offer Salawat in standing posture. The tradition of standing up in the Majlis of Durud-o-Salam has been in vogue for centuries before and has continued unabated and �InshaAllah� will continue for ever.

About four hundred years ago, the greatest religious scholar of his time, the exponent of Traditions (Ahadith) Hazrat Shaykh `Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlavi (AH d.1642 AD 1053) also recognised the significance of the Salawat-o-salam and offered and recited the same in standing position which is the essence of the whole phenomenon. He regarded the offering of Salawat-o-salam in the posture of Qayam (standing upright) as the great source of Divine Blessings and as the source of Deliverance on the Day of Judgement. Another religious scholar of renown and Murshid of Rashid Ahmed Ganguhi and the famous scholar and commentator of the Holy Qur�an Ashraf Ali Thanvi namely Hazrat Haji Muhammad Imdad Allah Makki (AH 1310/AD 1892.d) more than one hundred years before used to stand and offered Salawat-o-salam in the standing position. He often said that he felt great relief and ecstatic pleasure in this devotional offering of Durud-o-Salam. These great Traditionalist (Mu�addithin) were the guardian protectors of the Muslim Umma.

It is really distressing that there are some modernists within the community of Muslims who feel no prick of conscience when they overtly and covertly pass unsavoury and stricturous remarks against these and other spiritual and scholastic leaders who were primarily responsible for safeguarding and protecting Islam. Again, it is principally through the dissemination of Islamic values in socio-cultural sectors of the muslim Umma, that Islam has not only survived against heaviest of odds but has also taken roots and is flourishing in the unhealthy soil of paganism and pluralism in dogmatic cult mistakenly called religion of the soil.

But to raise critical fingers against the high personages and true helpers of Islam has become a sort of habit of the so called liberals and modernists in the rank and file of Muslim intelligentsia. The episode of the "She-Camel" called the �Naqa Allah� in the Quranic parlance which owed its emergence and existence from the rocky stones as a result of Miracle of Hazrat �awlih is a grim pointer in this behalf. When the miscreants first expressed their hatred and intolerance against the Animal, almost the entire community of Samud the fraternity to which Hazrat �awlih belonged was wiped off from the surface of earth as a result of calamity from Almighty Allah . Such was the value and recognition of the Naqa al-Allah. The slander mongers and the satirists of friends of Allah (Aawlia-Allah) should ponder over their so-called enlightenment, and into their being and ask their own heart and conscience to get the proper and redeeming answer. The answer from the within is never misleading. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) has also stressed consulting with the conscience in times of stress and utter helplessness.

All Praise is due to Allah the Almighty Creator and Sustainer of all the Universe, the pristine practice of offering Salawat-o-salam in standing posture has been in evidence by renowned personalities of Islam by whose erudition, righteousness and selfless devotion to Islamic norm in personal and religious spheres, oath can be taken, thereby confirming the authenticity of this devotional practice as an open expression of Umma�s heart-felt devotion and reverence to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). These Holy Ma�afil (assemblies) are held and celebrated through out the length and breadth of the world and Salawat-o-Salam are offered in standing posture.In Saudi Arabia inspite of restrictive measures simple minded but clean hearted rustic folks celebrate the twelfth of Rabi`al-Awwal in the manner of grand festive occasion of Eid and take active part in holding Eid al-Milad al-Nabi function with all solemnity and humility and offer Salawat-o-salam in standing position. These simple people are as much the part of Arab nationalists as other high-brow and well known intellectuals and scholars of their country. Their mode of expression of love and submission to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) transcends the borders of intellectualism and scholastic hair-splitting.

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Even otherwise, as things stand and spectacles are witnessed today the ceremonial and functional rising (standing) has become as if the very core of social behaviour, more stress being given to the form or letter of the ceremony than the spirit or soul of our behaviour. We listen to the National Anthem (Qaumi Tarana) and offer salami (salutation) to the National Flag in standing position, the practice has become so deep-rooted and wide spread that such a Salami is offered to alien and Non-Islamic government dignitaries and their national flags, whether the occasion is to present verbal attributes to the person concerned or to offer condolence if he has expired. People stand in rows to greet the arrival of some foreign dignitaries and bid farewell to them when they depart from the country. Examples of these activities can be multiplied beyond limit, though there is always a great distance between the letters and spirits of the hollow ceremonial functions!

I am an unhappy witness to an equally ditressing event at a function in Delhi where some prominent nationalist �Ulema sang the highly prejudicial and extremely anti-Muslim song by standing in the congregation alongwith Hindu comerades. The song is commonly known as Vandi Maturam and the title means �O Land! I prostrate for you�! When some Muslims among the audience later criticised these Ulema on their behaviour, they felt regret and shame over their shameful act. The point for consideration is that in our society an amalgam of different cultural and social customs and conventions have gained currency, some of them are genuinely pro-Islamic because these were founded and developed by true Islamic lovers, firstly in the early phase by genuine followers of the companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and on their foot-steps by the sincere and devoted �Ulema and Schloras. It was the bright phase of Islamic learning and teaching which infused the intelligentsia and common Muslim prpulace alike. But the incursion of anti-Islamic forces led by Jewish and Christian preachers and later joined by other anti-Islamic elements who in close collaboration tarmished the bright visage of Islamic culture and civilization.

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Reverting to the main subject matter of this dissertation namely Salam-o-Qayam (Standing upright) and presenting (salutation and blessing) it may be pointed that there is no scarcity of the detractors who do not seem to be convinced with the genuineness of this mode of reverence. Their main objections are three as noted below:-

With due sincerity and humility we endeavour to clarify their enquiry which is in the nature of objections.

Hazrat Talha bin Obaidullah, stood up in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) in the Masjid-i-Nabavi to congratulate Hazrat Ka�ab bin Malik on the acceptance of penitence (Tauba). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to stand for the sake and prayer whenever some funeral bier passed by him. He also stood to welcome the angels who attended and marched with the funeral procession. He also asked the other participents to welcome the marching angels.

It was also customary that whenever the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to stand up with intention to go from Masjid-i-Nabavi to the Haram Sharif, all the Companions also stood up and kept themselves in that stance till the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) crossed the threshold. This was the manifestation of their moral excellence. The Companions paid due regard to whatever was near and dear to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and bore relation to him. The glimpses of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) to his companions and through the latter to the succeeding generations have reached us. The people of the modern age and we have come to realise how each group of people received Divine Blessing by sincerely acting upon them thereby receiving the benefits of the world as well as the Hereafter.

The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is the greatest and the most perfect Apostle of Allah among the entire creatures of all the Universe comprising the human spicies, the angels also the Prophets/Apostles who were sent to earth to guide the destiny of the people. In spite of this unmatched grandeur and splendour which accompanied the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam), there was not even the slightest semblance of pride and vanity noticeable in his unique personality. On the contrary he was so affectionate and considerate to every group of his fellow-beings regardles of their ranks and status, including his Kith and Kin, so much as to unhesitatingly rise to greet them, and pray and strive for their will being in this world and the Hereafter. The facts being as honest and simple which none can refute or deny. However the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) did not approve such customs and practices including the rising up in favour of tyrants and miscreants, for the simple reasons that these customs and practices were brought into prominence by the non Arab heathens who were sleeped in arrogance as if they belonged to the higher strata of society or if they were so unfortunate to be treated worse than serfs and animals for being accounted among the down trodden and the resourceless. In either case it is the human dignity that is the main victim, the high-brow class trample upon the commoners and the latter cry underneath the yoke of tyranny.

Hazrat Shaykh Ahmad Sarhindi Mujadid Alf-i-Thani has recorded an episode which took place during the reign of Emperor Jahangir of Mughal Empire in India. The royal darbar was in session, each one was assigned the job as the King pleased. One vazir (minister) was stationed right in front of the emperor with strict command not to cast his glance, at any other point or place on pains of dire consequences for breach or default. To the utter misfortune of the said vazir, his eyes deviated from the royal personage only for a flicker of moment and he looked at his own robes. The King noticed it and promptly he blared with dreadful anger. "I can never tolerate this that my wazir while standing in my presence under my command should cast his eyes at his robes." What fate befell the poor vazir is not difficult to visualise or surmise. But the incident has a moral. The kind of upright stance to which the unfortunate vazir was suspected under tyrannicl royal command was the one which the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) did not approve and which he condemned as it meant dishonour and disgrace to human dignity and made the mortal King all the more arrogant and inflated his vanity and pride.

It is really very unfortunate that we witness this kind of class discrimination even in this enlightened age of high intellectualism. It is the common sight that the subordinates are made to stand before the officers who instead of taking notice of this undignified posture remain busy in their personal affairs or gossipping with their friends who frequently intrude during working hours, simply to "pass time" with their friends: Still more pathetic sight is the behaviour of landlords and vaderas with the haris (cultivators) and other petty servants. The ghastly examples of this nature can be multiplied but it will not move the stony-hearts.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) never approved this lavish display of class distinction between human beings. He himself led a very simple and austere life and kept the down trodden of the society close to his heart so that they may not lose faith in human dignity and feel themselves as equal citizens in the fraternity of Islam. They realise their own importance among other members of Muslim Umma. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) had declared while warning the self-styled privileged group of the society that (arrogant) "people who desire that others should stand for them as a mark of "respect" should beware to make their dwelling place in the hell." He did not say anything to those who are thus forced to stand against their conscience; his warning and reprimand is directed only against those whose hearts are diseased. To stand for any one on account of fear or greed was not liked by him. On the contrary the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) favoured and even encouraged to accord respect and honour by standing, in Majlis or alone, out of sheer love and sincerity, for any person of known righteousness and scholarship.

We have already seen in the foregoing pages how the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) himself often rose for any one very near and dear to him out of affection and personal regard. Still he did not encourage the Companions to rise again and again in the same session of Majlis. He was so kind and considerate by way of affection towards the people, particularly the ever submissive and humble companions that it grieved him if he found them in pains and hardship. He was ever covetous for their well-being and comforts.It is really very significant that in the Quranic parlance the attributes of being �Rauf� (considerate and affectionate) and Rahim (merciful) have both been assigned to Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). Allah is Rauf al-Rahim and His Apostle is also Rauf al-Rahim.

Sincere and unstinted love and Devotion demands nothing, but obedience, nothing more or less than pure and chaste submission. To indulge in sceptic urge to stand or not to stand in reverence and salutation is the sign of utter weakness of our Eiman. We must simply remember that Allah the Almighty has Himself Commanded us Faithful (Momins) to glorify and venerate the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) at all times of morning and evening, day and night. What are therefore, the demands and obligations of sanctified veneration we can clearly know provided we possess pure conscience and untarnished love stationed in our bosoms.

Referring to the three objections or observation mentioned earlier in this brochure, we have discussed in some details the query No 1. The two items of enquiry at Nos; 2 and 3 are really the offshoots of the main point of enquity at No.1 and do not call for any elaborate statement to answer them. However, for brevity�s sake these are enumerated below:-

Query 2: Folding of hands as in Namaz; The main point of issue is about the standing posture in reverence in the course of deliberations of the Majlis at certain stage of its proceedings. This we have already defended and justified from every possible points of view. However, as regards the folding of hands it is of secondary importance how one keeps while in a standing posture; it is either folding the hands or let them hang sideways. Surely the first position is more dignified as a mark of respect than allowing the hands to hang along sideways as culprits or subordinates do before persons of authority.

Hazrat Shaikh �Abd al-Haq Muhaddith Dehlavi has taught the appropriate mannerism while in the presence of a dignified revered personality. As for the position of hands in the standing posture these should be folded over the navel in the grib of palms of both the hands. It was also the practice of the Companions while standing in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). From this the great Shaykh has inferred that the honour and the decorum demand that in the presence of as well as while welcoming the dignified person one should stand with folded hands. In his own words. "In the presence of the august personality Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) the right hand should be placed on the left hand similar to as is done in the Namaz" The most reverential status of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is that if he calls some one (by name) while the latter is engaged in Namaz he must attend to the call; then what to speak of rising up and folding or not folding hands at the moment of salutation!

It is not the belief of the Sunni followers that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) does not grace each and every holy Majlis which is held to celebrate his remembrance. But he possesses the miraculous vision whereby he can witness any deliberatuions in any Majlis and at any place. Surely, this is not short of his personal graceful attendance. Inspite of his being at a distance he is closest to us in our hearts. Allah the Almighty has said the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) in the world as "Shahid" (witness) meaning thereby that he is close to us and witnessing (watching) each of the deeds (related to him) No doubt he is very near to us. The status and dignity of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is uncomparable with any other dignitary. Allah the Almighty has so much regard and affection for His beloved Apostle that He can give power to any devotee of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) to go anywhere (physically), thereby minimising the significance of Time and Space. These things do not come within our comprehension at the moment, like things which we did not comprehend earlier but we now understand them. Similarly things which are incomprehensible at present a time will come when we shall grasp them easily.

(7)

In our stride for the modernism and intellectualism we have gone so far ahead that we have begun to call the adherents of Salawat-o-salam who stand in honour of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) as Kafir and Mushrik without reflecting for a moment that by doing so we have stripped thousands and thousands devotees of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) of their faith and affection by just one stroke of pen! Why did the concerned people do and what has been their gain? What a tragedy people suffering from lack of warmth of love and reverence for the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) should denounce his devotees as heretics! History has no parallel of this infamy. They should probe their conscience and answer the question.Is the honour and Dignity of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is lower (Ma`az Allah) than the National Flag and National Anthem which we honour and salute in a respectful standing posture? How conveniently and shamelessly we ignore the reality that this country of our Pakistan came into existence in the name and as a Sadqah of Islam and the Holy Prophet Ha�rat Mu�ammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) Surely he rightly deserved our salutation and adoration.

Therefore adherence and devotion to Salawat-o-salam thereby confirming their love and devotion to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) is the first and foremost criterion and credential for our identity as being in the fold of Muslim Umma. But this does not imbibe by mere lip profession to Islam. We must cement and strengthen our Eiman by acting upon the tenets of Islam and engaging our precious time in sending Durud-o-Salam to the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) so that we may enrich and fortify our Eiman by more and more Divine grace and blessing. The Durud has its own reward. It has been stated in the Holy Qur`an that any one who sends greetings or Durud, Almighty Allah and the angels send greetings of Durud unto him. There is a blessing promised in the Hadith that the man who sends Durud-o-Salam, Allah and His angels send ten times more Durud-o-Salam on him.

The Holy Qur�an has also extolled and praised the standing stature at many places especially in the rememebarance and glorification of Allah. In view of these Divine assurances of praise and progress for the men of Faith (Eiman) it would be misfortune of the gravest order if certain elements among the Muslims refuse to receive and abide by the Divine Light of guidance and still cling to the unfounded and baseless notions of anti- Salawat-o-Qayam. Addressing the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) Almighty Allah has assured His Apostle and through him the entire Umma that they will march ahead at every stage and the ultimate goal will be very prosperous. The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) has also been promised by Allah the Almighty that he will be raised to the highest station of Praise (Maqam-i-Mahmud).

(8)

If, inspite of all these evidences and unfailing assurances, some one still is sceptic about the validity and veracity of the Salam-o-Qayam, then for his satisfaction glimpses from the Holy Qur�an and Hadith may be presented. In the Holy Qur�an it has been stressed that those who strive in the way of Allah and embark upon new ways for the prosperity of Umma, there is promise for them that Allah will open new pathways of guidance and success. There is a Hadith in this context that "for one who introduces new venue of guidance and righteousness and acts upon it to establish its validity, Allah will grant him two-fold reward". However there is open and stern warning of punishment for those who deviate from the established path of guidance. They will be plunged into greater and graver darkness of misguidance and the punishment in consequence thereof. What could he better and more rewarding pathway than to engage ourself in constant endeavour for the honour and respect for the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) and adhere to it as a lifelong principle to display highest praise and dignity in favour of the Apostle of Allah. The Holy Qur�an has laid stress again and again in this behalf.

If we look into the issue more deeply and with an open mind we come to know that these are divergent groups of people who express their inner feelings of aversion and approbation respectively in respect of the Holy Prophet as the (Apostle of Allah). One group is that led by Abu Jihl and Abu Lahab who regarded the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) only as a �Bashar�. The other group led by Hazrat Abu Bak�r Siddiq believed and unreservedly accepted him as the Apostle (Rasul) of Allah with all attributes and qualifications that the Holy Qur�an has delineated at many places. The root cause of all these mischiefs and misfortunes is the adverse and calamitous belief.Conversely all the good and virtue spring forth from the righteous and unstinted love and Devotion believed and acted up on by the group of people who love and Adore the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) as the Apostle (Rasul) of Allah, whom Allah has promised unlimited blessings not only in the world but the Hereafter as well.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam) was raised as the leader and guide among the people who were steeped in all sorts of moral and social curruptions and the internal feuds and strife was beyond description. He carried out his prophetic mission to reform and rejuvinate the wayward and unstable society in such an endearing and captivating manner that not only did the people listen to him attentively and submissively but they also acted upon his teachings so faithfully and assiduously that in course of time they themselves became the leaders and torch bearers of their and succeeding generations. What is to be especially noted in this connection is that the central and signal factor in the entire mission was the element of love of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam)

As a matter of fact the main issue is the remembrance of Allah, obedience to Him and His Apostle Ha�rat Mu�ammad Mustafa (Sallallaho Alaihi Wa Sallam). As the Holy Qur�an says when you performed the act of worship (Salawat), remember Allah, standing, sitting and reclining.. This remembrance can be attained in any physical posture which affords relief and which is within the bonds of decorum and propriety This includes the posture of standing which is significant as it is permitted after the completion of Salawat. Is it not a Divine sanction for offering Salawat-o-salam in standing posture? We must cooly and reflectively ponder within ourselves and pray,

With the Co-operation

Of

Sahihzada Jamil A�medSharqpuri

Shair-i-Rabbani Islamic Centre,

11-A, Bedford Avenue Calender Road

Valley Range,

Manchester (U.K)

Ph: 01-61-8619778