RESPECT

Day by day, the word respect is becoming a word merely taking place in the dictionary. At times, people may also be speaking about it. However, in practice, it is something that has become almost inexistent. It is a virus that has contaminated the society to such an extent that those who claim to have knowledge also have failed to understand the true meaning of respect. Not only do they lack respect for the Ulama, but they also lack respect for the former great Ulama. And in certain cases, even the Sahaabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) are not spared of their disrespect. They claim to know Deen better than them. They campaign to denigrate and dishonour them, but all this is in vain. This is because when one hits one’s head against a rock, it is one’s head that will get fractured. The rock will remain intact.

The real Nur of ‘Ilm-e-Deen (the knowledge of Deen) emanates from respect for the Ulama. Without respect, we will know Deen just as the westerners know it without having the willpower to put it into practice. The willpower to practice ‘Ilm-e-Deen, is attained when Nur penetrates the heart. Allah Ta’ala has given us sustenance and water as a means to allay our hunger and quench our thirst. It is He who commanded us to stay in the company of the Ulama for Nur to descend into our hearts. If a person wants to get “Nur” in the heart, it is as if he wants to fill his stomach without partaking of food.

[English version of "Respect" – Al Jamiat – Vol.1 No.9]