by Ml Ashraf Ali Thanwi RA

It is not expected of any Muslim to answer that there is no need to reform and reverse the detrimental process of the evil change which has and is presently gripping the Ummah. No Muslim can say that there is no need to reform the degraded and stagnant condition of the Ummah. We shall now, Insha-Allah, indicate the way by which the Ummah may achieve the incumbent reformation.

At the very outset it should be understood that the change or 'revolution' which the Ummah has suffered is a spiritual ailment. Like physical ailments have causes, so too have spiritual ailments. Like the cure for physical disease is the elimination of the causes, so too, the cure for spiritual disease is the elimination of its causes. Once the causes of the spiritual disease have been eliminated, spiritual health and vigour will be the result. There are two factors to be dealt with in this regard:

1. Diagnosis to establish the causes.
2. Ways and means of eliminating these causes.

A careful and thorough study and examination will reveal that the cause of the Ummah's disease of change and decadence consists of two parts:

a. Dearth of Islamic knowledge, i.e. widespread ignorance prevailing in the Ummah.
b. Lack of determination.

In the absence of knowledge, the essential laws of the Deen remain hidden. Lack of determination impedes practise even if one possesses knowledge.

WAYS AND MEANS OF ELIMINATING THE CAUSES OF OUR DEGRADATION
This is the most important factor which demands the greatest attention and the firmest resolution. It has been stated above that the cause of the Ummah's fall consists of two parts. Now, each of these two parts has to be attended to and eliminated in different ways. Both the Ulama and the seekers of knowledge have a role to play in the elimination of ignorance and for each group the programme of action is different.

The laymen, i.e. those who have to seek knowledge, fall in two categories, viz., the wealthy who have sufficient means and those with lesser means, who have to spend their times in earning their livelihood. The wealthy who have the means should liberate their sons and dedicate them to the purpose of acquiring Deeni knowledge. Although worldly knowledge may be pursued, this should be only to the degree of necessity and be kept subservient to the Deen. The pursuit of worldly learning should never be allowed to eclipse Islamic knowledge. In this way the new generation — the offspring of the present generation — will be reformed.

The elders themselves should engage in the acquisition of knowledge. Arrangements must be made with an Aalim or one well-versed in Deeni knowledge. Ilm should be acquired from such a person systematically. If possible acquire the knowledge through the medium of the Arabic language, for Arabic is the medium of greater insight. If this is not possible, then acquire through the medium of another language. On the advice of an experienced Aalim, a set of books should be studied. The books prescribed should comprehensively explain the various branches of the Deen, viz., Aqaa'id, Diyaanaat, Mu'aamalaat, Mu'aasharaat and Akhlaaq. Each book should be studied twice or thrice under the guidance of an Ustad. If this is not possible, then complete each book at least once by an Ustad. Thereafter study it several times on your own.

Those not in position to devote much time to the acquisition of knowledge because of involvement in earning of livelihood should also study a set of books. These books should be prescribed for their children as well and should be studied repeatedly. This system of self study should be adopted until arrangements could be made to enlist the service of an Ustad who can teach the books. The studies should proceed systematically and with regularity. Should any section in the books not be clear, then make a mark and when meeting a person of knowledge seek clarification from him regarding the relevant section. But, never form your own opinion, for this can be very dangerous.

The various categories of seekers of knowledge should, in addition to their respective ways of study, adopt another two obligations: These are:

1. Whenever you are not aware of the Shariah's ruling regarding any of your affairs, worldly or religious, immediately approach the Ulama for guidance. If locally no such Aalim is available, write to such Ulama who will be able to guide you. If one mas'alah (rule) is asked every day, after a year one will have acquired the knowledge of over 350 masaa-il. After ten years this number will have grown to 3500. This is not a difficult task.

2. The second necessary duty is to visit frequently the gatherings of Ulama, be such gatherings public or private occasions.