QUESTION & ANSWER SESSION WITH SYED ALI HUR KAMANPURI | 1 JANUARY 2013
Thursday, January 03, 2013 3:10 PM
Stanmore Jaffery’s were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to hold a Question & Answer session with Syed Ali Hur Kamanpuri on New Year’s Day.
Introductory remarks
Syed began by giving us a succinct summary of his lecture series, highlighting key points covered such as the methodology and approach we must use when going about trying to reform society, and emphasised on remembering the examples of the Ahlulbayt (as). The aim of all these lectures and events was to induce reform in the audience as well as the speakers themselves.
He mentioned that amal (action) comes after ilm (knowledge). First we must gain knowledge and then act on it. If ilm is not acted upon, the sin is much greater for an individual. There is a hadith where it says that 70 sins of an ignorant person are forgiven before 1 sin of a person with knowledge is forgiven.
Q&A
1. Although entering the New Year is an opportunity for us to reflect on the good and the bad in the year just gone past, regarding not engaging in pointless celebrations such as New Year’s Day, some may want to celebrate non-Islamic achievements such as graduation, a new job, or even receiving a swimming certificate for example. Is there anything wrong with these celebrations?
Communities all over the world are celebrating on the streets. However, Islam has a different philosophy for celebration. Islam is not against celebrating events, but it has to be for a reason or an achievement. We had no input in the passing of year, so what have we achieved that we are celebrating about? Imam Ali (AS) has said that every day you do not commit sin, is a day worth celebrating - a personal Eid for you - that is an achievement. It is important that we try to bring Islam into every aspect of our lives and thus try to also Islamacise celebrations.
2. It is the duty of an individual to perform amr bil Mahruf. However this can be very difficult and we can often be judged or marginalised as hypocrites. What is your comment on this?
We always run the risk of being viewed in a certain manner, and it’s not easy, but the Ahlulbayt (as) did it, and by following their examples we must also – regardless of what people say about us. The
Holy Prophet (saw) has instructed us that there are various stages to amr bil ma’ruf and nahi anil munkar:
i)When you see munkar or dhulm (oppression) being carried out, you stop it with your hands i.e. in a practical manner.
ii)If you cannot acting out against the bad deed, then to use your tongue and speak out against it.
iii)And if nothing else, then reject it with your heart.
3. How far should one go so as to not waste their time with regards to amr bil Mahruf since there may be many people who even after being told, still don't listen?
Unfortunately there may be many, even amongst our own family members who do not listen to the good advice that is given to them. As long as we have done our duty, then we have cleared ourselves from any blame - this is the key point. However it is necessary to be wise and to be patient as the Ahlulbayt (as) were. Imam Husayn (as) was still giving his attackers plenty of opportunity and as a result of his efforts, Hur joined his side.
4. Sometimes, mere words may not suffice, so is it possible to engage in amr bil Mahruf in a slightly aggressive way?
Yes there are slight exceptions where amr bil mahruf can be exercised, not aggressively so as to scare somebody away, but in a manner which deters them from committing certain acts. An example is where we may be forceful with our voices or tone if we see somebody bullying another. As said previously, the approach is always important and we learn the best approach from the Imams (as).
Stanmore Jaffery’s would like to thank Syed Ali Hur Kamanpuri for his time, and sharing his exceptional knowledge with us.
