Note: I am posting it in the hope that someone near and dear to Imran might actually pass this to him.

AN OPEN LETTER TO IMRAN KHAN

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Dearest Imran,

Assalamualaikum! I am writing to you in all earnestness and in the hope that you will recognize the sincerity behind the request or suggestion in my letter. Before I start I would like to highlight that I truly believe that you are one of the most beloved people of Pakistan and rightly so. You have mostly made our nation proud and given it a positive recognition world over. You have given us many moments of utter joy and happiness. I will never forget the World Cup of 1992, while my family and I sat at Shafqat (Shafqat Mahmood) uncle’s house with his family watching the most thrilling final of the World Cup. I can’t begin to express the feelings we all mutually shared at winning that final. Shivers down our spine, goose bumps, tears welling our eyes and running down our cheeks, we hugged each other and jumped for joy, screamed out of sheer excitement, pride and happiness. We knew not how to express the immense happiness and honour we felt thanks to you. I will not be exaggerating if I said that the vast majority of this nation loved and respected you dearly before you entered the Political scene, thereupon their own personal preference regarding their political interest or gains might have marred that affection, however as a cricketer or at a personal level they may still hold much regard for you.

I am personally not yet a supporter of PTI, although I would love to be. However, there is this one factor that is holding many of us back from coming out and supporting you. The thing is that we do not doubt your sincerity in the least, we completely agree with your political stance regarding the system and how it needs to be improved/changed or quite frankly, replaced. Your government in KPK has achieved much and it really is heartening to see a standard being set. We do not doubt that there is no comparison between your person and the rest of the politicians (especially ones who have had a chance to be in power), which includes many-a-ones standing behind you.

The thing is that in our country there is frankly a clear distinction between the various governing systems and Islamic systems. For example; Islamic banking & banking, Shariah Court & the Court (session, high, supreme), Madrasah & School. However when it comes to Politics and Governance, it is clearly not the ISLAMIC SYSTEM. Hence, politicians should let Religion lie where it is rather than dragging it into Politics. Our Political leaders and our Religious leaders as per the running system should remain within their parameters, unless they plan to unify the system and make it an Islamic System, once and for all. Although, under that scale majority of the Politicians and frankly Religious leaders would no longer be acceptable as leaders.

Choosing a leader in Islam:

http://reformationofheart.blogspot.com/2011/10/discussion-about-choosing-leader-or.html

I am not judging your relationship with Allaah or your religious acumen, nonetheless when you drag religion into your speeches and openly give religious interpretations, which are contrary to the teachings of the Prophet^-SW that is when we have a problem! I recognize that perhaps most of the time during those moments you do not realize the gravity of your statements or how far reaching their effect might be, and that is why I am taking the time out in all earnestness and affection to write this letter and explain it in detail.

First and foremost, I think we all are very clear on the fact that our Din-e-Islam has been completed and Allaah Kareem has taken it upon Himself to preserve it in its pristine form. We recognize that Prophet Muhammad^-SW was sent to us by Allaah as a Messenger, and according to the Quran he^-SWwas delegated four duties amongst which was the explanation of the Quran, which he^-SW did through word and action. Hence, as far as us Muslims are concerned there is no room for any alteration or amendment of our Religion, it is perfection and our Messenger was the embodiment of that perfection. That clearly defines that no one on earth, no matter how much we love him or revere him has the right to give a new interpretation to the Commandments of Allaah. And if we were to follow or obey anyone out of love, respect and sincerity in a manner which conflicts with the injunctions of the Quran and teachings of the Prophet^-SW, that would tantamount to following in the footsteps of satan.

… Those who disbelieve have this day despaired of your religion. So fear them not; fear Me. This day I have perfected your religion for you and have completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as Din. …                            (5:3)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%205/Surah_5_1.html#5h5

He it is Who has raised amidst the unlettered ones a Messenger^-SW from among themselves, rehearsing to them His Revelations and purifying them and teaching them the Book and the Wisdom, though they have been before in gross error.                       (62:2)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2062/Surah_62_1.html#62h4
http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2062/Surah_62_1.html#62h6

We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption).              (15:9)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2015/Surah_15_1.html#15h3

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2015/Surah_15_1.html#15h4

It annoys the life out of me when people judge you or the people supporting you on seemingly trivial issues like dancing on the street. When frankly this is not the first time it has happened and you guys are not the first to do it. And I know that the people dancing over there are mostly just doing it with the intention of having “innocent fun”. I know there is possibly nothing sleezy in their intention or mentality. Having myself been raised in a similar manner I can relate. (I am in no way condoning, encouraging or supporting this behavior, all I am saying is that I can relate and I realize that people are a bit too harsh and severe in their judgment. Nonetheless, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.) However, having said that, the problem arises when you drag religion into it yourself announcing that “… ye raqs nahin, ye Allaah ka shukar kar rahay hain!” (This is not dancing it is a way of showing gratitude to Allaah!) Now you yourself have placed yourself on the podium of judgment and that too as per the injunctions of Islam. If instead, had you simply stated “ye raij bainalaqwami tareeqay se jashan mana rahay hain, jiss tarha hamaray han mehendi, ya shadee, ya kissee bhee festival per aam taur par keeya jata hai!” (This is the world over established way of celebrating, which is similar to the manner in which we celebrate our weddings, or any other festival.)

Before I delve any further I would like to go over another very important teaching of the Prophet^-SW which applies to us all in more ways than one. The three levels of faith as mentioned by the Prophet^-SW are: a) when you see an evil/sin stop it with your hands, if you don’t find that strength of eemaan in your heart, then b) stop it verbally, if you do not even find that much strength of faith in your heart, c) then atleast abhor the evil/sinful act in your heart. The key factor that we need to absorb here is that if we want to atleast hold on to the lowest level of faith, then we must allow ourselves to fully recognize the evil or sinful act as per the injunctions of Islam, even if we might be indulging in it ourselves. We must not justify the wrongly act even if we are doing it ourselves. The day we start justifying our sins, we would have burnt our boats of repentance and we won’t find ourselves returning to Allaah. As long as we understand are actions and recognize them as being good or bad as per the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad^-SW, no matter how much of a sinner we might be there would be hope that one day we might find it in us to seek sincere repentance and reestablish or re-strengthen our bond with Allaah.

Recorded in Muslim             Hadith no: 81                       Narrated: Abdullah bin Masud

That the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed: Never a Prophet had been sent before me by Allah towards his nation who had not among his people (his) disciples and companions who followed his ways and obeyed his command. Then there came after them their successors who said whatever they did not practise, and practised whatever they were not commanded to do. He who strove against them with his hand was a believer: he who strove against them with his tongue was a believer, and he who strove against them with his heart was a believer and beyond that there is no faith even to the extent of a mustard seed. 

Children of Aadam-AS! Did I not enjoin you, that you shall not serve Satan; verily he is your manifest foe? And that, you shall worship Me! This is the straight path. And yet he has assuredly led astray a great multitude of you. Why do you not reflect?                   (36:60-62)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2036/Surah_36_4.html#36h17

Anyway coming back to what I was saying earlier, you see when you make declarations that dancing like this is somehow a means of showing gratitude to Allaah, then you need to somehow support it through the teachings of the Prophet^-SW. The Quran and the Sunnah have clearly defined the method of showing your love and gratitude to Allaah, thus if anyone today comes and redefines or establishes some new method, would tantamount to distorting the Din.

So woe to those who write the Book with their own hands and then say, "This is from Allaah ", in order that they could trade it for a petty price. So woe to them for what their hands write and woe to them for what they earn with it.                                 (2:79)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%202/Surah_2_9.html#2h86

As per the Quran and Sunnah the method of showing gratitude is through obedience of Allaah and His beloved Prophet Muhammad^-SW. Offering shukranay ke nafil, doing sajda-e-shukr, praising Allaah and His Messenger^-SW in a method approved by them. These are amongst the various ways of doing Shukr or showing Gratitude to Allaah out of which zikrullah is mentioned very clearly in the Quran in the following ayat:

So remember Me, I shall remember you. Give thanks to Me and do not be ungrateful to Me.        (2:152)  

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%202/Surah_2_18.html#2h177

For detailed explanation of essence of gratitude:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2014/Surah_14_2.html#14h9

In the light of the above mentioned ayat, don’t you think it would have really invoked Allaah Kareem’s favour upon you all if perhaps you took 5 to 10 mins out to call upon Him in the manner preferred by Him in the Quran? Just visualize for a moment if the hundreds of thousands of people you have managed to gather by the Grace of Allaah, if they sat in absolute silence for 5-10 mins and meditated, calling out to Allaah kareem with intensity and sincerity in their hearts. You can’t begin to perceive the impact it would have on the physical and spiritual world. I being a student of Sufism can only invite you to the method I have been taught by my Spiritual Teacher, Ameer Muhammad Akram Awan, whom I know you have personally met and are well acquainted with. I have reaped the benefits of this zikrullah myself and hope that perhaps you all may benefit from it too.There is nothing greater than invoking Allaah Kareem’s Love deep within our hearts, believe me it strengthens you and changes you and guides you in unimaginable ways, and there is no easier way of giving Thanks to Allaah Kareem.

"And do bring your Lord to remembrance in your very soul, with humility and in reverence, without loudness in words, in the mornings and evening, and be not of those who are unheedful.''                (7:205)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%207/Surah_7_24.html#7h125

Al-Bayhaqee relates from Ibn 'Umar radiallaahu 'anhu that Allaah's Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:"For everything there is a polish, and the polish for the hearts is the Zikr (remembrance) of Allaah. There is nothing more potent in saving a person from the punishment of Allaah than the Zikr of Allaah." It was said: Not even Jihad in the path of Allaah. So he replied: "Not even if you were to continue striking with your sword until it breaks."

The other thing that made my soul retreat in fear was when it started raining the first or second night of your dharna and you turned around and in a strangely challenging tone announced to Allah “humain jitna marzee aazma lo hum yaheen hain”. Why you did that is something I cannot even begin to perceive. You challenging the status quo to a match or duel or whatever else, is one thing but starting off in the same tone with Allaah, whether it is out of sheer ignorance or not, it really freaked me and many like-minded off. Our Prophet^-SW has clearly guided us to ask Allaah kareem for ease and Rahmah and His Love and Affection. Please be a little more careful before you decide to invoke Allaah or supplicate to Him.

The hadith is from Jam'i al-Tirmidhi - see hadith 3527 - last part of the hadith.

The Prophet Muhammad^-SW saw a man pray for sabr (The man said, Allahumma inni asaluka al-sabr). In response, the Prophet Muhammad saw said to him, you asked Allah for trials (al-bala'). Ask him for well-being (al-`afiyya).

Next, when you declare that the Nasb-ul-Ain of PTI is “Iyya_ka na'budu wa iyya_ka nasta'in”, the act of worship is not just namaz, hajj, roza, zakat, khairat etc, it is infact obedience in its entirety. The essence of worship is to be obedient to someone out of love, sincerity and earnestness. Hence, when we make verbal claims of worshipping Allaah while our actions do not endorse them on a larger scale, then it is the same as the Government saying that they are providing your dharna security while sending their Billu Butts and Pomi Butts to launch an attack on you all. Claiming or verbally proclaiming something is not good enough it requires an endorsement through your actions, which I know you well understand and agree with.

You Alone do we worship and from You Alone we seek help.       (1:1)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%201/Surah_1_1.html#1h10

Having highlighted this point, when you make statements like “Maulana Fazl-ur-Rahman, ye Islam hai!” pointing towards the masses of your dharna. I would like to ask you to take a moment out and ponder that if you were to compare the attitude, atmosphere and general feel of your march and dharna, with the march of the Muslims towards Makkah at the advent of Fatah Makkah, and the march of Kufaar-e-Makkah towards Uhad to seek revenge for their loss at Ghazwa-e-Badr, in all earnestness who do you find yourselves bearing more resemblance to? It is a scary thought when we put it in this perspective. You must be careful when making such declarations for in doing so you might actually be distorting the Image of Islam as presented to us by the Prophet^-SW. I must endorse that this is a great Nasb-ul-Ain to have and In-sha-Allaah, May Allaah Kareem allow us all to truly act upon it. Aameen!

There are some matters, which may seem trivial and small to us, but in the sight of Allaah they hold a different kind of gravity.Moreover, these are matters such that even if we trespass those boundaries whether unknowingly or unintentionally it holds no meaning, as it has been clearly defined that these matters are those where the intentions are immaterial. For example:

O’ you who believe! Do not be forward in the presence of Allaah and His Messenger^-SW, and fear Allaah . Verily Allaah is Hearing, Knowing. O’ you who believe! Do not raise your voice above the voice of the Prophet^-SW, nor shout loud to him^-SW in discourse, as you do to one another, lest your works may be rendered fruitless, while you perceive not.                                                                     (49:1-2)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%2049/Surah_49_1.html#49h2

So when anyone of us picks up the mic, be he a religious leader, a Mullah or a politician and he starts shouting out Allaah or His Messenger^-SW’s name, he can keep believing that he is doing some ‘sawab ka kaam’, while earning the worst form of Allaah Kareem’s Wrath. We must be careful about our words and our tone, for these matters are far more delicate than we can fathom.

In addition to this when you rightly mention that in Islam we are forbidden to give in to oppression and we must engage in Jihad to rid ourselves of it. You must absorb that whenever the Muslims engaged in Jihad politically (Jihad-e-Asghar) to rid themselves or others of an oppressive Ruler, it was not just against an individual, but to replace the entire system with the Islamic system of Governance. So if a large number of people gather against an oppressive ruler, even if the majority is of non-practicing Muslims (if there is such a thing), it does not automatically just become ‘Jihad’, unless it is done for the sake of establishing Allaah’s Commandments and His Rule as per the system of Governance established by the Prophet^-SW. Therefore, we must ensure that our statements or declarations are not based on half-truths as per Islam, since that would again tantamount to either a lie or distortion of Islam. Moreover, I know you would never intentionally do that since you have a clear aversion to lying and always encourage your supporters to tell the truth.

Imran, you are a great leader in many ways, you have managed to, politically rouse a nation from its slumber and you have done so in earnestness and sincerity. You have managed to get those of us Pakistanis out, who are the “haves” of society and can make a huge difference. You have used your influence well politically and endeavored much for it. However unknowingly you are using your influence religiously to further confuse a lot of nation who knows little and follows even less of its Din (Islam). Thanks to the pseudo Mullahs and the power hungry religious leaders, who for their vested interests have distorted the teachings of our Din and divided us into factions, and disgruntled the educated class from Din in general, leaving us confused and uncertain of our own aqaid (beliefs).  I am afraid that these ruthless corrupt criminal leaders robbed our country and nation of worldly respect, finances and benefits, but I fear that unknowingly you may end up robbing this country and its nation of their afterlife and eternal salvation, by further distorting their already confused religious beliefs (aqaid) and religious acumen.

For detailed list of Islamic Aqeeda/beliefs:

http://reformationofheart.blogspot.com/2012/04/aqeedah-tahawiyyah-aqaidbeliefs-of.html

O you who believe! Enter Islam completely, and do not follow the footsteps of the Satan, for he is your open enemy. And if you waiver after the clear proofs have reached you, then know that Allah is indeed Mighty, Wise. Are they only waiting that Allah should come to them in the shadows of the clouds, and also the angels, and the matter is decided? And to Allah are all matters brought back.                   (2:208-210)

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%202/Surah_2_25.html#2h224

For detailed explanation:

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%202/Surah_2_25.html#2h225

For detailed explanation: 

http://english-tafseer.com/Templates/OEnglish/Surah%202/Surah_2_25.html#2h226

There is a saying in Punjabi “mitha mitha kha lita, tay kawra kawra thuk deta!” Imran, we cannot pick and chose bits of Islam we like or find easy and disregard the ones that cannot be understood by our humble minds.

You see the other political leaders (not including those with religious affiliations or background) are not really role models of even their own voters. Their vote bank is there because of personal vested interests and hopes of worldly gains. Their persons are not respected and loved at a level that people would die to become like them. You on the other hand have enjoyed hero worship ever since your cricket days. These people literally worship you at a small scale and look up to you and want to be like you. I see so many of them trying to replicate you in some way or the other. And that is why you have a greater circle of influence and hence there is a grave responsibility you are shouldering to ensure that you do not unknowingly end up misleading the masses away from Allaah, while thinking that you’re bringing them closer. Please be careful, and know that whatever has happened in the past, is a thing of the past. You can repent today, make amends and start a fresh, seeking Allaah’s guidance as you always do, but in a method prescribed by Him.

It is commendable that you recognize the fact that Allaah Kareem has been immensely kind to you and blessed you with an abundance of worldly success in every aspect. And you try not to miss an opportunity to verbally thank Allaah for it. But when Allaah blesses someone with much, that persons responsibility and accountability also increases many folds. I know you are wise enough to appreciate the burden of these blessings that Allaah kareem has showered upon you. May Allaah allow you to carry through this burden and fulfill your responsibilities well. Aameen!

May Allaah kareem allow you to recognize and correct your mistakes. May Allaah Kareem, the Knower of hearts (if your heart is truly sincere and intentions pure), help you in your endeavors and allow you to play a major role in the uplift of the Muslim nation and Pakistan as a whole. May Allaah Kareem in His Immense and Intense Mercy allow us all to seek true repentance for all our mistakes and errors, whether major or minor, whether intentional or unintentional, and May He purify our hearts and actions. May He make us ‘sahee-ul-aqeedah’ and ‘sahee-ul-Aamaal’. May He bless us all with intensity of faith and grant us victory over all forms of internal and external oppression. May Allaah Kareem raise our status as a nation and allow us to fulfill our duties to the best of our abilities. May Allaah Kareem allow all the Muslims to hold on to the rope of Allaah and come together and stand united as the Ummah of Hadhrat Muhammad^-SW and allow us to be a source of pride and joy for our Prophet^-SW on the Day of Judgment. May Allaah Kareem grant us a pure, just, honourable leader who is near and dear to Allaah Kareem. Aameen!

I pray that you see this letter in the light it was written and pay heed to my request. This was me upholding the Sunnah of my Prophet^-SW inviting a Leader toward the correct path in the manner done by him^-SW, i.e. through a letter.

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I’m taking a moment out here to share with you the method of zikrullah as I know it. Being a disciplined sportsman all your life I am sure you would have no difficulty incorporating this meditation in your daily routine. In-sha-Allaah you will see how intense and effective this method is. Believe me it just took two weeks of regular zikrullah incorporated in my normal routinely life, which had absolutely nothing to do with Islam, as I was such a level of being lost religiously that I had decidedly declared myself atheist. If it only took two weeks to revert me from being an atheist into a person who began observing somewhat of a pardah and offering five time prayers as if it was the most normal and natural thing for me to do, just imagine what it can do for a person like you, who holds such regard for Islam. It is said by my teacher that if anyone incorporates this zikrullah in their lives with sincerity of heart for atleast forty days, there is no way that he would find himself left unchanged atleast at some level. If he would analyze his thoughts, his feelings and his actions before those forty days and after, he will surely notice a marked improvement. We collectively practice this meditation world over at 9:00pm Pk time. If you also decide to engage in zikrullah simultaneously at that hour, you would find it greatly beneficial.

Sahih Muslim Hadith 7178; Narrated by Abdullah ibn Mas'ud: Since our acceptance of Islam and the revelation of this verse (57.16) in which Allah has shown annoyance to us, there was a gap of four years.

Has not the time arrived for the Believers that their hearts in all humility should engage in the remembrance of Allah and of the truth which has been revealed (to them) and that they should not become like those to whom was given Revelation aforetime but long ages passed over them and their hearts grew hard? For many among them are rebellious transgressors.         (57:16)

Basic method of Meditation for calling out to Allah (zikr-Allah) (to be done for atleast 5-10 min twice a day, the longer you do this the better it is for you, in the morning and evening):

1. Sit in a comfortable relaxed position.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Concentrate on your breathing.

4. Inhale deeply and exhale with deliberate force.

5. When you inhale recite the word ‘Allah’ in your heart.

6. Visualize the word ‘Allah’, descending on you in the form of light and penetrating into your soul, going straight into your heart (Qalb).

7. When you exhale, recite the word ‘Hoo’ in your heart.

8. Visualize the light that seeped into your heart now coming out of your heart and flowing out with your breath, only to come back and strike at your heart again.

9. Continue this exercise until you feel that you want to stop.

10. Now you may stop the deliberate breathing, and come back to your natural pace.

11. Continue the exercise for a few minutes in shallow, passive normal breathing.

^-SW