Question- New custom by Ulama

Question- New custom by Ulama

Q. I have observed a new trend among the Ulama of Deoband. During the month of Rabiul Awwal, they organize special gatherings to give lectures on the birth and life of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This practice was unheard of among the senior Ulama of Deoband who were the Ustaadhs and Shaikhs of the senior Ulama in this country. Please comment.

A. What you are saying regarding the Rabiul Awwal programmes is correct. Many of our Ulama are emulating the Barelwis in this practice. In fact, they are competing with the Bid’atis or they are trying to display to the public that they love and respect Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They react irrationally in this manner as a consequence of the criticism by the Qabr Pujaaris (Grave Worshippers) who perennially trumpet their falsehood slogan of the Ulama of Deoband having no respect for Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Our present- day South African Ulama are short-sighted and weak in both Ilm and Taqwa, hence in the desire to impress people they are falling into the same trap as the Barelwis who excel in bid’ah. Our own brand of Ulama in this era is surpassing the Barelwis in the introduction of bid’ah. The practice of specific lectures in specific months is opening another gateway of bid’ah. Whenever the glittering path of the illustrious predecessors is abandoned, the doorway of bid’ah is opened up. While the Barelwi bid’atis are fossilized in their moulood, qiyaam, and urs bid’ah practices, our own Ulama are initiating a variety of new bid’ah acts.
Love and respect for Nabi-e-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are displayed by practical observance of the
Sunnah every day of one’s life. Lectures on the Deen is a constant practice throughout the year. The new Rabiul Awwal custom invented by our Ulama should be discontinued. There is no need to compete with the people of baatil.