A Letter of Imam al-Ahl as-Sunnah towards All Muslims

Imam of Ahl as-Sunnah, Mujaddid [Revivalist] of theUmmah, Allamah, Mawlana, Al-Haaj, Al-Hafidh, Al-Qari, Ash-Shah Imam Ahmad Rida Khan [Alaihir raHmah wa ar-Ridwan] wrote a letter to one of his disciples emphasizing repentance before onset of Shab-e-Bara'at.Same is being presented here due toits worthiness: Shab-e-Bara'at is about to come. On this night, the deeds of all servants are presented in the Exalted Court of Allah. For the sake of the Most Dignified Rasool (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him), Allah forgives the sins of the Muslims except that of a few. Among these are those two Muslims who bear mutual hostility for some worldly reasons. Allah says: ‘Leave them as they are, until they mend their relations’. Ahl-e-Sunnat should end discords and mend relations before sunset of 14th Sha’ban. Fulfil the rights of others; else get waiver so at the book of deeds is presented in His court devoid of rights of others. Regarding the rights of Allah, mere sincere repentance is sufficient. It is mentioned in a Hadith: التائب من الذنب كمن لا ذنب له Whoever repents of his sin, is as if he has not committed the sin at all. [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 4250] If one abides as advised, (by the grace of Allah) there is a strong hope of forgiveness in this night provided his beliefs are perfect. (He forgives sins and grants mercy) This practice of bringing brothers in Islam close to settle discords and fulfill the rights of each other is being in effect here since long. Hopefully, you will inculcate this good practice among the Muslims of your environs to become deserving of the reward mentioned in the following narration: من سن في الإسلام سنة حسنة فله أجرها وأجر منعمل بها الى يوم القيمة لاينقص من أجورهم شيء He who initiates a virtuous tradition in Islam, there isreward of it for him and also the reward of all those acting upon it will be written continually in his account of deeds until the Day of Judgement without any decrease in the rewards of those acting upon it. Pray for this Faqir (lowly servant of Allah) to be blessed with absolution and peace in the world andin the Hereafter! I remember you in supplications and will keep doing so. It should be made clear to all the Muslims that concord and pardon all should be made from core of the heart. Neither mere utterance by tongue is sufficient and nor lip-service is liked in the court of Allah. — — — والسلام Faqir Ahmad Rida Qadiri from: Bareilly