Muntakhab Ahadith is a 700+ page book containing a selection of hadiths relating to the Six Qualities of Da’wa and Tabligh. It was written in Arabic and Urdu and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Supposedly written by Maulana Yusuf Khandhlawi (The second Amir of Tabligh), it has been revealed that this was never the case. The book was written in secret by a team of Ulama under the direction of Maulana Saad.
Here we list down three reasons why we should not use the book in Ijtimai Taleems (collective teaching and learning circles):
NOTE: Before reading further, please understand that our aim is to preserve the pure doctrine (Manhaj) and history of Tabligh, no matter how bitter it is. As generations come, this history may be forgotten. We do not promote hate, and certainly not backbiting. See our article ‘Backbiting vs Warning‘. No matter how bad a Muslim is, he is still our Muslim brother. We love and hate only for the sake of Allah.
#1 – Use of Muntakhab Ahadith was a violation of the 1999 agreement. It was never approved in Mashwara.
In 1999, the World Shura at that time (Haji Abdul Wahab, Maulana Saad, Maulana Zubair, Mufti Zainul Abideen & Bhai Afzal) signed an agreement as follows:
“For any changes to the Usool (Methodology) of the Work, the World Shura must unanimously agree before they are put to practice”
On 12th September 2006, Maulana Saad for the first time ever instructed people to read Muntakhab Ahadith in Ijtimai Taleems. This was a massive change to the Usool of the Work. He did not consult the World Shura nor did he consult any senior elders for it. Many elders objected to this but Maulana Saad simply ignored them.
Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 460
This is a straight dishonesty. No Khair (Goodness) will come out from it.
Maulana Zubair, who was the most respected Shura of Nizamuddin before stated:
The issue of Muntakhab Ahadith is very serious. Many are worried about it. This book has been translated into various languages without Mashwara, and now an effort is made to encourage the use of Muntakhab Ahadith in Ijtimai Taleems and Jamaats replacing Fadhail Amaal. As many are confused, this has caused divisions and disunity between those that use it and those that do not want to use it. Even here (in Nizamuddin) no Mashwara was made to allow the use of Muntakhab Ahadith. Therefore, I firmly request the general public to only use Fadhail Amaal, as it has been for the past seventy years.
Maulana Zubayr, Nizamuddin Markaz, 2006
Source: Ahwal wa Atsar, Page 464, Maujudah Ahwal ki Wadhahat se Muta’alliq, Page 16
READ: Full History of Tablighi Jamaat – Origin, Expansion and The Fitna
#2 – Lack of commentary opens up dangerous self-interpretation of Hadiths
The effort of Tabligh has always been very careful not to allow the slightest deviation from Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Almost everyone that reads Muntakhab Ahadith, reads the translated version of the Arabic text. Since not everyone is educated and the majority are simple-minded people, Muntakhab Ahadith has opened the door for dangerous self-interpretation of hadiths from these simple-minded people. Combined with the fact that the book was never approved by Mashwara (Point #1), no Khair (goodness) will come out from using this book.
Unlike Riyaadus Saaliheen, Riyaadus Saaliheen was approved by Mashwara
Unlike Riyaadus Saaliheen, Riyaadus Saaliheen was approved by Mashwara to be used by Arab speakers. Arab speakers read the original Arabic text, not the translated texts like Muntakhab Ahadith.
Darul Uloom Deoband has issued a fatwa regarding reading Muntakhab Hadith:
Question: What is the Sharia stand on reading Taleem of Muntakhab Hadith in the Masjid?
Answer: There is no tashrih (explanation) of the Hadiths mentioned in Muntakhab Ahaadith. Therefore, the general public may find it difficult to understand. It is better to read Fadhail Amaal during Taleem.
Wallahu Taala A’lam
Source: Fatwa: 657-533/B=05/1440, Question #168171, Taklim of muntakhab hadith in the Masjid, https://darulifta-deoband.com/home/ur/hadith/168171
Darul Uloom Deoband
#3 – The writer’s spiritual state has an impact on the reader
The approved book for Tabligh is Fadhail Amaal written by Maulana Zakariya Kandahlawi, who was a mountain of piety. He was always Istiqamah in waking up an hour before Fajr and occupying himself in tahajjud and recitation of the Holy Quran. After Fajr, he would read his morning Duas and Zikrs until sunrise. He would then spend his time writing books until Zuhr. For every hadith, he would pray 2 Rakaats of Salat before writing it. He would then teach for 2 hours before Asr. After Isha, he would remain in solitude in Zikr and Salat. With all these daily Amaals, the spiritual state of such a writer would have an impact on the reader.
Now compare that to Muntakhab Ahadith, a book written in such secrecy whose authorship is a lie (see the testimony of Maulana Bilal below). As testified by Chaudry Amanatullah, a Mewati Nizamuddin Insider, who was also the Shura of Nizamuddin Darul Uloom:
Maulana Saad’s reason for compiling Muntakhab Ahaadith in 2002 was to gain fame and status.
Chaudry Amanatullah, Shura of Nizamuddin Darul Uloom
Maulana Saad was 37 years old at that time, and he was less known amongst the Jamaat Workers. Publishing such a book would propel him to be at the same level as Maulana Zakariyya.
By replacing Fadhail Amaal with Muntakhab Ahadith, the spiritual benefit of reading Fadhail Amaal is lost. It is also feared that the evil intention of the publisher to seek name and fame (by means of lying), is transferred to the reader as well.
It is feared that the evil intention of the publisher to seek name and fame will have a spiritual effect on the reader as well.
READ: 3 Reasons Why Tablighi Jamaat Split and How it was Reunited
History of Muntakhab Ahadith: A Dishonest/Lie
Maulana Muhammad Bilal, who was part of the team that wrote Muntakhab Ahadith, made a statement as follows:
The truth behind “Muntakhab Ahadith”
I would like to bring attention to an important point for all the workers of Tabligh Worldwide. Despite my affiliation with Maulana Muhammad Saad Haroon Kandhlawi, I regretted being part of the team of Ulema who compiled and organized Muntakhab Ahadith.
In the year 2000, Maulana Saad came straight to Karachi from Delhi without going to Raiwind Markaz. Haji Abdul Wahab was very angry when he knew about this. He should have come to Raiwind Markaz first and worked according to Mashwara (Council). At that time, I failed to see this and failed to understand why Haji Sahab was so angry.
When Muntkhab Ahadith was complete, an issue came about as to who the author of the book should be. From an academic and honest point of view, the book must be attributed to the Team of Ulama who completed it. However, we were surprised when Maulana Saad got angry at this. Maulana Saad insisted that the authorship of the book should be himself only. This was dishonest and downright fraudulent.
Maulana Saad insisted that the authorship of the book should be himself only. This was dishonest and downright fraudulent.
Maulana Muhammad Bilal, Author of Muntakhab Ahadith
The Ahadith which were selected by Maulana Yusuf RA concerning 6 points were very few. Most of the ahadith were selected and compiled by our team. To attribute this to Maulana Yusuf RA was an open lie.
Most of the ahadith were selected and compiled by our team. To attribute this to Maulana Yusuf RA was an open lie.
Maulana Muhammad Bilal, Author of Muntakhab Ahadith
Unfortunately, at that time, we underestimated how big of a Fitna we were about to unleash on the Ummah. We only realized this when Haji Abdul Wahab didn’t agree with the book and said that it will not be part of Ijtimai Taleems (collective reading). Haji Sahab had such foresight that saved the ummah from this great fitna.
Maulana Saad, a person from such a prestigious family, showed such dishonesty when he put his name as the writer of the book. توبه توبه استغفر االله. It was pure greed for name and fame.
People should ask this fraud Molvi Saad, if Muntakhab Ahadith is a compilation done in Pakistan, why do you attribute the book to yourself? Why was it first published in Pakistan? Why is the book being used in replacement of Fadhail-e-Amaal? It seems like you have become a traitor and a disobedient person. Do you think Tabligh is your inherited property?
Currently, Muntakhab Ahadith is a means of fitna and Ikhtilaf (disunity) in the whole world. Now we regret following this liar and fraud in compiling this book. Ya Allah, please forgive our mistakes.
READ: 3 Reasons Why Tablighi Jamaat Split and How it was Reunited
اللهم ثبتنا على الحق حتى نلقاك
May Allah tah’lah forgive and forgot all rumours and black name of Maulana Shad this is a blackname .
All 3 reasons given above are bullshit. The book is perfect for tableegh
It is a book of Ikhtilaaf and was never approved by Mashwara
You should answer:-
1. If Muntakhab Ahadith is a compilation done in Pakistan, why do you attribute the book to yourself?
2. Why was it first published in Pakistan?
3. Why is the book in replacement of Fadhail-e-Amaal?
4. Do you think Tabligh is M Saad’s inherited property?
I suggest You should make more research..your comments reflect yourself dear…wallahuaklam bisawaab
The above 3 reasons are an excellent explanation for the disapproval of Muntakhab hadith. Maulana Saad always bypass mashwarah. He will be liable in the court if ALLAH IN day of judgment. Jazakallahu khair brother for your kind effort.
Maulana Bilal he is teacher in Madrassa Ibn Abbas Karachi, in 2021 when i was visited that Madrassa, and one of teacher of that Madrassa, his name Syeikh Abdul Mu’iz At Tunisi told to us, he said Kitab Muntakhob Ahadith born here, in this Madrassa, we Are the team that write Muntakhob Ahadith….
Jazakallah Khair, that’s interesting indeed. Do you have info on why M Saad went all the way to Pakistan for Muntakhab Ahadith? Why didn’t he assemble the Team in India?
More than 20 years ago, Hadhratji Maulana Inamul Hassan Saab (Rah) before his death made a council of Shura (referred to Elders Jamat) by selecting few members from all over the world. This council was also referred as Ahle-Hal-wal-Aqad consisted of:
1. Respected Maulana Saeed Ahmed Khan Saab (Rah)
2. Respected Mufti Zainul Aabideen Saab (Rah)
3. Respected Maulana Omar Palanpuri Saab (Rah)
4. Respected Maulana Izhaar ul Hasan Saab (Rah)
5. Respected Maulana Zubair ul Hasan Saab (Rah)
6. Respected Miyaji Mihrab Saab (Rah)
7. Respected Haji Abdul Wahab Saab (Rah)
8. Respected Haji Engineer Abdul Muqeet Saab (Rah)
9. Respected Haji Afzal saab (Rah)
10. Respected Moulana Saad saab (DB)
The Ameer and Faisal (Decision maker) of this Elders Jamat was Hadhrat Miyaji Mihrab saab (rah). Hadhratji Maulana Inaam ul Hasan saab (Rah) wanted to follow the footsteps of Hadhrat Omar bin Khattab (radhi Allah anho) so that this Jamat should make an Ameer for the effort of Dawat after his demise. Hence after the demise of Hazratji (Rah) this Jamat stayed in Markaz and Mashwarahs were done for 3 consecutive days. Subsequently a jamaat of 3 Zimmidaar/Ameers were chosen instead of a Single Ameer due to certain settings, and situations. These 3 Zimmidaar/Ameer were:
1. Respected Maulana Izhaar ul Hasan saab (Rah)
2. Respected Maulana Zubair ul Hasan saab (Rah)
3. Respected Maulana Saad saab (DB)
This was accomplished even though some Ulama/Ahle Ilm were not gratified with this decision. In contrary to the situation Maulana Mufti Aashique Ilahi Bulandsheri (Muhajir Madani) said that “Ameer should only be one”.
The mentioned above Zimmidaar/Ameers use to be Ameer/Faisal (decision maker) turn by turn. After few months, Respected Moulana Izhaar ul Hasan saab (Rah) passed away. Since then the remaining two Elders used to be Faisal (decisionmaker) turn by turn and whenever one of them was away the other elder used to be the Ameer. Never did it happen that the (Elders) jamaat ever came together for Mashwarah to add a third individual in the list of Ameer/Faisal(decision makers).
It is apparent that after the demise of Respected Hadhrat Moulana Zubair ul Hasan saab (Rah), Hadhrat Moulana Saad saab (DB) is the only standing decision maker in Markaz-Nizamuddin.
Now the real Sunnah is being revived. As Rasulullah ﷺ has said (to nearest meaning): If there are three of you, make one among you an Ameer. (reported by Bazaar).
Ulama have explained this hadith by providing few analogies, if 3 people are travelling or are in a jungle/desert, one should be selected as their Ameer. So Tablighi Jamat which does not consist of ONLY 3 people but in millions which are spread all over different towns, villages, cities, and countries working for extraction of evil, and spreading of virtue, should this Jamat not have an Ameer?
In order to keep up the unison, unity, and unanimity among the Muslims, an Ameer has to be followed. The hadith of Rasulullah ﷺ is the evidence necessary to pursue the fact that it is an obligation on Muslims to choose an Ameer for themselves. (Neel-ul-Awtaar)
In contradiction to the present Ameer, if anyone would like to become an Ameer, Rasulullah ﷺ has admonished of such a person in the most undesirable reprimanding. Hadhrat Maulana Saeed Ahmed Khan Saab (Rah) several times used to say with great regret “Alas! We were not able to choose a single Ameer.”
The successors of Tabligh do not have the right to overturn the decision made by the predecessors of Tabligh. The Elders Jamat which was made by Hadhratji Maulana Inam ul Hasan Sab (Rah) got together for only one time in Markaz Nizamuddin for the sole purpose of deciding the Ameer and never again did they got together for any other purpose.
Rather they left this world doing Tabligh while Obeying their elders. Thus, all the actions by the “Elders Jamat” made by Hadhratji, provides us incumbent evidence that proves this Elders Jamat was only made to serve the purpose of choosing an Ameer. In similar fashion, the shura made by Hadhrat Omar (Rad) fulfilled the purpose of choosing an Ameer and then stayed in the obedience of the selected Zimmidaar/Ameer.
The practice of making a Jamat consisting of various Zimmidaar/Ameer in the form of Shura, where the decision is made turn by turn is not acceptable in ISLAM. Neither it has been portrayed by Rasulullah ﷺ while sending Jamaats nor it has been proved by the lives of Sahaba-Ikram (Rad). Moreover, the Four-Imams have not mentioned it to be a recommended practice in their respective Schools of thought.
Alhamdullilah, since his inception, Maulana Saad Sahab (Db) is following the footsteps of our Elders Maulana Ilyas Sahab (Rah), Moulana Yousuf Sahab (Rah) and Moulana Inamul Hassan Sahab (Rah). An Ameer has the right to add/edit /subtract some working methodologies in order to elevate the workers to another level (like Moulana Yousuf Sahab (Rah) introduced Hayaatus Sahaba and Maulana Inamul-Hassan Sahab (Rah) introduced 5 A’maal – these methodologies are way of work and Shariah is not being hampered)
Ahle-Batil want to destroy the importance, reputation, and Markaziyat (Obedience to Markaz with collectiveness) of Nizamuddin. They plan to corrupt the effort of Tabligh, and root it out from the world. Due to the same reason, people are rising against Markaz Nizamuddin, and Maulana Saad Sahab (DB), working on assassinating his character by spreading rumours. The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: “It is enough lying for a man to speak of everything that he hears.” Narrated by Muslim in al-Muqaddimah, 6; Saheeh al-Jaami, 4482.
“It is a plea from the entire Ummah to stay against the propaganda created by the media and Ahle-Batil and make special du’as for the protection of the Markaz-Nizamuddin. Furthermore, everyone needs to increase their daily effort, infiradi a’maal, put on an effort to join the Ummah towards unity, and Ijtimaiyyath (collectiveness).” Mufti Saeed Omar Hashmi Mazahari-Qasmi
To conclude, few Hadith in relation to this matter might help understand the importance of the situation.
Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Whoever dislikes something of the Ameer then he should be patient as whoever separates the size of a palm from the sultan then his death would be of Jahiliya. (Sahih Bukhari Kitab ul Fitan Vol. 9 pg 59 and Sahih Muslim Kitab ul Emiraate Vol.2 pg134)
Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Whoever leaves from the obedience (of the Ameer)and separates from the Jamaat (dies in that state) would die the death of Jahiliya. (Sahih Muslim Kitab ul Emiraate Vol. 2 pg 135)
Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: Listen and obey (Ameer’s order) even if an Ethiopian slave is made (Ameer) on you whose head is (the size of) a raisin. (Sahih Bukhari Kitab ul Ahkaam Vol. 9 pg78)
I am giving you 3 reasons why M Saad is not the Ameer as he was never appointed nor approved. This is the bottom line that you need to answer. Your lengthy explanation only serves to confuse the weak-minded.
M Saad is not the Ameer as he was never appointed nor approved by Mashwara
You are saying that we are causing Fitna. Are you also saying that the Ulema Institutions and all the Senior Elders like Ml Ibrahim, Ml Ahmad Lat & Hj Abd Wahab are all causing fitna too? (See fatwas from Deoband, Saharanpur, and 30+ more, the elders letters: Ml Ibrahim, Ml Yaqub’s Letter). Our deen is simple. Just follow the Ijma of the Ulema, and we are safe. InshaAllah.
I agree with you.
Is it the effort of deen Islam that you are slandering against an extremely pious person. Have you heard any bayan/ talk where Hazratji Mowlana Saad saheed did backbiting/slandering against anyone? You and your people are doing it day and night, even in internet. Please fear Allah subhaanahuwatay’la.
Assalamualaykum Br,
Let me ask you. Many Darul Ulooms have criticized M Saad. Are they all slandering?
You talk about being pious and slandering, is it pious to harm Muslims in Ramadhan? See: Nizamuddin Ramadhan Bloodhsed – 7 Proof M Saad was Mastermind
In Islam, it is permissible to warn against a widely spread fitna. See: Backbiting vs Warning
May Allah SWT guide us all.
I agree with Abdullah, not with tjadmin.
If you choose to ignore facts and believe without evidence, I can’t do anything but to just make Du’a for you.
Please brother, verify the source of information you are using, and forego any pride.