Tablighi Jamaat Meaning
Tablighi meaning “spreading for the faith” is a Sunni Islamic Missionary Movement. The movement intends to urge Muslims and colleagues to practice their religion as per the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, specifically concerning rituals, dresses, and personal behavior. It is the only largest movement with estimates of up to 80 million members. With its launch in the Indian subcontinent, it has spread all around the world. Known fo rintroducting voided Muslim back to a deeper understanding of Islam, Tablighi Jammat also suggests male (increasing female members) to spend a certain amount of time each year working on the path of Allah that is in missionary works. Tablighi Jammat is regarded as one of the most influential religious movements in 20th century Islam.
What Is Tablighi Jamaat?
Tablighi Jamaat is a movement founded in 1926 by the renowned Islamic scholar Maulana Muhamamd Llysas in the northern Indian region of Mewat. The name Tablighi Jamaat means “to surpass society to spread the faith”. In just two decades after its launch, the movement had spread beyond the Mewat region. Approx 25000 people from across North India attended the first Tablighi conference held in 1941. It has large followings both in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Tablighi Jamaat History & Origin:
The Tablighi Jamaat was established by Deobandi Islamic scholar Muhammad Ilyas al-Kandhlawi. It was established in Mewat in 1926. As its name suggests, Al-Kandhlawi's mission was to establish a group of devoted preachers as a Muslim revivalist society who could rescue “true” Islam which he observed not being practiced by Muslims. The slogan Al Kandhlawi introduced for his new organization apprehended the importance of its activities - “Ohh Muslim, try to become True Muslim”.
Al-Kandhlawi called his fellow Muslims to encourage the good and prohibit the evil. This was also the time when Islam and Hinduism had observed various preachers in Asia. The country observed the uplift of the Deobandi school in the second half of the 19th century. Scholars like Jamal Ad-Din Afghani and Mohammed Abduh were called for the rebirth of faith through their Salafi preachings. In India, Hinduism observed revivalist movements such as the Shuddhi Movement in the early 20th century. The mission of Al-Kandhlawi was to rebirth his faith but should be based on the core teachings and style of living of its early leaders. Also, the Meos Muslims, a Rajput ethnic group, had followed syncretic traditions in the region Mewat, where Tablighi was founded. Al-Kandhlawi was looking to terminate it all through Dawa (proselytizing). His volunteers were sent to villages to spread “the message of Allah”.
The Tablighi organization rapidly grew in British India. Almost 25000 people attended its annual conference held in November 1941. It grew faster in Pakistan and East Pakistan after the partition. Now, Tablighi's largest wing is found in Bangladesh. It has millions of followers and has a presence in 150 countries.
Tablighi Jamaat Aim:
Tablighi Jamaat founder Maulana Muhamamd Llysas once said “Ohh Muslims Be Good Muslims” and concerning this “the main aim of the movement is to promote the principles of Islam among Muslims”. The members of the Tablighi Jamaat assert that this is a non-political movement that aims to build an Islamic society based on the teachings of the Qurans.
The delegates were sent out by Jammat to different countries for 40 days a year and sometimes for shorter periods. The preachers believe in person-to-person interaction so that they bang on the door of Muslims to proffer them the message of Islam.
What Are The Six Principles of Tablighi Jamaat?
Following are the six principles of Tablighi Jamaat.
The first principle is Kalimah, in which Tablighi states that there is no God, but Allah and Prophet Muhammad plays the role of is messenger.
The second principle is 'Salat’, which means prayer or namaz should be done five times daily.
The third principle ‘Ilm-o-Ziikr’, means the knowledge and remembrance of Islam. Here, the members of Tablighi are expected to learn different religious practices and rituals such as Zakat, fasting, etc, and also how to meditate God by reciting Arabic supplications called “Zikr ''.
The fourth principle ‘Ikram -I Muslim’, means respect for Muslims. Here, the members of Tablighi expect that Muslims should show respect and politeness to fellow Muslims. He should not bear any grudges or envy for other Muslims. He must help the needy and support them in distress.
The fifth principle ‘Ikhlas-I Niyyat’ means sincerity of intention. Here, the members of Tablighi expect that all good deeds should be encouraged by the desire to respect and please God rather than aims to gain public recognition or material rewards. The spiritual reward depends on the sincerity of intention.
The sixth principle ‘Tafrigh-I Waqt’, means sparing time. Here, the members of Tablighi expect that the greatest part of the time available in life must be spent in seeking the pleasure of God.
FAQs on Tablighi Jamaat
1. When did Tablighi Jamaat start?
Tablighi Jamaat founder, Maulana Muhamamd Llysas, started the movement in 1926 around the Indian region of Mewat. It is spread now in more than a hundred countries and is now regarded as the largest Muslim missionary movement. According to the experts, it has millions of members with some estimates reaching as high as 80 million.
2. What is Tablighi Jamaat Significance?
Tablighi Jamaat is a fast-growing missionary Islamic movement that was launched in 1926 in Mewat province by Islamic scholar Maulana Muhammad Ilyas. A study says that the Tablighi was initiated as a counter to the Shuddhi movement of the Arya Samaj, whose mission was to bring back people who had converted to Islam and Christianity. The Tablighi founder launched the movement among the Meos from the Mewar region. According to the research, IIys focused on “half Muslim” or “borderline Muslim” who were being reclaimed by Shuddhi.
3. What is Sunni Islam?
Sunni, derived from the Arabic word “Sunnah” refers to the behavior of Muhammad. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, followed by 85-90% of Islam. It has almost the same system as that of the Tabligh group. Sunni Islam is based on the belief that without appointing a successor, Prophet Muhammad died to lead a Muslim community.
4. What was the focus of the Tablighi organization?
The focus of the Tablighi organization was to convert people from faith into Islam. Rather it focuses on “Purifying” Muslims.
5. What did Tablighis urged fellow musilim?
Tablighis urged fellow Muslims to live as the Prophet lived. They are religiously opposed to the multifaceted nature of Sufi Islam, and instead insist the members dress like Prophet (Trousers or robe should be above the ankle). Men generally shave their upper lip and keep a long beard.
6. Where is the headquarter of Tablighi Jamaat located?
The headquarter of Tablighi Jamaat is located in Delhi.
